Find an Animal Behaviorist near you

Find an Animal Behaviorist near you

Find an Animal Behaviorist near you

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Top 8 Animal Behaviorists near you

Avatar for Radiant K9 Training
Avatar for Radiant K9 Training
7.
Radiant K9 Training
7.
Radiant K9 Training

5.0

(4)

5.0

(4)

Animal Training and Behavior Modification (Non-canine)

  • 3 hires on Thumbtack
Growing up on a farm in small New York town brought out my love for animals specifically dogs. When graduated high school I started working at a boarding/daycare facility in which helped me gain knowledge on different canine behaviors. After rescuing my first dog Marley who is a German Shepherd/Labrador Retriever mix I decided to take a step into the dog training world. I started shadowing Marley’s trainer and eventually started working with her. I received my masters in education shortly after, and decided to take a break from training to pursue teaching. After making the move to California, I felt as something was missing. I decided to hop back into the training world. My main goal is to help you build a better relationship your dog, while also factoring in your lifestyle. We offer private sessions, pack walks, and group class!See more
contact for price
Growing up on a farm in small New York town brought out my love for animals specifically dogs. When graduated high school I started working at a boarding/daycare facility in which helped me gain knowledge on different canine behaviors. After rescuing my first dog Marley who is a German Shepherd/Labrador Retriever mix I decided to take a step into the dog training world. I started shadowing Marley’s trainer and eventually started working with her. I received my masters in education shortly after, and decided to take a break from training to pursue teaching. After making the move to California, I felt as something was missing. I decided to hop back into the training world. My main goal is to help you build a better relationship your dog, while also factoring in your lifestyle. We offer private sessions, pack walks, and group class!
Avatar for Canine Confidential
Avatar for Canine Confidential
8.
Canine Confidential
8.
Canine Confidential

5.0

(1)

5.0

(1)

Dog Training

Kirsten G. says, "Jessie, from Canine Confidential, is pretty much a miracle worker. I adopted my dog from the shelter when he was four years old, and after three years of working with a Zoom Room trainer and trying to do things myself, I was pretty convinced that there wasn't much additional I could see in terms of training progress and he was going to have to keep staying at home for most activities. Jessie took my extremely stubborn boy and transformed him. His dog reactivity is almost non-existent (especially compared to where we started), he's calmer at home, and the crate training, muzzle training and walking all make it easier for us to do everyday things together. My little guy now has some dog friends and we've continued to do pack walks every week after the initial board and train, so we still get some good training tidbits to keep us going strong. I highly recommend Jessie if you are looking to add structure to your dog's life and keep them calm and confident."See more

$4000

estimated price

$4000

estimated price

Kirsten G. says, "Jessie, from Canine Confidential, is pretty much a miracle worker. I adopted my dog from the shelter when he was four years old, and after three years of working with a Zoom Room trainer and trying to do things myself, I was pretty convinced that there wasn't much additional I could see in terms of training progress and he was going to have to keep staying at home for most activities. Jessie took my extremely stubborn boy and transformed him. His dog reactivity is almost non-existent (especially compared to where we started), he's calmer at home, and the crate training, muzzle training and walking all make it easier for us to do everyday things together. My little guy now has some dog friends and we've continued to do pack walks every week after the initial board and train, so we still get some good training tidbits to keep us going strong. I highly recommend Jessie if you are looking to add structure to your dog's life and keep them calm and confident."

Q & A

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thumbtack.

Do dog trainers offer remote or virtual services?

Although dog training is traditionally performed in person, the COVID-19 pandemic may have caused some professional dog trainers to move to remote training and virtual services. You can contact dog trainers near you to ask about the possibility of remote or virtual services. Also, ask whether all aspects of the process can be digital, including payment.

How old should a puppy be for training?

Dog training shouldn’t wait until you’re having behavior problems. If you get a new puppy, start from the beginning with professional training to give both you and your puppy the tools you need for a healthy relationship. Dog training is as much about teaching the owner how to interact with their new dog as it is about the dog learning to behave. Puppy training can start as early as eight weeks old. Trainers who offer puppy training programs may works specifically with dogs between the ages of 8 and 18 weeks old. Trainers can teach owners about potty training and how to deal with accidents, working with separation anxiety, and training your pooch out of destructive behaviors like chewing, biting and demand barking. Puppies will start to learn to walk on-leash and other basic skills.

In addition to behavior training, socializing your puppy is an important part of dog training. Socializing your dog means they become comfortable and confident in a variety of settings and have a great foundation for becoming a well-adjusted adult dog. After your puppy has had the proper vaccinations, you can start to introduce it to a variety of different dogs and people in safe settings.

What is a dog boot camp?

A dog boot camp is basically a board and train program that focuses on training your dog or puppy. The trainers will work with your dog to curb unwanted behavior, teach them basic skills and show them how to walk on a leash.

Dog boot camps and training programs might differ when it comes to their services, so it’s always a good idea to do your research and ask them to explain exactly what they offer — and how much they charge.

How long does it take to train a puppy?

Dog training depends on the dog and how much homework the dog owner is willing to put in. Puppy training is similar to dog training in that the onus of the work depends on the owner learning new ways to interact with their dog. For a quick crash course, you can opt for a single, two hour smart-start puppy training consultation to teach you the ins and outs of being a new dog parent. You can learn how to manage potty training and what to do if the puppy experiences separation anxiety. As long as you’re willing to work on dog training a little bit each day, your puppy will quickly learn these new behaviors. If you’re not confident about training your puppy yourself, you can enroll in a 6- to 8-week puppy training course, with weekly lessons touching on everything from bite control to obedience. Puppies usually need to be at least three months old for group training classes. If you want more intensive one-on-one work, you can opt for private lessons. Some behavior problems can be resolved in one session if the dog owner learns and can implement new skills. In the case of more serious issues, 3 to 10 private sessions can typically correct challenges.

Which dog training method is best?

The best type of dog training for both you and your dog depends on the outcomes you hope to achieve. If you want your dog to learn agility training, go to someone who specializes in those techniques. Regardless of whether you want your dog to learn basic behavior or competitive-level tricks, the majority of dog training is actually about training the owner how to communicate with their dog. Most professional dog trainers agree that a model of training based on positive reinforcement breeds a happy, healthy, well-adjusted dog. The alternative to positive reinforcement training is using force or aggression techniques like physical punishment or shock-collar training to get the dog to do (or not do) a behavior. While the dog may learn how to behave as you direct, it is also learning to communicate with force and aggression, and will in turn use those behaviors on other dogs (or people) that are smaller or weaker than it is. Before signing up with a dog trainer, meet with the trainer and ask for references. Watch the trainer interact with your dog, and make sure they treat your dog with patience and firm kindness. Ask them questions about their training methods:

  • What type of training methods do you use?
  • What is your background and training, and how did you become a dog trainer?
  • How long do you expect that we will work together before we achieve the results I’m after?

There are 9 five star Animal Behaviorists in Ashburn, Virginia on Thumbtack.

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