Pet Trainers in Washington, DC

Humane Rescue Alliance has classes, and their training program is really good. http://www.humanerescuealliance.org/classes-and-rates I also like Your Dog's Friend a lot, but they're in Rockville. http://yourdogsfriend.org/ Some other training suggestions: https://www.luckydoganimalrescue.org/resources/training http://yourdogsfriend.org/we-recommend/positive-trainers/

Mango Dogs DC- 202-255-8569 Pawperfect Pubs- 703-795-4845 I heard from City Dogs Rescue that few people had great experience with these two.

I don't know any personally, but [Ahimsa](http://ahimsadogtraining.com/) is in Seattle and is widely respected as a general training school. They might be able to provide references to gundog trainers in the area.

Might be worth asking on [this](https://www.facebook.com/groups/347835528720195/) facebook group or [this](https://www.facebook.com/Positive-Gun-Dog-Training-1503467356632982/?fref=ts) page!

I used to volunteer with postive reinforcement dog trainer in seattle. i noticed she liked the fb group of this hunting dog trainer about a week ago. If you are interested, I'd give them a call and ask about their methods just to be sure! http://www.baxtersbirddogs.com/

I'm not a hunting dog trainer but I can give you an intro to positive reinforcement. I'm in Graham, WA if you are interested.

We've had good luck with [Bark Busters](http://www.barkbusters.com/) for our two Bostons (note: their name doesn't mean they specialize in barking issues only, they're full-spectrum trainers). They're a bit pricey, but they include a retrain guarantee where they'll come back and work with you if the dog relapses or has other common issues for free - I think that's for the dog's lifetime.

Check out Michelle Jackson: http://www.mjdogs.com/ She teaches obedience classes at Pender, but also does in-house training and other stuff.

I dated a woman who was a dog trainer and had some pretty hardcore training. I could only recommend her and looks like she now works at http://www.spotondogtrainingdc.com/ I cant comment on price though.

If you're loaded, go with Bark Busters. My dog had SEVERE aggression issues. It has been almost 2 years since our first Bark Busters appointment and since our dog showed aggression. Seriously, it was SEVERE. He would attack my wife if she got close to me, punctured 3 peoples' hands, claimed everything and etc. He's a 70-lb mutt so it was terrifying. Bark Busters ended up costing a bit over $700 or $800 I believe. I forget the exact amount. Sure beats putting him down before his 4th birthday (now he's a happy member of the family and fits in just fine with our 9 month old baby!). If that isn't too pricey (I understand how it could be), drop me a PM. I'll send you more info or answer any questions.

Do NOT go with an organization that trains the dog in like puppy bootcamp or anything like that where they take your dog and keep it at their house for a week and then bring it back freshly trained. The dog only knows to listen to the trainer and not to you. Use a place that trains YOU to train your dog.

Have you had her checked out by a vet? She's older and could be having some pain or something hurting or just not feeling right because of old age that's causing issues. Just a thought.

http://www.sidewalkdogtraining.com/ I haven't used him, but he came highly recommended.

The best One in DC is David Schmucker 202-276-5100. He trained our dogs. I know him for a Long time.

We met with David Schmucker yesterday and he truly is the dog whisperer! I could never have imagined that anyone could do what he did in just a few hours.....of course, most of the training was for us, not the dog.....but, it was critical training! I would give him an A+++++++++! Thanks everyone for sharing this amazing resource.

Shelby Dean

Thanks Jill Doherty .. Diana feel free to contact me at 541-639-5996

https://www.facebook.com/TakeTheLeadDogTraining/

Dogs Day Out!! Danette is awesome.

“Dances with Dogs” based in Silver Spring, but they serve the DC area. Positive Reinforcement only and trainer has a background in animal behavior and trains with Humane Rescue Alliance.

I took classes with Jen at the Glover Park Petco and really liked her. She uses positive training methods and helped us a lot with loose leash walking and helping our dog focus on us when overstimulated. The price is really reasonable too.

Spot on specializes in positive reinforcement and are doing virtual and outside training. https://www.spotondogtrainingdc.com/

check out mango dogs

Premiere Dog Training by BWI is a great send-away program. They work miracles.

I gave these [recs](https://www.reddit.com/r/washingtondc/comments/6v7ox8/dog_trainer_recommendations/dlyckmp/) in another post. I've gotten a lot of help with my dog's reactivity thanks to HRA and YDF. Depending on your issues, starting off with a private training session at any of the trainers in the last set of lists would probably help a lot. I did classes then private training and wish I had just started with private stuff. I would have gotten personalized feedback on handling my dog's reactivity right from the start to stop it from getting worse. If it's stuff like countersurfing, jumping, walking on a leash, then just a class should be fine. There aren't many behaviorists in the area, and they're pricey and hard to get appointments with so I wouldn't jump to that unless you've got major issues. Ex: hardcore separation anxiety generally needs medication which a behaviorist can help prescribe, or issues with human or intense dog aggression.

I have a rescue dog with issues. Your Dog's Friend in Rockville is amazing. I cannot recommend them highly enough. For vet behaviorists, Dr. Amy Pike in Manassas is the best. She is pricey but completely worth it if your dog is having serious behavior problems or if you think your dog may need medication. Pease be careful when looking for behaviorists and trainers. The industry is not regulated and anyone can call themselves a dog trainer. Research their certifications, credentials, and training methods. Here are some good questions to ask when looking for trainers: http://www.flvetbehavior.com/how-to-find-a-good-trainer.html

DC Dog Wizard is fantastic. They're great at training both dogs and owners!

Some people from City Dogs Rescue have good experience with Karen Krieg (Mango Dogs) and Rachel (K9 Divine). You can check out City Dogs Rescue webpages, they have a list of good trainers.

Premier Dogs. They're a bit out of the city, but I've sent 2 dogs to them and can not recommend them enough.

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John and Kimmy Sparks at Sparks K9 in Monroe. They are the best and would have you on the right direction in no time!

The Dog Spot in Everett is wonderful!

Kristi crabtree worked wonders with my beasty. kristicrabtree.weebly.com

Carole is the best, we call her the REAL "dog whisperer." http://www.positivek9 training.com/

There is Haus Juris in Gainesville. I went to them for about 5 months to train a big male shepherd. They train any type of dog though---not sure if it would be inexpensive.

Three rivers dog training 509-341-4353

Kindra....consider this.....read Richard Wolter's book - Family Dog: A Simple and Time Proven Method. This man is amazing. Numerous people recommended this book, and one on training a bird dog for us. We have never been happier with our Jed turned out. I believe it is available through the library, otherwise, Amazon does have it.

Check with Animal Welfare Leagues of Alexandria and Arlington, they both have lists of trainers (PS Try Vickie Stilwell rather than Cesar, just sayin

I got her name wrong, but she's here on FB and also http://positively.com/

Jennifer Pester Grattan, come and visit me.:) I've got 3 LGD's that we've trained up since puppies.