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Kayla Block, MA, CTC, founded Understanding Dog Training to help people and dogs understand each other better. Kayla is a graduate of the prestigious 2-year program at The Academy for Dog Trainers. Her business is focused on fear and aggression and she has a special heart for fearful dogs and leash reactivity.

I train people and dogs with lots of smiling and laughing

I am passionate about helping folks learn more about their dogs so that they can meet their needs. When this is a priority , mutually respectful relationships build a foundation for a harmonious household. I also adhere to LIMA which is an acronym for the phrase “least intrusive, minimally aversive.” https://m.iaabc.org/about/lima/ I am certified CCPDT-KA by an independent organization CCPDT which requires continuing education, and a Pat Miller Certified Trainer (PMCT.) I am a professional member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) and the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and adhere to their standards. I am a supporting member of the IAABC.

One client at a time 🐶🐱🦆 As a Fear Free Veterinary and Shelter pets certified animal care professional, my services cater to pets with medical, behavioral, and cognitive needs, including anxiety, PTSD, depression, mood disorders, epilepsy, visual impairment, and specific behavior management requirements. I volunteer at the SF SPCA Shelter Medicine, specializing in shelter pets that require medical attention and care in stressful conditions. My responsibilities include administering oral medication, medical baths, physical therapy, and grooming. I am training to become a handler in events focused on tracking and retrieval, scent work, and search and rescue. Thank you for considering.

Connie Ko, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) specializes in puppy socialization, basic manners training, and confidence-building for shy and fearful dogs. Using modern science-based methods and fun relationship-enhancing games, KDT strives to help you and your dog develop your own unique communication style. Without the use of intimidation or force, you’ll learn how to empower your dog to make the right choices, and teach them what you’d prefer them to do instead of engaging in a problem behavior. Discover the best version of your canine companion with Kuma Dog Training.

I specialize in using reward-based techniques to help families with dogs that are considered difficult, whether it is dog-dog aggression, resource guarding, aggression towards humans, reactivity to objects, noises, fearful/shutdown dogs. I also work with dogs that have had a bite history. In addition, I have a SmartPuppy Program that helps you grow puppies into smart, confident dogs and prevent many issues rather than fix them later. I use games, toys and food to train with fun and kindness.

Joyful Dog works one-on-one and in group classes with people and their dogs, teaching fun ways to live together with force-free tools and techniques for creative communication. We provide training in basic manners, behavioral problem-solving, puppy socialization, and a variety of special interests. Our positive approach includes Connection, Cooperation, and Control™, a curriculum founded on Suzanne Clothier’s Relationship Centered Training techniques, and Tellington TTouch® methods of body work and movement, to help dogs achieve physical and behavioral balance. We serve an online clientele, as well as in-person in Leesburg, Loudoun and western Fairfax counties in Virginia.