The Best Dog Trainers in Virginia of 2026

This is a list of the top dog trainers in Virginia, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.

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  Erika Proctor

  GDU TDT -AKC CGC and Trick dog Evaluator

  Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training

  Charlottesville and Central Virginia

  Green Dogs Unleashed is a special needs animal rescue and therapy dog program. A non profit organization Founded in 2012, Erika Proctor has been the director and animal behavior specialist focusing on therapy work, basic through advanced classes, tricks, fitness and sport work, rescuing dogs on our community, and helping Pet parents build a bond with their furry friends ensuring happy well a...

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  Thomi Gill

  KPA-CTP

  Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training

  Serving Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Norfolk

  Hi! I'm Thomi I can help with many common issues such as but not limited to:Fear, Anxiety, Stress, Destruction, Chewing, Digging, Scratching, House Soiling, Reactivity, Jumping, Barking, Over-excitement, Rough Play, Nipping, and more!Pet training isn't just about your pet. In fact, the most integral part of the training process is you. That's why we work together to make sure your training pla...

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  Elizabeth Staley

  CPDT-KA

  Reactive dog training, Agility training, Board and train, In home training, Puppy training

  Hampton, Smithfield, Newport News, Chesapeake, Zuni, Windsor, Norfolk

  Elizabeth has loved dogs her whole life. She grew up with a few mixed breeds but was given a Pomeranian in elementary school. A lack of knowledge lead to that dog being hit by a car when he slipped out of his harness. In Junior high a second Pomeranian joined the family and lived as a beloved pet until he was 15 years old. Once Elizabeth moved out and was on her own she rescued a beagle mix nam...

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  Cat Clark

  CPDT-KA, VSA-CDT

  Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Puppy training

  Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Yorktown, Williamsburg

  Sharing your home with an animal can be one of the most rewarding things in life. Making sure your animal is well trained will give both of you more time to enjoy each other's company, and less stress for your dog and your family. Modern, science based force-free training is full of fun techniques that will give you and your pet a happier life together through better communication.
  
  Cat...

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  Ashley Mosca

  CPDT-KA

  Reactive dog training, Board and train, Puppy training

  Chantilly, Ashburn, South Riding, Centreville

  I started at Pender Pet Retreat in 2017 and my interest in dog behavior has only grown since then. I specialize in puppy training and basic obedience work. My training beliefs center around a strong relationship between the dog and human through proper communication.
  
  I received my CPDT-KA in 2021 and have enjoyed working with all different kinds of dogs and owners. I also love my own...

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  Michael Peer

  Graduate of Police K-9 Dog Training School and was Certified for Narcotics Detection-by the USPCA in 1999

  Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training

  Reston, VA, Fairfax and Loudoun Counties

  Former Police K9 Officer turned Dog Trainer & Behaviorist, Michael Peer had found his "calling" when he created dOgbedience (short for Dog Obedience) in 2011. A year and half prior, he had rescued a 4 month old Rottweiler (Rogue) who was battling Addison's Disease; Rogue became his inspiration in helping other dogs and their families. In no time, he became Michael's dog training assistant and b...

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  Tara Moriarty

  Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training

  Albemarle and Greene county

  I've been training professionally for 5 years

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  Andrea Marx

  CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC, FFCP, FDM

  Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Puppy training

  Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Moyock, Newport News, Yorktown, Hampton, Suffolk

  I started Freak on a Leash in 2015 because I am passionate about positive reinforcement training and teaching people the kindest ways of interacting with their dogs. I am a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). I am also a Certified Professional Dog Trainer,...

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  Carla Blackmon

  CPDT-KA

  Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training

  Prince William County (Occoquan, Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Dale City, Dumfries, parts of Manassas), Fairfax County (Lorton, Burke, Springfield, parts of Fairfax), North Stafford

  Carla has an extensive background in animal behavior, training and animal care. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers® (CCPDT®). Carla has over 25 years of various animal related experience and education that she uses to formulate a customized training plan for your family and pets. Her back...

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  Sarah Connor

  IAABC Accredited Dog Trainer, Graduate of CATCH Canine Trainer's Academy, Pet First Aid Certified

  Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training

  Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, North Suffolk

  I am a 26-year old Accredited Dog Trainer with a passion for helping dogs and their humans live their best lives together.
  
  In September of 2018, I founded a dog walking and pet-sitting business that I dubbed "Barks and Rec." I had begun attending CATCH Canine Trainer's Academy the month before in pursuit of a dog training certification. For several months, I attended both a local univ...

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  Desiree Lomer-Clarke

  CPDT-KA

  Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Puppy training

  Northern Virginia, DC, Maryland within the beltway

  I am a former lawyer turned trainer after dealing with a reactive dog of my own. I have been training since November of 2008 in Arlington, Virginia and I have the best clients.

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  Victoria T

  Service dog training, Agility training, Board and train, In home training, Puppy training

  Dog trainer and boarder

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  Matt Revell

  Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Agility training, Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training

  Northern Virginia and D.C.

  Having grown up with several large breeds in the house since a young age, he has developed a strong relationship caring for larger dogs. He has spent several years in the dog care industry. Working in daycare, boarding, and even running a foster program with a local beagle rescue. He has most recently settled on training and his passion for dogs has only grown since then.

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  Charlene Henderson

  CGC Evaluator

  Reactive dog training, Service dog training, In home training, Puppy training

  Fredericksburg, Virginia Stafford, Virginia Spotsylvania, Virginia

  I am Charlene and I own Pawsitive Reflection Dog Training! I've been training dogs for about 6 years. While stationed in Okinawa, Japan I was the only Positive Reinforcement Trainer! I am currently continuing my education through the Victoria Stilwell Academy and am excited to serve the Fredericksburg, Va and surrounding areas!

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  Crystal Partain

  CPDT-KA

  Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training

  Hampton Roads Virginia and Northeast North Carolina

  With almost 2 decades of hands on experience in veterinary hospitals, local shelters and rescues, Crystal has been working with pets and their people to improve their lives together in many different settings. She received a dual bachelors degrees in biology and psychology, from Old Dominion University in 2009. Clients will often joke that she is their dogs therapist during their sessions toget...

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  Lisa Marino

  PMCT-2, KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA, CTDI, CCFT, CSAT, SDC

  Puppy training

  Winchester, VA

  I have always loved the companionship of animals, from dogs, to cats, to bunnies, parakeets and gerbils; and have had one or more at any given time since childhood. Pets can teach us so much about helping others, seeing humor in situations, and teach responsibility and compassion. Even though I have always had a menagerie of some sort, and loved my pets, I had never planned to be a dog trainer....

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  Juliana DeWillems

  Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP) Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) Certified Behavior Consultant Canine (CBCC-KA)

  Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training

  Arlington, VA Northwest, Washington, DC

  JW Dog Training & Behavior provides professional, expert dog training and behavior support to the DMV area -- primarily Arlington, NW DC, and parts of lower Montgomery County. We specialize in one-on-one lessons with clients, working virtually and in the client's home to thoroughly address behavior issues and build skills.
  
  Training sessions are fun and low stress for both the dog and h...

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  Gabrielle Johnson

  Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, Certified Pet Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed

  Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training

  Richmond, Chesterfield

  I support families whose dogs experience anxiety or display aggressive behaviors.

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  Karen Adams

  In home training, Puppy training

  Chesapeake, VA

  After spending 30 years as a biology professor and training dogs all my life, I began teaching professionally. My experience with dogs ranges from owning a sled dog kennel in Michigan, training for the show, obedience, and Rally rings, and teaching classes for local obedience clubs.
  
  I specialize in changing mouthy, rambunctious puppies and out-of-control adolescent dogs into calm and w...

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  Cheryl Shomo

  CPDT-KA

  Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Puppy training

  Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk and surrounding Hampton Roads

  I am a Certified Professional Dog Trainer through CCPDT and Fear Free Certified. I've loved animals from as early as I can remember and have a long background in various dog sports. In 2009 I was exposed to the field of applied behavior analysis opening my eyes to the science of learning and gaining a deeper understanding of positive reinforcement training. I enjoy helping people and their dog...

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See The Best Dog Trainers By City In Virginia

• Langley, VA
• Newport News, VA
• Norfolk, VA
• Richmond, VA
• Virginia Beach, VA

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