Trainer's List
This 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 Clothier
- www.wonderpuppy.net
- PetPlace.com
- Separation Anxiety
- Introduce your new baby to your dogs
- ASPCA Training Info
- What to do about barking
For 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.
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,
A Breed Apart
Trainer-Ira Hartwell
Serves Anne Arundel, PG, Calvert counties and DC metro area
American K9
Laurel, MD
240-294-6162
CustomerService@AmericanK9.com
http://americank9.com/
Apple Jacks K-9 Academy
14655 Charles Street
Charlotte Hall, MD 20622
Serves Calvert, Charles, and St Mary's counties and DC metro area
Arrowwood Shepherds
3101 Florence Rd
Woodbine, MD 21797
Trainer-Wes Jenson
Serves Anne Arundel, Howard and surrounding counties
http://www.arrowwoodshepherds.org
Canine Training Association
3 locations in MD - Annapolis, Davidsonville, and Beltsville
Serves Calvert, Anne Arundel, PG and surrounding counties
Capital Canine Services
Trainer-Ethan Hall
Chesapeake Kennel Club
Owings, MD
email icknield@chesapeake.net
Serves Calvert, Anne Arundel and surrounding counties
http://chesapeakekennelclub.org/Classes.html
The Cultured Canine
Reston, VA 20190
Trainer-Lisa M Flynn, CMT
Serves Northern Virginia
Dog Training by Bob Maida
Falls Church, VA 21797
Trainer-Bob Maida
Serves Northern Virginia
http://www.dogtrainingbybobmaida.com
K-9 Koncepts
4520 North Point Blvd
Baltimore, MD 21219
Liberty K9
Serves DC metro area, Maryland and Northern VA
Lionheart K-9 Training
1443 Old Taneytown Rd
Westminster, MD 21158
Trainer-Linda Kaim
717-880-4751 (day)
410-857-0555 (evening)
Mason Dixon K9443-864-1704
OFFLEASH K9 Maryland
Howard, Frederick, Talbot counties888-612-1314
443-743-3221
Maryland@offleashk9training.com
www.olk9md.com
Optimum K9 Training, LLC
Pete Genovese - Owner
Premier Dog Training
Trainer-Rick Begun
Serves Montgomery and Howard counties
http://www.thedogtrainingpro.com
Shared Journeys Dog Training
Woodbine, MD
Trainer: Mary Pedersen
Serves: Howard, Carroll, Frederick, Montgomery and Baltimore Counties
https://sharedjourneysdogtraining.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sharedjourneysdogtraining/
Where your first session is FREE!
Stateline Canine
Hanover, PA
http://www.statelinecanine.com/index.html
Telca's K-9 Academy
3243 Bethany Lane
Ellicott City, MD 21042
Trainer-Tecla Walton
Serves Anne Arundel, Howard, PG counties and DC metro area
http://www.teclask9academy.com
WOOFS
Dog Training Center - Ballston Campus
4241-A North Pershing Dr
Arlington, VA
Serves Northern Virginia
