Your Dog's Friend is a nonprofit 501c3 organization working to improve dogs' lives, reduce problem behaviors, and keep dogs out of shelters. We believe in the power of positive training, not only because scientific studies have proven it is effective, but because it builds trust, and never causes pain or fear. And…it's fun! Our free and reduced-cost resources include monthly interactive webinars, an advice-rich website, one-on-one consultation by phone and email, training classes, and support for animal welfare organizations.
Training & services
Training goals
Canine Good Citizen preparationCustomer-reported
Puppy trainingCustomer-reported
SocializationCustomer-reported
Behavior support
Reactivity trainingCustomer-reported
How training happens
Private training
Dog age
PuppiesCustomer-reported
Training level
Beginner trainingCustomer-reported
Dog sports
AgilityCustomer-reported
Scent workCustomer-reported
Confirm current programs and availability directly.
Questions & answers
From Google
What people have asked about this business.
I saw your reviews in the Wash. Consumer Checkbook and wondered if you only serve Md. residents. I live in Va. and adopted a 3 yr. husky 4 days ago and she bit me when I tried to correct her. Do you work with dogs like this?
Hi Linda. I'm so sorry. You definitely need to see a positive, force-free trainer. There are a lot of excellent trainers in VA. Let me know where you live, so I can refer you to someone. Also read our handout at https://yourdogsfriend.org/help/people/.
5/5Great classes! Definitely the place to go if bringing a dog of any age into your home.
YDF was repeatedly recommended to me when we brought home a young puppy a few months ago. She is now flourishing because of their classes. Take a 6-class series to get off to a good start and p…Read full reviewClose full review
Great classes! Definitely the place to go if bringing a dog of any age into your home.
YDF was repeatedly recommended to me when we brought home a young puppy a few months ago. She is now flourishing because of their classes. Take a 6-class series to get off to a good start and prevent problems later. I’d theorize that if every person with a new puppy took one intro series, then the rate of adolescent dogs landing in shelters would reduce drastically. Not an ad. Just giving praise where praise is due
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LaRocha Nicole LaRiviere
5/5
We really enjoyed and learned so much from the Basic Manners class. Everyone was so nice and patient, Sarah is a wonderful instructor, and it was a great way to bond with a new dog, have fun, start some good habits, and avoid some bad habits.
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Keara Lindsay
5/5
I took Dewey (chocolate lab) to their puppy kindergarten with Robin and it was so helpful! They teach basic commands along with meeting other puppies for socialization. They also send class recaps/videos to help with at-home training. Highly recommended!
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diana Kitt
5/5
I've taken my last two dogs here for training mainly with Sarah. She has been extraordinarily helpful, positive, and has great rapport with both 4-legged and 2-legged creatures.
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Meg M
5/5
This place is great! Highly recommend if you're looking for positive reinforcement training. I've really enjoyed bonding with my dog during their classes - and we've both learned a lot.
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.
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