Good K9 Academy is a boutique dog training facility in Gaithersburg, MD with 100+ five-star Google reviews and 10+ years of experience.
We turn reactive, anxious, and unruly dogs into calm, confident companions through balanced training methods combining positive reinforcement and e-collar work.
Our Board & Train program is unique: dogs live with their dedicated trainer in a real home, not a kennel.
We also offer In-Home Training, Puppy Training, Group Classes, Aggressive Dog Training, Boarding, and Daycare. Serving Gaithersburg, Rockville, Germantown, Bethesda, Potomac, McLean, and the broader Maryland, DC, and Virginia area.
Get started today with a free in-person consultation!
Training & services
Training goals
Behavior consultation
Crate trainingProgram details
Teach your dog to love the crate as their calm, safe space. Positive-association training that reduces anxiety, prevents destructive behavior, and creates routine. Works for puppies and adult dogs with bad crate history. Free consultation.
House trainingProgram details
End indoor accidents for good with our schedule-based housebreaking program. Proven routine that works for puppies and adult dogs. Fast results, less stress, a clean home. Includes crate training support. Free consultation.
Leash trainingCustomer-reported
Obedience training
Puppy trainingProgram details
Foundation training for puppies from 12 weeks old. Build obedience, socialization, and confidence during the critical developmental window. Prevent biting, jumping, and anxiety before they become problems. Set your puppy up for a lifetime of good behavior.
Recall training
Socialization
Behavior support
Aggression trainingProgram details
Specialized behavior modification for dogs with aggression toward people, dogs, or both. We address the root cause, not just the symptoms. Most dogs can be rehabilitated with the right approach. Guaranteed results. Free consultation, no judgment.
Barking
Counter surfing
Jumping up
Reactivity trainingProgram details
If your dog lunges, barks, or loses control on walks, we turn that stress into calm, focused walks. Trigger desensitization, real-world proofing, and balanced training methods. Transform walks from dreaded to enjoyable. Free consultation.
Separation anxietyProgram details
End destructive behavior, excessive barking, and panic when you leave. Build your dog's independence and confidence so they can stay calm alone. Gradual desensitization with proven methods. Works for dogs of all ages. Free consultation.
How training happens
Board and trainProgram details
Our 2-week Board & Train is the fastest path to off-leash obedience. Your dog lives with their dedicated trainer in a real home — not a kennel — for immersive daily training. Returns home calm, confident, and reliable. Free alumni pack walks for life.
Day trainingCustomer-reported
Group classesProgram details
Structured group practice sessions for dogs with basic obedience. Practice and proof your dog's skills in real-world environments with other trained dogs. Board & Train graduates get first access. Eligibility evaluation required — not a beginner class.
In-home trainingProgram details
Private 1-on-1 dog training at your home in Gaithersburg and the greater MD/DC/VA area. We address problem behaviors where they actually happen — jumping on guests, counter surfing, door manners, and more. Personalized plans for every dog. Free consultation.
Owner coachingCustomer-reported
Pack walks
Private training
Dog age
Adult dogs
Puppies
Support between sessions
Personalized training plans
Photo updates
Assistance and working dogs
Medical-alert and mobility assistance
Service dog trainingProgram details
Professional service dog training for mobility assistance, psychiatric support, medical alert, and other disability-related tasks. Public access preparation and reliable task performance in real-world environments. Free consultation to assess your dog.
Therapy dog trainingProgram details
Prepare your dog for therapy dog certification. Visit hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and community events to provide comfort and joy. Obedience and temperament training for therapy work. Free temperament evaluation.
Training approach
Balanced training
Positive reinforcement
Additional services
BoardingProgram details
Professional dog boarding with experienced trainers — your dog stays with someone who knows them, not strangers in a kennel. Daily exercise, structured routines, and daily photo updates. Peace of mind while you travel. Book early for holidays.
Daycare
Consultations
Free consultation
Other listed services
View 6 additional details
Dog trainingProgram details
Professional dog training in Gaithersburg, MD with 100+ five-star Google reviews and 10+ years of experience. Balanced training for all breeds, ages, and behavior issues. Board & Train, In-Home Training, Group Classes, Puppy Training, and specialized behavior work. Free consultation.
1-Hour Lessons
Advance Lessons
Dog Crate
Dog Testing
Family Dog
Confirm current programs and availability directly.
5/5Tony is fantastic! Our reactive 3 year old miniature pinscher completed her 2 week board and train with him and it made a world of difference. She learned how to heel, down, sit, and come in distracting environments, which she would not do before training. Not only did Tony help …Read full reviewClose full review
Tony is fantastic! Our reactive 3 year old miniature pinscher completed her 2 week board and train with him and it made a world of difference. She learned how to heel, down, sit, and come in distracting environments, which she would not do before training. Not only did Tony help our girl to become more confident, he equipped my husband and I to be better owners. Tony was communicative, thorough, and proactive in providing training updates via daily texts and video footage. We were so impressed with his work that we booked to have him work with our puppy in a month.
Would recommend Good K9 to anyone looking for training for their pup. Come prepared to learn!
A
Adriana Marin
5/5We adopted our one year old husky from the shelter. He was wild, jumping on walks, nipping, a real nightmare. We were ready to give up on him but decided to invest on obedience classes. I researched various places and had consultations with two different trainers, however after …Read full reviewClose full review
We adopted our one year old husky from the shelter. He was wild, jumping on walks, nipping, a real nightmare. We were ready to give up on him but decided to invest on obedience classes. I researched various places and had consultations with two different trainers, however after meeting Andrew and David we knew our dog would be in good hands. After the two week board and train with David our husky is totally well behaved. I am not longer embarrassed to take him for a walk, on the contrary he makes us very proud, he listens. Thank you David!!! You are amazing!!!! Thank you Andrew for your professional honest opinion!!!!! If you are looking to train your dog I highly recommend Good K9 Academy.
I
ilse rivera
5/5Tony was an AMAZING trainer. Words cannot express how grateful I am to him. My dog was reactive to other dogs and people and very fearful. Tony was kind, patient, and I trusted him completely. So did my Missy- she warmed up to him right away! After 2 weeks she came back to me li…Read full reviewClose full review
Tony was an AMAZING trainer. Words cannot express how grateful I am to him. My dog was reactive to other dogs and people and very fearful. Tony was kind, patient, and I trusted him completely. So did my Missy- she warmed up to him right away! After 2 weeks she came back to me like a different dog. She is more confident, responds to commands and does not react! I can actually take her on walks. I would 100 % recommend Good K9 and Tony!
A
Ashley Mei
5/5I signed Rain and J up for board and train and I don’t regret it. They were leash pulling and reactive towards people and dogs. Tony always updated us every day on their progress and I was amazed. Especially with Rain because he’s stubborn when training. Every time I take them ou…Read full reviewClose full review
I signed Rain and J up for board and train and I don’t regret it. They were leash pulling and reactive towards people and dogs. Tony always updated us every day on their progress and I was amazed. Especially with Rain because he’s stubborn when training. Every time I take them out for walks, they don’t react to dogs barking or lunging at them and no longer pull on their leash. I am thankful for Tony and would 100% recommend.
T
Tracy Washington
5/5Apollo is a my first puppy dog ever and he/we struggled with basic obedience commands. He pulled on the leash, didn’t come, sit or place with any consistency. After just two weeks of Board & Train with Tony, Apollo is now showing off his new skills! He can now heal, sit, and p…Read full reviewClose full review
Apollo is a my first puppy dog ever and he/we struggled with basic obedience commands. He pulled on the leash, didn’t come, sit or place with any consistency. After just two weeks of Board & Train with Tony, Apollo is now showing off his new skills! He can now heal, sit, and place on command. Our walks are much more fun and we even went on a hike in the woods recently. Apollo also learned the Off command that helps me - help him stop eating and chewing random trash, socks and organic matter he sniffs along the way. I was initially nervous about the e collar but it really helps Apollo understand the commands and he is still the happy, silly puppy we love. Thanks to Good K9, Andrew and Tony!!
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.
FirstBark