Best Dog Training Classes Washington Near Me

Laura Waller: I cannot recommend this enough! Jen was AMAZING with Moose and showed me and my twelve year old daughter how to train him to be a CGC support dog in my therapy practice. I would never have imagined that Moose would have such amazing impulse control. Each week Jen gave us something to focus on and taught us how to train Moose between sessions. I HIGHLY recommend The Dog Wizard and plan to continue attending classes just to continue learning how to support Moose.

Greg “EHazardFan” Schaner: Thank you DC Dog Wizard, and especially Jen! We did the board and train program for our 1 and ½ year old cocker Clover in April. While not inexpensive, we found it very worthwhile. This was the first time we had really committed to a training program, and Clover being older, we knew that we needed to basically go all in with an intensive program. DC Dog Wizard came highly recommended by my sister. I can now see why. Jen was incredible, and continues to be available to help us with questions and pointers. Clover is still not perfect, but she is so much better than she used to be. We now have a system that we stick to and continue to make strides at the things that drove us to the training, like her jumping up on the table, begging for food, and barking hysterically if I leave the house. We are definitely heading in the right direction, and we enjoy having her more, which is a huge benefit. Plus, I continue to reach out to Jen, and she responds immediately with helpful tips and reassuring guidance. I highly recommend this program if you’re in a situation like we were.

Rachel Harrison: We sent our 7 year old Jindo/Lab mix to the 2 week board and train. Bella was a highly reactive and anxious dog and came back as such a confident girl! Of course, it’ll take time- she can still get reactive based on the energy of the dog that may be approaching her but the difference is night and day! Gone are the days of leash pulling and snapping at passing dogs and strollers! Jen, our trainer has been so responsive and helpful. She even sent me a video of Bella playing with another dog during training and it made me so emotional to see her thriving!! 10/10 recommend!

Laura Quinn: I signed up for 8 private sessions to help my recently adopted 4 year-old country dog adapt to big city life - namely busses, construction workers, and other dogs. I worked with Austin and she was patient with both of us, explaining to me how these methods paid off - and treating Chase with a firm kindness, and lots of treats. Walking with Chase is now a pleasure! Worth every penny.

Gm Gm: You CAN teach an old dog new tricks! My husband and I have had a 7-year love-hate relationship with our dog. He’s mini Australian Shepherd. We had him since he was 6 weeks old and he was thoroughly socialized until he was neutered when the behavioral problems began to manifest (aggression, separation anxiety). Walking him was nearly impossible. He barked and lunged at other dogs and unsuspecting passersby. Strolling in parks was always a drama-filled affair with him protesting anyone or anything within a 3-foot radius of us. He also barked at any sound beyond our door to the annoyance and dismay of our neighbors. Leaving home for any reason invited snarling, barking and the occasional bite, which has only worsened during COVID-19 because we do not leave home nearly as often as before. We needed help. It was either the dog or our sanity. I found The Dog Wizard online and enrolled our pup in the 3 week intensive training/ boarding program. Scott and his team were great. We received regular updates of our pup and his progress (though to be honest, I was so relieved and relaxed over the 21 days our dog was away that I would have happily paid The Dog Wizard staff to keep him!) To say that things have changed would be an understatement. I’ve always loved my dog, but I actually LIKE him now as well. Taking our pup for a walk is actually enjoyable and stress free. So much so, that I find myself spending much more time with him walking each day. No pulling, barking or drama—barely feels like he is there at all. When we took him to the closest park, he walked obediently by my side without distraction and then(!) sat quietly on a bench while six other dogs yapped and played nearby. That would have been unthinkable a month earlier. His separation anxiety has also dialed back considerably. Before The Dog Wizard, our dog was 70% unmanageable and 30% lovable. Now, he’s 90% lovable and his crazy side rarely manifests, and when it does, it is no where near the intensity as before. Scott and his team are miracle workers. They have given us training tips as well as the tools to keep our pup on the right path. The Dog Wizard is worth every penny. My only regret is that we did not find and enroll Barnaby in The Dog Wizard years earlier.

Lauren Victoria Cancienne: Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Reliability, ValueOur dog is a shy puppy who needs help with socialization. District Dog was happy to take on the challenge. She did great at structured daycare— the staff were terrific, lots of updates and feedback. We will be back.

Tamika McPherson: I came in the afternoon 1:18 pm to be exact to visit the place and see what District Dog have to offer. No staff in sight they have the dogs in a Kennel. No interaction not sure if it was nap time. There was no staff present, very irresponsible. I do not recommend bringing your pet to their care

Amy Dunne: District Dogs Structured Daycare is awesome! The small group format is great for dogs that may be overwhelmed in larger playgroups. We alternate between regular daycare in Shaw and the Structured class. Luna loves it and always runs in, she especially likes the ball pit! DD staff members at both locations are amazing and always treat Luna like their own.

Ivan Collich: Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Reliability, Responsiveness, ValueGeorge helped us train our new 5 month old wild pup to an obedient companion. Geroge always made himself readily available and was flexible in adjusting the training plan to best align with our goals with our dog. Cannot recommend monument dog training enough. Thank you George!

Tom Mathews: We had the best experience with George! It took less than a week for our puppy to heel on the leash and sit regularly. She went from dragging us around town, to staying right by our side so quickly. While crate training is a work in progress, George continues to help us understand our dogs behavior and how to manage it with consistency. The training program makes a lot of sense and really seems to promote lifelong training by setting a good foundation. George explained really well that our pet should adapt to our lifestyle, not the other way around and consistent training really makes for a happy, well adjusted dog. Georges advice and disposition only served to increase our confidence in the training program. Cannot recommend enough. Worth every penny if you’re willing to put in the work

Reilly Gossner: Positive: Professionalism, Reliability, ResponsivenessI recently had a consultation with Bethany. She was kind, professional, and knowledgeable. It is clear that she cares deeply for animals and is passionate about reaching goals. My dog has severe separation anxiety and Bethany was open and honest about how to best help my dog. Thank you Bethany!!!

Katie Tecza: Not all puppy socialization facilities are created equal. I brought Lady to a socialization day camp at @woofsdtc last week, which had positive reviews. I dropped her off, asked them if they had a check in process and a live stream, and they said no. She was nervous heading in and I didn’t bring treats thinking they’d have some, but they didn’t do anything to make her feel more comfortable! I chalked it up to myself being nervous and dropped her off. After radio silence for 3 hours I picked her up, and asked how she was, how long it took her to feel more comfortable, what they did today, and the girl who I picked her up from said “she was fine when I got there” and couldn’t answer any of my questions. Not even what they did that day. All I got was the card. I was upset but didn’t want to make a scene so I left and emailed them in the car in their parking lot asking for them to reach out to me with some more information on the day. Emailed, called, left a message, and I didn’t hear back for 4 days. I finally got an email, not a phone call, back saying “when I got there she was fine” and again- no information on the details of the day or what she did. She said she’d post photos and videos but never did, and I am genuinely wondering what Lady did for several hours. She whined for about an hour when I picked her up which seemed wrong- we go to a really good socialization play and train with @dogtrained as well as a class at @wholistichound and we don’t ever have that issue- she knocks out in the car. So that really makes me wonder what she did the entire time she was there. The MOST concerning part is that I thought Dan sent them Lady’s vaccination records and he thought I sent them.. well, neither of us did and they didn’t ask us for it. *i* know that my dog is as up to date as she can be for her age, but I don’t have full confidence that the other puppies were vaccinated. It’s the safety issue for me. Anyway. Get recommendations from word of mouth- visit yourself before you purchase a package, and use referrals from word of mouth. What I thought would be a great opportunity has just caused me a ton of stress.

Kelsey Ohleger: This is a review for puppy parties at the Ballston campus. I have had a great experience taking my border collie puppy here for socialization. The “party” runs very smoothly and the trainers are great. I appreciate that they let puppies be puppies while monitoring for bad behavior. They separate the dogs by age/size/confidence which is great. The place is clean and has plenty of parking. I’m so pleased with the puppy parties that we’re starting puppy obedience class here soon.

Morgan Heczko: They offer a variety of training courses at a reasonable price. The instructors so far have been wonderful!

Lisa Marie Daniel: Excellent dog training facilities -- offering classes in basic obedience as well as competitive obedience, rally, agility, freestyle and flyball

edward leonard: They seem to really care about proper dog training here, without being unrealistic in what to expect from your dog.

Kathleen Wade: Great vibes and great overall experience.

Lisa Mulligan: It is an awesome dog training club.

The Power of Two Or More: My dog loves it

Michelle Dao: Tommy Meyerhoeffer changed my pup’s life and mine. Tommy gives you the right skills and tools to correct any problematic behaviors or to manage it. My (at the time) 9-year old American Eskimo-poodle dog, Noah, was aggressive (growling, lunging, barking) towards other dogs and food possessive towards humans and dogs. Tommy taught me which behaviors were normal for canines and what were manageable issues. The important thing I learned was that if you truly want change and to improve your pup’s lifestyle, you must consistently train them. Also, I saw improvements the same day that Tommy came to train Noah with me. Tommy took the time to answer and manage any issues that I had or thought of until I had the correct tools to improve my pup’s life and behavior. I really appreciated that Tommy is passionate about his own dog’s lifestyle as well. A year later, Noah is now living peacefully with his new puppy sister and meeting different dogs of different ages without issue. I couldn’t imagine that he likes his puppy sister so much, either...being the dog that has lived without other canines for 9 years. I am so blown away by this. I have such a wonderful life with my pups now. His pulling, lunging, and barking at other dogs is now much more manageable and definitely SO much less than before, now that I have the different skills and methods Tommy taught me.

Laura Chadwell: Have you heard of the dog whisperer? He’s real and his name is Tommy Meyerhoeffer. My daughter’s recent move into a third-floor garden apartment presented an unexpected problem: her perfectly perfect lab of 7 years wanted nothing to do with the open-riser stairs one must climb to access their home. We tried every trick we could think of over the course of the past few weeks and had no luck. Enter Tommy. We set up an appointment to meet at the apartment building. Spoiler alert: by the end of our session, Tommy had Duke up and down those three flights of stairs, no hesitation in his movement. Tommy moved purposefully and calmly from the moment he met Duke. He simultaneously led Duke and responded to him, adjusting along the way as he observed Duke’s behavior. He pointed out Duke’s subtle behaviors to me and highlighted what they meant. He was patient and resourceful, and Duke responded accordingly. In addition to helping Duke to meet this challenge, Tommy then guided me as I accompanied Duke up and down stairs, pointing out ways in which I and other family members could ensure a safe and stress-free continuation of Duke’s new skill. Happy to report that Duke is happy as can be to be reunited with his family and is a pro at those scary open stairs. Thank you, Tommy!

Jadelyn Martinez: When we moved from another state I was worried how my dog would handle the transition and how her history of aggressive behavior would come out. I contacted Tommy about a month before my move and he scheduled to meet us soon after we arrived. I was skeptical but there was absolutely no need! Tommy was incredibly patient and took the time to explain to me not only what he was doing but why so that I could continue to do the same. He showed me a great way to introduce my dog to strangers (an area of significant difficulty for her previously), as well as how to alleviate her fears and desire to protect me around others. He even helped me with her walking and now walks are enjoyable for both of us! I never thought I’d be so confident introducing my dog to new people but Tommy really gave me the skills to do so and continued to check in along the way! I’m so glad I called Tommy and would highly recommend him!

Kristen Thor: Positive: Professionalism, Quality, ValueMy first training with Alex was very eye opening for me. She taught me how I was enabling my 6 month rescue dog’s fear and anxiety and helped to change my mindset. Plus, my dog learned to heel in the first training! We are a work in progress but looking forward to more lessons. Great trainer!

Kasey D.: Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Reliability, Responsiveness, ValueBest trainer in the DC area. We have a 110lb American Bulldog that needed SERIOUS behavior modification. He was becoming such a major liability that we were considering euthanasia. Alex literally saved his life. He’s become a different dog and we now can’t imagine our lives without him.

Austin 2: This pains me to write this but I do it with only the intent to help a business owner and future clients. SHORT ANSWER.: The trainer lacks time management, constantly rescheduling sessions. Even when we had the first meeting (consult) she tried to arrive late and still did. Find a better trainer who will have written in contract that they will be on time and commit to pricing. LONG ANSWER: Alex is a great trainer but lacks several qualities of being a business owner. She’s mentioned she’s trained several people in the past Soo instinctually we believe she would be professional in the way she treats her clients. I was wrong. In the beginning when she told us to have a consult she charged us $200 and told us the place and location to where to meet (2pm). The day of she texted us saying if we could reschedule for another time (4pm) We said no but than apparently the plans she had made were cancelled and she could finally make it too the time that was already made…. She still arrived 30 min late. We told her to please keep the time as it was and she gaurantee that it would not happened again. From there after we paid her it all got worst. On the FIRST session she did a no call no show. She told us the reason was because she was at the body shop the whole day and apparently she didn’t have even a single second to text us or notify us she wouldn’t make it. Session was at 3pm and she texted us back at 4pm After words we reminded her we needed professionalism and to please keep the dates as scheduled. The next 2 sessions went fine and we thanked her for being on time. But later on the other sessions she ends up cancelling and rescheduling because of her personal problems and from there we just grew tired of it. All in all we only had 3 session and we were supposed to have 8 in total. We decided to part ways simply because we had soo much patience with her but she could not for the life of her keep her word on anything. Overall I hope alex trully learns about time management. And whoever reads this PLEASE OLEASE PLEASE I urge you to have everything WRITTEN IN CONTRACT and make sure being PUNCTUAL is one of the things you agree on. Other than that I would not recommend her to anyone. I did want to mention that my mother works a full time job and she did have to reschedule ONCE. But she let her know HOURS before hand.

Jory Stevenson: Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Reliability, ResponsivenessAlex is great. We connected through Thumbtack and she’s been helping me with my 2 year old Husky’s aggression issues for about three months now. Already seeing a night and day difference in our progress. Highly recommend!

Dave Batres: Positive: Professionalism, ValueGreat experience and very talented

Shaun Ouellette: Great training. They focus on your needs and tailor the training to assist you. Price is fair, but when you realize you can go as many times as you want it pays off.

Protection Solutions: Mark is one of the best trainers out there very knowledgeable and takes the time to work with people of every level. Excellent work

Kalynn Schusteritsch: Excellent training and services excellent trainer. Some of the best I have ever trained with

Jason Holloway: Never knew they train dogs hear.450$ is the price and its a 1 time fee til ur pets learns

Harry Duffield: As a first time dog owner I can say HCK9 has really helped me raise a well trained and behaved dog

Walter Newbright: Very easy to work with and very understanding. Best trainer in the tri state area great work

BOOKER ROARY JR.: If you want your dog to reach its fullest capability sign up for a class today.