If you are looking for the best dog trainers in Germantown, MD, you might be overwhelmed by the number of options available. How do you know which one is right for you and your furry friend? Choosing a dog trainer is an important decision that can affect your dog’s behavior, health and happiness. You want to find someone who is experienced, qualified and trustworthy. To help you narrow down your search, here are some factors to consider when choosing a dog trainer:
- Their credentials and certifications. Look for trainers who have completed formal education and training in dog behavior and training methods. They should also be certified by a reputable organization such as the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) or the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).
- Their methods and philosophy. Ask about the techniques and tools they use to train dogs. They should use positive reinforcement, reward-based methods that are humane and effective. Avoid trainers who use harsh, punitive or aversive methods such as choke chains, shock collars or physical force.
- Their experience and specialization. Find out how long they have been training dogs and what kind of dogs they have worked with. Some trainers may specialize in certain breeds, ages or issues. Choose a trainer who has experience with your dog’s specific needs and goals.
- Their reputation and reviews. Check their online reviews, testimonials and references from previous clients. Look for trainers who have positive feedback, satisfied customers and good ratings. You can also ask for recommendations from your veterinarian, friends or family members who have used their services.
- Their availability and location. Consider how often and where you want to train your dog. Some trainers may offer private sessions at your home or their facility, while others may offer group classes at a park or a community center. Choose a trainer who can accommodate your schedule and preferences.
- Their fees and policies. Compare the prices and packages of different trainers. Find out what is included in their services, such as consultations, assessments, follow-ups, handouts or videos. Also ask about their cancellation, refund and guarantee policies.
Best Dog Trainers in Germantown, MD
1. Pack Place K9
Pack Place K9 is a dog boarding, day care and training facility in Germantown, MD. It offers a unique health club type center with everything needed to keep your dog healthy both physically and mentally. It has 8000 sq.ft of climate controlled space complete with Day Camp, Grooming, Boarding, Group/Private Training, Agility Course, Treadmills, K9 Party Rental. It also has a web cam that allows you to watch your dog’s activities online.
Pack Place K9 has three levels of Day Camp to best meet your pup’s needs: Pack Care, Pack Care + and Pack Training. Pack Care includes two outside walks and all day socialization. Pack Care + includes an additional training walk, 15 minutes on the treadmill and an agility/obedience training session. Pack Training includes an additional training session with a senior staff member working on specific behavior goals.
Pack Place K9 also offers a rescue scholarship program that helps adoptable dogs find their forever homes. It provides them with training, socialization and exposure to potential adopters.
To join Pack Place K9, your dog must be at least four months old, spayed or neutered (if six months or older), current on Rabies, Distemper and Bordetella vaccines, flea/tick free and in good overall health, and dog and people friendly. You must also schedule a free interview for your dog to pass before participating in Day Camp.
Pack Place K9 is located at:
- Address: 12623 Wisteria Drive Lower, Level Suite M, Germantown, MD 20874
- Phone: (240) 277-2438
- Website: http://packplacek9.com/
Highlights
- Health club type center for dogs
- Three levels of Day Camp
- Rescue scholarship program
- Web cam access
2. Hungry Dog Training
Hungry Dog Training is a dog training service that offers 1:1 coaching, online courses and a specialized program for fearful and reactive dogs. It is based in Germantown, MD and serves the surrounding areas, as well as offering virtual training worldwide. It uses a modern, reward-based approach that is backed by science and proven to be safe and effective.
Hungry Dog Training can help you with puppies, adult dogs and behavior challenges. Whether you need help with socialization, potty training, crate training, problem prevention, basic manners, leash reactivity, aggression, resource guarding, issues at the vet/groomer or more, Hungry Dog Training can provide you with a personalized training plan that meets your goals and needs. You will also get live coaching sessions, written handouts, video demonstrations and unlimited email support.
Hungry Dog Training also offers a comprehensive program for fearful and reactive dogs called Frantic to Focused. This program helps you expand your dog’s world and enjoy outings together by teaching you how to manage your dog’s emotions, change their associations to triggers, teach them alternative behaviors and build their confidence and resilience.
To get started with Hungry Dog Training, you need to fill out a contact form on their website and schedule a free consultation. You will then receive a proposal with the recommended training package and pricing.
Hungry Dog Training is located at:
- Address: 18402 Crownsgate Cir, Germantown, MD 20874
- Phone: (410) 505-4196
- Website: http://www.hungrydogtraining.com/
Highlights
- Reward-based approach
- 1:1 coaching and online courses
- Frantic to Focused program for fearful and reactive dogs
- Free consultation
3. PetSmart Dog Training
PetSmart Dog Training is a dog training service that offers in-store and online classes for puppies and adult dogs of all ages and skill levels. It is part of PetSmart, the world’s largest pet supply and service retailer, which also offers a variety of products and services for your pet’s needs. PetSmart Dog Training uses a positive reinforcement approach that is fun and effective for both you and your dog.
PetSmart Dog Training has different types of classes to suit your goals and needs. Some of the classes are:
- StartSmart™ Training Workshop: A 1-hour, hands-on experience for pups 10 weeks and older that gives you a head start on potty training, crate training, socialization and tips on visiting the vet or groomer.
- Puppy Training: A 6-week introductory class for pups 10 weeks to 5 months old that teaches you how to communicate with your puppy, basic skills like the recall cue and loose leash walking, socialization and preventing common undesirable behaviors.
- Beginner Training: A 6-week class for dogs at least 5 months in age with no previous training that teaches basic manners with impulse control and relationship-building exercises, redirection techniques, leash walking and more.
- Intermediate Training: A 6-week class for dogs who already know their basic cues that helps them achieve the same results in situations involving more distance, duration and distractions. Dogs will also learn new cues like heel, place and more.
To join PetSmart Dog Training, you need to find a store near you that offers the classes you want and register online or by phone. You will also need to provide proof of your dog’s current vaccinations.
PetSmart Dog Training is located at:
- Address: 20924 Frederick Rd, Germantown, MD 20876
- Phone: (301) 916-2029
- Website: https://stores.petsmart.com/md/germantown/germantown/dog-training
Highlights
- In-store and online classes
- Positive reinforcement approach
- Classes for all ages and skill levels
- Part of PetSmart retailer
4. Petco Dog Training
Petco Dog Training is a dog training service that offers in-store classes for dogs of all ages and skill levels. It is part of Petco, a category-defining health and wellness company that provides a variety of products and services for your pet’s needs. Petco Dog Training uses a positive dog training approach, which is a rewards-based method that teaches you how dogs think, learn and communicate.
Petco Dog Training has different types of classes to suit your goals and needs. Some of the classes are:
- Puppy Level 1: A 6-week class for puppies 8 weeks to 16 weeks old that covers socialization, potty training, crate training, foundational cues like sit, down and come, and behavioral tips to address chewing, teething, digging and more.
- Puppy Level 2: A 6-week class for puppies 16 weeks to 6 months old that reinforces Puppy Level 1 behaviors and teaches loose-leash walking, leave it, wait, tricks and fun games.
- Adult Dog Level 1: A 6-week class for dogs at least 6 months in age with no previous training that teaches basic manners with impulse control and relationship-building exercises, redirection techniques, leash walking and more.
- Adult Dog Level 2: A 6-week class for dogs who already know their basic cues that helps them achieve the same results in situations involving more distance, duration and distractions. Dogs will also learn new cues like heel, place and more.
To join Petco Dog Training, you need to find a store near you that offers the classes you want and register online or by phone. You will also need to provide proof of your dog’s current vaccinations.
Petco Dog Training is located at:
- Address: 12960 Middlebrook Road #520A, Germantown, MD 20874
- Phone: (301) 515-8153
- Website: https://stores.petco.com/md/germantown/dog-training-germantown-md-1779.html
Highlights
- In-store classes
- Positive dog training approach
- Classes for all ages and skill levels
- Part of Petco wellness company
