Trainer's ListThis page is intended as an aid to pet families. Make sure to ensure the safety and well being of your pets. Never use, leave, or entrust your pet with anyone, or any place, that you have not visited and/or investigated the integrity of first. The best dog trainers out there are trainers willing to personally handle the dogs in their classes...if they do not, it is likely wise to consider other trainers.We cannot stress enough how important training is with your new dog - any dog, but especially rescue dogs and especially working dogs like GSDs! Not only does it teach your dog life saving commands and important good manners, but it also allows your dog to better bond with you. Dogs who develop strong obedience with their owners, not just at home - but in outside situations (thus our insistence that you go to third-party training), develop a greater level of trust with their owners. Dogs who trust their owners to take care of them don't feel the need to take the leadership role on themselves. Dogs who don't feel the need to be in charge are far less likely to become aggressive or fearful. They have far fewer behavior problems in general. Rescue dogs long for stability and comfort; they need families who can give them that unconditionally. This sometimes means setting strict limits for your new dog. This should not be taken as punishment for adopting a rescue dog; it should be seen as the beginning of what will be the strongest bond you've ever had with a dog. Dogs who are the most obedient are also the happiest dogs as well. That is NO coincidence. GSDs in particular, maybe more than most other breeds, thrive on desire to please and need to learn a job. Obedience fulfills both of these needs for the GSD! PLEASE - take the obedience classes seriously and go to a reputable trainer - not just a cheap class that fulfills the contractual agreement with MAGSR. It's in the best interest of your family and your dog. Training is time consuming, can be expensive, and certainly takes dedication, but the payoff is well worth it...and your dog will love you all the more for it! Below is a trainer's list, containing names of trainers from around the area. You as the owner must find the right trainer for both you and your dog. Please visit our 'Choosing a Trainer' page to help you select the best trainer for your dog. MAGSR assumes no responsibility in listing 'information' links or contacts. The International Association of Canine Professionals - http://www.dogpro.org - TO LOOK FOR DOG TRAINERS; GROOMERS; KENNEL OWNERS; VETERINARIANS; PET SITTERS; DOG HANDLERS; RETAILERS; DOG WALKERS; PET FIRST AID INSTRUCTORS; BOUNDARY FENCE INSTALLERS For some general guidance on basic dog training and behavior, check out these sites: www.suzanneclothier.com - Articles by trainer Suzanne Clothierwww.wonderpuppy.netPetPlace.comSeparation AnxietyIntroduce your new baby to your dogsASPCA Training InfoWhat to do about barkingFor some fun, take the Canine Personality Profile Test by Volhard. Your vet, pet supply store, and friends can also refer you to trainers they have used successfully. There are many books and videos available to help you learn some of the basics before you bring home the new addition to the family. MAGSR only recommends positive training methods.The Pet Lovers Companion www.petloverscompanion.com is a reference for pet supplies and services in Suburban Maryland, D.C., and Baltimore.The Maryland Pet Gazette is also available as a reference www.mdpetgazette.com. CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON MORE SPECIALIZED TRAINING SUCH AS SEARCH AND RESCUE, AGILITY, TRAINING SUPPLIES, ETC.To help understand the 'pack' mentality which will make your dog a better family member, and you a better dog owner, it is strongly suggested that you read, Nancy Baer and Steve Duno's, 'LEADER OF THE PACK' A Breed ApartTrainer-Ira Hartwell301-252-2371Serves Anne Arundel, PG, Calvert counties and DC metro areaAmerican K9Laurel, MD240-294-6162CustomerService@AmericanK9.comhttp://americank9.com/ Apple Jacks K-9 Academy14655 Charles StreetCharlotte Hall, MD 20622301-884-7547Serves Calvert, Charles, and St Mary's counties and DC metro areahttp://ajk9.com Arrowwood Shepherds3101 Florence RdWoodbine, MD 21797Trainer-Wes Jenson410-804-2714Serves Anne Arundel, Howard and surrounding countieshttp://www.arrowwoodshepherds.org Canine Training Association3 locations in MD - Annapolis, Davidsonville, and Beltsville410-573-6556Serves Calvert, Anne Arundel, PG and surrounding countieshttps://www.ctadogs.org/ Capital Canine ServicesTrainer-Ethan Hall301-260-2275http://www.capitolk9.com Chesapeake Kennel ClubOwings, MDemail icknield@chesapeake.netServes Calvert, Anne Arundel and surrounding countieshttp://chesapeakekennelclub.org/Classes.html The Cultured CanineReston, VA 20190Trainer-Lisa M Flynn, CMT703-481-2561Serves Northern Virginiahttp://www.culturedcanine.comDog Training by Bob MaidaFalls Church, VA 21797Trainer-Bob Maida703-750-0080Serves Northern Virginiahttp://www.dogtrainingbybobmaida.com K-9 Koncepts4520 North Point BlvdBaltimore, MD 21219k9concepts2@verizon.net410-447-2000http://www.k9koncepts.com Liberty K9Serves DC metro area, Maryland and Northern VAhttp://www.libertyk9.com Lionheart K-9 Training1443 Old Taneytown RdWestminster, MD 21158Trainer-Linda Kaim717-880-4751 (day)410-857-0555 (evening)http://www.lionheartk9.comMason Dixon K9443-864-1704http://www.masondixonk9.comOFFLEASH K9 MarylandHoward, Frederick, Talbot counties888-612-1314443-743-3221Maryland@offleashk9training.comwww.olk9md.com Optimum K9 Training, LLC Pete Genovese - Owner 240-285-7827optimumk9training@gmail.comwww.optimumk9training.com Premier Dog TrainingTrainer-Rick Begun410-461-5508Serves Montgomery and Howard countieshttp://www.thedogtrainingpro.com Shared Journeys Dog TrainingWoodbine, MDTrainer: Mary Pedersen410-718-9752Serves: Howard, Carroll, Frederick, Montgomery and Baltimore Countiesinfosharedjourneys@gmail.com https://sharedjourneysdogtraining.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sharedjourneysdogtraining/Where your first session is FREE! Stateline CanineHanover, PA717-632-1111http://www.statelinecanine.com/index.html Telca's K-9 Academy3243 Bethany LaneEllicott City, MD 21042Trainer-Tecla Walton410-852-1001Serves Anne Arundel, Howard, PG counties and DC metro areahttp://www.teclask9academy.com WOOFSDog Training Center - Ballston Campus4241-A North Pershing DrArlington, VA703-536-7877Serves Northern Virginiahttp://www.woofsdogtraining.com