Best Paw Forward K9 Training
Service area: Serves the greater Richmond, Virginia area, including surrounding neighborhoods and counties within a 30-mile radius.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Behavior Modification
Specialty Focus Areas
- Puppy Training
- Leash Pulling
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Jumping on People
- Barking Excessively
- Separation Anxiety
- Biting / Nipping
- Potty Training
- Resource Guarding
- Fearfulness
- Recall
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Private Facility
- Board and Train
- Day Training
Program Formats
- Intensive Program
- Ongoing Weekly
Types of Dogs
- Small
- Medium
- Large
- Giant
- Herding
- Sporting
- Working
- Hounds
- Terriers
- Doodles
- Brachycephalic
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
- Senior (8+ years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Positive Reinforcement Only
Equipment:
- ✓ Clickers
- ✓ Food Rewards
- ✓ Harnesses
- ✓ Flat Collars
Best Paw Forward K9 Training offers intensive board and train programs where dogs stay with Pat for 2–4 weeks, receiving daily structured training, socialization, and behavior modification in a home environment. Dogs are trained in obedience, impulse control, leash manners, and calm behavior around people and other animals. Upon return, owners receive personalized in-home follow-up sessions and ongoing support to reinforce skills. For dogs not enrolled in board and train, private in-home sessions and facility-based training are available. Programs are tailored to each dog’s age, breed, behavior issues, and family lifestyle.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Pricing is customized based on the dog’s needs, training program selected, and duration. Board and train programs are offered in 2-, 3-, and 4-week durations with pricing provided upon consultation. Private sessions and ongoing support packages are also available with rates discussed during the initial contact. No public pricing listed.
Policies
Client communication is maintained throughout board and train programs with daily updates. Pat provides ongoing support after training completion. No explicit cancellation or rescheduling policy is stated on the website.
Testimonials
“Pat is phenomenal to work with! She truly cares about helping us find our way back to enjoying life with our dog, Captain, who couldn’t even be out in public before training with her. We just can’t thank Pat enough and are so grateful to have finally found a training program that’s realistic and got us the life we wanted with our dog.”
– Client
“My dog Jovi has always been anxious. … She walks amazingly and listens immediately. Pat cares about her like she’s her own.”
– Jill
“Pat gave us a fresh start with our almost 5 year old cockapoo, Ollie! … When Ollie returned home after just 3 short weeks the change was amazing! We truly had a new dog, or the dog we once loved!”
– Heather & Sam
About the Trainer
Best Paw Forward K9 Training is a dog training business based in Richmond, Virginia, led by Pat Princiotto, who specializes in helping dog owners overcome behavioral challenges and build a calm, joyful relationship with their dogs. Pat offers personalized training solutions for puppies, adult dogs, and seniors, addressing issues like leash reactivity, separation anxiety, resource guarding, excessive barking, jumping, and potty training. She provides board and train programs where dogs stay with her and receive intensive, one-on-one training in her home environment alongside her own dogs. Pat also offers in-home training and ongoing support to ensure long-term success. Her approach is rooted in positive reinforcement, with a strong emphasis on building confidence and reducing fear. She keeps owners updated throughout board and train programs with daily photos and guidance, and continues to support families after their dog returns home. Pat is known for her compassionate, personalized care and treats every dog as if they were her own.
In addition to training, she provides pet boarding and pet sitting services for dogs of all ages and temperaments, including sensitive seniors and high-energy puppies. Her facility-based training environment allows for socialization and structured routines that accelerate progress.
Clients consistently praise her for her expertise, responsiveness, and genuine love for dogs, noting dramatic improvements in their dogs’ behavior and overall family quality of life.
Accomplishments
Pat has successfully transformed hundreds of dogs with severe behavioral issues, including leash reactivity, separation anxiety, and resource guarding. Clients consistently report life-changing results, with many dogs transitioning from unmanageable to calm, well-behaved family members. Her board and train program is highly regarded for its consistent outcomes and compassionate, individualized approach.
How to Get Started!
Prospective clients begin by completing a contact form on the website with details about their dog’s age, breed, and behavior issues. Pat then responds to schedule a free consultation to discuss goals, assess needs, and recommend the best training program. No online booking system is available; all scheduling is done via direct contact.

Contact Information
Availability
- Weekdays
- Weekends
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
Hours
Monday: 9am-5pm
Tuesday: 9am-5pm
Wednesday: 9:30am-5pm
Thursday: 9am-5pm
Friday: 9am-5pm
Saturday: 9am-5pm
Sunday: 9am-5pm
Associations
- AKC
- APDT
- IAABC
- IACP
- PPG
Languages
- English
Other Services Offered
- Pet boarding service
- Pet sitter
Location
3319 Idlewood Ave, Richmond, VA 23221Listing Tools for Trainers
For Best Paw Forward K9 Training Only
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