Areas served: Reston, VA and surrounding Fairfax and Loudoun Counties
Reston's dog training landscape includes both independent certified trainers and facilities offering group classes throughout the planned community's village centers. The area supports various training philosophies, from positive reinforcement-based programs to specialized behavior modification services. Local options range from puppy socialization classes to advanced obedience training and addressing specific behavioral challenges common in suburban environments.
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.
Off Leash K9 Training is a globally recognized dog training company with over 130 locations nationwide, specializing in advanced obedience, off-leash training, and behavior modification for dogs of all ages and breeds. Located in Sterling, VA, they offer private lessons, board & train programs (2-week training camps), puppy consultations, aggressive dog packages, therapy dog certification, and in-home training. Their trainers—many with military, rescue, and veterinary backgrounds—use proven, safe methods guaranteeing 100% obedience, off-leash reliability, and distraction-proof behavior comparable to police and military working dogs.
Giving Tree Pet Resort in Reston is a premium pet care facility offering dog daycare, overnight boarding, full-service grooming, and enrichment programs in a calm, nature-inspired environment. Run by lifelong animal lovers, the resort features separate indoor and outdoor play areas, luxury boarding suites with forest views and optional 24/7 webcam access, and experienced groomers using premium products. Their team treats pets like family with personalized care, structured play, regular forest walks, and specialized programs for both social and timid dogs.
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.
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.
Hunter Mill Retrievers is a full-service dog care company in Vienna, VA offering dog training, walking, boarding, and daycare services. Led by certified dog trainer Victoria Cherpes, the business specializes in positive reinforcement training methods that build confidence and strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners. The team provides customized care for all breeds, sizes, and temperaments, with background-checked trainers and walkers who are fully insured and experienced in handling behavioral challenges.
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.
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.
Dog University in Vienna, VA is a comprehensive dog care facility offering training, daycare, and boarding services. They provide one-on-one obedience training and group classes led by expert trainers, along with full-day and half-day daycare programs focused on socialization and play. The facility also offers boarding with included baths for multi-day stays, monthly daycare packages, and now provides the Bordetella vaccine in oral mist form.
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.
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.
Dog's Downtown is a comprehensive dog training and boarding facility in Chantilly offering obedience training, board-and-train programs, private lessons, AKC puppy and canine good citizen group classes, service dog training, daycare, grooming, and overnight boarding. Led by master trainers, they work with all sizes, breeds, and training issues including behavioral problems, fear-based reactivity, and service dog prospects in their 15,000 sq ft facility.
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.
Red Dog Run Training and Behavior, run by experienced trainer Jennifer, specializes in addressing behavioral issues, obedience training, and group classes for dogs throughout Northern Virginia. They offer comprehensive services including puppy training, reactive dog classes, day training, online training, and in-home sessions designed to build stronger bonds between dogs and their owners. Jennifer's approach emphasizes understanding why dogs behave the way they do and teaching owners practical methods to redirect behavior effectively.
Kodiak K9 Training is the top-ranked provider with a Lantern Score of 85.12/100 and 5★ 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.
Several providers specialize in puppy training: Unleashed Abilities (Lantern Score 84.93/100) offers early socialization and foundation training, PuppyK (83.57/100) specializes in puppy classes with positive reinforcement methods, and Off Leash K9 Training (84.65/100) serves puppy parents with advanced obedience. All three have 4.9-5★ ratings.
My Dog Listens LLC (Lantern Score 85.04/100, 4.9★) and Kodiak K9 Training (85.12/100, 5★) both specialize in aggressive and reactive dogs with board & train programs. Comeback Dog Training (82.35/100, 5★) is another excellent option, offering force-free training methods and specializing in reactive and anxious dogs with a certified behavior consultant on staff.
Kodiak K9 Training (Lantern Score 85.12/100), My Dog Listens LLC (85.04/100), Off Leash K9 Training (84.65/100), and Zoom Room Dog Training in Springfield (83.08/100) all offer board & train programs. Kodiak K9 is the top-ranked option, featuring a unique model where dogs live with trainers in a home environment rather than a kennel.
None of the 20 top-ranked dog training providers in the Reston area have confirmed weekend hours available. We recommend calling your preferred trainer directly—such as Kodiak K9 Training (top-ranked, 85.12/100) or My Dog Listens LLC (85.04/100)—to inquire about weekend availability or services.
My Dog Listens LLC (Lantern Score 85.04/100, 4.9★) and Unleashed Abilities (84.93/100, 5★) both specifically serve first-time dog owners with comprehensive obedience training. Comeback Dog Training (82.35/100, 5★) is also excellent for beginners, offering force-free methods and specializing in family-friendly training with children present.