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The Best Dog Trainers in District of Columbia of 2024

David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

This is a list of the top dog trainers in District of Columbia, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.

Liana Burgoyne
CPDT-KA, CCFT, CCFC, AKC CGC¬Æ Approved Evaluator, NASM-CPT
In home training
Washington DC, southern Maryland, northern Virginia
LianaFit Canine ConditioningLiana Burgoyne, CPDT-KANorthwest & Northeast DCwww.lianafit.comlianafitcanineconditioning@gmail.com757-773-4709Private lessons (in-person and virtually) plus group classes for manners, behavior modification, and canine fitness in the DC area. Also teaches classes for puppies and adult dogs at Colby's Dogcare in northeast DC. Also certified as Canine Fitness Coach and...

Joe Ryan
PMCT-1, CPDT-KA, FFCP (Trainer), VSA-CDT
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training
The DMV area
Joe specializes in behavior modification with a focus on reactive and aggressive behaviors. He's studied under Pat Miller at Peaceable Paws, Victoria Stilwell, and world-renowned aggression expert Michael Shikashio, and The College of Scent Dogs. His knowledge of canine behavior, mixed with his force- and fear-free training philosophies, puts him among the most sought-after trainers in the regi...

Kayleigh Sullivan
KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training
NW Washington D.C, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, McClean, Arlington
I have been training animals for over 10 years. For eight of those years I have trained elephants using positive reinforcement-based training. I graduated with a BA in Animal Sciences with a focus on Animal Behavior. I have experience working at veterinary clinics, animal shelters in behavior departments, and many years working with exotic animals in sanctuary and zoo/aquarium settings. I beli...

Avi Israeli
ABCDT
Reactive dog training, Agility training, Board and train, In home training, Puppy training
Washington, DC
I received my certification from Animal Behavior College in 2012, and have been training full time since then.

Sophia Turshen
AKC CGG evaluator, Positive Rewards certification
Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Agility training, Board and train, In home training, Puppy training
I service the Washington DC Metropolitan area! Central and Southern MD, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia
Sophia brings a wealth of experience in training well-behaved, well-adjusted dogs and equipping pet owners with the confidence, knowledge, and tools to maintain that training at home. Sophia is certified in Dog Training and Animal Nutrition and has worked in the field of pet care and training for over five years. In addition to running her own professional pet care and training business, Sophia...

Gwen Podulka
CPDT-KA
Deaf dog training, Puppy training
Puppies, Adolescent dogs, Senior dogs, Deaf dogs, Behavior Modification

Kimberly Agzigian
Puppy training, In home training, Board and train
Kimberly's dog training journey began as a result of volunteering for collie rescues. She was shocked to see so many young collies being surrendered or returned due to behavioral issues. Kimberly met Kelly when she and her collies became certified therapy dog teams with National Capital Therapy Dogs (NCTD).Kimberly is an AKC evaluator for S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen (CGC), Community CGC...

Yasmin Baylor
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Yasmin (she/her) became interested in dog training and behavior when she adopted a behaviorally complex dog 8 years ago. Yasmin dove into the field of animal behavior first as a board member and training consultant for a local animal rescue and shelter, and then decided to become a professional dog trainer and fully pivot her career in 2020.Years of experience have helped Yasmin to develop a st...

Liana Burgoyne
Puppy training
As the head trainer of LianaFit‚Ñ¢, Liana is passionate about strengthening the bond between pet parents and their canine companions using positive reinforcement and canine fitness. She enjoys enriching the lives of dogs by improving their health and fitness while empowering clients to train with confidence, empathy, and evidence-based practices. In addition to holding multiple certifications, ...

Janine Castorina
Puppy training, In home training, Board and train
Janine has been training and competing in the sport of agility for several years and training dogs for over 10 years. Agility and tricks are her favorite sports.Janine finds teaching agility, tricks and training in general to be a uniquely rewarding experience. She loves being together with the students and the dogs are great. She enjoys watching them progress in dog sports and grow as teams. I...

April Chillari
In home training, Puppy training
My name is April and I am the owner and operator of Core Canine. I obtained my dog training certification through Animal Behavior College. My love of dogs brought me to volunteer with rescues and shelters. I realized, through these volunteer efforts, that behavior is the #1 reason owners surrender their dogs. I decided the best way to prevent dogs from being surrendered was to become a trainer ...

Kelly Citrin
Puppy training, In home training, Board and train
Kelly's background in rescue is what drives her to make changes in the lives of the dogs and humans she interacts with. Her training philosophy is Patience, Persistence, Positive Reinforcement, Praise & Play. She believes an integration of these concepts is key to a successful and happy human and pup. In addition to serving as the trainer for Capitol Canines Animal Rescue and Forever Changed An...

Joelle Cuprak
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Joelle has been training professionally since 2017, and has worked with dogs for far longer as a dog walker, assistant veterinary technician, shelter volunteer and as a foster home for rescued dogs. Like many trainers, Joelle originally became interested in behavior and training while helping her mixed breed dog Geronimo with his reactivity. Joelle enjoys teaching humans as much as teaching dog...

Juliana DeWillems
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, In home training
Juliana (she/her) is the Owner and Head Trainer at JW Dog Training. She has been training dogs since 2014 after she graduated with distinction from the Karen Pryor Academy.Juliana enjoys applying her knowledge of canine behavior and the science of learning when working closely with pet parents to improve their dog's behavior. Watching the training plan strengthen the bond between owner and dog ...

Missy Dilla
Puppy training, In home training, Board and train
Missy is a top Maryland trainer dedicated to positive reinforcement, force-free & free training methods. Driven by a lifelong interest in human and animal psychology, Missy's commitment to understanding the science, emotion, and feeling beneath the surface fuels her passion for dog training and behavior modification. She shares the 4 On The Floor belief that a strong foundation, built on mutual...

Brittany Fulton
Aggressive dog training, Herding training
Hello! I am Brittany Fulton, owner of Dances with Dogs. Thanks for taking the time to learn more about my business and me. My life experiences with animals have contributed to the highly motivated dog trainer that I am today. I have a degree from the University of Oregon in psychology with an emphasis on animal behavior. I also have Certification in Training and Counseling from the Academy f...

Sarah Hampel
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Sarah works with our Day School and Boarding School programs as well as assisting with several of our Basic Obedience classes.Sarah has a master's degree in Special Education and taught elementary school children with learning disabilities for more than 10 years. She has always had a love for animals and is delighted to be working with dogs and their people.She finds it immensely rewarding when...

Brittany Hassan
Puppy training, In home training, Board and train
Brittany has been working in the Professional Dog Care industry since 2021 when she first started as a dog walker for a fear-free company in Alexandria, VA. After moving back to MD in 2022, she started working at Patrick's Pet Care where she learned that she had a knack for not only dog walking, but also dog training and behavior, and decided to pursue a career in the field.

Britt...

Kat Heckert
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Kat (she/her) became interested in behavior and training when she entered the animal shelter world. Kat has worked in the behavior department of two animal shelters and has provided training services to shelter volunteers, fosters, and adopters. In 2020, she decided to take the leap from animal sheltering to private training and discovered how rewarding it is to work so closely with owners and ...

Gabriela Hubbard
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
HFDT offers force-free, reward-based dog training from puppy I to adult "shy", "fearful" "reactive" "aggressive" dogs. I work with ALL ages, sizes and breeds and tailor classes to promote demonstrable learning, real life skills, and a happy dog.

Offering in-home training services. For those clients who prefer to use Zoom, virtual training is always an option.

Scheduling is f...

See More Trainers In District of Columbia

The Best Washington, DC Dog Trainers In 2024

Liana Burgoyne
LianaFit Canine ConditioningLiana Burgoyne, CPDT-KANorthwest & Northeast DCwww.lianafit.comlianafitcanineconditioning@gmail.com757-773-4709Private lessons (in-person and virtually) plus group classes for manners, behavior modification, and canine fitness in the DC area. Also teaches classes for puppies and adult dogs at Colby's Dogcare in northeast DC. Also certified as Canine Fitness Coach and...
View profile
Joe Ryan
Joe specializes in behavior modification with a focus on reactive and aggressive behaviors. He's studied under Pat Miller at Peaceable Paws, Victoria Stilwell, and world-renowned aggression expert Michael Shikashio, and The College of Scent Dogs. His knowledge of canine behavior, mixed with his force- and fear-free training philosophies, puts him among the most sought-after trainers in the regi...
View profile
Kayleigh Sullivan
I have been training animals for over 10 years. For eight of those years I have trained elephants using positive reinforcement-based training. I graduated with a BA in Animal Sciences with a focus on Animal Behavior. I have experience working at veterinary clinics, animal shelters in behavior departments, and many years working with exotic animals in sanctuary and zoo/aquarium settings. I beli...
View profile

Welcome to District of Columbia’s list of top dog trainers. The District of Columbia list is based on 323 votes from the Sniffspot community. Only the District of Columbia dog trainers with the top number of votes made this list. Trainers are ordered by number of votes, with Liana Burgoyne at the top of this list with 130 votes.

Our rankings include trainers certified by CPDT-KA and CPDT-KA. They also specialize in Puppy training, In home training amongst other training programs.

District of Columbia dog trainer services include:

Puppy training
In home training
Aggressive dog training
Reactive dog training
Board and train
Agility training
Deaf dog training
Herding training

Dog trainers in District of Columbia selflessly set pets up for success. Liana Burgoyne shares why they chose this path: because I love training animals! They light up my life, and watching the transformation between dog and handler is the most rewarding experience. All 50 trainers on this District of Columbia list are committed to positive reinforcement. Trusted District of Columbia trainer, Joe Ryan, uses the following methods: R+ only! Using counterconditioning to modify emotional responses, then using DRA to modify behavioral responses..

Explore the top dog trainers in District of Columbia as voted by our community:

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

See The Best Dog Trainers By City In District of Columbia

Washington, DC

FAQ: About the Top Puppy dog training Dog Trainer in District of Columbia

Who is the leading Aggressive dog training dog trainer in District of Columbia?

Liana Burgoyne has been recognized as the top Aggressive dog training dog trainer in District of Columbia with an impressive 130 votes in our annual contest. They specialize in Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy dog training, In home dog training, Agility dog training, helping countless District of Columbia dogs and owners reach their goals.

What qualifications does Liana Burgoyne hold?

District of Columbia’s Liana Burgoyne is certified by CPDT-KA, CCFT, CCFC, AKC CGC¬Æ Approved Evaluator, NASM-CPT, ensuring a high level of expertise in Aggressive dog training. Their approach is grounded in years of experience with Aggressive dog training and a deep understanding of canine behavior.

What is Liana Burgoyne’s #1 dog training tip for owners in District of Columbia?

When asked for their best piece of advice for District of Columbia dog owners, Liana Burgoyne shared: reward preferred behaviors and forget about the rest.

Why did Liana Burgoyne become a dog trainer?

Driven by a passion for animals and a desire to make a difference, Liana Burgoyne of District of Columbia embarked on a career in dog training because because I love training animals! They light up my life, and watching the transformation between dog and handler is the most rewarding experience.

What is Liana Burgoyne’s favorite part of being a dog trainer?

For Liana Burgoyne, the most rewarding aspect of their work is witnessing my clients beginning to think like dog trainers.

Who are other notable District of Columbia dog trainers?

Who else excels in District of Columbia dog training? Besides Liana Burgoyne, other top-rated trainers include Joe Ryanand Kayleigh Sullivan, who specialize in Aggressive dog training and Aggressive dog training. These District of Columbia dog trainers received 102 and 48 votes respectively.

Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot

David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

David Adams

About the author

David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development. David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners. Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature. David is based in Salem, MA.

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About Sniffspot

Sniffspot provides the best experiences and fun for you and your dog. Our dog parks are designed for the ultimate dog exercise. Our private spaces help you minimize distractions or triggers and maximize time with your dog. We provide off leash enrichment - exploration and activities you can't get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days. We make it easy to have playdates. Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise and it's fun for you and your dog.

The Best Dog Trainers in District of Columbia of 2024

Liana Burgoyne

Joe Ryan

Kayleigh Sullivan

Avi Israeli

Sophia Turshen

Gwen Podulka

Kimberly Agzigian

Yasmin Baylor

Liana Burgoyne

Janine Castorina

April Chillari

Kelly Citrin

Joelle Cuprak

Juliana DeWillems

Missy Dilla

Brittany Fulton

Sarah Hampel

Brittany Hassan

Kat Heckert

Gabriela Hubbard

See More Trainers In District of Columbia

See The Best Dog Trainers By City In District of Columbia

FAQ: About the Top Puppy dog training Dog Trainer in District of Columbia

Who is the leading Aggressive dog training dog trainer in District of Columbia?

What qualifications does Liana Burgoyne hold?

What is Liana Burgoyne’s #1 dog training tip for owners in District of Columbia?

Why did Liana Burgoyne become a dog trainer?

What is Liana Burgoyne’s favorite part of being a dog trainer?

Who are other notable District of Columbia dog trainers?

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