This is a list of the top dog trainers in Virginia, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
GDU TDT -AKC CGC and Trick dog Evaluator
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training
Charlottesville and Central Virginia
Green Dogs Unleashed is a special needs animal rescue and therapy dog program. A non profit organization Founded in 2012, Erika Proctor has been the director and animal behavior specialist focusing on therapy work, basic through advanced classes, tricks, fitness and sport work, rescuing dogs on our community, and helping Pet parents build a bond with their furry friends ensuring happy well a...
KPA-CTP
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Serving Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Norfolk
Hi! I'm Thomi I can help with many common issues such as but not limited to:Fear, Anxiety, Stress, Destruction, Chewing, Digging, Scratching, House Soiling, Reactivity, Jumping, Barking, Over-excitement, Rough Play, Nipping, and more!Pet training isn't just about your pet. In fact, the most integral part of the training process is you. That's why we work together to make sure your training pla...
CPDT-KA
Reactive dog training, Agility training, Board and train, In home training, Puppy training
Hampton, Smithfield, Newport News, Chesapeake, Zuni, Windsor, Norfolk
Elizabeth has loved dogs her whole life. She grew up with a few mixed breeds but was given a Pomeranian in elementary school. A lack of knowledge lead to that dog being hit by a car when he slipped out of his harness. In Junior high a second Pomeranian joined the family and lived as a beloved pet until he was 15 years old. Once Elizabeth moved out and was on her own she rescued a beagle mix nam...
CPDT-KA, VSA-CDT
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Puppy training
Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Yorktown, Williamsburg
Sharing your home with an animal can be one of the most rewarding things in life. Making sure your animal is well trained will give both of you more time to enjoy each other's company, and less stress for your dog and your family. Modern, science based force-free training is full of fun techniques that will give you and your pet a happier life together through better communication.
Cat...
CPDT-KA
Reactive dog training, Board and train, Puppy training
Chantilly, Ashburn, South Riding, Centreville
I started at Pender Pet Retreat in 2017 and my interest in dog behavior has only grown since then. I specialize in puppy training and basic obedience work. My training beliefs center around a strong relationship between the dog and human through proper communication.
I received my CPDT-KA in 2021 and have enjoyed working with all different kinds of dogs and owners. I also love my own...
Graduate of Police K-9 Dog Training School and was Certified for Narcotics Detection-by the USPCA in 1999
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training
Reston, VA, Fairfax and Loudoun Counties
Former Police K9 Officer turned Dog Trainer & Behaviorist, Michael Peer had found his "calling" when he created dOgbedience (short for Dog Obedience) in 2011. A year and half prior, he had rescued a 4 month old Rottweiler (Rogue) who was battling Addison's Disease; Rogue became his inspiration in helping other dogs and their families. In no time, he became Michael's dog training assistant and b...
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Albemarle and Greene county
I've been training professionally for 5 years
CPDT-KA
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training
Prince William County (Occoquan, Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Dale City, Dumfries, parts of Manassas), Fairfax County (Lorton, Burke, Springfield, parts of Fairfax), North Stafford
Carla has an extensive background in animal behavior, training and animal care. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers® (CCPDT®). Carla has over 25 years of various animal related experience and education that she uses to formulate a customized training plan for your family and pets. Her back...
CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC, FFCP, FDM
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Puppy training
Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Moyock, Newport News, Yorktown, Hampton, Suffolk
I started Freak on a Leash in 2015 because I am passionate about positive reinforcement training and teaching people the kindest ways of interacting with their dogs. I am a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). I am also a Certified Professional Dog Trainer,...
IAABC Accredited Dog Trainer, Graduate of CATCH Canine Trainer's Academy, Pet First Aid Certified
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training
Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, North Suffolk
I am a 26-year old Accredited Dog Trainer with a passion for helping dogs and their humans live their best lives together.
In September of 2018, I founded a dog walking and pet-sitting business that I dubbed "Barks and Rec." I had begun attending CATCH Canine Trainer's Academy the month before in pursuit of a dog training certification. For several months, I attended both a local univ...
CPDT-KA
Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Puppy training
Northern Virginia, DC, Maryland within the beltway
I am a former lawyer turned trainer after dealing with a reactive dog of my own. I have been training since November of 2008 in Arlington, Virginia and I have the best clients.
Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Agility training, Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Northern Virginia and D.C.
Having grown up with several large breeds in the house since a young age, he has developed a strong relationship caring for larger dogs. He has spent several years in the dog care industry. Working in daycare, boarding, and even running a foster program with a local beagle rescue. He has most recently settled on training and his passion for dogs has only grown since then.
Service dog training, Agility training, Board and train, In home training, Puppy training
Dog trainer and boarder
CGC Evaluator
Reactive dog training, Service dog training, In home training, Puppy training
Fredericksburg, Virginia Stafford, Virginia Spotsylvania, Virginia
I am Charlene and I own Pawsitive Reflection Dog Training! I've been training dogs for about 6 years. While stationed in Okinawa, Japan I was the only Positive Reinforcement Trainer! I am currently continuing my education through the Victoria Stilwell Academy and am excited to serve the Fredericksburg, Va and surrounding areas!
PMCT-2, KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA, CTDI, CCFT, CSAT, SDC
Puppy training
Winchester, VA
I have always loved the companionship of animals, from dogs, to cats, to bunnies, parakeets and gerbils; and have had one or more at any given time since childhood. Pets can teach us so much about helping others, seeing humor in situations, and teach responsibility and compassion. Even though I have always had a menagerie of some sort, and loved my pets, I had never planned to be a dog trainer....
CPDT-KA
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training
Hampton Roads Virginia and Northeast North Carolina
With almost 2 decades of hands on experience in veterinary hospitals, local shelters and rescues, Crystal has been working with pets and their people to improve their lives together in many different settings. She received a dual bachelors degrees in biology and psychology, from Old Dominion University in 2009. Clients will often joke that she is their dogs therapist during their sessions toget...
Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP) Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) Certified Behavior Consultant Canine (CBCC-KA)
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Arlington, VA Northwest, Washington, DC
JW Dog Training & Behavior provides professional, expert dog training and behavior support to the DMV area -- primarily Arlington, NW DC, and parts of lower Montgomery County. We specialize in one-on-one lessons with clients, working virtually and in the client's home to thoroughly address behavior issues and build skills.
Training sessions are fun and low stress for both the dog and h...
In home training, Puppy training
Chesapeake, VA
After spending 30 years as a biology professor and training dogs all my life, I began teaching professionally. My experience with dogs ranges from owning a sled dog kennel in Michigan, training for the show, obedience, and Rally rings, and teaching classes for local obedience clubs.
I specialize in changing mouthy, rambunctious puppies and out-of-control adolescent dogs into calm and w...
PMCT2
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training
Surry County
I am a Pat Miller Certified trainer and have worked with dogs in a shelter setting as well as in homes.
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, Certified Pet Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training
Richmond, Chesterfield
I support families whose dogs experience anxiety or display aggressive behaviors.
Green Dogs Unleashed is a special needs animal rescue and therapy dog program. A non profit organization Founded in 2012, Erika Proctor has been the director and animal behavior specialist focusing on therapy work, basic through advanced classes, tricks, fitness and sport work, rescuing dogs on our community, and helping Pet parents build a bond with their furry friends ensuring happy well a...
Sharing your home with an animal can be one of the most rewarding things in life. Making sure your animal is well trained will give both of you more time to enjoy each other's company, and less stress for your dog and your family. Modern, science based force-free training is full of fun techniques that will give you and your pet a happier life together through better communication.
Cat...
I started at Pender Pet Retreat in 2017 and my interest in dog behavior has only grown since then. I specialize in puppy training and basic obedience work. My training beliefs center around a strong relationship between the dog and human through proper communication.
I received my CPDT-KA in 2021 and have enjoyed working with all different kinds of dogs and owners. I also love my own...
Hi! I'm Thomi I can help with many common issues such as but not limited to:Fear, Anxiety, Stress, Destruction, Chewing, Digging, Scratching, House Soiling, Reactivity, Jumping, Barking, Over-excitement, Rough Play, Nipping, and more!Pet training isn't just about your pet. In fact, the most integral part of the training process is you. That's why we work together to make sure your training pla...
Elizabeth has loved dogs her whole life. She grew up with a few mixed breeds but was given a Pomeranian in elementary school. A lack of knowledge lead to that dog being hit by a car when he slipped out of his harness. In Junior high a second Pomeranian joined the family and lived as a beloved pet until he was 15 years old. Once Elizabeth moved out and was on her own she rescued a beagle mix nam...
I started Freak on a Leash in 2015 because I am passionate about positive reinforcement training and teaching people the kindest ways of interacting with their dogs. I am a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). I am also a Certified Professional Dog Trainer,...
I am a 26-year old Accredited Dog Trainer with a passion for helping dogs and their humans live their best lives together.
In September of 2018, I founded a dog walking and pet-sitting business that I dubbed "Barks and Rec." I had begun attending CATCH Canine Trainer's Academy the month before in pursuit of a dog training certification. For several months, I attended both a local univ...
With almost 2 decades of hands on experience in veterinary hospitals, local shelters and rescues, Crystal has been working with pets and their people to improve their lives together in many different settings. She received a dual bachelors degrees in biology and psychology, from Old Dominion University in 2009. Clients will often joke that she is their dogs therapist during their sessions toget...
After spending 30 years as a biology professor and training dogs all my life, I began teaching professionally. My experience with dogs ranges from owning a sled dog kennel in Michigan, training for the show, obedience, and Rally rings, and teaching classes for local obedience clubs.
I specialize in changing mouthy, rambunctious puppies and out-of-control adolescent dogs into calm and w...
I am a Pat Miller Certified trainer and have worked with dogs in a shelter setting as well as in homes.
I support families whose dogs experience anxiety or display aggressive behaviors.
Trainer and behavior consultant of 35 years
My Alaskan Malamute, Silas, started my journey in dog training. We missed out on puppy classes in my rural college town due to lack of availability. Once in Virginia Beach we worked our way through CGC but were not ready to stop there. I found HROTC to take the CGCA test and then started learning Rally. I now look forward to giving new puppy owners guidance to form the solid foundation I missed...
My training career started with a reactive dog I adopted in 2017. I had to learn tons about behavior modification and reactivity to help him succeed in the world, which started my love of interpreting and identifying behavior. I spent time shadowing a professional trainer and earned my professional dog training certification in 2019 from the respected Certification Council of Professional Dog T...
Hey! My name is Cam and I am the owner of K9aholics. I am from Portsmouth, VA and graduated from Old Dominion University. I am a former Division 1 running back for ODU and Norfolk Police Officer. My love and passion for dogs started at an early age, but I really got into working dogs when I purchased my first Belgian Malinois, Draco. Shortly after, I attended Tarheel School for dog trainers and...
Welcome to Virginia’s list of top dog trainers. The Virginia list is based on 1066 votes from the Sniffspot community. Only the Virginia dog trainers with the top number of votes made this list. Trainers are ordered by number of votes, with Erika Proctor at the top of this list with 336 votes.
Our rankings include trainers certified by CPDT-KA and CPDT-KA. They also specialize in Puppy training, In home training amongst other training programs.
Virginia dog trainer services include:
Dog trainers in Virginia selflessly set pets up for success. Erika Proctor shares why they chose this path: To help pets with their people problems. All 69 trainers on this Virginia list are committed to positive reinforcement. Trusted Virginia trainer, Thomi Gill, uses the following methods: I am a rewards based trainer specializing in clicker/marker training..
Explore the top dog trainers in Virginia as voted by our community:
To help pets with their people problems/. Similarly, Thomi Gill and Elizabeth Staley have unique motivations, withTo help form a bridge between companion animals and their families.and2010driving their passion.
Every dog is an individual and family makeup is different. It is important we respect that individuality and work towards realistic expectations that work for all involved.
Seeing relationships change when families learn more about dog communication., and
Seeing relationships change when families learn more about dog communication., respectively.
As a student of science I subscribe to methods that are based in kindness, mutual respect and build relationships between owner and pet.. Meanwhile, Thomi Gill says:
I am a rewards based trainer specializing in clicker/marker training.. As you can see, there are diverse approaches to Aggressive dog training in Virginia.
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.
Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.
Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.
Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.
Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.