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Dog principal
Dog principal

Dog principal

Top Pro

$175
Estimated price


Specific behaviors to address

Responds in about 33 min


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If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more

Introduction
At Dog Principal, we specialize in Reality-Based Dog Training, providing personalized in-home sessions and real-world training in public areas across Washington, D.C., Arlington, Alexandria, and surrounding areas. Our approach is built on compassion, practicality, and respect for each dog’s unique personality. Whether tackling leash pulling, reactivity, or obedience, we create real-life scenarios so your dog learns in the environments where they need it most. With certification from Tarheel Canine and years of experience training aggressive and high-energy dogs, we deliver results that transform both dogs and their guardians. Choose expert training that fits your life—because your dog deserves the best.
Overview

Current Top Pro

Hired 58 times

Serves Reston, VA

Background checked

1 employee

3 years in business

Business hours

This pro hasn't listed their business hours.

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Credit card, Stripe, Venmo, and Zelle.

Social media

Instagram

Services offered
Dog training package
Dog size

Extra Small (1 - 15 lbs)

Small (16 - 25 lbs)

Medium (26 - 40 lbs)

Large (41 - 70 lbs)

Dog training type

Private lessons

Projects and media

119 photos

Projects and media

119 photos

Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, responsiveness, and work quality.

Exceptional 5.0

28 reviews

5
100%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
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Read reviews that mention:


pro avatar
Todd M.
2 days ago
·

Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Our experience with Adam, Dog Principal, has been nothing short of amazing. We rescued Liam, from the Manassas shelter during the pandemic. Liam showed signs of physical and emotional abuse which manifested itself in reactive and aggressive behaviors towards other animals, strangers and to his owners during feedings as well as severe leash pulling. While beloved by his family, these behaviors limited Liam’s social interactions as well as the situations we could introduce him too. After an incident during graduation season, we seemed Adam’s counsel and the change has been nothing short of remarkable. Adam, who travels to the client, first scheduled an orientation visit which involved a comprehensive interview and observation of Liam’s behaviors. This was immediately followed with a neighborhood walk where those behaviors were exhibited and we received our first corrective actions and prompts. Adam introduced us to the mini educator stimulation collar which has proven widely successful in helping us curb those aggressive and undesirable behaviors, and progressively challenged us to take risks by training in busier parks and trails where runners, bikers and dogs were present. The change over the past month has been amazing as while continuing to train him, we know can walk him on these busier trails with distractions abound without fear of an incident. Our last session with Adam was in our home where he gave us successive prompts to curb the food and toy aggression. These continue to be a work in progress but we see marked improvement here. His suggestion to eliminate the harness and introduce the 15 foot leash and mini educator collar have truly been a game changer for us and Liam. Adam is not only a proven expert in dog behavior but he is genuinely a kind and compassionate man and Liam has taken to him so quickly. Just mention “Adam is coming” and his tail immediately wags and he waits impatiently at the door. If you need to curb challenging behaviors with your dog, you can not beat the value and experience delivered by Adam, Dog Principal. His reviews are through the roof and so well deserved! Thanks Adam for making such a difference for us and Liam. T. May

Details: 2 - 10 years old • Large (41 - 70 lbs) • Private lessons • Aggressive behavior modification • Leash pulling • Biting • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.

Dog Training
pro avatar
Lee e.
4 weeks ago
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Not only is Adam talented and excellent with dogs he is so kind, caring, and patient with them. My one dog is a weary rescue and Adam had him relaxed and comfortable within 5 minutes, what an awesome accomplishment with Billy.. I am so impressed and thankful for Adam's training techniques and kindness I hired him weekly to train rescue and 7 month old lab. His drive was an hour and 15 minutes for him, no complaints at all. I just can't say enough about Adam.

Details: 6 - 12 months old • Medium (26 - 40 lbs) • Private lessons • General obedience training • Leash pulling • House training • Barking • Crate training • My home, venue, etc.

Dog principal's reply
Hi Lee, Thank you so much for your kind words and this wonderful 5-star review! It truly means a lot to me. I’m so glad to hear your rescue dog felt relaxed and comfortable so quickly—that’s exactly what I hope for with every session. Building trust, safety, and confidence is at the heart of my approach, and it was an honor to help you both. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything at all. I’m always here to support you and your dogs in any way I can. Thanks again for choosing Dog Principal! Best regards, Adam Hartman Dog Principal
Dog Training
pro avatar
Tom S.
6 days ago
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Details: 2 - 10 years old • Extra Small (1 - 15 lbs) • Private lessons • General obedience training • My home, venue, etc.

Dog Training
pro avatar
Lauren F.
May 8, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Adam is an excellent dog trainer. I like the way he communicates with us. He is a very nice person. My husband and I are very pleased with the training he provides our dogs!!!!!

Details: 2 - 10 years old • Large (41 - 70 lbs) • Private lessons • Puppy training • Leash pulling • Barking • Digging • Chewing • Crate training • My home, venue, etc.

Dog principal's reply
Thank you so much, Lauren! It was a real pleasure working with you and your husband—and of course with your amazing dogs. I truly appreciate your kind words, and I’m so glad the training has been helpful. I’m always here if you need anything in the future! —Adam Hartman Dog Principal
Dog Training
pro avatar
Diana D.
May 4, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Adam is an amazing dog whisperer/trainer. My dog had issues with aggression and reactivity to other dogs, kids, people on bicycles-EVERYTHING! With only a few classes, he calmed her (and trained me!). Now my dog ignores other dogs and humans and is a pleasure to walk with. I didn’t have to buy any expensive packages or sign a contract with a minimum of sessions. Adam was truly a delight to work with and highly recommend him. You won’t be disappointed!

Details: 2 - 10 years old • Medium (26 - 40 lbs) • I'm flexible • Aggressive behavior modification • Biting • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.

Dog principal's reply
Hi Diana, Thank you so much for the kind words—it means a lot! I’m really glad I could help you and Moxie find calm and control in what used to be stressful situations. You both put in the work, and it shows! I’m always here if you need anything down the road. Best, Adam Hartman Dog Principal
Dog Training
Credentials
Background Check

Adam Hartman