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 consultationProgram details
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-reportedProgram details
Obedience trainingProgram details
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 trainingProgram details
SocializationProgram details
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.
BarkingProgram details
Counter surfingProgram details
Jumping upProgram details
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-reportedProgram details
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-reportedProgram details
Pack walksProgram details
Private trainingProgram details
Dog age
Adult dogsProgram details
PuppiesProgram details
Support between sessions
Personalized training plansProgram details
Photo updatesProgram details
Assistance and working dogs
Medical-alert and mobility assistanceProgram details
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 trainingProgram details
Positive reinforcementProgram details
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.
DaycareProgram details
Consultations
Free consultationProgram details
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 LessonsProgram details
Advance LessonsProgram details
Dog CrateProgram details
Dog TestingProgram details
Family DogProgram details
Confirm current programs and availability directly.
5/5We brought in our dog for evaluation and help with boarding and had a really amazing experience. Andrew was so attentive and cared for our dog like if it was his. When our dog was finished with training, he was so well trained and it was helpful the time we spent with Andrew to l…Read full reviewClose full review
We brought in our dog for evaluation and help with boarding and had a really amazing experience. Andrew was so attentive and cared for our dog like if it was his. When our dog was finished with training, he was so well trained and it was helpful the time we spent with Andrew to learn how to keep on helping our dog with his training. Amazing place and recommending it to everyone around us. Worth it 100%
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Joy
5/5We are so happy to have found the Good K9 Academy! After completing the 2 week board & train program, our corgi is now turning heads with how eagerly she follows commands like "heel" and a sustained "place" ! The pack walks for alumni are a highlight! When we needed to board o…Read full reviewClose full review
We are so happy to have found the Good K9 Academy! After completing the 2 week board & train program, our corgi is now turning heads with how eagerly she follows commands like "heel" and a sustained "place" ! The pack walks for alumni are a highlight! When we needed to board our corgi, we knew our pup would be in the best hands. Caroline possesses a rare combination of expertise and kindness that makes dogs feel safe and eager to learn. She also made long-distance flights with our corgi possible by teaching us to train her to feel safe in her travel carrier bag, ensuring a positive travel experience. I highly recommend the Good K9 Academy!
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Ryan Kavanaugh
5/5Caroline and Andrew did an amazing job with our energetic 5 year old mixed breed dog who was in desperate need of training. They formulated a clear plan for his board and train and made us feel comfortable throughout his whole stay with regular updates on his progress and wellbe…Read full reviewClose full review
Caroline and Andrew did an amazing job with our energetic 5 year old mixed breed dog who was in desperate need of training. They formulated a clear plan for his board and train and made us feel comfortable throughout his whole stay with regular updates on his progress and wellbeing. When we picked him up they gave us the skills and training we needed to continue his obedience at home. Would highly recommend!
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Jimmy Yates
5/5After hearing about Good K9 Academy from our friend, we decided to board our dog Sully with Caroline at Good K9 Academy. Sully was extremely reactive before training, and would pull the leash to chase any squirrel, or lunge to say hi to any human or dog that passed us. After the …Read full reviewClose full review
After hearing about Good K9 Academy from our friend, we decided to board our dog Sully with Caroline at Good K9 Academy. Sully was extremely reactive before training, and would pull the leash to chase any squirrel, or lunge to say hi to any human or dog that passed us. After the board/train and lots of practice, Sully walks like a service dog and we feel comfortable with him off leash! We cannot say enough good things about Good K9 Academy. When we boarded with Caroline, we were out of the country, and she sent us pictures and videos each day to make us feel at ease. She is so kind, responsive, easy to work with, and great with all dogs. Thank you again Caroline!
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Wendy
5/5
I am very pleased with Andrew and the time he invested with my dog, Uzi. Andrew is an exceptionally dedicated trainer and did an excellent job teaching my dog to listen. He also paid close attention to Uzi's preferences, recognizing his toy-driven nature, and recommended an e-collar that worked wonderfully during our walks. Thank you so much; I am very impressed.
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.
FirstBark