Positive Trainers
& Veterinary Behaviorists

Your Dog’s Friend (YDF) offers a variety of online, in-person, and outdoor classes in the Rockville, MD area. Click here for our class schedule. We also recommend the following trainers and veterinary behaviorists (in the last section). All of them are positive and force-free. Trainers’ locations are listed, but many serve multiple areas in the region. Check descriptions for those details.

Maryland – Montgomery County

Laughing Dog Academy
Sarah Stoycos, KPA-CTP
Rockville, MD
www.laughingdogacademy.com
[email protected]
240-498-9920
Private training, behavior consultations, and day training, while you’re at work. Teaches at Your Dog’s Friend in Rockville. Serves Rockville & other parts of Montgomery County, northwest DC & parts of Northern VA.

Small & Tall Dog Training
Lisa Arant, CPDT-KA
Rockville, MD
www.smallandtalldogtraining.com
[email protected]
301-704-0352
Private in-home training for dogs of all ages and behavior consultations in Rockville and other parts of Montgomery County. Special interest in fearful dogs and therapy dog training. Classes at Canine Prep School in Damascus.

Metropolitan Dog 
Melissa Dilla, KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA
Potomac, MD
www.metropolitandog.com
[email protected]
301-842-8042
Private training, behavior consultations, day training, and service dog task training. Fear-Free Certified and Certified Service Dog Coach. Can help with many dog sports and therapy dog prep. Teaches at Your Dog’s Friend in Rockville. Privates in Potomac, Rockville, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Kensington, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg and surrounding areas.

Rewards Dog Training
Joyce Loebig, KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA
Takoma Park, MD
www.rewardsdogtraining.com
[email protected]
240-462-8045
Private training, behavior consultations, and day training in Takoma Park & other parts of Montgomery and Prince George’s counties and Washington, DC. Teaches at Your Dog’s Friend.

Infinite-Dog
Robin Shepherd, CPDT-KA
Rockville, MD
https://www.infinite-dog.com
[email protected]
301-580-6654
Private in-home & virtual training, behavior consultations, and board & train. Teaches at Your Dog’s Friend in Rockville. Serves Rockville, Derwood, Gaithersburg & other parts of Montgomery County.

Rollins Family Dog Training
Rachel Rollins, KPA-CTP
Bethesda, MD
www.rollinsdogtraining.com
[email protected]
301-821-2288
In-home private training for individuals and families in Bethesda, Rockville & Chevy Chase and parts of northwest DC.

Behavior United
Jackie Moyano, CPDT-KA, PMCT
Silver Spring, MD
www.behaviorunited.com
[email protected]
In-home and day training in Silver Spring & other parts of MD, Northern VA, and DC. Certified separation anxiety trainer (SaPro). Group classes at Humane Rescue Alliance in Washington, DC.

Good Pets
Debbie Nathanson
Rockville, MD
www.goodpets.biz
[email protected]
818-326-6855
In-home private training for puppies and dogs of all ages (and their people) in Rockville, Potomac, North Bethesda and surrounding areas.

Paw Prints University
Lindsey Paige, CPDT-KA
Silver Spring, MD
www.pawprintsaroundtown.com
[email protected]
202-489-5278
In-home and walk & train day training programs in Montgomery County and DC. On-demand videos and digital courses available. Specializes in loose-leash walking, nutrition’s effect on behavior, and families with young children. Fear-free certified, dog and cat nutrition consultant, Family Paws Parent Educator.

Come When Called Dog Training
Alfhild Winder, CPDT-KA
Bethesda, MD
www.comewhencalled.com
[email protected]
301-928-6606 or 301-229-2302
Private training for behavior issues in Bethesda & within 25 miles of Bethesda. Puppy and basic classes in Olney.

4 On the Floor Dog Training
Kelly Citrin, CPDT-KA
Julie Davidson
Bethesda, MD
www.4onthefloor.dog
[email protected]
301-529-6206 or 301-664-4434
Private at-home training, behavior consultations, and day training in Potomac, Rockville, Bethesda, Kensington & throughout Montgomery County. Group classes for puppies through adults in Kensington, Potomac, Rockville & Gaithersburg – CGC and Therapy Dog Prep, Agility, Growly 2.0, Cultured & Confident. Teaches Montgomery County classes for National Capital Therapy Dogs.

High Five Dog Training
Gabriela Hubbard, CBCC-KA CPDT-KA
Silver Spring, MD
www.highfivedogtraining.com
[email protected]
301-683-7770
In-home training from puppy to adult in Silver Spring & other parts of Montgomery and Prince George’s counties and DC. Special interest in reactive “aggressive” dogs. Education for expectant parents and family focused training. Licensed Family Paws Educator & SAPro (Separation Anxiety) Trainer.

Dances with Dogs
Brittany Fulton, CTC
Silver Spring, MD
www.dancesdogs.com
[email protected]
458-205-5714
Private in-home training, behavior consultations, and in-home day training in Silver Spring & other parts of Montgomery County and northwest DC. Specialty in reactivity and aggression. Teaches Basic Manners and Reactive Dog at Humane Rescue Alliance in Washington, DC.

Urban Canine
Jessica Remi Lamb, CPDT-KA
Gaithersburg, MD
www.urbancaninetraining.com
[email protected]
571-338-2009
Training and behavior consultations in Gaithersburg and other parts of MD and DC. Sleep Away and Day Camp for puppies 8 weeks – 18 months old.

Pawz for Health
Janet Oquendo, CPDT-KA, CDBC
Silver Spring, MD
www.pawzforhealth.net
[email protected]
240-424-5984
In-home dog and puppy training and behavior modification. Serves Silver Spring, Rockville, Kensington, Chevy Chase, and surrounding areas. One or two week puppy camps for 10 week to 5 month old puppies.

Foley’s Dog Training
E. Foley, CPDT-KA
Burtonsville, MD
www.foleysdogtraining.com
[email protected]
407-760-0645 (text preferred)
Private beginner-friendly Agility training, even for reactive or fearful dogs, at E’s home in Burtonsville and Agility classes with Your Dog’s Friend.

Special Paws
Katalin Kerekes
Gaithersburg, MD
www.specialpawstraining.com
[email protected]
301-655-2678
Private training and behavior modification in Gaithersburg, Rockville, Germantown & Bethesda.

Woodside TTouch
Pam Wanveer, Certified Advanced Tellington TTouch® Practitioner
Silver Spring, MD
www.woodsideTTouch.com
[email protected]
301-585-5675
TTouch involves body work, wraps, and movement exercises. These methods can help dogs calm down, feel less anxious, or have greater mobility. Private sessions at Pam’s home in Silver Spring. Group classes at YDF in Rockville to learn and practice methods with your dog.

Maryland – Upper Montgomery & Frederick Counties

Unleashed Joy
Beth Joy, CPDT-KA. PMCT
Mt Airy, MD
www.unleashedjoy.com
[email protected]
410-404-6492
Private training and behavior modification in Frederick, Carroll, Howard, and Montgomery counties.

Canine Prep School
Beth Joy, CPDT-KA. PMCT
Lisa Arant, CPDT-KA
Damascus, MD
www.canineprepschool.com
[email protected]
410-404-6492
Classes for puppies and for dogs over 5 months, reactive dogs, and tricks. More classes soon.

GR8K9s
Chris Bevillard, CPDT-KA, ACDBC
Mt Airy, MD
www.GR8K9s.com
[email protected]
301-788-7112
Private, in-home training and behavior modification, including Canine Good Citizen Prep and testing, trick training, and manners. Serving 15 miles around Mt. Airy.

Smart Dog University
Laurie Luck, KPA CTP
Mt Airy, MD
www.smartdoguniversiity.com
[email protected]
In-home training, with puppy parent there, or day training, with puppy parent absent, for puppies under 5 1/2 months. Serving upper Montgomery county from Ellicott City to Frederick, Ijamsville, Mt. Airy, Woodbine, New Market, and surrounding areas.

Dog Eared Training & Behavior
Bethany Poese, CPDT-KA, KPA CTP
New Market, MD
www.dogearedtraining.com 
[email protected]
Private training, day training, and group classes in Mt. Airy for puppies, adolescents, adults, and reactive dogs. Offers help finding the right dog for your family and lifestyle. Serves the New Market, Frederick, Mt. Airy, Sykesville, Damascus areas.

Canine Character
Kim Yocklin, CPDT-KA
Frederick, MD
www.caninecharacter.com
[email protected]
301-639-6536
Classes, private training, and behavioral consultations at facility in Frederick. Puppy kindergarten; good manners; tricks and games.

FitHound Puppy & Dog Training
Cari Messick Reed, CPDT-KA
Frederick, MD
www.fithound.com
[email protected]
301-252-0366
Private lessons & consultations in Frederick, as well as north to Thurmont and east to New Market. Group classes in Buckeystown: Puppy K, basic through advanced manners, Canine Good Citizen, Out & About, and Nose Work.

Canine Lifestyle Academy
Meghan Burton
Union Bridge, MD
www.caninelifestyleacademy.com
[email protected]
Virtual training, group classes, private one-on-one training in Frederick and Carroll counties. Manners training, puppy socialization, reactivity and aggression. Puppy Day Camp for puppies 8 weeks to 6 months of age. Pick up and drop off available within the local area (Mt. Airy, New Market, eastern parts of Frederick, Libertytown, etc.) Union Bridge is a few minutes north of Libertytown in Frederick County.

Peaceable Paws
Pat Miller, CPDT-KA, CDBC
Fairplay, MD (near Hagerstown)
www.peaceablepaws.com
[email protected]
301-582-9420
Puppy and adult training classes; short, specialty classes (polite greeting, recall, leash walking, targeting, and shaping); three-day Reactive Rover training camp. Private lessons for advanced training work or for behavior modification dealing with problem behaviors, including aggression. Apprentice and internship programs.

Happy Hound Dog Training
Jill Freifeld, CPDT-KA
www.happyhoundtraining.com
[email protected]
301-565-3734
Teaches classes at Peaceable Paws in Fairplay, MD. Private in-home training up to one hour from Hedgesville, West Virginia – generally Winchester, VA; Berkeley Springs, WVA; Martinsburg, WVA; Hagerstown, MD and areas near these towns.

Maryland – Prince Georges, Baltimore, Annapolis & Eastern Shore

Social Tailwaggers
Jody Broughton, CPDT-KA
Laurel, MD
www.socialtailwaggers.com
[email protected]
240-882-4765
In-home training, behavior consultations, and classes. Puppy consultations to help you prepare for your new puppy or handle your current puppy’s behaviors. Classes include Puppy Socialization, Basic, and Sniffer classes in Laurel. Private lessons in Prince Georges, Montgomery, Howard, and Anne Arundel counties.

Play & Train Dog Behavior
Jen Boyd-Morin, CPDT-KA, PMCT1
Laurel, MD
www.playandtraindogs.com
[email protected]
Puppy classes, play groups, and boarding with an emphasis on socialization, fear free protocols for handling and veterinary care, and enrichment. Also, group classes for adult dogs and consultations for behavioral issues, including aggression, in Laurel, Columbia, Beltsville, Calverton, Silver Spring, and Ellicott City.

Green Grover
Tanja Owe, MS, Companion Animal Behavior Analysis & Counseling
Greenbelt, MD
www.greengrover.org
[email protected]
443-414-7590
Group classes – puppy, basic, reactive, recall, and loose-leash walking – in Greenbelt. Behavior consultations in Prince Georges County, including Bowie, College Park, Greenbelt, and Laurel.

Coventry School for Dogs & Their People
Elisabeth Catalano, CPDT-KA, CDBC
Vincent Catalano, CNWI, CPDT-KA, CDBC
Columbia, MD
www.thecoventryschool.com
[email protected]
410-381-1800
Group classes for puppies, manners, dog-reactive dogs, and sports (Agility, Rally, Nose Work, Freestyle, and others). Private on-site and in-home training and behavior consultations. Educational seminars. Doggie day camp & boarding.

My Fantastic Friend
Jessica Ring, CPDT-KA, CTC, PCBC-A, PMCT, SA Pro Trainer
Ellicott City, MD
www.myfantasticfriend.com
[email protected]
443-741-1044
Semi-private group classes and private in-home classes for puppies, basics and tricks. Behavior consultations for problems including separation anxiety. Day training in Howard County and surrounding areas. Online training options available for classes and consultations.

WiggleButts Dog Training
Tammy Tucker, CPDT-KA, CNWI, CTDI
Eldersburg, MD
www.wigglebuttsdog.com
[email protected]
410-259-5136
Group classes offered in Howard and Carroll counties, MD: Puppy Kindergarten, Manners, Nose Work, Therapy Dog Readiness, CGC Prep, and Tricks. Private lessons available at training locations in West Friendship and Eldersburg.

Canine Humane Network
Highland, MD
www.caninehumane.org/training
[email protected]
888-436-2236, X803
Classes, private training, and behavior consults in Howard County. Group classes include puppy and basic, CGC Prep, and classes for reactive and easily distracted dogs.

Dog Ears and Paws
Humane Domain
Debbie Winkler, CPDT-KA, CABC
Owings Mills, MD
www.humanedomain.net
[email protected]
410-549-1135
Classes at the training facility in Owings Mills: Puppy Kindergarten; basic to advanced obedience; CGC; Agility. Training for assistance and therapy dogs. Private training at Owings Mills location or in home (Baltimore and Carroll counties). Behavior counseling and modification for anxiety disorder; experience with serious aggression cases. Apprenticeships and internships available. Debbie Winkler is considered an expert in dog behavior who has testified in court and teaches animal behavior at Kutztown University.

Olive Branch Dog Training
Olivia Bainter, CPDT-KA
Owings Mills, MD
www.olivebranchdogtraining.com
[email protected]
Private training for puppies, adolescent, and adult dogs in the Baltimore metro area. Specializing in manners, socialization, enrichment, behavior modification, and fear.

You Silly Dog
Alisa Peters, CPDT-KA
Baltimore, MD
www.yousillydog.com
[email protected]
443-625-9866
Group classes, including Puppy Basics, Basic Skills, Polite Greetings, and Tricks and Games. In-home lessons in Baltimore.

Oscar Winning Behavior
Amie Glasgow, ACDBC, CSAT, FSG-I
Baltimore, MD
www.oscarwinningbehavior.com
[email protected]
443-516-7227
Specializes in separation anxiety, multi-pet issues, aggressive dogs, and cat training. On location in Randallstown; in your home in western Baltimore County, Baltimore city, and parts of Carroll or Howard counties; as well as online for most issues. Email for information on a free separation anxiety consult.

Dog Crazy Lady
Tanzi Leary, CDBC, CPDT-KA, PMCT1, SAPT, FFCP
Baltimore, MD
www.dogcrazylady.com
[email protected]
443-613-1994
Private training for puppies and dogs in the Baltimore metro area, including socialization, manners, fear, anxiety, and aggression.

WeiserWays Dog Training
Arrow Weiser, Master’s degree in Animal Behavior
Baltimore, MD
www.weiserwaystraining.com
[email protected]
908-421-6256
At-home and virtual training to address reactivity. Also, puppy training and socialization, manners, confidence building, and human education. At-home training gradually expands to other environments. For current clients, overnight stays at your home with activities, dependent on energy level.

Maryland SPCA Behavior & Training
Baltimore, MD
www.mdspca.org
[email protected]
410-235-8826, ext 151
Little Star Puppy & Puppy Socials; All Star Canine; Reactive Rover; CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Prep. One-on-one coaching. Telephone and email advice.

Adventure Dogs Academy
Laurie Corak (she/her), CPDT-KA, FFCP
Hydes, MD
www.adventuredogsacademy.com/
[email protected]com
Private in-person lessons and virtual training, day training, help with dog/baby prep and interactions, boarding, and boarding with training.

Plum Point Pooch
Maria Montgomery, CPDT-KSA
Aberdeen, MD
[email protected]
717-701-1210
Private training and behavior consultations.  Skilled and experienced with puppies, basic family dog skills, and dogs with “big feelings” (aka reactivity).  AKC CGC/Tricks Evaluator. Serves Harford, Baltimore and Cecil counties. Group classes at Polite Pooches in Forest Hill, MD.

Pawsitive Behavior Solutions
Rachel Ash, CTC, CPDT-KA, SAPro
Perry Hall, MD
www.pawbehaviorsolutions.com
[email protected]
410-701-0296
Specializes in the prevention and treatment of fear and aggression, including dog to dog, stranger danger, and separation anxiety. Puppy options are focused on the prevention of fear-based behavior. Currently teaches reactive rover, separation anxiety information sessions, and puppy classes at the Maryland SPCA. Serves Perry Hall and surrounding Baltimore area.

The Canine Clique
Debbie Shepardson, ABCDT
Reisterstown, MD
www.thecanineclique.com
[email protected]
443-295-3647
Private training and behavior consultations in the Greater Baltimore area (Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Harford, Howard, and Carroll counties). Packages available for basic obedience and common behavior problems.

Dog Only Knows Behavior & Training
Alexis Bond, CPDT-KA, PMCT
Annapolis, MD
www.ytinypets.com
[email protected]
410-980-0751
Private lessons in Crownsville, MD facility including puppy foundation and basic skills; behavior modification, including anxiety, fear, reactivity, and resource guarding. In home training available in Anne Arundel County. Group classes available at Beechnut Kennels in Edgewater.

Humane Canine Training
Phyllis Saroff, CPDT-KA, PMCT
Annapolis, MD
www.humanecaninetraining.com
[email protected]
Private lessons and behavior modification in the Annapolis area. Group classes at Happy Tails in Crownsville.

Calvert Dog Academy
Elizabeth Ashley, CTC
Prince Frederick, MD
www.calvertdogacademy.com
[email protected]
732-850-5254
Day training for your dog while you’re at work or private coaching for the owner who wants to learn dog training techniques.  Serves Calvert County. Washington, DC availability on Sundays. Fear-free certified.

Polite Pooches
Kathy Forthman, CPDT-KA
Forest Hill, MD
www.politepooches.com
[email protected]
410-533-9926
Classes include Puppy Right Start, Basic and Intermediate Obedience/CGC Prep. Private, in-home training and behavior modification within 25 miles of Forest Hill (located in Harford County).

Pawsitive Fit
Sue Sarubin, CBCC-KA,CPDT-KA, PMCT
Easton, MD
www.pawsitivefit.com
[email protected]
410-200-0091
Serves Talbot, Dorchester, Caroline, Kent, and Queen Anne counties. In-home puppy, basic and intermediate training. Day training while you’re out. Behavior consultations and training, including separation distress, fear and aggressive behaviors.

Best Friends Forever Pet Services 
Laurie Scible, CPDT-KA
Easton, MD
www.bffpetservices.com
[email protected]
410-279-6338
In-home manners training, tricks training, and behavior modification on the Eastern Shore, MD and surrounding area. Will also help families choose their pet and then introduce their new “family member” to the rest of the household.

Kissable Canine
Lisa Tudor, CPDT-KA
Lewes, DE (Eastern Shore)
www.kissablecanine.com
[email protected]
Private in-home and virtual training for people and their dogs, including animal-assisted learning. Lisa has an Animal and Human Health certificate from University of Denver’s Social Work School, Institute for Human and Animal Connection, as well as trainer certification. Serves Lewes, Delaware and surrounding areas.

Washington, DC 

Dog Latin Dog Training
Beth Mullen, KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA
Christina Folkers, KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA
Tara Murtagh, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA
Justine Bendickson, KPA-CTP
Northwest DC
www.doglatindogtraining.com
[email protected]
202-412-0708
Private, in-home training and behavior modification in Washington, DC and close-in MD and VA suburbs. Puppy and leash manners classes at Kenwood Hospital and at Bone Jour in Bethesda, MD.

School of Dogs
Hedda Garland, CPDT-KA, PMCT, KPA-CTP
Northwest DC
www.schoolofdogs.com
[email protected]
202-363-2310
Private training for manners, behavior issues, therapy and assistance dogs. Works in DC, Takoma Park, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Kensington, Rockville, Potomac, and Silver Spring. Offers Dogs & Storks program for expecting and adopting parents. Taught children’s classes and camp at YDF. Licensed Family Paws Educator.

LianaFit Canine Conditioning
Liana Burgoyne, CPDT-KA
Northwest & Northeast DC
www.lianafit.com
[email protected]
757-773-4709
Private lessons (in-person and virtually) plus group classes for manners, behavior modification, and canine fitness in the DC area. Also teaches classes for puppies and adult dogs at Colby’s Dogcare in northeast DC. Also certified as Canine Fitness Coach and Canine Fitness Trainer.

Harlow School for Dogs
Kimmie Harlow, KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA
Northwest DC
www.harlowschoolfordogs.com
[email protected]
In-home training & behavior counseling, puppy training, & training walk packages. Virtual consultations available. Serves all of DC and Montgomery County.

Savvy City Dog
Michelle Yue, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA
Northwest DC
www.savvycitydog.com
[email protected]
Online dog training community (where clients can get support and connect); on-demand courses (watch what you’re interested in); live zoom classes; one-on-one virtual behavior help. Private lessons in DC and close-in Maryland.

Dog Trained
Northwest DC
Gwen Podulka, CPDT-KA
Jordana Todd, CPDT-KA
Christie Catan, CPDT-KA
Liz Fisher, CPDT-KA
Angel Lawson, CPDT-KA
www.dogtrained.com
[email protected]
202-617-0127
Training and behavior consultations in Washington DC, Alexandria and Arlington. Puppy manners, adolescent tuneups, worried anxious dog behavior modification, tricks, nosework and more. Follow us for dog training tips on Instagram @DogTrained.

Well Done Charlie
Toni Clarke, CTC, VSA-CDT, CSAT
Capitol Hill
www.welldonecharlie.com
[email protected]
202-854-9221
Private, in-home dog training and behavior modification. Serving Capitol Hill and the Washington, DC metro area. All issues, but with a special focus on helping anxious dogs deal with the noise and bustle of the city.

Patrick’s Pet Care
Northeast & Northwest DC
Patrick Flynn (Owner), CPDT-KA, CPACO, FFCP
Joseph Ryan, PMCT, CPDT-KA, VSA-CDT, FFCP
Nikita Poe, KPA-CTP, FFCP, CGC Evaluator
Ian Kilgore, CPDT-KA, FFCP, CGC Evaluator
Melissa Weaver, CPDT-KA, FFCP
Dakota Baeta, VSA-CDT
https://patrickspetcare.com
202-630-7387
In-home or virtual private training with a certified and fear-free trainer. Enrichment Dog Walking, including training walks; Drop and Train; Dog Montessori school; and fear-free grooming. Group classes coming soon.

Colby’s Dogcare & Spa
Northeast DC
Michael Pastreich
Liana Burgoyne, CPDT-KA
www.colbysdogcare.com/training
[email protected]
202-481-4848
Rolling enrollment puppy foundations classes – training plus need-to-know information like housetraining, puppy biting, and fun games. Also low-impact puppy fitness classes and drop-in play. Basic Manners and Intermediate classes for dogs six months and older. Fitness classes for adult dogs 18 months and older.

Phi Beta K-9 School for Dogs
Penelope Brown, CPDT-KA
Dupont Circle
[email protected]
202-986-1147
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.

Merry Mutts
Andrea Merryman, CTC, VSA-CDT
www.merrymuttsdogtraining.com
https://merrymuttsdogtraining.com/contact/
303-648-1144
Private training for manners, common behavior issues, fear, reactivity, dog/dog issues. Serves DC metro area, including parts of Maryland and Northern VA.

Humane Rescue Alliance
(formerly Washington Animal Rescue League & Washington Humane Society)
Oglethorpe St, NW & New York Ave, NE
www.humanerescuealliance.org
202-726-2556, 202-576-6664
Manners, based on the CLASS program (www.mydoghasclass.com) and reactive dog classes.

Jennifer Thomas, KPA-CTP
www.woofsdogtraining.com
[email protected]
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 the contact information listed above.

Northern Virginia

Joyful Dog
Marnie Montgomery, PMCT4, CPDT-KA, Certified Tellington TTouch® Practitioner
Leesburg, VA
www.joyfuldogllc.com
[email protected]
703-554-2384
Private training, behavior consultations,  Tellington TTouch® in Fairfax and Loudoun, VA and Montgomery County, MD. Puppy Kindergarten, Basic Manners, reactive dog class, and other special interest group classes offered at Seneca Hill Animal Hospital in Great Falls, VA, Catoctin Pet Eats and Treats in Leesburg, VA, and seasonally at other locations in Loudoun County and surrounding areas. Co-teaches the online and on-site Reactive Dog classes and Connection, Cooperation, and Control classes for YDF.

JW Dog Training & Behavior Consulting
Juliana DeWillems KPA CTP, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC
Cynthia Robertson KPA CTP, CPDT-KA
Kayleigh Sullivan KPA CTP, CPDT-KA
Kat Heckert KPA CTP, CPDT-KA, Fear Free Certified
Teresa Villatoro KPA CTP, CPDT-KA
Samantha Wolfman CPDT-KA
www.jwdogtraining.com
[email protected]
Private training for everything from new puppies or adopted dogs, to fear, reactivity, and aggression cases. Offering virtual coaching and in-person lessons. Service area is mainly Northern Virginia – Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria – but some limited in-person availability for NW DC.

WOOFS!
Laura Sharkey, KPA-CTP
Arlington, Ballston & Shirlington
www.woofsdogtraining.com
[email protected]
Ballston: 703-526-0218
Shirlington: 703-536-7877
Puppy, obedience, Nose Work, Rally, and agility classes. Private lessons, aggression consultations, board & train, day care & day school.

All About Dogs
Annandale, Woodbridge, & Springfield
www.allaboutdogsinc.com
[email protected]
703-497-7878
Family-dog training classes plus Rowdy Rover, shy dog, exercise, and puppy socialization classes. Dogs advance through classes by levels. Private training and behavioral counseling available in surrounding areas.

Fur-Get Me Not
Arlington, VA
www.FurGetMeNot.com
[email protected]
703-933-1935
Levels system used for puppy and obedience training, so dogs can progress at their own rate; class attendance is flexible. Specialty classes: dog-reactive, people-reactive, confidence building, and impulse control. One-session training workshops; Nose Work (beginning – advanced); free puppy socials. Private training sessions and day training while the dog is in day care.

Eager Beagle Dog Training
Karen Baragona, CPDT-KA
Alexandria, VA
www.eagerbeagledogtraining.com
[email protected]
571-982-0343
Private in-home and day training (while you’re out). Problem solving for various behavior issues. Helping parents develop safe, happy interactions between dogs and babies/toddlers/young children. Eager Beagle donates 25% of training fees to shelters and rescues.

Positive Dog Solutions
Vivian Leven, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KSA
Jackie Maffucci, CPDT-KSA
Alexandria, VA
www.positivedogsolutions.com
[email protected]
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.

Wholistic Hound Academy
Sandy Modell, CPDT-KA
Alexandria, VA
www.wholistichound.com
[email protected]
703-962-6335
Group classes, including puppy & basic manners, dog sports, advanced training, and more. Private lessons in Northern VA, either in-home or at their training center.

Cooperative Paws
Veronica Sanchez, CPDT-KA, CDBC
Vienna, VA
www.cooperativepaws.com
[email protected]
703-489-6452
Online courses for trainers (professional and beginner) for service dog training.

Lead With Fun
Jennifer Pennington, CPDT-KA, CDBC
Fairfax, VA
www.leadwithfun.com
[email protected]
571-969-7297
Group classes, puppy day camp, agility, private in-home dog training and behavior consultations.

C & C Pals
Carole Peeler, CPDT-KA, CDBC
McLean, VA
www.positivek9training.com
703-876-0284
Basic, advanced obedience & Nose Work classes. Field trips for practice in real-life settings. Private in-home behavioral consultation & training in the DC area.

Companion Animal Behavior
Yody Blass, MA, certified by the National Association of Animal Behaviorists
Northern Virginia
www.petbehaviorist.com
[email protected]
703-327-7205
In-home consultations for pet behavior problems in Northern VA and surrounding metro DC area. Help with issues like aggression, anxiety, fears and phobias, housetraining, and introducing new pets and children to existing pets.

Ts Dog Training
Terri Greer
Leesburg, VA
www.tsdogtrainingllc.com
[email protected]
703-346-7882
In-home training in Loudoun County and surrounding areas. Behavior problems, Puppy Home School, Basic Manners and Obedience, preparation for CGC (Canine Good Citizen) test.

Head of the Class
Lisa Marino, PMCT, CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP,
also a certified separation anxiety trainer
Winchester, VA
www.headoftheclassdogtrainingllc.com
[email protected]
414-881-0779
Private “home school” lessons and behavior modification packages in Winchester, Stephenson, Stephens City and surrounding areas. Group classes at several locations in Winchester. Basic, puppy classes, CGC and Pet Partners training and testing, Tricks, Treibball, Rally, as well as online separation anxiety behavioral modification training.

Red Dog Run Training & Behavior
Jennifer M. Lowe Davis, CPDT-KA
Clifton, VA
www.reddogruntraining.com
[email protected]
703-249–9594
Private training and behavior modification in all of northern VA. Puppy and adult manners classes at Veterinary Holistic Center in Springfield, VA.

Walking With a Friend
Roni Campbell, KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA
Gainesville, VA
www.walkingwithafriend.com
[email protected]
703-975-9055
Service dog coaching and continuing education to keep skills sharp. Private in-home manners programs for pet dogs and puppies. Serving Gainesville, Haymarket, Manassas, Warrenton, Centreville, Chantilly, Ashburn, and surrounding Northern VA areas. Help with puppy selection. Classes for puppy socialization, CGC skills test preparation.

Wonderdog Training
Eryn Rollison
Gainesville, VA
www.wonderdog.training
[email protected]
202-792-9637
Private in-home lessons in Gainesville, VA and surrounding communities. Packages for puppies and basic manners and custom packages and plans to help owners solve more complex behavior issues.

Pawsome Pups
Bridget Taber, CDPT-KA
Purcellville, VA
www.pawsomepupsdogtraining.com
[email protected]
540-668-9095
In-home private training in Northern Virginia, parts of Maryland and West Virginia. Also teaches open enrollment Puppy Kindergarten, Elementary and Intermediate Manners, Out On The Town, AKC Tricks, and Canine Good Citizen classes at her training center in Hillsboro, VA.

The Successful Mix
Karen Mast, CDPT-KSA
Keezletown, VA (near Harrisonburg)
www.thesuccessfulmix.com
[email protected]
540-269-6904
Private and semi-private training and behavior counseling at her facility in Keezletown. Tricks, manners, and puppy training. Consults for serious behavior concerns related to aggression, fear, and anxiety.

Home Alone Canine
Alexandra Dilley, MA in Animal Behavior, CPDT-KA
Mentorship with & trainer for Separation Anxiety & Beyond
lives in Sykesville, MD, but works remotely
www.homealonecanine.com
[email protected]
Online private training for separation-related problems. All training done via Zoom, text message, and Google Workplace. Teaches separation anxiety classes with Your Dog’s Friend and works with a local shelter on foster dog separation anxiety cases.

Searching for a trainer in another location?

We are sure you will find a trainer near you at one or all of these sites:
https://petprofessionalguild.com/Find-a-Member
https://karenpryoracademy.com/find-a-trainer/
https://peaceablepaws.com/find-a-trainer/
https://academyfordogtrainers.com/find-a-trainer
https://fearfreepets.com/resources/directory/

Veterinarians Specializing in Behavior

A number of trainers, not on our recommended list, will use the title “behaviorist” without appropriate credentials or experience. The behaviorists listed below are either veterinarians who specialize in behavior issues and can prescribe medication or an Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (ACAAB).

However, our recommended trainers can all give you advice and guidance on behavior issues. You may want to meet with a trainer first to decide if you need to see a behaviorist. Also check our handouts under “behavior issues” and previous webinars on our YouTube channel for an overview of many of the problems you may be facing.

Veterinary Behaviorists

*Dr. Reich, Dr. Sinn, and Dr. Pike are all Board certified by the American College of Veterinary Behavior (ACVB), the certifying board for veterinarians who are specialty trained to advance the behavioral health of animals through clinical practice, research, and science-based behavior education.

Maryland-Virginia Veterinary Behavior Consulting
Dr. Marsha Reich, DVM, DACVB
https://www.dacvb.org/members/?id=55074830
301-384-3900
Board certified by the American College of Veterinary Behavior. In-home consults.

Behavior Solutions
Dr. Leslie Sinn, DVM, DACVB, CPDT-KA
Stacie Nyhuis, LVT, PMCT-1, CPDT-KA
Ashburn, VA, or in-home for VA residents.
http://www.behaviorsolutions.guru/
[email protected]
540-454-9081
Board certified by the American College of Veterinary Behavior, as well as a certified trainer.

Animal Behavior Wellness Center
Fairfax, VA
Amy L. Pike, DVM, DACVB, IAABC-CABC – Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist
Esther Eng, DVM – Clinical Behavior Resident
Jessey Scheip, LVT, VTS-Behavior, KPA-CTP – Board Certified Behavior Nurse
Lisa Decker, LVT
Michelle Frolov, LVT
Ashley Irvin, LVT
Kayla Frazier, CPDT-KA
Christine Michaud, CTC, CPDT-KA, PMCT
Courtney Moyer, CPDT-KA, LICSW
http://www.abwellnesscenter.com
[email protected]
1-888-438-0788, ext. 1
Owned and operated by Dr. Amy L. Pike, Board certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB). Behavior assessments, as well as behavior and training plans. On-site personalized training, reactive dog classes, puppy socialization classes, and cooperative handling classes with certified trainers. In-home training available in parts of Northern VA and NW DC. Body Language and Dogs & Storks workshops offered remotely.

Veterinarian With Practice Limited to Behavior

Friendship Behavior Specialists at Friendship Hospital for Animals
Dr. Meaghan Ropski, DVM
http://www.friendshiphospital.com
[email protected]
202-567-2092 (Email is faster for making appointments.)
A veterinarian who focuses on behavior concerns following a residency with Dr. Amy Pike. Plans to sit for the board exam in October, 2023. In office appointments at Friendship Animal Hospital in northwest DC, Monday – Thursday; email to schedule.

Veterinary Behavior Resident

Atlantic Veterinary Behavior
Dr. Meghan Connolly, DVM
http://www.atlanticveterinarybehavior.com
[email protected]
240-261-8677
In-home and phone consultations with a veterinarian specializing in behavior. Works in Montgomery County, MD and surrounding areas. Residency with Dr. Leslie Sinn.