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.
5/5I signed my Australian Shepherd dog named Lupo up for the drop off week session with Good K9 Academy. I was highly impressed with how well Andrew the trainer did with my dog. My dog had several bad habits, such as jumping up on people and counter surfing, which he no longer does.…Read full reviewClose full review
I signed my Australian Shepherd dog named Lupo up for the drop off week session with Good K9 Academy. I was highly impressed with how well Andrew the trainer did with my dog. My dog had several bad habits, such as jumping up on people and counter surfing, which he no longer does. He also learned several commands, the most important of which is heel and stay in one position. I would recommend Good K9 Academy to anyone who’s looking for a good dog training facility.
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Geri Levin
5/5We sent our Golden Retriever, Oscar, to the two-week board and train with David to work on leash pulling and reactivity to loud sounds outside and he did an amazing job. Oscar is now a pro heeler, listens when we say commands and while he is always a bit fearful, David gave us wa…Read full reviewClose full review
We sent our Golden Retriever, Oscar, to the two-week board and train with David to work on leash pulling and reactivity to loud sounds outside and he did an amazing job. Oscar is now a pro heeler, listens when we say commands and while he is always a bit fearful, David gave us ways to help Oscar cope with the these fears. I could not recommend Good K8 Academy enough for any type of training your dog might need!! They are pros and know how to help the most stubborn of dogs.
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moustafa fathy
5/5I had dogs for over 30 years with a lot of trainers. So I was spectacle to send my dog to a new place. This has proven me 100% wrong. The dog I got back totally changed . David is the one who has done this miraculous transfer. He is extremely Knowledgeable professional with excep…Read full reviewClose full review
I had dogs for over 30 years with a lot of trainers. So I was spectacle to send my dog to a new place. This has proven me 100% wrong. The dog I got back totally changed . David is the one who has done this miraculous transfer. He is extremely Knowledgeable professional with exceptional dedication follow up and the most important he Cares. I am honored to have to come to know him and to have my dog trained in the academy by him. David Keep the super super exceptional work , dedication and caring . My link to you and the academy will continue for ever........
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Hannah Paragon
5/5David has been amazing to work with! We brought our 7-year-old husky mix, Kali, to Good K9 for help with anxiety and reactivity. She spent about eight months in and out of shelters before I adopted her in 2019. After some early success with training, COVID hit us hard — she becam…Read full reviewClose full review
David has been amazing to work with! We brought our 7-year-old husky mix, Kali, to Good K9 for help with anxiety and reactivity. She spent about eight months in and out of shelters before I adopted her in 2019. After some early success with training, COVID hit us hard — she became anxious, territorial, and leash reactive. Our recent move to Maryland only added to that!
Kali’s anxiety made walks tough. She’s also stubborn, stoic, and generally unmotivated😂. David took the time to understand her, and the progress she made in such a short amount of time was impressive. She’s not perfect (and we’re still learning!), but the difference is night and day.
I also love that Good K9 doesn’t stop after training. They offer follow-ups as needed and weekly pack walks for continued practice. Would definitely recommend!
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Carlo Cristobal
5/5We had a very reactive and hard to train rescue dog but David and team were great at adapting their style to her. They provided her with customized training during the bootcamp, and helped train us to be better owners as well.
The team continued to provide us with support and ad…Read full reviewClose full review
We had a very reactive and hard to train rescue dog but David and team were great at adapting their style to her. They provided her with customized training during the bootcamp, and helped train us to be better owners as well.
The team continued to provide us with support and advice through our journey, including additional training sessions, boarding, and daycare.
They are great people all around and have created a supportive community for dogs and owners alike. We love good K9 and would highly recommend!!
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.
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