If you are looking for the best dog trainers in Silver Spring, MD, you might be overwhelmed by the number of options available. How do you know which one is the right fit for you and your furry friend? A good dog trainer can help you teach your dog basic obedience, correct behavioral issues, and strengthen your bond. But a bad dog trainer can cause more harm than good, and waste your time and money. That’s why it’s important to do some research before you choose a dog trainer. Here are some bullet points to consider when making your decision:
- Check the credentials and experience of the dog trainer. Look for certifications from reputable organizations such as the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), or the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). These indicate that the trainer has met certain standards of knowledge and skills in dog training and behavior.
- Ask for references and testimonials from previous clients. Find out how satisfied they were with the results, how the trainer interacted with their dogs, and how they handled any challenges or problems. You can also look for online reviews on platforms such as Google, Yelp, or Facebook.
- Observe a class or session before you sign up. This will give you a chance to see the trainer’s methods, style, and personality in action. Pay attention to how they communicate with the dogs and the owners, how they use rewards and corrections, and how they handle different situations. You want a trainer who is positive, patient, respectful, and professional.
- Compare the prices and packages of different trainers. Find out what is included in the fee, how long each session lasts, how many sessions are required, and what kind of follow-up support is offered. You want a trainer who offers a fair and reasonable price for their services, and who can customize their program to suit your needs and goals.
- Trust your instincts. Ultimately, you want a trainer who you feel comfortable with, who listens to your concerns, and who respects your preferences. You also want a trainer who your dog likes, trusts, and responds to. If you have any doubts or red flags about a trainer, don’t hesitate to look for another one.
Choosing the right dog trainer for your needs can make a big difference in your dog’s behavior and well-being. By following these bullet points, you can narrow down your options and find the best dog trainers in Silver Spring, MD.
Best Dog Trainers in Silver Spring, MD
1. Pawz For Health Dog Training Maryland
Pawz For Health is an in-home dog training service that provides positive reinforcement dog training in Maryland. The owner and trainer, Janine Pierce, is a certified professional dog trainer and behavior consultant with over 20 years of experience. She offers customized training programs for puppies and adult dogs, as well as specialized services for dog aggression, separation anxiety, and puppy socialization. Pawz For Health also offers a unique puppy board and train program that helps jumpstart your puppy’s housebreaking, crate training, leash walking, and basic obedience.
- Address: 8811 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20910
- Phone: (240) 424-5984
- Website: https://www.pawzforhealth.net/
Highlights
- Positive reinforcement dog training methods
- In-home, personalized, and flexible training programs
- Experienced and certified professional dog trainer and behavior consultant
- Puppy board and train program
- Dog aggression, separation anxiety, and puppy socialization services
2. Academy Dog Training
Academy Dog Training is a dog training school that offers group classes, private lessons, and online courses for dogs of all ages and levels. The founder and head trainer, Haywood Perry III, is a certified dog trainer and behavior specialist with over 40 years of experience. He teaches a variety of courses, such as basic obedience, advanced obedience, agility, rally obedience, therapy dog preparation, and more. Academy Dog Training also provides behavior modification for dogs with issues such as fear, anxiety, aggression, reactivity, and resource guarding.
- Address: 8843 Monard Dr, Silver Spring, MD 20910
- Phone: (301) 585-7200
- Website: http://www.dogtrainingbyhaywood.net/
Highlights
- Group classes, private lessons, and online courses
- Certified dog trainer and behavior specialist with over 40 years of experience
- Variety of courses for different skills and goals
- Behavior modification for dogs with behavior problems
- Indoor and outdoor training facilities
3. High Five Dog Training
High Five Dog Training is a force-free, reward-based dog training service that offers in-home, in-person training in Maryland and Washington, DC. The owner and trainer, Gabriela Hubbard, is a certified behavior consultant and dog trainer with over 10 years of experience. She works with dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds, and tailors her classes to promote demonstrable learning, real life skills, and a happy dog. She offers training programs for adult dogs, puppies, dog aggression, and separation anxiety. She is also a licensed family paws parent educator, who helps expectant families and families with toddlers to prepare and manage their dogs.
- Address: 9909 Merwood Ln, Silver Spring, MD 20901
- Phone: (301) 683-7770
- Website: http://www.highfivedogtraining.com/
Highlights
- Force-free, reward-based dog training methods
- In-home, in-person training in Maryland and Washington, DC
- Certified behavior consultant and dog trainer with over 10 years of experience
- Training programs for adult dogs, puppies, dog aggression, and separation anxiety
- Licensed family paws parent educator
4. Dances with Dogs
Dances with Dogs is a dog training service that specializes in teaching dogs and their owners how to dance together. The owner and trainer, Lisa Spector, is a professional pianist and a certified dog trainer who combines her passions for music and dogs. She teaches freestyle, a sport that involves choreographing routines with music and tricks. She also offers musical canine massage, which uses music to enhance relaxation and healing for dogs. Dances with Dogs provides group classes, private lessons, workshops, and online courses for dogs of all ages and abilities.
- Address: 2703 Loma St, Silver Spring, MD 20902
- Phone: (458) 205-5714
- Website: http://www.dancesdogs.com/
Highlights
- Dog training service that specializes in teaching dogs and their owners how to dance together
- Professional pianist and certified dog trainer
- Freestyle, musical canine massage, and other musical activities for dogs
- Group classes, private lessons, workshops, and online courses
- Fun, creative, and bonding experience for dogs and their owners
5. Paw Prints Around Town
Paw Prints Around Town is a dog training and pet sitting service that offers in-home, personalized, and convenient solutions for busy pet owners. The owner and trainer, Jennifer Hirsch, is a certified professional dog trainer and a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. She offers positive reinforcement dog training for puppies and adult dogs, as well as behavior modification for common issues such as jumping, barking, pulling, and housebreaking. She also provides pet sitting and dog walking services for clients who need reliable and trustworthy care for their pets while they are away.
- Address: 8001 Kennett St, Silver Spring, MD 20910
- Phone: (202) 489-5278
- Website: http://www.pawprintsaroundtown.com/
Highlights
- Dog training and pet sitting service that offers in-home, personalized, and convenient solutions
- Certified professional dog trainer and a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers
- Positive reinforcement dog training for puppies and adult dogs
- Behavior modification for common issues
- Pet sitting and dog walking services
6. Obedience Works
Obedience Works is a dog training service that offers obedience, agility, and rally classes for dogs of all ages and levels. The owner and trainer, Susan Bankauf, is a certified dog trainer and a professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. She has over 25 years of experience in teaching dogs and their owners how to work as a team. She uses positive reinforcement and clicker training methods to teach dogs basic manners, advanced skills, and fun tricks. She also offers private lessons, behavior consultations, and AKC Canine Good Citizen testing.
- Address: 3504 May St, Silver Spring, MD 20906
- Phone: (301) 949-0530
- Website: http://www.obedienceworks.com/
Highlights
- Dog training service that offers obedience, agility, and rally classes
- Certified dog trainer and a professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers
- Over 25 years of experience in teaching dogs and their owners
- Positive reinforcement and clicker training methods
- Private lessons, behavior consultations, and AKC Canine Good Citizen testing
7. PetSmart Dog Training
PetSmart Dog Training is a dog training service that offers group classes, private lessons, and online courses for dogs of all ages and levels. The trainers are accredited by PetSmart’s Accredited Pet Training Instructor Program, which covers canine behavior, learning theory, and effective teaching skills. They offer a variety of courses, such as puppy, beginner, intermediate, advanced, and therapy dog classes, as well as specialty classes such as tricks, agility, and nose work. PetSmart Dog Training also provides a free puppy playtime session every Saturday for puppies to socialize and learn from each other.
- Address: 12020 Cherry Hill Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20904
- Phone: (301) 586-8262
- Website: https://stores.petsmart.com/md/silver-spring/calverton/dog-training
Highlights
- Dog training service that offers group classes, private lessons, and online courses
- Accredited by PetSmart’s Accredited Pet Training Instructor Program
- Variety of courses for different skills and goals
- Specialty classes such as tricks, agility, and nose work
- Free puppy playtime session every Saturday
