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David Adams

Aug 7, 2026

Dog Trainers

Joe Ryan

Dog trainer in Washington, D.C.

#97 in United States, #2 in District of Columbia, #2 in Washington, D.C.

United States

Washington, D.C.

http://www.forcefreedc.com

Service areas:

The DMV area

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Joe specializes in behavior modification with a focus on reactive and aggressive behaviors. He's studied under Pat Miller at Peaceable Paws, Victoria Stilwell, and world-renowned aggression expert Michael Shikashio, and The College of Scent Dogs. His knowledge of canine behavior, mixed with his force- and fear-free training philosophies, puts him among the most sought-after trainers in the region. He's placed on Sniffspot's Best R+ Trainers in DC list in both 2022 and 2023. Joseph has great working relationships with many of the region's veterinary behaviorists and regularly integrates their training plans with his own, ensuring seamless care for his clients. A Maryland native, he studied environmental sciences at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. While he didn't set out to become a dog trainer, he discovered the profession after starting out as a dog walker with Patrick's Pet Care. He calls training "the perfect fit" because it lets him help people learn about their dogs as individuals and give them the best quality of life. Joseph's goal is to help people become the guardians and advocates that their dogs need. Joseph lives with his own two dogs - Sevro, a 7-year-old Tamaskan, and Impa, an 8-year-old mix - in Silver Spring. When he's not working, he's out somewhere on our region's roads, relaxing on his motorcycle.

Certifications:

PMCT-1, CPDT-KA, FFCP (Trainer), VSA-CDT

Dog training services include

  • Aggressive dog training
  • Reactive dog training
  • In home training

More info about Joe Ryan's dog training:

Reactive and Aggressive behavior consultations. Private training lessons. Drop and Train.

Behavioral issue focus:

Dog-dog and dog-human aggressive and reactive behaviors, confidence building, fear-based behaviors, resource guarding, behavior modification

Dog training methods:

R+ only! Using counterconditioning to modify emotional responses, then using DRA to modify behavioral responses.

Why I became a dog trainer:

To educate people about their dogs. Which will hopefully give the dog the best quality of life possible.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer:

Seeing the relief from the clients, and the ah-ha moment from the dog!

My #1 dog training tip:

REWARD WANTED BEHAVIORS!

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Aug 7, 2026

Dog Trainers

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