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Dog principal

Top Pro

$175
Estimated price


Specific behaviors to address

Responds in about 32 min


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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 73 times

Serves Bethesda, MD

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

45 reviews

5

100%

4

0%

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Read reviews that mention:


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
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
pro avatar
Todd M.

Jul 31, 2025

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 principal's reply
Hi Todd, I’m truly humbled by your incredibly kind words. Working with you, your family, and Liam has been such a privilege, and seeing his progress—both in confidence and behavior—has been nothing short of inspiring. I know how much love and commitment you’ve invested in him, and it’s been amazing to watch you both embrace new challenges and grow together. Thank you for trusting Dog Principal to be part of Liam’s journey. The bond you’ve built with him is what makes all the difference, and I’m grateful to have played a role in helping you get there. Give Liam a scratch behind the ears from me—I can’t wait for the next time I hear “Adam is coming” and see that happy tail wag! Warmly, Adam Hartman Founder, Dog Principal
Dog Training
pro avatar
Tom S.

Jul 27, 2025

Hired on Thumbtack

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

Dog principal's reply
Dog Training
pro avatar
Lee e.

Jul 8, 2025

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
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Adam Hartman

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