We have four Puppy Kindergarten classes that you can join any time there’s room and plenty of Basic Manners classes on our schedule.

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Positive Trainers

 

Your Dog's Friend runs training, dog sport, and specialty classes at Your Dog's Friend Training Center, 12221 Parklawn Drive in Rockville, MD. Click here to see our class schedule. We also recommend the trainers below.

 

List current as of January, 2011

 

Michelle Mange

Group classes at Your Dog's Friend in Rockville: Basic I & II, Confidence Building, Reactive Dog Class, Agility, Rally, CGC Prep. Some classes in Frederick. Private training & behavior advice in Montgomery and Frederick counties.

Right Start Maryland Dog Training

Rockville, MD
www.rightstartmaryland.com

rightstartmaryland@verizon.net

301-526-6285
Special interest in motivating breeds that are typically difficult to motivate.

Jeni Grant, CPDT-KA

Puppy Kindergarten, Basic Manners I & II, Fearful Dog Class, and small dogs play classes for Your Dog’s Friend in Rockville. Private training & behavior counseling in upper Montgomery and lower Frederick counties. Discounts on individual sessions for adopted dogs. Telephone advice on choosing a dog is free.

Train Your Best Friend

Barnesville, MD

www.trainyourbestfriend.com

jeni@trainyourbestfriend.com

301-349-2449

Special interest in helping adopted dogs become valued family pets.

Alfhild Winder, CPDT-KA

Obedience Skills for Competition, Control & Focus, and Canine Good Citizen classes at Your Dog's Friend In Rockville. .Puppy classes for different age groups & Just the Basics at Olney-Sandy Spring Veterinary Hospital. Private training within 25 miles of Bethesda.

Come When Called Dog Training

Bethesda, MD

www.comewhencalled.com
comewhencalled@verizon.net or
Alfhild_Winder@aviationweek.com
301-229-2302
301-928-6606
202-383-2374

Jennifer Lund, CPDT-KA

Group training classes at the facility in Laytonsville. Puppy kindergarten (8-18 wks.); basic training beginner through advanced.
(Private lessons not available.)

See Spot Sit

Laytonsville, MD
www.see-spot-sit.com
Jennifer@see-spot-sit.com
301-570-2254

Laurie Luck, CPDT-KA, Karen Pryor CTP

Group training classes, puppy through adult, in Frederick.  Private in-home training in Potomac, N. Rockville, Gaithersburg, Damascus, Mt. Airy, Germantown, Laytonsville, Frederick and Olney. Weekday hours available for private training.

Smart Dog University

Frederick & Mt. Airy, MD

www.smartdoguniversity.com
laurie@smartdoguniversity.com

240-848-3468

Sarah Stoycos Karen Pryor CTP

Classes at Your Dog's Friend in Rockville, including Puppy Kindergarten, Out & About and Treibball for Fun. Private in-home training and consultations, behavior problem solving, and day training while you're at work in most of the DC metro area.

Laughing Dog Academy

Rockville, MD
www.laughingdogacademy.com
sstoycos@gmail.com
240-498-9920

 

Beth Mullen, Karen Pryor CTP, CPDT-KA
Private, in-home training in Northwest DC, Montgomery County and close- in VA. Basic manners & puppy training; fear, anxiety & aggression issues; behavior management/ modification. Animal trainer at Montgomery
County Humane Society.

Dog Latin Dog Training
Bethesda, MD
http://www.doglatindogtraining.com/
doglatindogtraining@verizon.net
202-412-0708

Special interest in behavioral problem-solving and rescue dogs.

Margarita Revzin
Carolyn Gasnier

Group and private classes in Gaithersburg; puppy kindergarten through Utility; behavior problem solving. Kids are welcome.

Excellent Dog

Gaithersburg, MD

www.excellentdoginc.com

mrevzin@excellentdoginc.com

240-888-8415

Kim Yocklin

Classes, private training, and behavioral consultations at facility in Frederick.

Puppy kindergarten; good manners; tricks and games.

Canine Character

Frederick, MD

www.caninecharacter.com

info@caninecharacter.com

301-639-6536

Experience with reactive dogs.

Cari Messick, CPDT-KA

Private in-home lessons & consultations in Frederick, Jefferson & Brunswick, MD; Harpers Ferry, Charles Town, WV; Winchester & most of Clarke County, VA. Group classes in Frederick, MD & Charles Town, West VA. Puppy K, basic through advanced manners, Canine Good Citizen, Out & About, Nosework.

FitHound Puppy & Dog Training

Frederick, MD / CharlesTown, WV

www.fithound.com
cari@fithound.com
301-252-0366

 

MJ Seemann

Group classes and private training at the Bethesda facility.  Puppy and adult basic training; pre-agility.  Emphasizes focus and control.  Works with many rescue dogs and young families.

Bethesda PetSmart

Bethesda, MD
(Wisconsin Ave & Bradley Blvd.)

240-497-1350 (work)

jcliles@comcast.net
301-986-4918

Ann Melchior
Eileen Freedman

Teach some of the basic and puppy classes at Capital Dog Training Club in Silver Spring.  Check www.cdtc.org for teaching schedule.

Eileen also does private, in-home training. Puppies are her specialty.

amelchior@verizon.net
eileenmark@msn.com

Note: There are a variety of instructors at Capital.  We suggest that you interview any instructor and observe a class to determine if you re comfortable with that instructor s training methods.

Laura Costas

Private, in-home training in all of DC, all of Silver Spring, Takoma Park , Bethesda, Kensington, Chevy Chase, some Rockville, College Park.

Foundation obedience for companion dogs; behavior problem solving.

One-on-One Dog Training

Silver Spring, MD

www.1on1dogtraining.com
laura.1on1dogtraining@gmail.com

301-650-2326

Special interest in dog aggression.

Katalin Kerekes

Private in-home training and behavior modification in Kensington, Chevy Chase, Potomac, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Frederick.

Basic to advanced cues, work around distractions, tricks and games.

Special Paws Training

www.specialpawstraining.com
info@specialpawstraining.com

301-655-2678

Interest in resource guarding, reactive dogs, shy dogs.

Chris Bevillard, CPDT-KA

Private in-home training in Frederick, Montgomery, Carroll & Howard counties.

Training classes in Frederick: 12-26 week memberships with unlimited levels training during that time; free puppy social classes.

Great Canines

Mt. Airy, MD

www.GR8K9S.com

 

The Positive Dog Trainers

Frederick, MD

www.thepositivedogtrainers.net

Penelope Brown, CPDT-KA

Private in-home training in D.C., parts of MD (Silver Spring, Takoma Park , some of Bethesda), and parts of VA.

Pet dog training; behavior modification; reactive dogs, some aggression.

Phi Beta K-9 School for Dogs

Washington, DC

swamidogs@gmail.com

202-986-1147

Hedda Garland, CPDT-KA

Private training in DC, Takoma Park, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Kensington, Rockville, Potomac, Silver Spring.

Good manners; behavior problems; therapy and assistance dogs. Offers Dogs & Storks program for expecting and adopting parents. Teaches children's classes and camp at Your Dog's Friend in Rockville.

School of Dogs

Washington, DC

www.schoolofdogs.com

heddagarland@schoolofdogs.com

202-363-2310

Michelle Yue, CPDT-KA

Private in-home sessions in northwest DC. Group classes at Washington Animal Rescue League.

Good Dog DC

Washington, DC
www.gooddogdc.com
Michelle@gooddogdc.com
202-341-5302

Sabine Hentrich, CPDT-KA

Private in-home lessons with the guardian, as well as in-home day school or board and training while you're at work. Group classes in Greenbelt, MD. Private training in parts of Prince Georges (Greenbelt, College Park, Hyattsville, Bowie), southern Montgomery (Takoma Park/Silver Spring area), and Anne Arundel counties.

Four Positive Paws

Greenbelt, MD
www.fourpositivepaws.com
fourpositivepaws@verizon.net
301-580-0988

Jules Nye, CPDT-KA, KPA CTP

Private lessons at your home in Anne Arundel, Howard, Baltimore, Montgomery, Prince Georges & surrounding counties. Basic manners & puppy training; fear, anxiety & aggression issues; behavior management / modification. Classes in Severna Park, MD. Internships available.

Sit, Stay and Play

www.sitstayandplay.com

info@sitstayandplay.com

443-791-3647

Special interest in training blind and deaf dogs; cat & ferret training.

Julie Jacobus , ABCDT

Group classes at the Humane Society of Charles County. Private in-home training and consultations in Charles, Calvert, St. Mary's, Anne Arundel, and Prince Georges counties.

Classes include Puppy, Basic, Canine Good Citizen prep, Advance Unleashed. Behavior modification for problem behaviors in privates.

Training by Julie

Southern MD

www.trainingbyjulie.com

info@trainingbyjulie.com

443-852-4912

Special interest in aggression rehabilitation and rescue dogs.

Margie Dowsett

Group classes for dogs 4 months and older at Quiet Waters in Annapolis, Camp Letts in Edgewater and Bell Branch Park in Gambrills.

Private in-home training in Anne Arundel and parts of Prince Georges counties.

Toad Hollow Dog Training

Davidsonville, MD

margiedowsett@aol.com
410-798-6875

Special interest in shelter and rescue dogs.

Heather Morris, CPDT-KA

Private training & behavior problem solving. Mini-series to target specific issues, like pulling on leash and coming when called, in Washington, DC & at Your Dog's Friend in Rockville. Training classes at Capitol Hill facility.

Spot on Training

Capitol Hill, Washington, DC

www.spotondogtrainingdc.com

Heather@spotondogtrainingdc.com
202-629-2967

Special interest in reactive dogs, canine nutrion, holistic health, dog play and communication

Robin Bennett, CPDT-KA
Colleen Pelar, CPDT-KA, CDBC

Family-dog training classes and playgroups at All About Dogs; private training and behavioral counseling in the Woodbridge, VA area.  Rowdy Rover reactive dog classes. Dogs advance through classes by levels.

Living with Kids and Dogs Without Losing Your Mind by Colleen Pelar

Off-Leash Dog Play: A Complete Guide to Safety and Fun by Robin Bennett & Susan Briggs

All About Dogs, Inc.

Living With Kids and Dogs

Woodbridge, VA

www.livingwithkidsanddogs.com
www.allaboutdogsinc.com
colleen@livingwithkidsanddogs.com
703-980-0908

info@allaboutdogsinc.com
703-497-7878

Weekend events with kids and dogs; Monthly TTouch workshops; Seminars by nationally known dog trainers.

Lisa Colon Tudor, CPDT-KA

Group classes in Arlington, VA, including Puppy, Manners, activity and adventure classes. Private in-home training, behavior modification, and "day training" while you're at work, in VA, DC and southern Montgomery County.

 

KissAble Canine

Arlington, VA

www.KissAbleCanine.com

Trainer@KissAbleCanine.com

703-574-3383

Vivian Leven Shoemaker, CPDT-KA

Focuses exclusively on resolving behavior problems. Behavior modification consults in the DC metropolitan area.

POSITIVE DOG

Alexandria, VA

www.PositiveDog.net

Vivian@PositiveDog.net

703-628-6637

Sandy Modell, CPDT-KA

Group classes for the city of Alexandria, including Puppy K, Family Dog I & II, Dog Sports FUN! & 4 week focus classes. In-home private lessons in northern VA.

Wholistic Hound

Alexandria, VA

www.wholistichound.com
smodell@comcast.net
571-238-9145

Anne Davis, CDT

Private, in-home training & group classes: Basic through advanced; raising dogs in families with babies; field trips around distractions; relaxation in stressful situations.

Rudy's Friends Dog Training & Dog Paws University

Arlington, VA
www.rudysfriendsdogtraining.com
rudysfriends@cox.net
703-395-9450

Alison Coates, CPDT-KA

In-Home Day School: Trainer comes to your house & trains your dog for you, then teaches you how to maintain the behavior.

Available in Falls Church, Annandale, McLean, Alexandria, Vienna & Arlington, VA; part of Washington, DC; Bethesda & Silver Spring, MD.
Also teaches basic & intermediate manners classes at WOOFS! Dog Training Center in Arlington, VA.

K to 9 Dog Training

Falls Church, VA
www.Kto9dogtraining.com
Alison@kto9dogtraining.com
571-207-5869
Special interest in reactive dogs.

 

Fur-Get Me Not Dog Training School

Levels system used for puppy and obedience training, so dogs can progress at their own rate and class attendance is flexible. Also runs specialty classes, puppy socials, private manners and behavior modification training.

Arlington, VA
www.FurGetMeNot.com
Trainer@FurGetMeNot.com
703-933-1935

Veronica Sanchez, CPDT-KA, CDBC

Private lessons at Vienna location and in clients' homes in Northern Virginia, Washington DC , and parts of MD.

Classes in manners, obedience, Canine Good Citizen prep. Behavior consultations for aggression, fearful behavior and other behavior issues.

Cooperative Paws

Vienna , VA

www.cooperativepaws.com

veronica@cooperativepaws.com

703-489-6452

Special interest in shelter and rescue dogs.

Leigh Siegfried, CPDT –KA

Group classes in Herndon & Tysons Corner for puppies and adult dogs. Also, short classes and workshops on specific skills. Private in-home training and behavior consultations in Northern VA. BOARDING SCHOOL in Bucks County, PA (3 hours from DC); pick-up & drop-off may be available.

Opportunity Barks Behavior & Training

Tyson's Corner & Herndon, VA
www.opbarks.com
info@opbarks.com

888-672-2757

Carole Peeler, CPDT –KA, CDBC

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.

C&C Pals

Tyson's Corner, Springfield & Falls Church
www.positivek9training.com
www.fallschurchva.gov
703-876-0284
Special interest in behavioral problem solving.

Lindsey Reese, CPDT-KA, CKO

In-home private training in and around the Annapolis area including Eastport, Davidsonville, Edgewater, and Crofton. Fun fitness club. BOARD & TRAIN at Beechnut Kennels in Edgewater, MD.

Positively Dogs

Annapolis, MD
www.positively-dogs.com
info@positively-dogs.com
443-481-7612
Special interest in working with families.

Leslie Fisher, CPDT-KA, PMCT

In-home lessons and group classes, including Good Manners, Growly Group, Pre-Agility, and Rally. BOARD & TRAIN at Rainwood Kennels (2 hours or less from DC area). Obedience training or work on behavior issues. Meets with owners on day of drop- off; hands-on training session on day of pick-up with typed notes & articles included. Carries non-aversive pet products. Check www.lookwhaticandopetsupplies.com.

Look What I Can Do Dog Training

Elkton, MD

www.lookwhaticandodogtraining.com
lookwhaticandodogtraining@gmail.com
443-350-6820
Special interest in fear aggressive dogs and rescue dogs that have never lived in a house.

Elisabeth Catalano, MA; CPDT-KA; CDBC
Vincent Catalano, CNWI; CPDT-KA; CDBC

Group, private, and in-home training; behavior consultations for problems, including aggression.

Puppy groups, parties, and day camp. Intro through advanced dog training; Agility, Rally, Nose Work, Freestyle, games. Educational seminars. Doggie Day Care.

The Coventry School Inc. for Dogs and their People

Columbia, MD

www.thecoventryschool.com

coventryschool@verizon.net

410-381-1800

Debbie Winkler, CPDT-KA, CABC

Classes at the facility; private training and behavior counseling there or in home (Baltimore and Carroll counties).

Puppy kindergarten; basic to advanced obedience; CGC; training for therapy and assistance dogs; agility; behavior modification for dogs with anxiety disorder.  Apprenticeships and internships available.

Dog Ears and Paws, Inc.

Humane Domain
Sykesville, MD

www.humanedomain.net

deb@humanedomain.net

410-549-1135

Experience with serious aggression cases.

Tammy Tucker, CPDT-KA

In-home private lessons and behavior consultations in Carroll, Howard, northeast Montgomery, & southwest Baltimore counties. Group classes offered at See Spot Sit in Laytonsville: Puppy K, levels obedience, Nose Work, and therapy dog prep.

WiggleButts Dog Training

Marriottsville, MD
www.wigglebuttsdog.com
tammy@wigglebuttsdog.com
410-259-5136

 

Alisa Mills, CPDT-KA

Classes at various sites in the Baltimore area; private in-home training.

Puppy classes; basic skills and manner; tricks and games; dog socials.

You Silly Dog

Parkville, MD  (near Baltimore)

www.yousillydog.com

alisa@yousillydog.com

443-625-9866

Pat Miller, CPDT-KA, CDBC, BS

Nationally known dog trainer and author.

Puppy and adult training classes; short, specialty classes (polite greeting, recall, leash walking, targeting, and shaping); three-day Reactive Rover training camps.

Private lessons for advanced training work or for behavior modification dealing with problem behaviors, including aggression.

Apprentice and internship programs.

Peaceable Paws

Hagerstown, MD

www.peaceablepaws.com

ppaws3@earthlink.net

301-582-9420

Author, "The Power of Positive Dog Training," "Positive Perspectives" ; Whole Dog Journal Training Editor

Experience with serious aggression cases.

Pam Wanveer

Certified TTouch practitioner (level 3) with ten years experience. Private sessions at her home in Silver Spring; group classes at Your Dog's Friend Training Center in Rockville.

Woodside TTouch

Silver Spring, MD

www.WoodsideTTouch.com

woodside@hers.com

301-585-5675

TTouch involves body work, wraps, and confidence exercises. These methods can help dogs calm down, feel less anxious, or have greater mobility.

 

Behaviorists

Dr. E. Kathryn Meyer, VMD

Veterinary Behavior Clinic
Gaithersburg, MD  301-947-3333

www.veterinarybehaviorclinic.com

vetbehaviorclinic@comcast.net

Dr. Marsha Reich,

DVM, Dacvb
Rockville, MD 
301-384-3900

Board certified by the American College of Veterinary Behavior

Nancy Williams, MA, RVT Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Associate Manchester, MD 

410-374-1556

www.dogswithissues.com
www.certifiedanimalbehaviorist.com
info@dogswithissues.com

Cases seen by veterinary referral; case assessment sent to client s veterinarian.

Yody Blass, MA

Pamela Uncles, M.Ed.

A team of animal behaviorists working in VA, MD and DC

703-327-7205
www.petbehaviorist.com
ab@petbehaviorist.com

M - F before 7pm


Although not included in this list, Your Dog’s Friend can refer you to other positive reinforcement trainers in the following locations:

  • Davidsonville, MD
  • Annapolis, MD
  • Richmond, VA

    and other locations throughout the country.