Read this prior to selecting a trainer
RESCUED BY TRAINING KATE LASALA
Noelle’s Story: A Doggie Boot Camp Victim – Rescued By Training
In my previous post cautioning about aversive dog training ” boot camps ” I touched on the long-lasting negative effects that often happen. I wanted to share the story of a dog I worked with, named Noelle. I worked with Noelle after she was sent to a 6 week board and train shock trainer in NYC.
Free Training Programs
Your Dog’s Friend Trainer List
Dog Veterinary Behaviorists
Dr. Meghan Connolly
Atlantic Veterinary Behavior LLC
Appointments at Gaithersburg, MD office
In Home Consultations (Maryland)
(240) 261-8677
AtlanticVeterinaryBehavior.com
Dr. Amy Pike, DVM, DACVB
Animal Behavior Wellness Center
Locations in Fairfax, VA and Richmond, VA
888-438-0788, info@abwellnesscenter.com
abwellnesscenter.com
Dr. Leslie Sinn, DVM, DACVB
Behavior Solutions,LLC
Hamilton, VA
(540) 454-9081, lsinndvm@gmail.com
behaviorsolutions.guru
Cat Behaviorists and Trainers
Dr. Amy Pike, DVM, DACVB
Animal Behavior Wellness Center
Locations in Fairfax, VA and Richmond, VA
888-438-0788, info@abwellnesscenter.com
abwellnesscenter.com
Dr. Leslie Sinn, DVM, DACVB
Behavior Solutions,LLC
Hamilton, VA
(540) 454-9081, lsinndvm@gmail.com
behaviorsolutions.guru
Lisa Stemcosky
pawliticallycorrect.com
Dog Trainers & Classes
CDCK does not endorse any trainers. This information is for educational purposes only.
DC
Canine Train Tracks
Serving DC, MD, VA
202-660-4694
Private training
Capitol Area Dog Training and Behavior Consulting
dianna@capitoltrainingandbehavior.com
240-780-8408
Dianna Stearns, CDPT-KA, CDBC
Private, in-home training and individual behavior modification. Specializes in shy or fearful dogs. Treiball and Canine Good Citizen training. Serves the MD counties of Montgomery, Howard, Fredrick, Anne Arundel and Prince Georges, the DC metro area, plus Loudon and Fairfax counties in Virginia. Discount for recognized rescue group fosters and adopters.
dogTRAINED
DC & VA
Classes: (DC location) Puppy, Manners, Reactive, Treibball, Nose work, Agility, Tricks and more.
Private training
75 minute Meetups
Jennifer Thomas, KPA-CTP
jenniferjanethomas@gmail.com
202-631-6594
Private training and behavior modification in DC through WOOFS! Dog Training. Contact through WOOFS! in the Northern VA section below, or directly through her contact information.
Phi Beta K-9 School for Dogs
swamidogs@gmail.com
202-986-1147
Penelope Brown, CPDT-KA
Private training in DC, parts of MD (Silver Spring, Takoma Park , some of Bethesda), and parts of VA. Pet dog training; behavior modification; reactive dogs, some aggression.
Positive Dog Solutions
Vivian Leven, CBCC-KA
Jackie Maffucci, CPDT-KSA
Alexandria, VA
www.positivedogsolutions.com
info@positivedogsolutions.com
202-630-0249
Dog behavior consulting, including serious cases; court evaluations and expert witness services; mediation over animal related disputes. Serving the DC metro area and beyond.
Capitol Area Dog Training and Behavior Consulting
dianna@capitoltrainingandbehavior.com
240-780-8408
Dianna Stearns, CDPT-KA, CDBC
Private, in-home training and individual behavior modification. Specializes in shy or fearful dogs. Treiball and Canine Good Citizen training. Serves the MD counties of Montgomery, Howard, Fredrick, Anne Arundel and Prince Georges, the DC metro area, plus Loudon and Fairfax counties in Virginia. Discount for recognized rescue group fosters and adopters.
Rewards Dog Training
rewardsdogtraining@gmail.com
240-462-8045
In-home dog training, behavior consultations, and group classes for dogs and puppies of all ages.
Spring Training & Behavior Consulting
Info@SpringTrainingAndBehavior.com
202-664-4206
Serving the DC Metro area
Private: Manners, Behavior modification, Aggression, Baby prep
School of Dogs-Hedda Garland
DC Metro Area
info@schoolofdogs.com
202-363-2310
Classes: Manners, Kids, Summer Camp for Kids, Puppy
Private: Manners, Behavior modification, Puppy
Sir-Doggie
Bethesda, MD and around
gaelle@sir-doggie.net
Text: 202-894-1744
Spot On Training
Private: Separation anxiety and isolation disorder training
Virtual: Potty/crate training and emergency recall
Urban Canine Training
Private Sessions
Board and Train for puppies
Maryland
All American Dog School-Banu Qureshi
Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C.
banubanu@msn.com
240-401-9018
Private training
Baltimore Area Force Free Trainers
Force-free training in the Baltimore area
Canine Character
Frederick, MD
Classes: Manners, Social skills, Tricks
Private: Manners, Puppy, Expecting families, Behavior modification
Canine Lifestyle Academy
Carroll County, Howard County, and Baltimore County
Group classes, Private Sessions, Board and Train, Specialty Classes, Puppy Play
Capitol Area Dog Training and Behavior Consulting
Dianna Stearns, CDPT-KA, CDBC
dianna@capitoltrainingandbehavior.com
240-780-8408
Private, in-home training and individual behavior modification. Specializes in shy or fearful dogs. Treiball and Canine Good Citizen training. Serves the MD counties of Montgomery, Howard, Fredrick, Anne Arundel and Prince Georges, the DC metro area, plus Loudon and Fairfax counties in Virginia. Discount for recognized rescue group fosters and adopters.
Dog Crazy Lady
Baltimore Co, MD and surrounding areas
tanzi@dogcrazylady.com
443-613-1994
Private: Phone consults, Puppy, Behavior modification
Dog Latin Dog Training
Bethesda, MD and surrounding areas
info@doglatindogtraining.com
202.412.0708 or 301.512.5063
Private training, problem solving, dog walks, puppy.
Green Grover
Greenbelt, MD
Classes, in-home consultations, & workshops
Foley’s Dog Training
Montgomery and Howard County.
Contact through their contact form.
Positive, rewards-based. Group classes in Agility and Rally-O. Private lessons in basic manners and obedience. Advice & training for fearful dog owners or fosters.
K-9 Divine
k9divine@k-9divine.com
202-769-5359
Basic training, behavior modification. Offers both sessions and board and train.
Laughing Dog Academy
Private In-Home Training
Leash Walking 101
Puppy Classes
Puppy group socialization
Classes for Dogs and Older Puppies
Next Best Pet
Montgomery, Queen Anne, Prince Georges Counties
info@nextbestpet.net
240-297-0887
Classes: Offered through the Animal Resource Foundation at their training facility in Chester, MD.
Private, Semi-Private
Discounts:
Good Start discount for adopters
Adopted discount: 10% lifetime discount
American University discount: 5%
Student discount: 5%
Military discount: 5%
Pawsitive Fit
Talbot, Dorchester, Caroline, Kent, & Queene Anne Counties
pawsitivefit@aol.com
410-200-0091
Private training
Susan Sarubin
Pawsitive Paws Dog Training
Private training: Manners, Clicker training, Problem Behaviors
Special Rates for Seniors and Military Families and Those Currently Suffering Economic Hardship
Pop Star Dogs
Frederick, MD area
heather@ popstardogs.com
240-578-8937
One-on-one training
Adoption counseling
Board and train
Preparing your dog for kids
Rewards Dog Training
rewardsdogtraining@gmail.com
240-462-8045
In-home dog training, behavior consultations, and group classes for dogs and puppies of all ages.
School of Dogs-Hedda Garland
Montgomery Co
info@schoolofdogs.com
202-363-2310
Classes: Manners, Kids, Summer Camp for Kids, Puppy
Private: Manners, Behavior modification, Puppy
Sir-Doggie
Bethesda, MD and around
gaelle@sir-doggie.net
Text: 202-894-1744
Small and Tall Dog Training-Lisa Arant
Montgomery and southern Frederick counties
Private training
Specializes in small dogs
Smart Dog University
Frederick, Montgomery, Carroll, Howard Counties
Classes: Puppy, Manners, and more
Spring Training & Behavior Consulting
Serving the DC Metro area
Info@SpringTrainingAndBehavior.com
202-664-4206
Private: Manners, Behavior modification, Aggression, Baby prep
Train Your Best Friend- Jeni Grant
Our mission is to help dogs with serious behavior issues such as fear, anxiety and reactivity.
Unleashed Joy
Beth Joy, Lead Trainer
410-404-6492
Group Classes
Private Training
Board and Train
Urban Canine Training
Private Sessions
Board and Train for puppies
Positive Dog Solutions
Vivian Leven, CBCC-KA
Jackie Maffucci, CPDT-KSA
Alexandria, VA
www.positivedogsolutions.com
info@positivedogsolutions.com
202-630-0249
Dog behavior consulting, including serious cases; court evaluations and expert witness services; mediation over animal related disputes. Serving the DC metro area and beyond.
You Silly Dog
Baltimore area
http://www.yousillydog.com/about.php
Private training
Your Dog’s Friend
Montgomery County, MD.
A 501c3 non-profit organization whose goal is to help keep dogs out of shelters by educating and supporting their humans. We believe that fewer dogs will be given up to shelters if we can help people understand what their dogs need and how their dogs learn.
Classes: Various group classes and workshops
Class list
Virginia
Affectionate Pet Care Dog Training Academy
Fairfax Co
trainer@affectionatepetcare.com
703-250-5233
Classes: Puppy, Manners, CGC, Therapy, Obedience, Rally, Agility, Seminars
Private: (In-Facility and/or At-Home)
Daycare Boot Camp
Animal Behavior Wellness Center
Fairfax, VA and Richmond, VA
888-438-0788
info@abwellnesscenter.com
Classes: Separation Anxiety, Leash Reactivity, Puppy Socialization and more.
All About Dogs
Annandale, Springfield, Woodbridge
Group: Puppy, Manners, Family dogs, CGC, Shy dogs, Tricks
Private training
Behavior United
Jackie Monyano, CPDT-KA, PMCT
Silver Spring, MD
jackie@behaviorunited.com
301-244-9808
In-home, teletraining and day training in the Northwest DC and Montgomery County, MD areas.
C&C Pals
McLean
703-876-0284
Group: Obedience, Manners, Nose Work, CGC, Tricks, and more
Private training
Day Training
Capitol Area Dog Training and Behavior Consulting
Dianna Stearns, CDPT-KA, CDBC
dianna@capitoltrainingandbehavior.com
240-780-8408
Private, in-home training and individual behavior modification. Specializes in shy or fearful dogs. Treiball and Canine Good Citizen training. Serves the MD counties of Montgomery, Howard, Fredrick, Anne Arundel and Prince Georges, the DC metro area, plus Loudon and Fairfax counties in Virginia. Discount for recognized rescue group fosters and adopters.
Christine Michaud-Family Dog Training
Fairfax Station, Fairfax, Lorton, Springfield, Burke, Clifton, Centreville and surrounding areas.
Classes available
Private training
Come When Called Dog Training
Alfhild Winder, CPDT-KA
Bethesda, MD
comewhencalled@verizon.net
301-928-6606 or 301-229-2302
Private training for behavior issues within 25 miles of Bethesda. Puppy and basic classes in Olney. Teaches Distracted Dog Class, weekday Reactive Dog Class, and Obedience Skills at YDF.
Core Canine
Alexandria, VA
April@CoreCanine.com
571-488-9004
Group classes
Private training
Dog Latin Dog Training
Beth Mullen, KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA, CBCC & Juliana Willems, KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA
Bethesda, MD
doglatindogtraining@verizon.net
202-412-0708
Private, in-home training and behavior modification in Northwest DC, Montgomery County and close-in VA. Puppy and Basic classes at Kenwood Animal Hospital.
dogTRAINED
DC & VA
Classes: (DC location) Puppy, Manners, Reactive, Treibball, Nose work, Agility, Tricks and more.
Private training
75 minute Meetups
Dog Tranquility
Springfield
Classes: Puppy, Manners, CGC, Agility, Rally, Treibbal
Custom training
Service Dog Training
Cat Training
Fur-Get Me Not
Arlington, VA
trainer@furgetmenot.com
703-229-4960
Classes: Puppy, Manners, Socials, Workshops, Nose work, CGC, Specialty
Private training
Day Training
Joyful Dog
Bluemont, Fredricksburg, Great Falls, Hamilton, VA
marniem@joyfuldogllc.com
703-554-2384
Classes: Puppy, Manners, TTouch, Leash, Reactive dog,
Private: Manners, Behavior modfications, TTouch, Board & Train
Kissable Canine
Northern VA
info@kissablecanine.com
703-574-3383
Group: Manners, Reactive dog, Therapy dog, Nose work, Agility, Trick, Treibball, Workshops, Puppy,
Private: Manners, Behavior modification, and more
Laughing Dog Academy
Sarah Stoycos, KPA-CTP
Rockville, MD
sstoycos@gmail.com
240-498-9920
Private training, behavior consultations, and day training, Montgomery County, NW DC, and parts of Northern VA. Co-teaches the online Reactive Dog Class.
Lead With Fun Dog Training
Fairfax Co & surrounding areas
jennifer@leadwithfun.com
571-969-7297
Group: Puppy, Manners, Specialty
Private: Manners, Behavior modification
MJ Seemann
jcliles@comcast.net
301-986-4918
Private training and behavior modification in Bethesda and surrounding area.
Paws of Change
Fredericksburg, VA
Melissa@Pawsofchange.com
703-586-2615
Classes: Manners, Puppy, Seminars
Private: Behavior evaluations and modification, Day Training, New Baby Prep
Pawsitive Paws
Jean Robertson
Germantown, MD
jerliz5656@gmail.com
301-524-3385
Private in-home training and behavior modification. All areas within a 50 mile radius of Germantown.
Pender Vet Training
Chantilly & Fairfax
703-591-3304
Classes: Puppy, Obedience, Specialty
Playful Pandemonium
McLean, VA
415-646-5129
Private Training
Positive Perspectives Dog Training
Gainesville, Manassas, Brentsville, Warrenton, Centreville, Clifton, Chantilly
ppdtllc@gmail.com
703-403-4074
Private: Puppy, Basic obedience, Behavior modification
Rewards Dog Training
Joyce Loebig, KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA
Takoma Park, MD
rewardsdogtraining@gmail.com
240-462-8045
Private training, behavior consultations, and day training in Montgomery County, Prince Georges County, and Washington, DC. Puppy, Basic, “around town”, and reactive classes in Takoma Park, MD.
Right Start Maryland
Michelle Mange
Rockville & Germantown, MD
tmange@msn.com
301-526-6285
Private training & behavior advice in Montgomery & Frederick counties. Group classes at YDF include Basic Manners, Agility, and Reactive Dog Class.
School of Dogs-Hedda Garland
Montgomery Co, MD
info@schoolofdogs.com
202-363-2310
Classes: Manners, Kids, Summer Camp for Kids, Puppy
Private: Manners, Behavior modification, Puppy
Small & Tall Dog Training
Lisa Arant
Rockville, MD
lisa@smallandtalldogtraining.com
301-704-0352
Private training in Montgomery and southern Frederick counties. Discounts available for recently adopted dogs. Special interest in therapy dog training.
Special Paws
Gaithersburg, Rockville, Germantown & Bethesda.
info@specialpawstraining.com
301-655-2678
Katalin Kerekes
Private training and behavior modification
Spring Training & Behavior Consulting
Info@SpringTrainingAndBehavior.com
202-664-4206
Serving the DC Metro area
Private: Manners, Behavior modification, Aggression, Baby prep.
Sundogs Canine Consultation and Training
Alexandria, VA
Classes: Walks, Puppy
Private: Manners, Behavior modification, Puppy
The Board Hound
Shirlington
Alexandria
703-382-9143 – local
info@theboardhound.com
Classes, private in home, puppy, obedience, enrichment
Totally Happy Dog Training
Tony Henline, KPA-CTP
Silver Spring, MD
tonyhenline@totallyhappydogtraining.net
202-568-2509
In-home, private training and behavioral advice in Montgomery County.
Urban Canine
Jessica Lamb, CPDT-KA
Silver Spring, MD
Montgomery County and parts of NW, DC.
urbancaninetraining@gmail.com
571-338-2009
Training and behavior consultations in lower
Wholistic Hound
Alexandria, Virginia
703-962-6335
info@wholistichound.com
Puppy foundation, Problem solving and socialization, Basic manners and life skills, Advanced training, Dog sports (agility, nose work, rally and musical freestyle), Prep classes for dog sports competition, Behavioral issues
WOOFS! Dog Training Center
703-536-7877
Shirlington & Ballston Campuses
Classes: Puppy, Basic, Agility
Private training
Board & train
Day school
For more training recommendations or if your area is not listed, check out this list of trainers, https://yourdogsfriend.org/we-recommend/positive-trainers/
For training tips, please visit our Resources page.