If you are looking for the best dog trainers in Baltimore, MD, you might feel overwhelmed by the many options available. How do you know which one is right for you and your furry friend? To help you narrow down your search, we have compiled a list of some of the most reputable and experienced dog trainers in the area. But before you contact them, you should consider some factors that will influence your decision. Here are some steps to follow when choosing a dog trainer:
- Determine your goals and expectations: What do you want your dog to learn? Do you need basic obedience training, behavior modification, or advanced skills? How much time and money are you willing to invest in the training process?
- Research the trainer’s credentials and methods: Look for trainers who have certifications from recognized organizations, such as the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) or the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). Ask about their training philosophy and techniques, and make sure they align with your values and preferences. Avoid trainers who use harsh or aversive methods, such as choke collars, shock collars, or physical punishment.
- Check the trainer’s reviews and references: Read online reviews from previous clients, and ask for testimonials or referrals from people you trust. Look for trainers who have positive feedback, satisfied customers, and happy dogs. You can also visit their website or social media pages to see pictures and videos of their work.
- Schedule a consultation or trial session: The best way to evaluate a trainer is to see them in action. Ask if they offer a free or discounted consultation or trial session, where you can meet them, observe their teaching style, and assess their rapport with your dog. This will give you a chance to ask questions, address any concerns, and decide if they are a good fit for you.
Best Dog Trainers in Baltimore, MD
1. Calm on Command K9
Calm on Command K9 is a dog training and rehabilitation service that operates in the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. The owner and head trainer, Jessica, is a certified dog trainer and behavior consultant who has over 10 years of experience working with dogs of all breeds, ages, and temperaments. She specializes in helping dogs with severe behavioral issues such as aggression, anxiety, reactivity, resource guarding, and more.
Calm on Command K9 offers various training programs to suit the needs and goals of each client. The most popular option is the board and train program, where the dog stays with Jessica for 2 to 6 weeks and receives intensive training in her home environment. The dog learns how to be calm, obedient, and confident in different situations, and the owner receives follow-up lessons and support to maintain the results. Alternatively, clients can choose private lessons, where Jessica teaches them how to train their own dog in their home or at a location of their choice. Private lessons are available in packages of 4, 6, or 8 sessions. Finally, clients can also book a phone consultation, where Jessica provides advice and guidance on specific issues or questions they have about their dog.
Calm on Command K9 uses a balanced training approach that combines positive reinforcement, clear communication, and believable leadership. Jessica uses various tools such as collars, leashes, harnesses, gentle leaders, clickers, etc., depending on the dog’s needs and personality. She also teaches owners how to understand their dog’s body language, signals, and motivations, and how to build a strong bond with their dog based on trust and respect.
- Address: 1 E Chase St Suite 1101, Baltimore, MD 21202
- Phone: (410) 999-1483
- Website: http://www.calmoncommandk9.com/
Highlights
- Board and train program for dogs with severe behavioral issues
- Private lessons for owners who want to learn how to train their own dog
- Phone consultation for specific questions or guidance
- Certified dog trainer and behavior consultant with over 10 years of experience
- Balanced training approach that uses positive reinforcement, clear communication, and believable leadership
2. Buck Wild Dog Training
Buck Wild Dog Training is a dog training service that operates in Baltimore, Maryland. The owner and trainer, Victoria Erbe, is a professional dog trainer who has over 6 years of experience working with dogs both domestically and internationally. She is assisted by her dog, Buck, who was an unruly shelter dog turned service dog. Together, they aim to bridge the gap between owners and their dogs through friendly education.
Buck Wild Dog Training offers various training services to suit the needs and goals of each client. One option is the board and train program, where the dog stays with Victoria for 2 to 4 weeks and receives intensive training in her facility. The dog learns how to be obedient, confident, and well-mannered in different situations, and the owner receives follow-up lessons and support to maintain the results. Another option is the one-on-one sessions, where Victoria teaches the owner how to train their own dog in their home or at a location of their choice. One-on-one sessions are available in packages of 6 or 12 sessions. The dog learns how to walk on a loose leash, follow basic commands, and ignore distractions. The owner also has the option to take a K-9 Good Citizen Test with their dog. Finally, clients can also access online courses, where they can train their dog from the comfort of their home with BuckWild Online Courses.
Buck Wild Dog Training uses a relationship and play based method of training that helps the dog build confidence and the skills needed to be successful. Victoria uses various tools such as prong collars, e-collars, clickers, etc., depending on the dog’s needs and personality. She also teaches owners how to understand their dog’s body language, signals, and motivations, and how to establish boundaries and trust with their dog.
- Address: 1126 S Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21230
- Phone: (410) 205-5025
- Website: http://buckwilddogtraining.com/
Highlights
- Board and train program for dogs who need intensive training
- One-on-one sessions for owners who want to learn how to train their own dog
- Online courses for owners who want to train their dog from home
- Professional dog trainer with over 6 years of experience
- Relationship and play based method of training that builds confidence and skills
Dolphins to Dogs Animal Training is a dog training service that operates in the Baltimore, NW DC and Northern Virginia areas, as well as offering digital training lessons nationwide. The owner and trainer, Angela LoPresti, is a certified fear free trainer who has over 16 years of experience working with animals, including dolphins, sea lions, and dogs. She uses scientifically proven positive reinforcement techniques that generate lasting results.
Dolphins to Dogs Animal Training offers various training services to suit the needs and goals of each client. One option is the one-on-one sessions, where Angela teaches the owner how to train their own dog in their home or at a location of their choice. One-on-one sessions can cover basic obedience behaviors, such as sit, down, stay, come, etc., as well as more complex behaviors, such as anxiety, reactivity, aggression, etc. Another option is the group and virtual services, where Angela provides online courses, webinars, workshops, and consultations for owners who want to train their dog from the comfort of their home or with other like-minded people. Group and virtual services can cover topics such as puppy socialization, leash walking, recall, crate training, etc.
Dolphins to Dogs Animal Training uses a choice based method of training that helps the dog build confidence and the skills needed to be successful. Angela uses various tools such as clickers, treats, toys, etc., depending on the dog’s needs and personality. She also teaches owners how to understand their dog’s body language, signals, and motivations, and how to create a safe, comfortable and fun learning environment for their dog.
- Address: 5528 Rusk Ave, Baltimore, MD 21215
- Phone: (814) 241-4675
- Website: http://www.dolphinstodogs.com/
Highlights
- One-on-one sessions for owners who want to train their own dog
- Group and virtual services for owners who want to train their dog from home or with others
- Certified fear free trainer with over 16 years of experience
- Choice based method of training that uses positive reinforcement
- Experience working with dolphins, sea lions, and dogs
