Areas served: Alexandria, VA and surrounding areas including Arlington County, Fairfax County, and Prince George's County, MD
Alexandria's dog training landscape includes certified professional trainers offering group classes, private sessions, and specialized behavioral modification programs throughout Old Town, Del Ray, Eisenhower Valley, and West End neighborhoods. Local providers range from established training facilities with multiple instructors to independent certified trainers working in homes and parks. Training approaches vary significantly across the area, from positive reinforcement-based programs to balanced training methods, with specialized services addressing puppy socialization, obedience, reactivity, aggression, and service dog preparation.
Kodiak K9 Training offers immersive board and train programs where your dog lives with a professional trainer in a real home environment for 2-3 weeks, not in a kennel. Founded by police K9 handlers Brad and Corey, the company specializes in obedience, behavior modification, and real-world manners training for dogs of all breeds and ages. They provide daily updates, personalized take-home lessons, and continued support to ensure lasting results.
My Dog Listens LLC is a Northern Virginia-based dog training company specializing in board & train programs, private lessons, and behavioral modification for all breeds and ages. Run by professional trainers using proven methods, they focus on addressing aggression, reactivity, anxiety, and obedience issues while keeping dogs in a small, family-like environment (2-3 dogs per trainer). Their lifetime guarantee includes free refresher sessions for life after completing adult dog board & train programs.
“We dropped off a spicy potato (AKA tiny terrorist) who would not stop chasing and biting our other dogs and our 4 year old. Two weeks later we picked up the most well behaved little potato! He can play with the other dogs without hurting them, Our four-year-old can play with him without getting hurt and we aren’t cleaning up poop covered dog every morning. I had seriously been rethinking my decision to get this dog and now I’m so glad we got him and we sent him to training. We cannot thank you guys enough!”
— Tasya Bean, Google Review · 4.9 ★ avg from 129 reviewsUnleashed Abilities is a Northern Virginia dog training and coaching business specializing in puppy training, obedience, and behavior modification for over 15 years. Founded by Keri and led by CCPDT-certified trainers including puppy specialist Stephanie, they offer customized training programs tailored to each dog's unique needs—from puppy socialization and potty training to advanced behavior modification for anxiety, aggression, and multi-dog households. Their philosophy emphasizes positive reinforcement, clear communication, and developing lifelong positive behaviors rather than cookie-cutter approaches.
iSpeakDogg, owned by Nic Tolson, is a dog training facility in Fort Washington, MD specializing in obedience training, behavior modification, and handler development for dogs of all ages. They offer private one-on-one sessions, group classes, and multi-week handler courses designed to address specific behavioral issues while building the owner's training skills. With a focus on real-world scenarios and distraction training, iSpeakDogg helps owners and their dogs work together effectively.
PuppyK is a Northern Virginia dog training company specializing in puppy training, obedience, agility, and trick classes. Founded and run by expert trainer Jutka, PuppyK uses positive, motivational training methods to help puppies and adult dogs become well-behaved companions. The business offers puppy training programs, advanced puppy training, adolescent/adult dog obedience classes, and fun tricks and agility courses tailored to each dog's needs.
Pawz For Health Dog Training in Silver Spring offers comprehensive dog training services including obedience training, behavior modification, puppy classes, and board & train programs. Their certified trainers use positive reinforcement methods to address aggression, anxiety, reactivity, and other behavioral challenges. They serve the Silver Spring area and surrounding Maryland communities with customized training plans tailored to each dog's needs.
Pack Leader Help is an in-home dog training business in Alexandria, VA founded by Brianna Dick, a behavior expert with 13+ years of experience. They specialize in reactive dog training, aggression rehabilitation, obedience, and puppy foundations through customized in-home sessions. Brianna's approach is known for being ethical, realistic, and tailored to each dog's specific needs, helping owners build calmer, safer relationships with their pets.
Zoom Room is a dog training facility in Springfield, VA offering comprehensive training programs for dogs of all ages and behavioral levels. Their services include puppy classes, obedience training, behavior modification, group classes, and board & train programs designed to address specific behavioral challenges and build strong owner-dog relationships. With experienced trainers and a focus on positive reinforcement methods, Zoom Room helps dog owners develop confident, well-behaved companions.
Core Canine is a dog training business run by Certified Dog Trainers April and Olivia, specializing in positive reinforcement and science-based training methods. They work with dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes, offering both private in-home training sessions throughout Northern Virginia and group classes at their Alexandria facility. Core Canine focuses on teaching owners and dogs to live harmoniously together, and they welcome families with children to participate in the training process.
Comeback Dog Training is a force-free dog training and behavior modification business run by Hayley, a certified dog trainer (CPDT-KA) and behavior consultant (CDBC) with over 12 years of experience in Northern Virginia. The business specializes in positive reinforcement training to address behavioral issues like reactivity, aggression, separation anxiety, and obedience, as well as puppy training, socialization guidance, and child-dog safety education. Hayley works with individual dogs and families, offering customized training packages and consultations that focus on understanding each dog's unique needs and building stronger bonds between dogs and their owners.
Paw by Paw Dog Training is a certified, full-service dog care facility in Kensington, MD serving the greater Potomac, Rockville, and Bethesda areas. They offer customized dog training programs designed by experienced, vet-recommended trainers; professional grooming services; daycare; and self-wash facilities. Their team is pet first aid and CPR-certified, and they provide lifetime access to group classes, unlimited phone and email support, and behavioral coaching tailored to each dog's unique personality and learning style.
Best Behaved Dogs is a professional dog training facility in Alexandria, VA offering comprehensive training programs for dogs of all ages and behavioral needs. Their experienced trainers specialize in obedience training, behavior modification, and board & train programs designed to address everything from basic manners to serious behavioral issues. They focus on positive reinforcement methods to create well-mannered, confident dogs and provide owners with the tools to maintain training success at home.
High Five Dog Training LLC, run by certified trainer Gabriela Hubbard (CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA), offers force-free, reward-based dog training for all ages, sizes, and breeds throughout the Montgomery and Prince George's County area and Washington DC. Services include puppy training, obedience, aggression specialist work, separation anxiety consulting, and behavioral modification — delivered through flexible in-home sessions or virtual Zoom training with personalized follow-up support.
Off Leash K9 of Northern Virginia is a professional dog training facility in Woodbridge specializing in obedience training, behavior modification, and board-and-train programs. Their experienced trainers work with dogs of all ages and temperaments, including those with aggression issues, using positive reinforcement methods. They offer both group classes and individualized training to help dogs become well-behaved, off-leash companions.
Olde Towne School For Dogs is an established dog training facility in Alexandria, VA offering comprehensive obedience training, behavior modification, and puppy classes. Located on Oronoco Street, they provide both group classes and individualized training programs designed to address specific behavioral issues and help dogs develop essential skills. With decades of experience serving the Alexandria community, they focus on positive reinforcement methods to build well-mannered, confident dogs.
Frolick Dogs is a dog training and daycare facility in Alexandria, VA offering comprehensive services including puppy classes, obedience training, behavior modification, and board & train programs. The facility provides group classes and in-home training options to address specific behavioral challenges and help dogs of all ages develop strong skills. Their experienced trainers work with owners to create customized training plans that fit each dog's needs and personality.
Nova Pack Dog Training LLC offers comprehensive dog training services in Falls Church, VA, specializing in obedience training, behavior modification, and group classes for dogs of all ages. The business provides in-home training options and board-and-train programs designed to address specific behavioral challenges while building strong owner-dog relationships. Nova Pack focuses on personalized training plans that help owners develop effective communication with their dogs.
Fur-Get Me Not Pet Care is a full-service pet care facility in Arlington, VA offering dog grooming, dog training, and pet boarding. With experienced staff and a commitment to individualized care, they provide grooming services tailored to each dog's needs, obedience and behavior training programs, and comfortable boarding accommodations for dogs of all sizes. Their comprehensive approach to pet wellness makes them a trusted choice for pet owners seeking professional care.
WOOFS! Dog Training Center is a dog-and-human-friendly training and daycare facility in Arlington, VA serving the greater DC area since 2002. They offer comprehensive services including group classes, private one-on-one training, day training, puppy socialization programs, and a personalized Daycare PLUS experience with certified trainers. Their expertise spans from basic obedience and good manners to behavior modification for challenges like fear, anxiety, aggression, and reactivity.
Wholistic Hound Academy in Alexandria, VA offers comprehensive dog training and behavior modification services with a holistic approach to canine wellness. The academy provides obedience training, behavior modification, group classes, and specialized in-home training programs tailored to each dog's unique needs. Their experienced trainers focus on creating well-balanced, confident dogs through positive reinforcement and personalized training methods.
The Board Hound is a pet boarding facility in Alexandria, VA that provides safe, comfortable lodging for dogs while their owners are away. Located on S Peyton Street, they offer professional care and supervision for pets of all sizes, with a focus on creating a home-like environment during their stay.
Capitol Canine Club is a dog training facility in McLean, VA offering obedience training and behavior modification services for dogs of all ages. With a focus on positive reinforcement methods, they help owners develop stronger relationships with their dogs through structured training programs.
Kodiak K9 Training is the top-ranked dog trainer in Alexandria with a Lantern Score of 85.12/100 and 5-star rating from 164 reviews. They specialize in immersive board and train programs where your dog lives with a professional trainer in a real home environment for 2-3 weeks, making them ideal for busy professionals and dogs with behavioral challenges like reactivity or aggression.
PuppyK (Lantern Score: 83.57/100) and Unleashed Abilities (Lantern Score: 84.93/100) are top choices for new puppy owners. Unleashed Abilities specializes in puppy training, early socialization, and foundation training over 15 years, while PuppyK uses positive, motivational training for puppies and offers agility and trick classes as your dog grows.
Pack Leader Help (Lantern Score: 83.27/100), My Dog Listens LLC (Lantern Score: 85.04/100), and Comeback Dog Training L.L.C. (Lantern Score: 82.35/100) all specialize in reactive and aggressive dogs. Pack Leader Help specifically focuses on reactive dog training with 13+ years of experience, while Comeback Dog Training offers force-free methods run by a certified trainer and behavior consultant.
Core Canine (Lantern Score: 82.42/100), High Five Dog Training LLC (Lantern Score: 81.31/100), and Comeback Dog Training L.L.C. (Lantern Score: 82.35/100) all specialize in positive reinforcement and force-free training. Core Canine uses science-based methods, while High Five Dog Training is run by certified trainer Gabriela Hubbard (CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA) and serves Montgomery and Prince George's counties.
Yes, several Alexandria-area trainers offer board and train programs: Kodiak K9 Training (Lantern Score: 85.12/100) offers 2-3 week immersive programs in a real home, My Dog Listens LLC (Lantern Score: 85.04/100) specializes in board & train, and Frolick Dogs (Lantern Score: 79.77/100) offers board & train along with daycare services.
My Dog Listens LLC (Lantern Score: 85.04/100), Unleashed Abilities (Lantern Score: 84.93/100), and Olde Towne School For Dogs (Lantern Score: 80.23/100) are all highly-rated options for first-time owners. Each offers comprehensive obedience training and behavior modification services, with Olde Towne established in Alexandria on Oronoco Street serving the community with 4.7-star ratings from 248 reviews.