This is a list of the top dog trainers in Virginia Beach, VA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
In home training
My Alaskan Malamute, Silas, started my journey in dog training. We missed out on puppy classes in my rural college town due to lack of availability. Once in Virginia Beach we worked our way through CGC but were not ready to stop there. I found HROTC to take the CGCA test and then started learning Rally. I now look forward to giving new puppy owners guidance to form the solid foundation I missed...
In home training
My training career started with a reactive dog I adopted in 2017. I had to learn tons about behavior modification and reactivity to help him succeed in the world, which started my love of interpreting and identifying behavior. I spent time shadowing a professional trainer and earned my professional dog training certification in 2019 from the respected Certification Council of Professional Dog T...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training
Hey! My name is Cam and I am the owner of K9aholics. I am from Portsmouth, VA and graduated from Old Dominion University. I am a former Division 1 running back for ODU and Norfolk Police Officer. My love and passion for dogs started at an early age, but I really got into working dogs when I purchased my first Belgian Malinois, Draco. Shortly after, I attended Tarheel School for dog trainers and...
Puppy training, Agility training
Angie has always had a love for dogs, which started when she was 3 years old growing up with her first dog Samantha (a yellow Labrador). She developed a natural curiosity of what she could teach Samantha. At 8 years old, she taught Samantha to retrieve slippers, play soccer, and walk the perimeter of the yard without leaving. Coming from a law enforcement family, this love and bond grew into wa...
In home training
I have been training and competing in dog sports for 16+ years. This type of training has highlighted, for me, the importance of and need for true teamwork with your canine partner. We adopted a rough collie, Chesnee, when she was 9 months old, and we quickly learned she wasn't really interested in people. As much as I wanted us to learn about agility, she just wanted to chase squirrels and me!...
While I have had dogs my whole life it wasn't until I got my first border collie that I really started training dogs. I tried herding, agility and several other sports before I found my real love - flyball. I have trained 5 border collies in this sport and work every Sunday with Hairier Jump Jets, the local flyball club to help train their dogs. In addition to flyball, HROTC led me to scentwork...
Ever since I begged my parents for a dog as a child, I've had a dog my whole life. My first dog was a German Shepherd and then a black Lab was my friend through adulthood. For the past 25 years, I have owned Shelties. I love Shelties for their intelligence, loyalty, and desire to please. Oh, and their faces! Due to my condo rules, I can only have one dog at a time or I would have plenty more. I...
In home training
I began positive reinforcement training in 2018 under a mentor through Petco. Their positive dog training program is based in scientifically-sound methods. Shortly after I began to work at my local SPCA. I was able to observe and learn from a multitude of animal behaviors throughout my tenure there, in addition to doing long-term desensitization work with cats.I worked with high-energy dogs wit...
Puppy training, Agility training
Amber grew up in Bristow, VA. Her love for dogs came at a very young age. She started dog sitting around the age of 8 and still does to this day. Then she would start walking dogs for friends and neighbors and made her more interested in having a career working with dogs.After graduating high school she attended Virginia Tech, where she graduated with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Animal ...
Puppy training, Agility training
Kahla and Carl settled in Yorktown after 26 years of USAF service. It has been an interesting journey since. She was previously a small business owner of The Glass Pheasant Tea Room.‚ 50 years earlier, they bought their first German Shorthaired Pointer. The energy and versatility of this hunting dog became their lifelong obsession. In 2003, the love of GSPs took a new path. After two previous d...
Puppy training, Agility training
Becky is the owner and operator of On Command Dog Training. She is a friendly, open-hearted person who is, above all else, a dog lover! Dogs have been a part of her life since childhood. At the early age of 14, she began training and working with dogs, which led her to pursue a lifelong dream of becoming a full-time dog trainer. Through hard work and determination, she is now the proud owner...
Puppy training, Agility training
Tom has dedicated his life to dog training and the training of their human partners. He has worked for one of our local police departments for over 34 years and worked and trained dogs for the department for 30 years. Over the years Tom has had five different K-9 partners that were credited with numerous criminal apprehensions, detection of illegal narcotics and confiscation of monies and prope...
Puppy training, Agility training
Abbey was born and raised in York county. Growing up, Abbey has always wanted to be involved with working with dogs in anyway possible. She started volunteering with the SPCA in her free time as soon as she turned 16. From then on, Abbey started taking initiative by helping out family members with their K-9's, training one on one. She then started fostering and working with stray dogs to get th...
In home training
Retired after forty years of teaching high school English students, Deborah now has time to do what she has always wanted to do: teach dog owners how to build a great relationship with their pets! So in 2010, Playful Pups & Performance Training was established. Since then, she has guided countless owners away from the old-fashioned methods in favor of science-based force-free methods. These 'c...
In home training
My love for dogs started at a young age. I grew up with two or three dogs at a time, mostly Great Pyrenees. In 2017, I began volunteering for Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind and found my passion for dog training. Since then, I have raised and trained numerous future assistance dogs through various non-profit organizations. After graduating from college, I worked for a service dog organizatio...
Puppy training, Agility training
Aubry grew up in the Newport News community and has continued to make it her home. As a young person, she would read up on every dog book she could find at the library and would help owners with their dogs even though she didn't have one of her own. Finally, they day came where she was allowed to adopt, Parker, a spunky dachshund. Training him wasn't just a pastime it was a passion. Throughout ...
Agility training
I began training in NW 2016 due to the adoption of my reactive German Shepard Sadie. During this time frame, I had adopted another German Shepard Fawn who got into the NACSW within the 6 months of owning her she got her NW1 title. We moved into SW Nov 2016 when HROTC began holding AKC SW trials locally and both GSDs have excelled in SW with their titles. We have been enjoying the sport since an...
I discovered AKC obedience trials in 1985 in Lincoln NE after taking my Sheltie 'Lady' to an obedience class to learn not to pull me down the street. Lady got her CDX. Four more Shelties and a Manchester Terrier followed, with each acquiring their CD and various agility titles at the novice and open levels. My current Manchester 'Riley' has his nosework NACSW Elite 1 title; AKC Scentwork SWM an...
Puppy training, Agility training
I grew up mostly in Yorktown, VA and moved back to the Hampton Roads area after earning a Bachelor's Degree from the VCU School of Business. I started walking dogs in the Spring of 2017 to make a little extra money while I was looking for a job in my field and I ended up loving it so much that I made a full-time job out of it! Each dog I've worked with has aided me in learning more about what i...
Puppy training
Training Dogs was not something I ever thought I'd be doing but I brought home my first dog 16 years ago and as they say, the rest is history. I become interested in puppy development and socialization, working with reactive dogs and then, with my second dog, in performance events. I took classes, read, went to workshops and then, at the suggestion of a friend, pursued becoming a Certified Prof...
Puppy training, Agility training
Stephanie grew up in Newport News. At a young age she developed a love for dogs and training. She was constantly outdoors playing with her childhood dog and the neighbor's dogs. One of her first jobs was pet sitting throughout the neighborhood. Her love for dogs and training grew as she and her husband got their first two dogs, Buddy and Maya. They also fostered numerous GSDs through Southe...
I became a member of HROTC in 1998. I cannot remember when I started teaching classes for HROTC anymore but I remember that I was very nervous during my 1st classes. Now it feels so normal to pass on all the knowledge I have learned over the years.I got involved with Rally Obedience in 2005 when it first came out and have titles on all of my dogs up to a total of 16 double Q's for RAE (Rally Ad...
As a professional photographer, around 2009, I started photographing the dogs at local shelters to help them get noticed online. My husband and I adopted 5 dogs during that several year period, and I quickly realized I could do more by forming my own pit bull rescue.I founded and operated Bully Advocate and Rescue Collective (BARC) for 10 years before recently turning it over to one of my foste...
In home training, Puppy training
When I was a little girl, I found myself engaging with every single dog I came into contact with. Evidently, my love for dogs was en grained deep in my soul. Fast forward to my first career; I loved it, but felt a pull towards a local animal shelter. My free time volunteering there revealed a true calling in the pet industry. I began my new career journey as a dog walker and pet sitter in NYC.T...
In home training
My journey began at the Median School of Allied Health Careers, where I graduated with an Associate Degree in Specialized Technology: Veterinary Technician. This education laid the foundation for my career in animal health, training and behavior. I've worked in various roles, from a veterinary assistant skilled in triage and surgery support, to a valued veterinary technician performing essentia...
In home training
From a young age, I have held an abiding passion for animals. Our family had a Sealyham Terrier and cat until I was nine, when my first horse and dog joined the mix Border Collie/Greyhound mix. My involvement with 4H marked the start of my equestrian and canine sports training journey, which has continued to this day. While working at an Arabian horse training facility, I obtained my first Aust...
Aggressive dog training, Agility training, Puppy training, Herding training, Deaf dog training
Felicia is a U.S. Navy Veteran, founder and lead trainer at Shades Of Blu Dog Training and Woof Gang Rehab & Rescue. She has worked with and volunteered training shelter dogs for 13 years, and has been training clients professionally for 7 years.After Felicia got out of the U.S. Navy in 2016, she enrolled at USD as a pre-veterinary student. She quickly realized that she was suffering from a var...
I am Dustin Weekley, a dedicated canine professional with a lifelong passion for dogs. As an ACCS-KA Certified Professional Dog Trainer, I specialize in building strong, fulfilling relationships between dogs and their owners. I am also an AKC-approved CGC, ATT, and Trick Dog Evaluator, a Level 3 AKC Fit Dog Instructor, and a professional member of the International Association of Canine Profess...
Welcome to Virginia Beach’s list of top dog trainers. The Virginia Beach, Virginia list is based on 0 votes from the Virginia Sniffspot community. Only the Virginia Beach dog trainers with the top number of votes made this list. Trainers are ordered by number of votes, with Kei Asper at the top of this list with 0 votes. We also counted 1066 votes for Virginia, with the remaining trainers listed outside of Virginia Beach.
Our rankings include trainers certified by and . They also specialize in Puppy training, In home training amongst other training programs.
Virginia Beach dog trainer services include:
Behind every successful Virginia Beach training session lies a passionate professional. Kei Asper shares why they chose this path: . All 28 trainers on this Virginia Beach list are committed to positive reinforcement. Trusted Virginia Beach trainer, Keri Bagley, uses the following methods: .
Explore the top dog trainers in Virginia Beach as voted by our community:
Ordered alphabetically, only included cities where there is enough data to compile a list
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
So: Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (cars, bikes, skateboards, and other fast-moving objects are also common triggers) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling not only feels embarrassing for you — it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.
Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.
Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.
Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.
Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.