Core Canine

Group classes meet once weekly for 5 weeks at the Alexandria facility, with a graduation ceremony at the end. Classes are structured by age and skill level: Puppy Kindergarten (12 weeks–11 months), Adult Obedience (12+ months), Middle School (4 months–4 years, prerequisite required), and High School (5+ months, prerequisite required, AKC CGC prep). Private sessions are customized 1.5-hour sessions offered in-home or at the facility, covering obedience and behavior issues with no required package commitment.

Pricing Summary

Private in-home sessions: $140 for initial 1.5-hour session, $125 for follow-ups. Private sessions at facility: $135 initial, $120 follow-up. Group classes: $205 for 5-week course (Puppy Kindergarten, Adult Obedience, Middle School, High School). Free 30-minute puppy play dates offered weekly.

Policies

If a client misses a group class, Core Canine will attempt to accommodate attendance in another class that week. If not possible, the client may arrive 15 minutes early or stay 15 minutes late at the next class to catch up. No cancellation policy is specified for private sessions.

Core Canine is a dog training business in Northern Virginia specializing in positive reinforcement methods to help owners and their dogs build a harmonious relationship. Founded by April Chillari and led by certified trainers April and Olivia, the company offers both private in-home training and group classes at their Alexandria facility. They work with dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes, including puppies, adolescents, and adults, and welcome families with children to participate in training. Their services cover basic obedience, leash walking, potty training, jumping, chewing, resource guarding, and leash reactivity. They do not offer board-and-train, day training, or video sessions. Their trainers emphasize empowering owners with practical tools and understanding canine behavior through science-based techniques. They also offer free puppy play dates for young puppies to socialize in a controlled environment.

April holds a certification from Animal Behavior College and has experience working with shelter and rescue dogs. Olivia is a CPDT-KA certified trainer with nearly seven years of professional experience and has trained a wide variety of animals beyond dogs. Both trainers focus on individualized plans tailored to the dog’s needs and the owner’s lifestyle.

Group classes are held weekly for five weeks with small sizes (4–5 dogs max) and include Puppy Kindergarten, Adult Obedience, Middle School, and High School (AKC Canine Good Citizen preparation). Private sessions are available in-home or at the facility, priced per session with no package requirements, allowing pay-as-you-go flexibility.

Accomplishments

Olivia Jacquemin is a CPDT-KA certified trainer since 2020 with nearly seven years of professional training experience. April Chillari is certified through Animal Behavior College and has extensive experience working with shelter and rescue dogs. Both trainers emphasize owner education and behavior modification grounded in positive reinforcement science.

How to Get Started!

Client engagement begins by visiting the scheduling page to book a private session or register for a group class. For dogs with aggression or severe fear/anxiety, clients are advised to contact the trainer prior to booking.