Areas served: Richmond, VA and surrounding Henrico, Chesterfield, and Hanover counties
Richmond's dog training landscape includes certified professionals offering group obedience classes, private behavior modification, and specialized training across the city and surrounding Henrico, Chesterfield, and Hanover counties. Training approaches range from positive reinforcement methods to balanced techniques, with facilities providing both indoor training centers and outdoor socialization environments. This directory evaluates Richmond-area trainers based on certification credentials, training philosophy, class structure, and expertise with specific behavioral issues.
Zoom Room Dog Training in Richmond offers comprehensive canine training programs including puppy classes, obedience training, behavior modification, and board & train programs. Their experienced trainers use positive reinforcement methods to help dogs of all ages and temperaments develop good manners and confidence. They serve the greater Richmond area with both group classes and customized training solutions for individual dogs.
Dog Training Elite Richmond is a family-owned, professional dog training company with over 40 years of experience specializing in obedience training, service dog training, puppy training, aggression and anxiety modification, therapy dog training, and group classes. Owner Paul Hearn and his team offer flexible in-home and facility-based training programs tailored to each dog's unique behavior and situation, empowering owners with lifelong skills to maintain their dog's progress. They work with dogs of any breed, size, or age to address issues like leash walking, barking, reactivity, separation anxiety, jumping, recall, destructive behavior, and vehicle behavior.
Augusta K9 Center is a full-service dog training facility in Staunton, VA offering comprehensive obedience training, behavior modification, and board & train programs. They specialize in working with dogs of all ages and temperaments, from puppies to adult dogs with challenging behaviors. The facility provides personalized training solutions designed to address specific behavioral issues and build strong bonds between dogs and their owners.
Off Leash K9 Training in Richmond specializes in obedience training and off-leash control for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes. Their team includes experienced trainers with military, rescue, shelter, and veterinary backgrounds who use proven, safe methods to achieve 100% obedience and distraction-proof results. They offer private lessons, board & train programs (2-week training camps), puppy consultations, aggression/reactivity modification, therapy dog certification, and in-home training throughout the greater Richmond area.
Calm K9 Training is an in-home dog training and rehabilitation service serving Richmond and surrounding areas. Their expert trainers specialize in resolving behavioral issues including aggression, jumping, barking, and fear through personalized, real-world training in your home environment. They offer leash training, basic obedience, off-leash training, and comprehensive rehabilitation programs, with lifetime support and ongoing guidance to ensure lasting results.
Off Leash K9 Training of Roanoke is a locally-owned dog training business specializing in obedience training, behavior modification, and puppy training across the Roanoke and Blacksburg areas. Led by experienced trainers including former veterinary technicians and shelter volunteers, they offer private lessons, board & train programs, and aggression specialist services using proven methods designed to work with dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes. They're part of the highest-rated dog training franchise in the United States and focus on creating strong owner-dog bonds through off-leash obedience.
Little Ponderosa Pet Resort & Spa is a comprehensive pet care facility near Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford, VA, offering overnight boarding for dogs and cats, doggy daycare, grooming services, and dog training. Run by passionate animal lovers who treat pets like family, they provide climate-controlled suites with private patios, spacious outdoor play areas, daily photo updates, and personalized communication to give owners peace of mind. Their expertise spans multiple service areas, from accommodating multi-dog families in King Suites to behavioral training focused on pack leadership and creating fulfilling human-dog relationships.
Happy Tailz Dog Training, owned and operated by Kelly Colthorpe, offers private in-home dog training sessions using positive reinforcement and muscle memory techniques. With a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology and certifications as an AKC CGC Evaluator and AKC STAR PUPPY trainer, Kelly has trained over 2,000 dogs, 24 cats, and 2 pigs. The business specializes in customized training programs for dogs of all ages (8 weeks and older), including behavioral training, puppy socialization, and agility training, with sessions conducted at your home for personalized one-on-one attention.
Better Dog Behavior Now is a professional dog training company in Henrico, VA specializing in obedience training, behavior modification, and in-home training solutions. Owner-operated with expertise in addressing aggression, anxiety, and unwanted behaviors, they work with dogs of all ages and temperaments. Their personalized approach combines in-home sessions with group classes to help dogs and owners develop lasting behavioral improvements.
Breakthrough K9 Training specializes in dog obedience, behavior modification, and board & train programs for dogs with aggression, anxiety, reactivity, and fear issues. Led by experienced trainers Lenny and Stephanie, they use a balanced, structured approach that teaches dogs to confidently navigate real-world situations through pack walks, impulse control exercises, and socialization in a home-like environment. Their facility on a hobby farm in Mechanicsville operates 7 days a week with a low trainer-to-dog ratio, climate-controlled kennels, and multiple play yards to ensure individualized attention and consistent progress.
Best Paw Forward K9 Training is a family dog training business in Richmond, VA led by Pat, offering lifestyle-focused training for dogs of any breed and age. Services include puppy training (potty training, mouthing, jumping), basic obedience for calm and well-behaved companions, and behavior modification for issues like leash reactivity, aggression toward other dogs, and nuisance barking. Pat specializes in helping owners enjoy their dogs through practical, relationship-building training that enables off-leash freedom and inclusion in everyday activities.
Love For Paws offers compassionate, reward-based dog training in the comfort of your home, led by Jennifer and Aaron. They specialize in addressing problem behaviors through in-home training sessions where issues most commonly occur, using humane and effective methods. The team prioritizes continuing education and aims to strengthen the bond between owners and their dogs while providing video conference training for clients outside their service area.
Leader of the Pack Dog Training has been providing customized dog training in the Shenandoah Valley since 2003. Owner Michelle Bowersox is an IACP Professional Member and offers group classes, private consultations, and in-home training to address behavioral issues and obedience. They specialize in working with dogs whose behaviors are frustrating their owners, tailoring programs to each dog's specific needs.
Pet Paradise is a comprehensive pet care resort in Harrisonburg offering dog and cat boarding, day camp, grooming, dog training, and veterinary care through their partner NewDay Veterinary Care. Their professional groomers provide full-service grooming including baths, nail trimmings, and stylish coat work as part of a larger resort-style facility featuring air-conditioned suites, synthetic turf play areas, and live webcams so owners can monitor their pets. The business is known for personalized attention, report cards after stays, and a commitment to pet wellness through monthly health plans and evidence-based training methods.
Richmond Dog Obedience Club (RDOC) is a member-based training organization offering group classes for dogs of all levels, from puppy basics to advanced competition training. Their curriculum includes Manners Classes (basic obedience and foundation skills), Specialty Classes (tricks, confidence-building, and advanced concepts), and Sport Classes (competition-focused training). RDOC focuses on building the human-animal bond through structured, progressive training that provides mental stimulation and strengthens dogs' confidence.
Dog Lovers Obedience School, run by Emily and her team, helps families build healthy relationships with their dogs through balanced training methods. They offer group classes for puppies and adult dogs, private sessions, board and train programs, and specialized behavior modification training for issues like aggression, anxiety, and fear. Kids ages 4 and older can participate in group classes, making training a family activity that teaches owners how to set their dogs up for success.
Level Up Dog Sports is Virginia's premier dog training facility located in Mechanicsville, minutes from downtown Richmond. They specialize in reward-based training to teach dogs essential behavioral skills, address nuisance behaviors, and strengthen the bond between dogs and owners. Their unique 24,000+ sq ft matted and turf-covered warehouse provides a safe, cushioned training environment, and they offer obedience training, behavior modification, group classes, and board & train programs while staying current with the latest positive reinforcement techniques.
Helping Howls is a pet boarding and care facility in Midlothian, VA that provides safe, comfortable lodging for dogs and cats while their owners are away. The facility offers spacious accommodations, daily exercise, and personalized care to ensure pets feel at home. With a focus on individualized attention and a clean, secure environment, Helping Howls is a trusted choice for pet parents seeking reliable boarding services in the Richmond area.
Richmond SPCA is a no-kill animal shelter and rescue organization serving the Richmond community for 24 years. They provide pet adoption services for dogs, cats, and small animals, along with veterinary care through their clinic and hospital serving over 12,000 community pets annually. Beyond adoption, they offer dog training classes, foster programs, pet support services to help owners keep their companions, volunteer opportunities, and community education events including trap-neuter-vaccinate-return (TNVR) workshops.
All Dog Adventures is Richmond's premier dog training, daycare, boarding, and grooming facility since 1996. They offer comprehensive group training classes (obedience, life skills, and agility), doggy daycare, boarding services, and grooming in a safe, stimulating environment. Their experienced trainers use current methodology to build confidence and strong owner-dog relationships through tiered training programs tailored to each dog's unique needs.
Valor K9 is a dog training service in Richmond, VA specializing in obedience training and behavior modification. With a focus on practical, results-driven training methods, they work with dogs of all ages and temperaments to address behavioral issues and build strong owner-dog relationships. Their hands-on approach has earned consistent positive feedback from Richmond-area dog owners.
Impawsible Pups is an enrichment-based doggy daycare and boarding facility in Richmond, VA founded by master trainer Valerie Paul. They specialize in constructive group play, individualized interactive activities, puppy training, off-leash dog training, private dog training, pet grooming, and cat boarding. New boarding and daycare clients must first pass their play group qualifying course to ensure compatibility and safety.
Happy Hounds Doggie Day Care is Harrisonburg's premier doggy daycare facility offering full-day and half-day supervised play programs for socialized, vaccinated dogs. Located at 220 Waterman Drive, they provide a safe, affordable environment where dogs play throughout the day while owners are at work, plus overnight boarding is available for daycare clients. The facility is run by Marcie and requires a brief evaluation appointment before enrollment to ensure dogs are people and dog-friendly.
Liberty Canine Academy is a dog training facility in Charlottesville specializing in obedience training, behavior modification, and puppy classes. They offer both group classes and in-home training programs to address specific behavioral issues and build foundational skills for dogs of all ages and temperaments.
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.
PetSmart Dog Training in Charlottesville offers group classes, private sessions, and virtual dog training led by accredited trainers using positive reinforcement methods. Their group classes (4-10 dogs) serve puppies and adult dogs across multiple skill levels, from basic obedience to advanced tricks and therapy dog training. Beyond training, PetSmart provides grooming, boarding at PetsHotel, doggie day camp, and pet pharmacy services all in one location.
Petco Dog Training offers professional dog training services at the Richmond Staples Mill location, providing instruction for dogs of various ages and skill levels. As part of the national Petco network, they deliver training programs designed to improve behavior and obedience in a retail setting where pet supplies are also available.
Zoom Room Dog Training is the top-ranked dog training provider in Richmond with a Lantern Score of 85.30/100 and a 5-star rating based on 215 reviews. They offer comprehensive programs including puppy classes, obedience training, behavior modification, and board & train services, making them ideal for puppy owners, first-time dog owners, and busy professionals.
Dog Training Elite Richmond (Lantern Score: 84.55/100) and Calm K9 Training (Lantern Score: 83.36/100) both specialize in aggression training. Dog Training Elite Richmond, a family-owned business with over 40 years of experience, handles aggression, anxiety, and jumping issues, while Calm K9 Training provides in-home rehabilitation specifically for aggression, leash reactivity, and behavioral problems.
Happy Tailz (Lantern Score: 82.14/100) and Calm K9 Training (Lantern Score: 83.36/100) both provide in-home training services. Happy Tailz uses positive reinforcement and muscle memory techniques and is led by Kelly Colthorpe, while Calm K9 Training specializes in behavioral rehabilitation for dogs with aggression, separation anxiety, and leash reactivity.
Dog Training Elite Richmond (Lantern Score: 84.55/100) and Off Leash K9 Training, Richmond (Lantern Score: 83.79/100) are both excellent for puppies, with 92 and 332 reviews respectively. Dog Training Elite Richmond specializes in early socialization with a 5-star rating, while Off Leash K9 Training offers obedience training and off-leash control specifically designed for puppies and families.
Yes, several top-ranked trainers offer board & train programs: Zoom Room Dog Training (Lantern Score: 85.30/100), Off Leash K9 Training, Richmond (Lantern Score: 83.79/100), and Breakthrough K9 Training (Lantern Score: 81.66/100) all provide intensive board & train programs. These programs are particularly popular with busy professionals and owners needing to address aggression, anxiety, or reactivity issues.
Richmond Dog Obedience Club (Lantern Score: 79.93/100) offers member-based group classes for all levels from puppy basics to advanced competition training. Dog Lovers Obedience School (Lantern Score: 79.58/100) and All Dog Adventures (Lantern Score: 78.24/100) also provide structured group classes, with All Dog Adventures offering obedience, life skills, and agility classes since 1996.