If you are looking for the best dog trainers in Columbia, MD, you might be wondering how to find the one that suits your needs and preferences. With so many options available, how do you narrow down your choices and make the best decision for you and your furry friend? Choosing the right dog trainer can make a big difference in your dog’s behavior, happiness and well-being. Here are some tips on how to choose the right dog trainer for your needs:
- Check their credentials and experience. Look for a dog trainer who has professional certification, such as from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) or the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). These organizations require their members to pass exams, follow ethical standards and pursue continuing education. You can also ask for references from previous clients or veterinarians who can vouch for their work.
- Ask about their methods and philosophy. Different dog trainers use different approaches, such as positive reinforcement, clicker training, balanced training or aversive methods. Find out what methods they use and why they use them. Ideally, you want a dog trainer who uses humane, science-based and effective methods that suit your dog’s personality and learning style.
- Observe a class or session. Before you commit to a dog trainer, it’s a good idea to observe them in action. See how they interact with the dogs and the owners, how they handle challenges and how they communicate their instructions. You want a dog trainer who is patient, respectful, clear and fun. You also want to see how the dogs respond to them. Do they look happy, relaxed and engaged? Or do they look stressed, fearful or bored?
- Compare prices and packages. Dog training can vary in cost depending on the type, duration and location of the service. Some dog trainers offer private sessions, group classes, online courses or in-home visits. Compare the prices and packages of different dog trainers and see what fits your budget and schedule. You also want to check what is included in the service, such as materials, follow-up support or guarantees.
- Trust your gut. Ultimately, you want to choose a dog trainer who you feel comfortable with and who understands your goals and expectations. You want a dog trainer who listens to your concerns, answers your questions and respects your decisions. You also want a dog trainer who treats your dog with kindness, compassion and respect. Trust your gut feeling and choose a dog trainer who makes you and your dog happy.
Best Dog Trainers in Columbia, MD
1. The Coventry School for Dogs
The Coventry School for Dogs is a professionally recognized leader in day camp and training services for dogs and their owners in Howard County, Maryland. They have been helping dogs and their owners since 1990, using positive reinforcement methods and stress-free handling approaches that are based on scientifically-sound principles, extensive experience and advanced education in canine behavior. They offer cutting-edge enrichment programs, such as:
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Day Camp | A fun and safe environment for dogs to socialize, exercise and learn. Dogs are supervised by trained staff and separated by temperament, play style, age and activity. |
| Dog Training | A variety of group classes and private sessions for dogs of all ages and skill levels. From puppy kindergarten and beginner training to advanced training, tricks, K9 nose work and rally, Coventry has it all. They also offer day camp training, where dogs can learn while they play. |
| Behavior Consults | A personalized service for dogs with fear, aggression or other behavior problems. They work with owners to identify the causes of the problem and provide solutions using humane and effective techniques. They are recommended by veterinarians and veterinary behaviorists. |
The Coventry School for Dogs has a state-of-the-art facility that offers safe, sanitary and comfortable play spaces with padded floors, fenced relief areas and top-of-the-line dog toys and equipment. They use pet- and environment-friendly cleaning products and floor cleaning equipment to ensure that Coventry is a clean and healthy place. They also have a caring and knowledgeable staff that is educated in canine behavior and skilled in caring for and handling dogs. They provide outstanding customer service and personal attention to every dog and owner.
- Address: 7165 Oakland Mills Rd Suite KL, 7165 Oakland Mills Rd, Columbia, MD 21046
- Phone: (410) 381-1800
- Website: https://www.thecoventryschool.net/
Highlights
- Professional and experienced trainers with advanced degrees and certifications in canine behavior
- Cutting-edge enrichment programs for dogs of all ages and skill levels
- Personalized behavior consults for dogs with fear, aggression or other behavior problems
- State-of-the-art facility with safe, sanitary and comfortable play spaces
- Outstanding customer service and personal attention to every dog and owner
2. K9-Training Specialist
K9-Training Specialist is a dog training company that specializes in real-world obedience, competitive sports and breed-specific test training. They are not a franchise, a breeder, a boarding service or a grooming service. All they do is train. They train all dogs as if they were working K9s and not just pets. They offer the following training programs:
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Real World Training | A proven training method that will forever change the way you view training and handling your dog. They train in urban and city environments, not in warehouses or classrooms. They keep things challenging, exciting and fun for both you and your dog. |
| Behavioral Training | A personalized service for dogs with aggression, separation anxiety or any other behavior problem. They identify the causes of the problem and provide solutions using the latest scientific and training methods available. |
| Special Training | A service for dogs that want to do the job they were bred to do, such as herding, protection, tracking or hunting. They help you train your dog to perform at the highest level and make them happy. |
| Puppy Training | A service for puppies that want to start off on the right paw. They teach them the basics of obedience, socialization and manners in a fun and positive way. |
| Fetch / Retrieve | A service for dogs that want to learn how to fetch anything, from keys to ducks. They develop the most reliable retrieve you’ll ever see. |
| Seminars | A service for groups of all sizes in all 50 states that want to learn more about dog training and behavior. They offer seminars based on the latest scientific and training methods available. |
K9-Training Specialist is run by Jorge Fleming, a professional dog trainer with over 20 years of experience in training dogs for obedience, protection, tracking, detection and search and rescue. He is certified by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) evaluator and by the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW) as an odor recognition test (ORT) judge. He is also a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) and the United Schutzhund Clubs of America (USCA).
K9-Training Specialist offers a money-back guarantee if you are not truly satisfied with their training. They are committed to you and your dog and will work with you until you achieve your goals.
- Address: 11024 Gaither Hunt Ln, Columbia, MD 21044
- Phone: (301) 980-2204
- Website: http://www.k9-trainingspecialist.com/
Highlights
- Specialized training for real-world obedience, competitive sports and breed-specific test training
- Personalized behavioral training for dogs with aggression, separation anxiety or any other behavior problem
- Experienced and certified trainer with over 20 years of experience in training working K9s
- Money-back guarantee if not satisfied with their training
- Seminars available for groups of all sizes in all 50 states
3. PUPS Dog Obedience Training
PUPS Dog Obedience Training is a dog training company that offers a proven, unique and professional system to make obedience a way of life and assure your dog’s safety at all times. They have been in business for many years and have a philosophy that is consistent in all their services and classes. They offer the following services and classes:
| Service/Class | Description |
|---|---|
| Basic Group Obedience Course | A progressive 8-week group course that teaches dogs the basics of obedience on a 15-foot line with major distractions. They also work on building a strong relationship between owner and dog, establishing the owner as a capable leader, and improving the temperament and confidence of the dog. They do not use treats for this course, but rely on mental work and physical praise. They train in real-world environments, both indoors and outdoors. |
| Private Basic Obedience Course | A private version of the Basic Group Obedience Course, tailored to the individual needs and goals of the owner and dog. They offer flexible scheduling and discounted prices for those who want to join the group course later. |
| Behavioral Training | A service for dogs with any behavior problem, such as aggression, anxiety, barking, jumping, digging, etc. They assess each dog individually and provide solutions using positive reinforcement, desensitization, counter-conditioning and other techniques. They also educate owners on breed traits and how they affect behavior. |
| Puppy Training | A service for puppies that want to learn the basics of obedience, socialization and manners in a fun and positive way. They teach puppies how to sit, down, come, stay, walk on leash, greet people and other dogs politely, and more. They also help owners with housebreaking, crate training, chewing, biting and other puppy issues. |
| Seminars | A service for groups of all sizes that want to learn more about dog training and behavior. They offer seminars on topics such as aggression, anxiety, body language, breed traits, nutrition, health, etc. They base their seminars on the latest scientific and training methods available. |
PUPS Dog Obedience Training is run by Karen Decker, a professional dog trainer with over 25 years of experience in training dogs for obedience, agility, tracking and therapy work. She is certified by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) evaluator and by Therapy Dogs International (TDI) as a therapy dog evaluator. She is also a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).
PUPS Dog Obedience Training offers both in-person and virtual sessions to accommodate different locations and schedules. They are committed to helping owners and dogs achieve their goals and have fun along the way.
- Address: 9050 Red Branch Rd, Columbia, MD 21045
- Phone: (443) 545-9598
- Website: https://pupsdogobedience.com/
Highlights
- Proven, unique and professional system to make obedience a way of life
- Individual assessment and behavior modification for each dog
- Recognition and education on breed traits and how they affect behavior
- Improvement of temperament and confidence of the dog
- Real-world training environments, both indoors and outdoors
4. Petco Dog Training
Petco Dog Training is a dog training service that offers quality, preventive care to help ensure your pet’s health and wellness. They have certified dog trainers who offer positive dog training classes for dogs of all ages and skill levels. They also offer online dog training sessions for convenience and safety. They offer the following dog training classes:
| Class | Description |
|---|---|
| Puppy Level 1 | A 6-week introductory group class for puppies 2-4 months old that focuses on proper socialization and teaches desired behaviors and cues to address common puppy challenges, such as potty training, chewing, teething, digging and more. |
| Puppy Level 2 | A 6-week intermediate group class for puppies 4-6 months old that expands on the behaviors and cues learned in Puppy Level 1, introducing the concept of establishing behaviors as routines, fun games to keep the puppy’s mind active and engaged, and more advanced training cues. |
| Adult Dog Level 1 | A 6-week introductory group class for dogs over 6 months old that is designed to help owners better communicate with and train their dogs. Dogs will learn behaviors and cues, such as ‘leave it’, ‘wait’, loose leash walking, and more. They will also learn additional behavioral tips to stop unwanted jumping, barking, digging and more. |
| Adult Dog Level 2 | A 6-week intermediate group class for dogs over 6 months old that expands on the behaviors and cues learned in Adult Dog Level 1, introducing more advanced and complex training techniques, such as ‘heel’, ‘go to bed’, ‘stay’ with distractions, ‘come’ with distractions, and more. |
| AKC Canine Good Citizen | A 6-week advanced group class for dogs over 6 months old that prepares them for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, which is a nationally recognized program that evaluates dogs on their manners and obedience skills. Dogs will learn how to behave politely around other dogs and people, how to accept grooming and handling, how to walk through a crowd, how to sit and down on command, how to come when called, how to stay in place, how to react to distractions, and more. |
Petco Dog Training also offers private lessons for dogs who need more individual attention or have specific training goals. They also offer vaccination clinics, pet grooming, pet sitting, boarding and walking services at their store locations.
Petco Dog Training is committed to helping owners and dogs bond and have fun through positive reinforcement methods. They are pleased to announce that they offer a free 30-minute orientation session for new training customers.
- Address: 6181 Old Dobbin Ln #800, Columbia, MD 21045
- Phone: (410) 290-1313
- Website: https://stores.petco.com/md/columbia/dog-training-columbia-md-1762.html
Highlights
- Quality, preventive care for your pet’s health and wellness
- Positive dog training classes for dogs of all ages and skill levels
- Online dog training sessions available
- Certified dog trainers who offer fun and informative lessons
- Free 30-minute orientation session for new training customers
5. Raising K9
Raising K9 is a dog training company that offers personalized and professional training services for dogs and their owners in Columbia, MD and surrounding areas. They use positive reinforcement, force-free and science-based methods to help dogs learn new skills, overcome behavior problems and have fun. They offer the following training services:
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Private Training | A one-on-one service for dogs who need individual attention, customized training plans and flexible scheduling. They offer in-home or on-location sessions for dogs of all ages and issues, such as obedience, manners, socialization, aggression, anxiety, reactivity, etc. They also offer remote coaching via phone or video calls for convenience and safety. |
| Group Classes | A small-group service for dogs who enjoy learning with other dogs and owners in a structured and supportive environment. They offer various classes for different levels and goals, such as puppy kindergarten, basic manners, advanced manners, tricks and games, etc. They also offer specialty classes for specific skills or challenges, such as leash walking, recall, impulse control, etc. |
| Day Training | A drop-off service for busy owners who want their dogs to receive professional training while they are away. They offer half-day or full-day sessions for dogs who need to learn new skills, practice existing skills or work on behavior issues. They also provide owners with progress reports, homework assignments and follow-up sessions to ensure consistency and success. |
| Board and Train | A residential service for owners who want their dogs to receive intensive training while staying at the trainer’s home. They offer 2-week or 4-week programs for dogs who need to learn basic or advanced obedience, manners, socialization or behavior modification. They also provide owners with daily updates, videos, photos and follow-up sessions to ensure a smooth transition and maintenance. |
Raising K9 is run by Lisa Arant, a certified professional dog trainer with over 15 years of experience in training dogs for obedience, agility, therapy and service work. She is certified by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). She is also a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and the Pet Professional Guild (PPG).
Raising K9 offers a free consultation for new clients to assess their needs and goals and recommend the best training option for them. They are committed to helping owners and dogs achieve a happy and harmonious relationship through positive and effective training.
- Address: 10222 Macgill Ave, Columbia, MD 21044
- Phone: (410) 868-2275
- Website: https://raisingk9.training/
Highlights
- Personalized and professional training services for dogs and their owners
- Positive reinforcement, force-free and science-based methods
- Various training options to suit different needs and goals
- Certified professional dog trainer with over 15 years of experience
- Free consultation for new clients
6. PetSmart Dog Training
PetSmart Dog Training is a dog training service that offers positive reinforcement training for dogs and their owners in Columbia, MD and nearby stores. They have accredited pet trainers who offer dog training classes for puppies and adult dogs of all skill levels. They also offer virtual dog training options for convenience and safety. They offer the following dog training classes:
| Class | Description |
|---|---|
| Puppy | A 6-week group class for puppies up to 5 months old that teaches the basics of housetraining, crate training, bite inhibition, socialization and obedience cues, such as sit, down, come, stay, etc. |
| Beginner | A 6-week group class for dogs 5 months and older or graduates of the Puppy class that teaches impulse control, loose leash walking, polite greetings and advanced obedience cues, such as leave it, drop it, heel, etc. |
| Intermediate | A 6-week group class for dogs who have mastered the Beginner class or equivalent skills that teaches more complex behaviors and cues, such as go to place, wait at doors, settle, etc. |
| Advanced | A 6-week group class for dogs who have mastered the Intermediate class or equivalent skills that prepares them for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, which evaluates dogs on their manners and obedience skills in real-life scenarios. |
| Tricks | A 6-week group class for dogs of any age and skill level that teaches fun and useful tricks, such as shake, spin, roll over, play dead, etc. |
| Therapy Dog | A 6-week group class for dogs who have passed the Advanced class or equivalent skills that prepares them for therapy dog certification, which allows them to visit hospitals, schools, nursing homes and other facilities to provide comfort and joy to people in need. |
PetSmart Dog Training also offers private lessons for dogs who need more individual attention or have specific training goals. They also offer pet grooming, pet sitting, boarding and doggie day camp services at their store locations.
PetSmart Dog Training is committed to helping owners and dogs bond and have fun through positive reinforcement methods. They offer a free orientation session for new training customers.
- Address: 9041 Snowden Square Dr, Columbia, MD 21045
- Phone: (410) 312-0950
- Website: https://stores.petsmart.com/md/columbia/columbia/dog-training
Highlights
- Positive reinforcement training for dogs and their owners
- Accredited pet trainers who offer dog training classes for puppies and adult dogs of all skill levels
- Virtual dog training options available
- Free orientation session for new training customers
- Pet grooming, pet sitting, boarding and doggie day camp services available
