MD, VA, & DC Residents

Welcome, locals!

Your Dog’s Friend’s training center is located in Rockville, MD. We’re just a few miles off Route 270 (Montrose Road exit).

Join us for classes or come to one of our free workshops at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Bethesda, MD.

Resources for MD, VA, & DC Residents

These lists are curated by the Your Dog’s Friend staff and are based on our first-hand knowledge and the recommendations of our students. If you feel that we missed someone, please contact us!

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Positive Trainers & Behaviorists

american cocker spaniel training at the man's feet

Training should be fun!

While we have classes for everything from puppies to basic manners to behavior problems, we know that sometimes the best thing is to have 1-on-1 time with a positive trainer.

The trainers we recommend are positive trainers, sometimes known as clicker trainers. This means that they do not use punishment as part of the training process. Rather, they reward the dog for each step toward the correct behavior. Animal behavior science has proven that this is the most effective and humane way to train a dog.

We also recommend local training centers that use positive training methods, so if you can’t make it to one of our excellent classes, you can visit our friends around the region!

For those with extreme behavioral issues, a visit to a vet behaviorist may be helpful. The title “vet behaviorist” refers to someone who is certified as a veterinarian but also has additional specialty training in animal behavior.

View our list of positive trainers & vet behaviorists in MD, DC, and NoVA.

Dog Walkers, Boarding, and Vacation Care

A tired dog is a happy dog (and happy parent!)

Busy lifestyle? We have a list of trusted dog walkers in the region, ready to take your pup on a long run or just a quick potty break and play session while you’re at work.

Your dog’s vacation care should be as wonderful as your vacation! The boarding establishments on our list will treat your dog with the same love and care that you do.

View our list of dog walkers, boarders, and vacation care in MD, DC, and NoVA.

Groomers

Fresh and clean!

Whether your dog needs a simple bath or an elaborate haircut, it’s important to find a dog groomer that you can trust will treat your dog gently and handle them in a way that minimizes the stress of the grooming process.

We’ve compiled a short list of local dog groomers that our staff & students have used and recommend. Whether you’re looking for a mobile groomer, an in-home groomer, or a private grooming business, you can find the best in the area here.

View our list of talented and humane dog groomers in MD, DC, and NoVA.

Products We Love & Where to Get Them

Are you gonna play with me?

At the Your Dog’s Friend training center, we have our absolute favorite tools in stock for you to pick up before or after your class.

You can get:

Leashes
No-pull harnesses
Clickers
Treat bags
Treat tubes
Dog puzzles
Tug toys
and more!

You can pay with cash (exact change would be great!) or a check to Your Dog’s Friend.

We also have a list of our favorite local pet shops and online stores that sell the best dog products. If you shop at Amazon, please use smile.amazon.com and select Your Dog’s Friend as your favorite nonprofit.