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Dog principal

Top Pro

$175
Starting price


Specific behaviors to address

Responds in about 3 hours


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About
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 83 times

2 similar jobs done near you

Background checked

1 employee

4 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

Top Pro status

Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.

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2025

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
Projects and media
Reviews

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

Exceptional 5.0

49 reviews

5

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Read reviews that mention:


pro avatar
Mary B.

Apr 19, 2026

Hired on Thumbtack

Adam has been sooo helpful in helping us train our new puppy. He is very experienced and has such a good way of teaching and showing us what we should be doing. He tailored each visit to what we were having trouble with and the results have been phenomenal. I highly recommend Adam.

Details: 0 - 6 months old • Extra Small (1 - 15 lbs) • Private lessons • Puppy training • Biting • Chewing • Leash pulling • My home, venue, etc.

Dog principal's reply
Thank you so much, Mary—I truly appreciate your kind words. It was a pleasure working with you, and you deserve a lot of credit for the results you’re seeing. Your consistency, patience, and willingness to follow through made a huge difference, and it really shows in your puppy’s progress. I’m always here for you anytime you need support moving forward. Dog Principal proudly serves clients across the DMV area, including Baltimore, Annapolis, Columbia, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Frederick, Northern Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
Dog Training
pro avatar
Elisa F.

3 weeks ago

Hired on Thumbtack

Adam is very knowledgeable about training dogs. Pleasant and a great listener our first session went great! I would recommend his service.

Details: 0 - 6 months old • Extra Small (1 - 15 lbs) • Private lessons • Puppy training • Leash pulling • Barking • My home, venue, etc.

Dog Training
pro avatar
Rachel E.

Jan 1, 2026

Hired on Thumbtack

Adam is incredibly responsive and communicative. We felt supported and we could tell he was a knowledgeable professional right away just via our written messages. In just two sessions, he helped us understand our rescue dog, Dexter (about 1 year old, previously a stray) and we saw progress in reducing jumping and biting after using what we learned in session one after only a few days. Adam modeled for us how to play with Dexter and walk him in ways that stimulate him, build our relationship, and teach discipline at the same time. Because of Adam’s experience and deep knowledge of canine behavior, he was able to see that our “leash reactive,” mouthy puppy really just wants to play and has a lot of energy to get out. Once we took Dexter to an area where he could meet and play with other dogs off leash and run to his heart’s content, we saw a whole new side of our puppy. We wouldn’t have been brave enough to try that without Adam’s encouragement - he earned our trust through his professionalism and respect for our voices in how we want to train our dog. Adam is willing to try different methods based on the humans’ comfort level, but he is not remotely pushy or dogmatic about specific methods. We are thrilled that we chose Adam to help us with Dexter and give him our highest recommendation.

Details: 6 - 12 months old • Medium (26 - 40 lbs) • Private lessons • Puppy training • Leash pulling • Barking • Biting • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.

Dog principal's reply
Rachel, thank you so much for taking the time to share this review. Working with families who put in the effort the way you did makes all the difference. The progress you saw came from the consistency, patience, and teamwork in your home — that’s what truly helps any dog gain confidence and understand what’s expected. For anyone reading who lives in Fairfax, Burke, Springfield, or anywhere around the Washington DC and Northern Virginia area: if your dog is struggling with food aggression, resource guarding, nipping, biting, reactivity toward dogs, people, cats, or even cars, there are clear and effective ways to turn things around. Every dog can learn with the right structure, guidance, and communication at home. If you ever need help building that foundation with your own dog, I’m always here and happy to support you. Adam Hartman Dog Principal In-home dog training across Fairfax VA, Burke VA, Northern Virginia, Washington DC area — specializing in aggression, resource guarding, behavior modification, obedience training, and confident, calm walking skills.
Dog Training
pro avatar
Serina G.

Apr 14, 2026

Hired on Thumbtack

Adam is amazing! We hve only had our first visit and we already see many positive changes in our Wrangler! We look forward to working with him more!

Details: 1 - 2 years old • Large (41 - 70 lbs) • Private lessons • I'm flexible • Leash pulling • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.

Dog principal's reply
Thank you so much Serina, this truly means the world to me! But I want to be honest — the credit belongs entirely to you. The changes you are already seeing in Wrangler after just one session are a direct reflection of your dedication, your consistency, and the love you have for him. You showed up ready to learn and ready to put in the work and that is everything. Wrangler is lucky to have a parent like you. I am so looking forward to continuing this journey with you both!
Dog Training
pro avatar
Gary B.

Oct 21, 2025

Hired on Thumbtack

Adam has been absolutely amazing with our three-year-old rescue chihuahua-mix, Diggles! His calm, confident approach made a huge difference right from the start. Adam’s training methods are gentle yet effective, and he really took the time to understand Diggles’ personality. We’ve seen such a positive change in behavior—our little guy is happier, more confident, and better behaved than ever. We couldn’t be more pleased with the results. Highly recommend Adam to anyone looking for a truly skilled and caring dog trainer! 🐾

Details: 2 - 10 years old • Extra Small (1 - 15 lbs) • I'm flexible • General obedience training • Leash pulling • Crate training • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.

Dog principal's reply
Thank you so much, Gary — your words mean a lot! I really enjoyed working with you and Diggles. He’s such a smart and sensitive little dog, and I’m so proud of the progress you’ve both made together. Watching a dog gain confidence and calm behavior is exactly why I love what I do. At Dog Principal, I focus on helping families build strong relationships with their dogs through clear communication, structure, and trust. My work covers dog training and behavior modification for issues like fear, anxiety, reactivity, aggression, and obedience. Every plan is designed to fit each dog’s personality and every owner’s lifestyle. I’m based in Maryland and Washington DC, and I proudly serve clients across the DMV area within about a 75-mile radius — including Westminster, Eldersburg, Mt. Airy, Frederick, Columbia, Ellicott City, Germantown, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, and Northern Virginia. If you’re looking for a professional dog trainer or dog behaviorist near Westminster, MD or anywhere in the DC metro area, I’d love to help you bring out the best in your dog — just like Diggles!
Dog Training
Credentials
Background Check

Adam Hartman

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