Ruff House Dog Training

Training programs include group classes in obedience, agility, therapy dog prep, and tricks; private in-home sessions led by Crystal Blaker; and online courses such as Puppy University and Online Tricks. Programs are structured in sessions with progressive skill-building, tailored to individual dog needs and owner goals. Clients begin with an evaluation to determine the best program fit.

Pricing Summary

Pricing details are not publicly listed on the website; clients are encouraged to contact the business directly for customized packages based on training type and needs.

Ruff House Dog Training is a Tucson-based dog training business founded in 2011 by Crystal Blaker, a certified dog trainer and Tucson native. They offer group classes, private in-home training, and online virtual training options for puppies and adult dogs. Their programs include basic through advanced obedience, tricks, agility, and Canine Good Citizen preparation. They emphasize teaching owners how to communicate with their dogs using positive, relationship-based methods, helping families build better behavior and stronger bonds. Their team includes certified trainers with decades of combined experience, competitive agility titles, and backgrounds in therapy dog work and animal behavior coordination. They also offer free downloadable resources and maintain a strong community presence through pet therapy and local events.

Ruff House stands out with small class sizes, personalized attention, and a team that includes certified evaluators for the AKC Canine Good Citizen program. They train dogs of all sizes and temperaments, including reactive, fearful, or high-energy breeds, and have helped thousands of families improve their dogs’ behavior. Their trainers are actively engaged in continuing education and competitive dog sports, ensuring up-to-date, effective methods.

They also provide specialized programs for therapy dog certification, agility competition, and behavior modification for issues like leash reactivity, separation anxiety, and resource guarding. Their facility and home-based sessions are designed to meet dogs where they are, with gentle, science-backed techniques.

Accomplishments

Crystal Blaker, lead trainer and owner, holds a B.S. in Animal Science from the University of Arizona, is an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, Certified Trick Dog Instructor, and has won multiple USDAA and DOCNA agility championships including 2018 Cynosport World Champion. She was named AZ Daily Star Reader’s Choice Best Dog Trainer from 2016–2021. She previously served as Animal Enrichment & Behavior Coordinator for the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. The team includes certified trainers and therapy dog teams with extensive competition and behavioral experience.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients begin by contacting Ruff House to discuss their dog’s personality and behavior history. The team then evaluates training needs and recommends the best program—group, private, or online. Clients can start training after selecting their preferred format and scheduling their first session.