Sit. Stay. Learn.
The bond you can develop through training your pet is immeasurable.
It will set your dog up to flourish, not fail.
The sooner you start training your dog will have an important role in the safety and security of their life. How?
Because a large number of surrendered pets are do to behavior issues that owners find too difficult to manage, or become safety issues.
Check out our list below (updated regularly) with trainers who offer personal training, but also have great content to share with those who may not be able to have access to hiring a professional or want to continue to fine-tune their skills.
Get Training!
Did you know the pet training industry is not regulated?
This is important to recognize so you can be prepared to explore the choices and ask the right questions before you sign on for formal training.
Techniques used vary in approach and differ from positive reinforcement, “balanced” training and aversive training.
It is extremely important to research any trainer before hiring them, to ensure that you understand their training, methods/approaches and are comfortable with how they will be working with you and your pet.
Your trainer will be part of your training journey, however as your pup’s best friend and companion the bond and learning will most importantly be between you and your pet.
Board and trains may have their place, but they should be researched carefully and, at the end of the day, your bond with your pet is key.
Training your pet will enhance your relationship and improve their safety in the long-run.
| Trainers are selected as rewards-based and online content or virtual training options | ||
|---|---|---|
| Animal Positive Coalition | Directory of positive, reward-based training and handling methods of trainers in the Mid-Atlantic region | |
| Animal Behavior Wellness Center | Screens companion animals for behavioral disorders, diagnose them, and develop treatment plans to assist in their rehabilitation. (located in Virginia) | |
| The Pet Professional Guild | Find a trainer who is affiliated with PPG who must adhere to a strict code of conduct | |
| Muzzle Up Project | Muzzle training/reactive | |
| Your Dog’s Friend | Maryland based but wealth of online resources | |
| Resources with content on Special Emotional and Physical Needs or Reactivity | ||
| Dogs In Need Of Space (DINO) | Dogs requiring more personal spac for a variety of reasons | |
| Sniffspot (select Blog and Reactivity) | offers links to various reactive dog fb groups and articles (also great option for pet parents to “rent” places to take their dogs | |
| Trainers/Training Related Sites | State Trainer Is Based | |
| Personal Dog Trainers | ||
| Click Start Dog Training Academy | California | |
| Adventure Dogs Academy | Maryland | |
| Behavior United | Maryland | |
| 4 on the Floor | Maryland | |
| Nedra’s Wagz Dog Training | Maryland | |
| Pawsitive Paul’s Dog Training | Maryland | |
| Unleashed Joy Dog Training | Maryland | |
| The Good Dog People | Massachusetts | |
| Urban Dogs | New Jersey | |
| Proper Paws LLC | Utah | |
| JW Dog Training | Virginia | |
| Treats and Triumphs | Virginia | |
| The Positive Pittie | Oregon | |
| Calm Canine Academy | UK |
