FirstBarkBrant is the best pet dog trainer in Virginia as far as I’m concerned. We live 2 hours away and I go out of my way to board my dog with him when we go on vacations. I recommend anyone to Brant and advise that distance and travel are worth seeing him. I don’t trust anyone else with my dog. I can’t recommend enough.
The Trusted Companion
McGaheysville, Virginia
About The Trusted Companion
Brant Weller is a professional dog trainer with years of experience helping dogs and their owners. At The Trusted Companion, he focuses on addressing behavior challenges such as aggression and anxiety. His services also include obedience training on and off leash, scent detection, and tracking. What makes The Trusted Companion different is Brant’s calm and consistent training style. He works closely with each dog and owner to build trust, improve behavior, and support long-term progress. If you’re looking for a reliable dog trainer, contact The Trusted Companion today to learn how we can help you and your dog work better together.
Training & services
Training goals
- Behavior consultation
- Crate training
- House training
Program details
Our potty training service teaches dogs reliable bathroom routines using clear cues and positive reinforcement. Ideal for puppies, rescues, and dogs struggling with indoor accidents.
- Leash training
- Obedience training
- Puppy training
Program details
Puppy training helps build good habits early through basic obedience, socialization, and behavior guidance. Our puppy training programs focus on leash skills, commands, confidence, and positive learning in a safe setting.
- Socialization
Behavior support
- Aggression training
- Fear and confidence
- Reactivity training
How training happens
- Board and train
Program details
With dog board and train programs, your dog stays with a professional trainer and receives daily training. This approach helps build obedience, manners, and confidence through consistent routines.
- In-home training
- Private training
Program details
Our private dog training sessions provide personalized guidance for dogs of all ages. Work directly with a professional trainer to address obedience, behavior issues, and everyday challenges at your dog’s pace.
Dog age
- Adult dogs
- Puppies
Training level
- Beginner training
Program details
Basic Dog Training helps dogs learn essential skills like sit, stay, leash walking, and polite behavior at home and in public. Ideal for puppies and adult dogs, this training builds focus, confidence, and clear communication between you and your dog.
Support between sessions
- Follow-up support Customer-reported
- Photo updates Customer-reported
- Refresher training Customer-reported
Assistance and working dogs
- Police K9 training
- Protection training
Your dog’s background
- Rescue dogs
Training approach
- Positive reinforcement
Additional services
- Boarding
Other listed services
View 4 additional details
- Dog Behavior and Specialty Training
Program details
Dog behavior and specialty training designed for dogs with reactivity, fear, anxiety, or aggression. We address the root causes of behavior issues using personalized, real-world training.
- Electronic Collars
- Marker Training
Program details
Marker training uses clear signals like a click or verbal marker to reward good behavior at the right moment. This method improves communication, builds focus, and helps dogs learn faster through positive, consistent feedback.
- Scent and Working Dog Training
Program details
Professional scent and working dog training that builds focus, confidence, and reliability. Ideal for detection work, sport, and task-based roles using structured, reward-based methods.
Confirm current programs and availability directly.
Questions & answers
From GoogleWhat people have asked about this business.
I have a 4 month old chihuahua that is very obedient when just the two of us but when children are around my pup is totally uncontrollable. How long would it take to train him and could my grandson interact on training?
Hi Lori! It depends what options your interested in. Check them out at www.TheTrustedCompanion.com/packages
Community answer · The Trusted Companion · 2025-09-21
Public community answers. Authors are not verified as business representatives; details may have changed.
Customer reviews
Google listing5
45 Google reviews
Mentioned in reviews
- Obedience 9
- Board and train 7
- Daily videos 6
- Dog psychology 5
- Obedient dog 3
- Anxiety training 2
All 10 topics
- Calm dogs 2
- Command following 2
- Confident dog 2
- Refresher class 2
Google review topics, not confirmed services.
My American Doberman did training 5 years ago with The Trusted Companion. I just got a European Doberman and will be using The Trusted Companion again!!! My American Doberman after training made life better for him and us!!
Brant did a great job training my rescue Malted Jackzu (maltese/jack Russel/Shitzu mix) and me! Scout has turned into a sweet little companion with manners! Thank you Brant for all your help!
We are so thankful our dogs went through the training at The Trusted Companion. Thank you to Brant for his experience in making our dogs “happy” dogs! We highly recommend him and his team.
We have had Brant work with both our dogs - a Rhodesian Ridgeback and Husky. We get compliments ALL THE TIME on how well behaved they are (IFYKYK, that’s a feat with a husky). When we adopted the husky, he would bowl you over to get out a crack in the door and then go “on patrol…Read full reviewClose full review
We have had Brant work with both our dogs - a Rhodesian Ridgeback and Husky. We get compliments ALL THE TIME on how well behaved they are (IFYKYK, that’s a feat with a husky). When we adopted the husky, he would bowl you over to get out a crack in the door and then go “on patrol” (running / roaming) for 1-2 HOURS. It was stressful and exhausting. He did board & train with Brant (as a ) year old!) and now can be reliably trusted off leash (we do keep the e-collar on just in case) and has excellent door manners. No more husky escapes! 🙌 Two happy dogs, two happy dog-parents.
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.