Positive Trainers
Your Dog’s Friend (YDF) runs a variety of classes at our training center, 12221 Parklawn Drive in Rockville, MD. Click here to see our class schedule. We also recommend the trainers and recognized behavorists (in the last section) below. Where they are located is listed under their names. However, keep reading for the areas they serve.
Maryland – Beltway & Surrounding Areas
Right Start Maryland
Michelle Mange
Rockville & Germantown, MD
[email protected]
301-526-6285
Private training & behavior advice in Montgomery & Frederick counties. Group classes at YDF include Basic Manners, Agility, and Reactive Dog Class.
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 within 25 miles of Bethesda. Puppy and basic classes in Olney. Teaches Distracted Dog Class, weekday Reactive Dog Class, and Obedience Skills at YDF.
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, in Montgomery County, NW DC, and parts of Northern VA. Teaches Puppy K, Puppy 1st Grade, Out & About, Treibball, It’s All Just Fun & Games, and one-session skill clinics (COME, Leash Manners, and Please Stop Jumping!) at YDF. Co-teaches the online Reactive Dog Class.
Small & Tall Dog Training
Lisa Arant
Rockville, MD
www.smallandtalldogtraining.com
[email protected]
301-704-0352
Private training in Montgomery and southern Frederick counties. Discounts available for recently adopted dogs. Special interest in therapy dog training. Play & Games for Small Dogs, Confidence Building, Fearful Dog Class, Basic Manners, CGC Prep, and puppy classes at YDF.
Behavior United
Jackie Monyano, KPA-CTP
Silver Spring, MD
www.behaviorunited.com
[email protected]
301-244-9808
In-home and day training in the Northwest DC and Montgomery County, MD areas. Teaches Holiday Manners, Proof Positive, Simmer Down Now, and other one-session classes at YDF and other group classes at Humane Rescue Alliance.
Dog Latin Dog Training
Beth Mullen, KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA, CBCC
Juliana Willems, KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA
Bethesda, MD
www.doglatindogtraining.com
[email protected]
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.
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 Montgomery County, Prince Georges County, and Washington, DC. Puppy, Basic, “around town”, and reactive classes in Takoma Park, MD.
Harlow School for Dogs
Kimmie Harlow, KPA-CTP
Rockville
[email protected]
240-286-8835
Private in-home training and behavior counseling in Montgomery County, parts of DC, and northern VA.
Pawsitive Paws
Jean Robertson
Germantown, MD
www.pawsitivepaws-dogtraining.com
[email protected]
301-524-3385
Private in-home training and behavior modification. All areas within a 50 mile radius of Germantown.
Capitol Area Dog Training and Behavior Consulting
Dianna Stearns, CDPT-KA, CDBC
Germantown, MD
www.capitoltrainingandbehavior.com
[email protected]
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.
MJ Seemann
[email protected]
301-986-4918
Private training and behavior modification in Bethesda and surrounding area.
Special Paws
Katalin Kerekes
www.specialpawstraining.com
[email protected]
301-655-2678
Private training and behavior modification in Gaithersburg, Rockville, Germantown & Bethesda.
Urban Canine
Jessica Lamb, CPDT-KA
Silver Spring, MD
www.urbancaninetraining.com
[email protected]
571-338-2009
Training and behavior consultations in lower Montgomery County and parts of NW, DC.
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 to learn and practice methods with your dog.
Maryland – Frederick & Surrounding Areas (including WV)
Smart Dog University
Laurie Luck, KPA-CTP
Frederick & Mt Airy, MD
www.smartdoguniversity.com
[email protected]
240-848-3468
Puppy, rolling enrollment “building blocks”, and Nose Work classes in Frederick. Private training in northern Montgomery and Frederick counties. Member of the Karen Pryor Academy faculty.
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 K9 Nose Work.
WiggleButts Dog Training
Tammy Tucker, CPDT-KA
Laytonsville, MD
www.wigglebuttsdog.com
[email protected]
410-259-5136
Group classes offered near Laytonsville: puppy, manners, Nose Work, therapy dog and CGC readiness, games & tricks. Private training and behavior consultations in Carroll, Howard, and parts of Montgomery and Baltimore counties.
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 MD
One-on-One Dog Training
Laura Costas
Mt. Rainier, MD
www.1on1dogtraining.com
[email protected]
301-650-2326
Private, in-home training in all of DC, all of Silver Spring, Takoma Park, College Park, Hyattsville, Beltsville, Riverdale. Also, Kensington and Chevy Chase. Specializes in aggression issues.
Clicker Savvy Canines
Joanne Pazmino, KPA-CTP
College Park, MD
www.clickersavvycanines.com
[email protected]
301-775-8428
Private, in-home training and behavior consultations in Prince George’s and surrounding counties (Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Howard & Montgomery). Puppy, Fundamental, Problem Solving, and Behavior Modification Packages are available.
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, and Howard counties.
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 care & boarding available for students.
Unleashed Joy
Beth Joy, CPDT-KA, PMCT
Ellicott City, MD
www.unleashedjoy.com
[email protected]
410-404-6492
Puppy, manners, reactive, and activities classes. Day care, boarding, and board and train. Private training and behavior modification in Baltimore, Howard, and Carroll counties, Baltimore city, and surrounding areas.
My Fantastic Friend
Jessica Ring, PMCT
Ellicott City, MD
www.myfantasticfriend.com
[email protected]
443-741-1044
Semi-private group classes for puppies, adults, seniors and timid dogs; intermediate and tricks classes. Mini-classes include coming when called, polite leash walking and door dash prevention. One-session workshops on various topics. Private in-home lessons and day training while you’re away in Howard County and surrounding areas.
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.
Canine Lifestyle Academy
Meghan Burton
Sykesville, MD
www.caninelifestyleacademy.com
[email protected]
443-386-0480
Puppy, Basic, and Reactive classes in Westminster/Sykesville. In-home and day training in Carroll, Howard, and western Baltimore counties. Board & Train or boarding only available at her home. Special interest in Pit Bulls, Pit mixes, and other bully breeds.
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, certified separation anxiety trainer
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; or online for separation anxiety or cat issues. Free initial separation anxiety consultation by phone.
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.
Positively Dogs
Lindsey Reese, CPDT-KA, CKO
Annapolis, MD
www.positively-dogs.com
[email protected]
443-481-7612
Behavior modification, leveled group classes for puppy and adult dogs, agility, and board and train available at STAY Pet Resort in Harmans, MD (adjacent to BWI Airport). Private in-home lessons offered in the Greater Annapolis area.
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.
Toad Hollow Dog Training
Margie Dowsett
Davidsonville, MD
[email protected]
410-798-6875
Group classes for dogs 4 months and older at Quiet Waters in Annapolis, Camp Letts in Edgewater, and Bell Branch Park in Gambrills. Private training in Anne Arundel and parts of Prince Georges counties.
Best Friends Forever Pet Services
Laurie Scible, CPDT-KA
Crofton, MD
www.bffpetservices.com
[email protected]
410-867-3742 or 410-279-6338
In-home manners training and behavior modification in all of Anne Arundel County, northern Calvert County, and eastern and southern Prince Georges County. Will help families choose their pet and then introduce their new “family member”to the rest of the household.
Washington, DC
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. Teaches children’s classes and camp at YDF.
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.
Happy Pack Dog Training
Helene Jorgensen, CPDT-KA
Brookland
www.happypackDC.com
[email protected]
202-281-8144
Private training and behavior consultations at District Veterinary Hospital in Brookland DC and in the home (all of District of Columbia, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase). Specialized in addressing leash pulling, dog reactivity/ aggression issues, and resource guarding.
Spot On Dog Training
Toni Woods
Capitol Hill (Metro Mutts, H St, NE); NW (Patrick’s Pet Care & City Dogs, 11th St, NW); SE (Wagtime Too, M St, SE); and Arlington, VA (Dog Paws & Cat Claws)
www.spotondogtrainingdc.com
[email protected]
202-629-2967
Training at four different locations. Basic and puppy classes, reactive dog classes, & mini-series targeting specific issues, like pulling on leash and coming when called. Soon adding agility, freestyle, and exercise classes for dogs and their people. Private training and behavior problem solving. Foster dog classes.
Humane Rescue Alliance
(formerly Washington Animal Rescue League & Washington Humane Society)
Oglethorpe St, NW & New York Ave, NE
www.humanerescuealliance.org
[email protected]
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
All About Dogs
Woodbridge, Springfield & Falls Church
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 and class attendance is flexible. Specialty classes: dog-reactive, people-reactive, confidence building, and impulse control. One-session training workshops; Nosework (beginning – advanced); free puppy socials. Private training sessions and day training while the dog is in day care.
KissAble Canine
Lisa Colon, CPDT-KA
Arlington, VA
www.KissAbleCanine.com
[email protected]
703-574-3383
Puppy, basic, intermediate, and “sniff” classes at Animal Welfare League of Arlington. Private in-home training, behavior modification, and “day training” while you’re at work, in VA, DC and southern Montgomery County.
WOOFS!
Arlington, Ballston & Shirlington
www.woofsdogtraining.com
[email protected]
Ballston: 703-536-7877
Shirlington: 703-379-9022
Puppy, obedience, Nose Work, Rally, and Agility classes. Private lessons, aggression consultations, board & train, day care & day school.
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, CPDT-KSA, CBCC-KA
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
Sandy Modell, CPDT-KA
Alexandria, VA
www.wholistichound.com
[email protected]
571-238-9145
Group classes, including Puppy K, Family Dog I & II, Dog Sports FUN! & 4 week focus classes. In-home private lessons in northern VA.
Cooperative Paws
Veronica Sanchez, CPDT-KA, CDBC
Vienna, VA
www.cooperativepaws.com
[email protected]
703-489-6452
Private lessons at Vienna location. Behavior consultations for separation anxiety. Training for puppies, service dogs, and therapy dogs, including Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test preparation.
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.
Pawsitive Pups
Sabine Poinelli
Fairfax, VA
www.trainpawsitive.org
[email protected]
703-825-8020
Private training and behavior counseling in northern Virginia and Washington, DC with a special interest in fearful dogs. Learn to groom your dog.
C & C Pals
Carole Peeler, CPDT-KA, CDBC
Tyson’s Corner, Springfield & Falls Church
www.positivek9training.com
www.fallschurchva.gov
703-876-0284
Basic & advanced obedience classes at Dogtopia Tyson’s Corner, Just-Fur Pets Springfield, and Falls Church Community Center. Field trips for practice in real-life settings. Private in-home behavioral consultation & training in the DC area.
Yody Blass, MA, certified by the National Association of Animal Behaviorists
Pamela Uncles, M.Ed, CDBC
Companion Animal Behavior
Northern Virginia
www.petbehaviorist.com
[email protected]
[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.
Joyful Dog
Marnie Montgomery, PMCT, 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 Reactive Dog Class for YDF.
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. Introduction to Rally at Periland in Knoxville, MD (west of Frederick).
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 two locations in Winchester: Posh Pets Boutique and Winchester Aquarium and Pet Center. Basic, puppy classes, CGC and Pet Partners training and testing, Tricks, Treibball, Rally.
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.
Tracy Krulik, CTC, CSAT (Certified Separation Anxiety trainer)
Ashburn, VA
www.tracykrulik.com
[email protected]
703-399-0112
Separation Anxiety training: Stop the barking, howling, frantic running, peeing, destruction, and injuries when you’re not home with your dog. This private training is done remotely; so, it’s possible to work with your dog no matter where you live.
Searching for a trainer in another location?
We are sure you will find a trainer near you at one or all of these sites:
www.petprofessionalguild.com
www.karenpryoracademy.com/find-a-trainer
www.trulydogfriendly.com
www.apdt.com
Veterinary Behaviorists
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” for an overview of many of the problems you may be facing.
Dr. Marsha Reich, DVM, DACVB
Maryland-Virginia Veterinary Behavior Consulting
301-384-3900
Board certified by the American College of Veterinary Behavior. In-home consults.
Dr. Leslie Sinn, DACVB, CPDT-KA
Behavior Solutions for Pets
Leesburg, Purcellville & Haymarket, VA, or in-home for VA residents.
540-454-9081
http://www.behaviorsolutions.
[email protected]
Board certified by the American College of Veterinary Behavior, as well as a certified trainer
Animal Behavior Wellness Center
Centreville, Manassas, and Herndon, VA
Dr. Amy Pike, DVM, DACVB
Jessey Scheip, KPA CTP
Kaya Paugh, BS, Psychology
http://www.abwellnesscenter.com
[email protected]
1-888-438-0788; 703-361-0710, ext 4
Dr. Pike is Board certified by the American College of Veterinary Behavior – Behavioral assessments are currently being conducted at the Veterinary Referral Center of Northern Virginia in Manassas. Training assessment, on-site training, and puppy socialization classes in Herndon with certified trainer Jessey Scheip. In-home training in parts of northern VA (starting in July). Pet selection counseling, workshops, and community education.
Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists
Nancy Williams, ACAAB
Dogs With Issues
Manchester, MD
www.dogswithissues.com
410-374-1556
Behavior consults in Manchester facility, in-home, or by phone.
Mary Huntsberry, ACAAB
Helping Pets Behave
Gaithersburg, MD
301-337-7401
www.helpingpetsbehave.com
[email protected]
In-home behavior consults. Puppy, handling, manners, and tricks classes in Gaithersburg and Manchester, MD.
