Best Dog Training in Harrisonburg, Virginia

    Areas served: Harrisonburg, VA and surrounding Rockingham County

    8 local businessesRanked by Lantern Score — a measure of reputation and business quality. We don't accept payment for placement.
    Updated April 8, 2026

    Harrisonburg's dog training landscape reflects the community's mix of family-oriented neighborhoods and student residents from James Madison University. Local trainers serve everyone from first-time puppy owners in neighborhoods like Sunset Heights to experienced handlers needing specialized behavioral modification. The Valley's outdoor culture creates demand for both foundational obedience and off-leash reliability training suited to local hiking trails and parks.

    Show businesses best for:
    82
    Lantern
    Score
    McGaheysville, VA · 8 mi from Harrisonburg
    Serves Massanutten, McGaheysville, and surrounding Rockingham County, VA
    ★★★★★5.0(27 Google reviews)

    The Trusted Companion, owned by Brant Weller, offers comprehensive dog training in Massanutten, VA for dogs of any breed and age. They specialize in addressing behavioral challenges including aggression, separation anxiety, leash pulling, resource guarding, and fearfulness, while also providing obedience training, puppy socialization, and off-leash training. Brant's philosophy centers on building confidence and trust between dogs and their owners through customized training programs designed to fit different lifestyles, budgets, and goals.

    Best for: New PuppiesAggressive Dogs
    Ideal clients: Families with young children, busy professionals, rescue and shelter dog adopters, owners dealing with aggressive or anxious dogs, off-leash enthusiasts
    What sets them apart
    • Tailored solutions for any breed, age, and training goal—from puppies to rescue dogs—with flexible timelines and budgets to fit different lifestyles.
    • Addresses complex behavioral issues including aggression toward dogs or people, separation anxiety, resource guarding, reactivity to distractions, and fear-based behaviors.
    • Brant Weller emphasizes building confident, trusting relationships between owners and their dogs as the foundation for lasting training success.
    Dog TrainingBehavior ModificationObedience TrainingPuppy TrainingAggression Specialist
    Phone(540) 227-4691
    The Trusted Companion
    Updated 4/6/26Learn More →
    78
    Lantern
    Score
    Harrisonburg, VA
    Serves Harrisonburg, VA and surrounding areas
    ★★★★★4.7(42 Google reviews)

    Love on a Leash, LLC offers comprehensive dog training in Harrisonburg, VA, led by trainer Evan Winegard. Services include puppy pre-school, basic obedience, Canine Good Citizen certification, agility classes (beginning through intermediate), functional and advanced obedience, competition obedience, rally, and private instruction for behavior problems. Their 60x100 climate-controlled facility with rubber matting provides a safe environment for dogs of all training levels.

    Best for: New PuppiesSocializing Dogs
    Ideal clients: Puppy owners, first-time dog trainers, families seeking obedience, agility enthusiasts, dog owners with behavior problems
    What sets them apart
    • 60x100 climate-controlled training building with rubber matting ensures safety and comfort in all weather conditions.
    • Offers training from puppy pre-school through advanced competition obedience and rally, plus behavior problem-solving for dogs at any stage.
    • Provides group classes, private instruction, and seminars with flexible scheduling including drop-in hours and appointment availability.
    Obedience TrainingAgility ClassesPuppy TrainingCanine Good CitizenPrivate Instruction
    Phone(540) 833-8118
    Love On A Leash Dog Training
    Updated 4/8/26Learn More →
    76
    Lantern
    Score
    Keezletown, VA · 4 mi from Harrisonburg
    Serves Keezletown, Harrisonburg, and Rockingham County, VA
    ★★★★★5.0(8 Google reviews)

    The Successful Mix, LLC offers comprehensive dog training and pet behavioral counseling in Keezletown, VA, specializing in real-life behavior challenges like reactivity, aggression, leash pulling, and fear-based behaviors. Led by a certified professional dog trainer, the business uses positive reinforcement methods and offers private behavioral counseling, small group manners classes, and specialized training in areas like cooperative veterinary care, trick training, canine freestyle, and scent detection. They work with puppies through adult dogs and focus on building trust while eliminating forceful training methods.

    Best for: New PuppiesAggressive DogsSocializing Dogs
    Ideal clients: Dog owners struggling with reactivity or aggression, families with puppies needing early guidance, owners preparing dogs for veterinary or grooming care, people seeking positive reinforcement methods
    What sets them apart
    • Specializes in conditioning dogs for vet visits, muzzle training, and at-home husbandry care like ear cleaning and nail trims—addressing fear-based behaviors that prevent necessary medical care.
    • Explicitly avoids choke chains, prong collars, and shock collars, using evidence-based reward methods to build trust and confidence in dogs.
    • Offers customizable training schedules (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly) and actively includes young family members in lessons to ensure the whole household can support the dog's progress.
    Dog TrainingBehavior ModificationPositive ReinforcementAggression SpecialistGroup Classes
    Phone(540) 269-6904
    The Successful Mix, LLC
    Updated 4/8/26Learn More →
    75
    Lantern
    Score
    Harrisonburg, VA
    Serves Harrisonburg, VA and surrounding areas
    ★★★★★4.5(45 Google reviews)

    All Phase K9 Training Center is a year-round indoor/outdoor professional facility offering training, boarding, and grooming services for dogs of all ages and temperaments. Owner Laurel Strotter brings over 25 years of expertise spanning companion dog training, AKC show handling, obedience competition, Schutzhund training, and scent detection work—including specialized training for search and rescue dogs. The facility provides customized board-and-train programs ranging from basic obedience to advanced off-leash training, private lessons, comfortable boarding with individual attention, and grooming services.

    Best for: Personalized Training
    Ideal clients: Working dog owners, families seeking obedience training, competition-oriented handlers, dog owners needing boarding with professional supervision
    What sets them apart
    • Owner Laurel Strotter has 25+ years of training experience including AKC show handling, Schutzhund competition, and search and rescue dog certification (Blue and Gray SAR lifetime member).
    • Offers training, boarding, and grooming in a single facility, making it convenient for clients needing multiple services for their dogs.
    • Uses individualized training methods tailored to different temperaments and behaviors, with programs ranging from basic obedience to advanced off-leash work.
    Board & TrainObedience TrainingBoarding & GroomingProfessional TrainingAll Ages
    Phone(540) 433-1964
    All Phase K9 Training Center
    Updated 4/6/26Learn More →
    70
    Lantern
    Score
    Harrisonburg, VA
    Serves Harrisonburg, VA and surrounding Shenandoah Valley areas
    ★★★★★4.6(9 Google reviews)

    Wildmour K9 is a dog training facility in Harrisonburg, VA offering comprehensive training programs including obedience training, behavior modification, and board-and-train services. They specialize in working with dogs of all ages and temperaments, using professional methods to address behavioral issues and teach foundational skills. Whether you need basic obedience or help with aggression and anxiety, Wildmour K9 provides customized training solutions to improve your dog's behavior and strengthen your bond.

    Best for: Busy Owners
    Ideal clients: Dog owners seeking behavior modification, families needing obedience training, owners with anxious or reactive dogs
    What sets them apart
    • They tailor training approaches to each dog's individual needs and temperament, rather than using one-size-fits-all methods.
    • Wildmour K9 works successfully with puppies through adult dogs, addressing age-appropriate training needs and behavioral challenges.
    Dog TrainingObedienceBehavior ModificationBoard & Train
    Wildmour K9
    Updated 4/8/26Learn More →
    65
    Lantern
    Score
    Harrisonburg, VA
    Serves Harrisonburg, VA and surrounding areas
    ★★★★☆4.3(3 Google reviews)

    Petco Dog Training in Harrisonburg offers professional dog training services at their location on Burgess Road. As part of the national Petco chain, they provide dog training expertise to help pet owners build better relationships with their dogs. Their trainers work with dogs of various ages and training levels to address behavioral needs and obedience.

    Best for: New PuppiesSocializing Dogs
    Ideal clients: Dog owners seeking obedience training, puppy training classes, and behavioral support in the Harrisonburg area
    What sets them apart
    • Backed by the national Petco brand, offering consistent training methodology and access to extensive pet care resources and product availability.
    • Located at a Petco store on Burgess Road, making it easy to combine training with pet supplies shopping and services in one visit.
    Dog TrainingObediencePuppy TrainingProfessional Trainers
    Phone(540) 432-3830
    Petco Dog Training
    Updated 4/8/26Learn More →
    12
    Lantern
    Score
    Harrisonburg, VA
    Serves Harrisonburg, VA and surrounding areas

    Molly the Dog Trainer operates out of PetSmart in Harrisonburg, offering dog training services including obedience training and behavior modification. Operating since at least the mid-2000s, Molly provides personalized training instruction with flexible scheduling to accommodate pet owners' needs.

    Ideal clients: Dog owners seeking obedience training, families with behavioral concerns, pet owners wanting convenient in-store training services
    What sets them apart
    • Located inside PetSmart at 1671 E Market Street with extended hours (9am-9pm weekdays, 10am-7pm Sundays), making it accessible for busy pet owners.
    • Molly offers customized training programs tailored to individual dog needs rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.
    Dog TrainingObedienceBehavior ModificationPetSmart Location
    Phone(800) 738-1385 ext. 41554
    Molly the Dog Trainer
    Updated 4/8/26Learn More →
    12
    Lantern
    Score
    Harrisonburg, VA
    Serves Harrisonburg, VA and surrounding areas

    PetSmart Dog Training in Harrisonburg offers accredited positive reinforcement training for dogs of all ages, including group classes (4-10 dogs), private sessions, virtual online training, and advanced courses like therapy dog training. As part of PetSmart's broader pet services, they also provide grooming, PetsHotel boarding, doggie day camp, and pet pharmacy services, making it a one-stop destination for comprehensive pet care.

    Best for: New PuppiesSocializing Dogs
    Ideal clients: First-time dog owners, Puppy socialization, Dogs needing behavioral foundation, Pet parents preferring positive reinforcement methods
    What sets them apart
    • Training is delivered over several weeks, allowing dogs and owners to practice skills between sessions and progressively refine communication and learn new techniques.
    • Experienced trainers use positive reinforcement methods and teach small group classes (4-10 dogs) that balance socialization with individual attention.
    • Beyond training, PetSmart offers grooming, boarding at PetsHotel, doggie day camp, and pet pharmacy services at the same location.
    Dog TrainingGroup ClassesPrivate TrainingVirtual TrainingPositive Reinforcement
    Phone(540) 432-6460
    PetSmart Dog Training
    Updated 4/8/26Learn More →

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who is the top-ranked dog trainer in Harrisonburg, VA?

    The Trusted Companion, owned by Brant Weller, is the top-ranked dog training provider in the area with a Lantern Score of 81.80/100 and a 5-star rating from 27 reviews. They specialize in comprehensive training for dogs of any breed and age, with particular expertise in addressing aggressive and anxious behaviors.

    Which dog trainer is best for families with young children?

    The Trusted Companion is specifically noted as ideal for families with young children, earning a top Lantern Score of 81.80/100. They also serve busy professionals and owners dealing with aggressive or anxious dogs, making them a versatile choice for household training needs.

    What are my options if I need puppy training in Harrisonburg?

    Love On A Leash Dog Training (Lantern Score: 78.42/100) offers puppy pre-school and is highly recommended for puppy owners and first-time dog trainers with 4.7 stars from 42 reviews. The Successful Mix, LLC (Lantern Score: 75.80/100) also specializes in early puppy guidance and is rated 5 stars from 8 reviews.

    Who specializes in behavior modification for reactive or aggressive dogs?

    The Successful Mix, LLC (Lantern Score: 75.80/100, 5 stars from 8 reviews) specializes in real-life behavior challenges like reactivity, aggression, and leash pulling using positive reinforcement methods. Wildmour K9 (Lantern Score: 70.22/100) also offers behavior modification and is recommended for owners with anxious or reactive dogs.

    Which trainer offers board-and-train services in addition to classes?

    Wildmour K9 in Harrisonburg (Lantern Score: 70.22/100, 4.6 stars from 9 reviews) offers board-and-train services alongside obedience training and behavior modification. All Phase K9 Training Center (Lantern Score: 75.40/100) also provides boarding services with professional supervision at their year-round indoor/outdoor facility.

    Is dog training available at retail locations in Harrisonburg?

    Yes, Petco Dog Training on Burgess Road (Lantern Score: 64.90/100) and Molly the Dog Trainer at PetSmart both offer in-store training services. PetSmart Dog Training (Lantern Score: 12.30/100) provides group classes, private sessions, and virtual online training using positive reinforcement methods.

    This directory of dog training local businesses serving Harrisonburg, VA is maintained by Lantern. Rankings are determined by the Lantern Score — not advertising or payment for placement. Learn how it works. Last updated April 8, 2026. To claim or update a listing, contact us.