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Dog Obedience Trainers
This list is meant to be used as a resource for dog owners and adopters. It is not meant to endorse certain trainers over others or to discredit any trainers not on the list. Please contact the individual trainer/ obedience school for more information. To the best of our knowledge, all trainers on the list practice humane, gentle methods for training companion dogs. However, we recommend you ask for references and observe a training session before signing up for a class.
Trainers are listed in Alphabetical order
A Academy Dog Obedience Training
703-698-0203Janice Morton has been working with dogs since the age of nine, when she attended classes to learn how to train her German Shepherd. After completing the training, she went on to show in the breed and obedience ring. Janice has been a professional dog trainer for fourteen years, specializing in pet ownership. Over the years, Janice has had German Shepherds, a black lab shelter graduate and mixed breeds. She offers Puppy Kindergarten, Advanced Obedience Training, Behavior Problem Solving and AKC Canine Good Citizen testing. Methods of training are designed to individual needs, with motivational methods emphasized. Janice has experience working with behavior problems such as fear and aggression. Private consultation and training is available in the client’s home and depending on the issue can range from $400-$500. Obedience classes, basic through advanced, are offered through Fairfax County ($67) and the City of Falls Church Department of Recreation Services ($40 for city residents). Sessions begin in the spring, summer and fall and last for eight weeks, meeting once a week. Practice sessions are also offered in between classes. Free phone advice is available to shelter adopters.
All About Dogs
703-497-7878www.allaboutdogsinc.com
All About Dogs is dedicated to providing the best possible counseling and training for you and your dog. Programs focus on teaching your dog to be a well-mannered pet which the whole family can enjoy. You will learn how to prevent unwanted behaviors and reduce your dog’s chance of developing bad habits. Q&A groups meet the first Thursday of the month and are free. Basic obedience is offered through a 4-level obedience training course. Each level introduces new skills while continuing to practice previous skills with more distractions.($195 for the entire 4-level program and students have 4 months to complete the course). Other group classes offered are: Puppy Playgroups for ages 2-5 months ($5 for training clients, $10 for others), Rally Obedience (advanced obedience, $95), Trick Training ($95), Rowdy Rovers (Handling Skills and Desensitization procedures, $175) and Shy Dog (Build confidence and ability to adjust to new environments, $20 per lesson), and Fido’s Festivities ($95). Most group lessons are 6 sessions including private in-studio lessons at $499 and private in-home lessons are $699 Board n’Train programs are available for 5 day ($499) or 10 day ($799) sessions. Behavioral problem solving is always available. Times of classes vary from month to month, but usually occur on Tuesdays and Saturdays. With a non-confrontational approach, training is based on praise and motivation and stresses an understanding of animal behavior. All About Dogs is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.
Animal Welfare League of Arlington
703-931-9241 x219www.awla.org/events
Certified dog obedience trainer Darby Crisp teaches basic and intermediate obedience in the League's education room. Basic Obedience covers: sit, stay, down, come, leave it and loose-leash walking. Intermediate Obedience includes a review of come and stay with distractions, go to your place, touch, boundaries, tricks and more loose-leash walking. Classes run consecutively. Check our Web site for dates.
Arlington County Department of Recreation
703-229-4747www.arlingtonva.us/departments/parksrecreation/parksrecreationmain.aspx
Arlington County offers various levels of obedience training including Puppy Training and Dog Obedience I. Puppy Training introduces you and your dog to instructions on proper use of leash and collar, heeling, sit on command, down, recall drills and stay command. Also addressed will be puppy behavior problems and solutions pertaining to chewing, house soiling, jumping up, nipping and proper socialization. Puppies must be older than 12 weeks and younger than six months and show documentation of all required vaccinations. Dog Obedience I is for dog owners and their dogs that have had little or no previous training. This course focuses on similar issues to the Puppy class but is for dogs older than six months.
Best Behaved Dogs
703-931-8521www.bestbehaveddogs.com
Janet McMillan has been training dogs since 1996. She specializes in helping dogs with behavior problems. Janet has worked with more than 1500 dogs from more than 90 breeds. Janet provides private, in-home obedience training and behavior modification to dogs and their families in Fairfax County, Arlington County, Alexandria, South Riding and Washington D.C. She trains dogs at every level, from puppy to advanced adult. All ages and breeds are welcome. She uses only gentle methods, including positioning and praise, and leash corrections for walking. She has also used clicker training. Janet is flexible in her style, tailoring the training to the needs of the individual dog. She also offers free phone advice.
C & C Pals
703-876-0284www.positiveK9training.com
Learning about positive motivational training and clicker training in early 1992, Carole Peeler became active in various aspects of dog activities including training, behavioral issues, conformation, therapy work, agility, lure coursing and herding. She is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and is an honors graduate of the San Francisco SPCA’s Academy for Dog Trainers Behavior Counseling Program. C & C Pals teaches people what really motivates their dogs’ behavior. All training is done using a positive, motivational approach, using a bridge word or clicker to mark appropriate behavior. There is no use of force or coercion. All training is humane and gentle and is fun for both dogs and owners. Carole is located in Northern Virginia and serves the DC metro area. Call for details on class locations. Classes range from Basic Puppy training to Canine Good Citizen and range from five to seven weeks long and an hour to an hour and a quarter per week. The cost range is $160-$180. She also offers private, in-home lessons. The Basic Private Lesson Series, which covers the same topics as the group class, runs for five weeks/ one hour per week, and costs $475. The Behavior Consultation (to solve specific behavior problems) is $95 per hour. Additional classes offered on demand are Basic Handling (deals with conformation) and a Canine Good Citizen class.
Capital Canines
703-486-0680www.capitalcanines.globalspan.net
Michelle Beardsley is nationally recognized for her ability to train dogs and her own companions have been adopted from local shelters then trained as agility champions. She has been involved with dogs all of her life, starting as a young child. She was introduced to dog training by her grandmother, who was a trainer. She later worked at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, and then became a full-time professional trainer. Capital Canines provides both structured classes and in-home training and behavior modification to all of Washington, DC and Northern VA. Capital Canines offers a 15% training discount for any dog adopted from a shelter or rescue organization6 months prior to the training start date.
Capitol Dog Training Club
301-587-5959www.cdtc.org
The Capitol Dog Training Club of Washington, DC, Inc. Is a not-for-profit organization which has been in existence since 1938. CDTC is a member of the American Kennel Club. The primary purpose of CDTC is to promote the sport of dog obedience training. With this in mind, they provide training classes for the general public as well as for active members of CDTC. Classes are taught by knowledgeable volunteer instructors, who include American Kennel Club judges and nationally recognized obedience competitors. Group classes run for eight weeks, meeting once a week. The levels of classes offered are Puppy Kindergarten, Advanced Puppy, Good Manners, Attention and Advanced Basic and all cost $80 ($65 for a second dog.) Other more advanced classes are offered as well and the cost ranges from $80-$120. Weekday, weeknight and weekend classes are taught year round at an indoor, air conditioned facility. CDTC also offers Agility and Flyball classes. For rescued dogs (from a shelter, breed rescue, etc) the fee is $70 for the first class (Puppy Kindergarten or Basic) for that dog, with proof of adoption.
The Clicker Training Center
703-777-2277www.clickertrain.com
The Clicker Training Center believes that training should be fun for both the dog and the handler and should lead to an enriched relationship between them. They offer both group and private lessons. They offer all levels of training from Beginner Obedience to AKC competition Novice/Open/Utility, as well as breed handling. Corally Burmaster, the owner and head trainer for the center, has been training animals since 1965, she has been exclusively clicker training since 1993. Corally is the founder and editor of The Clicker Journal, the only publication for laymen and scientist alike to learn cutting edge information about clicker training for pets. She also developed a head start program for puppy development, and she gives Tools of the Trade seminars nationwide. For a schedule of classes send an email to clickertrain@erols.com.
Cooperative Paws
703-489-6452www.cooperativepaws.com
We offer private sessions for puppies and dogs that need basic training or good manners as well as behavior consultations for problems including aggression, house soiling, destructive, anxious or fearful behavior. Sessions are offered at our Vienna home office or at the owner’s home. We are often able to provide opportunities for practice around our own trained dogs. Our trainer, Veronica Sanchez M.Ed., is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer, Certified Animal Behavior Consultant with degrees in education and psychology. Veronica has experience training dogs of various breeds and backgrounds to high levels of obedience including therapy and service work. She uses positive, reward-based methods, which are both effective and enjoyable for the owner and the dog.
The Courteous Canine
202-549-3384www.thecourteouscanine.com
The Courteous Canine is an in-home dog obedience training service located in Alexandria, Virginia and serves the entire metro Washington, DC area. The Courteous Canine is owned and operated by Brandon Henson. Brandon offers an evaluation of your dog for $25, Puppy Kindergarten is three to four lessons for $150, Private lessons are $65/hour or $325 for six sessions. He also offers a Weekly Intensive Training program where he comes to your home every day during the week to work with your dog for an hour and at the end of the week gives the owner a one hour handling instruction session that costs $575/2 weeks or $825/3 weeks. Mileage costs are added onto all class costs. Programs can also be tailored to the needs of your dog.
Dog Pride
(703) 765-0483www.flipbiondi.com
Flip Biondi has a lifetime of experience with dogs and uses positive, reward based methods of training. No pain or fear tactics are employed. Specializing in treating all types of behavioral problems, including aggression, she uses a variety of training and therapeutic techniques including Tellington Touch, Bach Flower Remedies, Reiki (a natural Japanese healing technique), nutritional support and behavior shaping using a clicker as a conditional reinforcer. Private in-home consultations/ training are offered at very reasonable rates. Focusing on teaching the owner canine psychology in conjunction with proper use of behavior modification techniques, she specializes in 1) diagnosing and solving behavior problems for all ages, and 2) prevention therapy (getting owners and puppies eight weeks to five months off to a good start.) Flip is a member of and is endorsed by the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors. She is also a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. She is also a member of Dulles Gateway Dog Obedience Training Club where she actively trains her own dogs for obedience competition. In addition, she has instructed for Fairfax County since 1986. Most classes are held at Lee District Park, run for eight weeks (one class per week - usually a weekday from 7-8 pm) and call for current price listings Call 703-922-9841 to register through the county. These classes are geared toward helping your dog to become a well-mannered canine good citizen and a source of pride to you and themselves. Free phone advice is available to shelter adopters.
Dog Sense Unlimited
301-340-8766www.dogsenseunlimited.com
Dog Sense Unlimited offers professional obedience instruction in groups or private classes, at all levels of training, for dogs from family pets to obedience competitors. Dog Sense also offers grooming by appointment and a limited amount of boarding training where your dog lives with the trainer for 3-4 weeks. The training emphasizes general good manners as well as typical obedience commands, and teaches dog owners how to handle and manage their dogs in daily living situations. Animal care and maintenance information is included in the program. Private lessons are available (four one-hour sessions at $300, or $75 per hour.) Puppy lesson (up to 3 months) are individual lessons only and for people who have never had or have not dealt with puppies in a long time (1 hour appt, $80).Group classes are as follows: Basic (nine weeks/ 1.5 hours a week, $170). Intermediate (five weeks, 1-1.5 hours/ week, $110) and Advanced (six weeks, 1-1.5 hours/week, $120). Dog Sense Unlimited also has a long term Maintenance Program for those who want to continue training and can drop in on any group class, as often as they want to. This costs $190 for six months and $240 for a year. Problem solving and behavior modification are available as well. Dog Sense is open from noon until 9:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Dulles Gateway Obedience Training Club
Herndon 703-273-7619, Loudoun County 703-779-4849www.dgotc.org
The Dulles Gateway Obedience Training Club is a not-for-profit organization that was formed to promote the sport of dog obedience. They have been serving the National Capitol Region from their two training sites for almost 30 years. They embrace several training philosophies and allow trainers the freedom to pursue the training methods that work best for each dog. Classes run four times a year - winter, spring, summer and fall and are 6-8 weeks long depending on which location you take the class. The classes take place in two locations: Frying Pan Park in Herndon, VA or a class in Banshee Reeks Park (Spring & Summer)/Purcellville Roller Rink (Fall & Winter), Leesburg, VA.. They offer puppy socialization and obedience and agility classes at all levels. Agility classes are $70, all others are $50-$65. The Canine Good Citizen test and show handling classes are offered on demand. Classes are half price for shelter adopters.
Fairfax County Park Authority
703-222-4664www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks
Fairfax County offers a variety of dog training classes at various levels. The classes are eight-ten week sessions which last for 55 minutes and vary in cost based on which day they are offered. The Saturday classes are $67, Wednesday are $66 there is also a ten week session on Saturdays for $89. In Puppy Kindergarten , puppies 10 weeks to 6 months will learn the fundamentals for proper socialization and obedience. The next level is Dog Obedience I, where owners of dogs at least six months old learn how to train their dog to walk at your left side on a loose leash, come when called and stay - the basics of good manners. In Dog Obedience II, dogs at least eight months old who have successfully completed at least one basic course work towards the goal of off-leash heeling and more challenging skills. Dog Obedience III is for owners who want voice control and a better trained pet. This class prepares the owner and dog for an American Kennel Club obedience degree. Dogs must be at least ten months old. Dog Obedience IV involves off-lead work, ring and jump practice to prepare dogs for their AKC and UKC novice and open obedience titles. Dogs must be at least ten months old. Agility $67 and FLYBALL $89 are also offered. Please note that not all of the above classes are available every quarter. Availability depends upon interest in the class and whether or not a trainer is available.
Fur-Get Me Not
703-933-1935www.furgetmenot.com
Email: trainer@furgetmenot.com
The group classes and private sessions are at the dog daycare facility. Basic obedience classes are for puppy, adolescent, and adult dogs focusing on positive reinforcement methods. They also offer fun trick classes using clicker training techniques. Classes are for 7 weeks. Please see website for more details.
Great Dogs USA
703-385-1844 (office) or 571-232-4333 (cell)www.greatdogsusa.com
Michele Giarrusso is a dog trainer that uses a balanced training method individually suited for each dog in private one-on one lessons. Her training program is structured with set obedience goals for optimum success while ultimately focusing on teaching owners how to handle their own dogs in a variety of situations inside and outside of the home. Her programs are guaranteed for the life of the dog and are designed to provide a fully trained dog on-leash and off-leash while still preserving attitude in the dog.. Every dog, every time, all the time, in all situations. A free evaluation, consultation and obedience demonstration featuring Giarrusso’s guaranteed, reliable All Freedom Dog Training Method are available prior to enrolling in any one program. Michele Giarrusso’s experience in TV, Film and Theatre training dogs, as well as an agility competitor, and herding enthusiast, plus her experience training dogs in a circus give her common sense knowledge and practical hands-on experience to train any dog. She offers Obedience Group Classes and Agility Group Classes as well as Private Obedience Training Programs.
Greenbelt Dog Training
301-345-6999www.greenbeltdogtraining.com
Allie Lee is a professional obedience instructor who has over 30 years teaching experience and has trained dogs on all three levels of American Kennel Club competition. He is also a Pet Screener for the Pets On Wheels organization, conducting temperament tests for new dogs wanting to join the POW. Most importantly, he is well-known in the surrounding area for his expertise and deep concern for animal owners and their pets. Owners are taught how to train their own dogs with positive verbal praise and touching. Allie teaches humane and effective ways of proper corrections. Levels of classes offered are Basic, Intermediate, Advanced and Beginning Agility. Both group and private classes are offered. Group classes include seven 1 hour sessions, $80. Classes also include free continuous counseling for all behavior problems. Allie believes that training makes a good dog even better and that your dog can become the ‘model obedient dog’ in your community. A free half-hour problem solving session is offered exclusively for shelter adopters. Classes are held in the evenings on Mondays through Thursdays and during the day on Saturdays. The AKC Canine Good Citizen test, open to all dogs, is offered in the Spring and Fall.
High View Canine Training
703-408-2042highviewk9@yahoo.com
Paris Williams is a master trainer and a graduate of the West Virginia Canine College. Through private lessons, he instructs students and their dogs in basic obedience lessons as well as any type of problem solving. His classes start at the puppy level, and go up to basic and finally advanced. Paris starts with a flat collar and progresses to a choke collar only if necessary. He offers private, in-home lessons for the entire DC metro area. Paris also offers free phone advice.
K-9 Divine
202-669-2890K-9 Divine specialize in behavior problems such as housetraining, aggression and separation anxiety. They provide in-home evaluations and behavior modification plans for your dog and your family. Rachel Jones, the owner and head trainer, is a certified Canine Behavior Counselor with the Association of Companion Animal Behavior Counselors and is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.
KissAble Canine
571-312-1940www.KissAbleCanine.com
KissAble Canine, LLC is a dog training company based in the Washington, DC metro area. Owner and trainer Lisa Colón has been active in the rescue community since 2004. She is an active member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), pet first aid certified through the Red Cross, an approved evaluator with the AKC for the Canine Good Citizen test and certified through the Animal Behavior College. Our goal is to provide companion pet guardians a fun and an effective solution for their dog obedience needs. We come to your home to get to the root of the problem behavior through positive based training techniques. Semi-private classes also available. We offer a Shelter dog discount. Having a well-mannered dog is no longer a mystery!
Kornblutt Dog Training
703-548-7513Kornblutt Dog Training offers individual and semi-private lessons and behavioral consultations. Jean Kornblutt began her professional career with a shelter-adopted German Shepherd. Since that time, she has developed techniques to effectively teach dogs to focus and respond to commands on and off leash with minimum effort. Her training focuses on behaviorial issues that may not be addressed in other obedience settings. If your dog is a bit rambunctious and lacking focus, Jean can help you. Free phone advice is given to shelter adopters.
Olde Towne School for Dogs
703-836-7643www.oldtowndogschool.com
Founded in 1975 by Carlos and Sandy Mejias, the Olde Towne School for Dogs has had thousands of canine graduates, including many from local shelters. Their primary goal is to develop a strong and happy relationship between owners and their dogs. The DayCare program includes two weeks in school for the dog handling instructions for the owner. The Private Lesson program consists of six one-hour lessons for you and your dog together ($440), which requires a time commitment of thirty minutes twice daily for the owner to do the homework with the dog. Basic obedience begins at five months. A Puppy Head start class is available for puppies ages eight to sixteen weeks. Head start includes help with puppy problems, leash breaking, basic commands and socialization. It consists of three one-on-one sessions with a trainer Free phone advice is given to all shelter adopters. The school also offers grooming and a large pet supply department.
Opportunity Barks Behavior & Training
703-946-3094opportunitybarks@cox.net
www.opportunity-barks.com
We at Opportunity Barks believe that every interaction with your dog is an opportunity for learning. We use these daily opportunities to create a training plan that works for you, your dog and your life. Opportunity Barks uses positive methods and offers private lessons, in-home classes, behavior consultations and phone consultations. Owner, Leigh Siegfried, is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer and is the current Animal Behavior & Training Manager for the Washington Animal Rescue League. She is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (www.apdt.com), and The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (www.iaabc.org). She is committed to making a difference and loves working with shelter dogs!
PetSmart Basic Obedience Training
Alexandria: 1-800-465-7387 ext. 5350Fairfax: 703-802-1027
Springfield: 703-922-4990
Sterling: 703-444-6500
PetSmart has developed the nation’s only accredited Pet Training Program under the guidance of the world’s most respected trainers and behaviorists. All trainers are members of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. They all employ gentle, positive training methods. Their mission is to enhance the role of dogs as family members. Lure rewarding techniques are used. Food, toys, voice and hand signals are used as motivations for good behavior. The group classes offered are: Puppy Head Start (ten weeks to five months), Basic Education (five months and older), Advanced Learning (five months and older)- also includes optional Canine Good Citizen test. Private lessons are also offered - call for details.
Potomac Dog Training
703-799-3747Diana Legge has been working with dogs full time since 1980. Her philosophy towards training is subtlety. She strives to make training fun and educational for you and your dog. Training is offered in the convenience of your home during the week and on weekends. Daily training is available which includes ten-one hour workouts with the dog, and three sessions with the owner and dog (cost $750). Private lessons are also available which involve five sessions, usually one to one-and-a-half hours in length (cost $500). The cost of classes includes all training equipment. She gives free phone advice and an initial free evaluation.
Elizabeth Thomas
703-765-4332Liz Thomas offers private, in-home training for puppies beginning as early as eight weeks and adult dogs of all ages. In addition, she offers private consultations to address undesirable behavior ranging from separation difficulties to aggression. Her approach to training is a firm belief that neither punishment nor pain are necessary in teaching new behaviors. Force will only cause an argumentative relationship. Owners will learn to develop and maintain a more harmonious relationship with their dogs through the use of positive reinforcement. A well-behaved pet results from training that is enjoyable for both dog and owner. The program includes sit, down, settle, stay, come when called, off (don’t touch), loose lead walking, proper greeting and prevention or modification of ill-mannered behavior. Owners receive homework and handouts and are given instruction in the basics of animal learning theory.
Vienna Department of Recreation
703-255-6360The Arlington County dog obedience classes are held at various community centers or parks and are group classes only. They run for seven weeks, one hour per week, usually on a weekday evening. The cost is around $70 (Vienna residents) and $87.50 (non-residents) Two levels are offered: Level I obedience (12 weeks and older), Level II Obedience (8 months and older). Classes are offered in the Spring, Summer and Fall.
West Wind Dog Training
703-730-8429www.westwinddogtraining.com
training@westwinddogtraining.com
Owner and instructor Karen Peak has been working with dogs in various capacities since she was 12 years old. She has worked at an animal shelter, volunteered with a dog play group and participated in Pet Therapy. She grew up in a dog training and showing family. She started her own company, West Wind Dog Training, in 2000. Karen emphasizes fun in training, high praise and forming a working bond with your dog. She also emphasizes the basic manners all dogs need to learn to help make them great companions, and also teaches owners what they need to do to be their dogs’ best friends. Karen uses a no-nonsense, all positive, gentle yet firm training approach. She offers groups classes for Puppy and Basic Training through Dale City Animal Hospital (703-670-6181) and Canine Clippers School of Pet Grooming in Dumfries (703-221-3647) and the cost is $60 for six sessions and includes a leash, collar and manual. Private consults are $75/hour and then $18.50 per fifteen minute increments. There is a travel fee if you are located more than ten miles from the office. The cost for a set of six private sessions is $250 plus the possible travel fee.
WOOFS Dog Training Center, LLC.
703-536-PUPS (7877)www.woofsdogtraining.com
WOOFS utilizes positive training techniques to get you and your dog working together in a fun and effective way. The Puppy Manners curriculum includes all of the basic training commands, crate and housebreaking tips, behavior problem solving, and socialization time. A modified version of the puppy curriculum called Teen Manner is available for older dogs that did not receive basic training as young puppies. Advanced Manners and a Canine Good Citizen prep course are offered for those wishing to continue with more advanced training including obedience around distractions and off leash work. WOOFS! Also offers indoor agility training for those wishing to get started in the amazing sport of dog agility. Private lessons, Day School and Doggie Day care are also available.
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