Empathic Dog Training Academy LLC
Service area: Served in Charlottesville, Virginia and surrounding areas; clients from across the country also travel for intensive training programs.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Competition / Agility
- Working Dog
- Behavior Modification
Specialty Focus Areas
- Basic Obedience
- Puppy Training
- Leash Pulling
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Recall
- Separation Anxiety
- Biting / Nipping
- Potty Training
- Resource Guarding
- Fearfulness
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Group Classes
- Private Facility
- Board and Train
- Day Training
- Video Calls
Program Formats
- One-Time Consultation
- Sessions Package
- Ongoing Weekly
- Intensive Program
Types of Dogs
- Herding
- Sporting
- Working
- 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
- ✓ Obstacle Courses
Training programs include one-on-one private sessions, group classes, board-and-train options, and day training. Programs are tailored to individual goals such as basic obedience, behavior modification, competition preparation, or working dog development. Owners are taught how to continue training at home, ensuring long-term success. Intensive programs are available for complex behavioral issues or advanced skill acquisition.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Pricing details not specified in content; packages and rates vary based on program type, duration, and individual needs. Intensive and ongoing programs available for behavior modification and sport training.
Testimonials
Empathic Dog Training Academy excels at not only training dogs, but also teaching people. I’ve learned that success in dog training hinges on effective communication along with an appreciation for the dog’s point of view. Tazzie Winkler’s knowledge and skills extend far beyond the mechanics of dog training. She has an acute understanding of how dogs think and respond to the world around them. Her training guidance has resulted in far more than good obedience. It has given me a better relationship and stronger bond with my dog!
– Tazzie Winkler Client
Taze and Arman are incredible dog trainers. My dog Jax has been there since he’s been a puppy and still is at six months. His obedience from these two expert trainers are incredible. Not only do they train your dog but they also teach me how to become a great handler. I would definitely recommend these trainers. I’ve been to so many in Charlottesville, and they are definitely the best out there..
– Mel!!
I met Tazzie when we hosted her on my Podcast, The K9 Detection Collaborative, and I KNEW that I had to train with her. Tazzie is a trainer that I will keep going back to. She has a phenomenal grasp of dog training, and is a great communicator AND listener. Tazzie understands the theory and how to put it in practice. She is kind and supportive and really understands dogs. I have high drive working line dogs and trainers who understand how to tap into their potential are few and far between… Tazzie KNOWS my kind of dog. I can’t wait to book my next session!
– Podcast Host / Client
About the Trainer
Empathic Dog Training Academy LLC helps dog owners teach their dogs basic obedience, behavior modification, and advanced skills using empathy-based methods that build strong bonds and lasting results. They specialize in solving challenging behaviors like aggression toward other dogs, poor recall, chasing wildlife, and over-exuberant greetings. The academy also trains dogs for dog sports and titles such as Canine Good Citizen and Advanced CGC, as well as fun, high-level activities like tracking, detection, directional sends, cycling, and pulling. Their approach emphasizes understanding the dog’s perspective, using patience and positive communication to achieve transformational results. They train dogs of all ages and types, including high-drive working line dogs, and focus on teaching owners how to become effective, confident handlers.
The trainers, Tazzie and Arman Winkler, are highly regarded by clients and industry professionals alike for their deep knowledge of canine behavior, exceptional communication skills, and ability to work with dogs from shelter backgrounds to elite working lines. Their training has helped dogs find permanent homes, improve behavior dramatically, and reach their full potential in sport and work.
They also offer services that extend beyond training, including guidance for working dogs, service dog development, and support for nonprofit K9 organizations.
Accomplishments
Tazzie and Arman Winkler have trained dogs from puppies to adults across disciplines including sport, first responders, and top-tier military groups. They are recognized by a nonprofit CEO as among the best K9 trainers in the world. Tazzie has been featured on The K9 Detection Collaborative podcast and is highly regarded for her ability to work with high-drive working line dogs and shelter-rehabilitated dogs.
How to Get Started!
Prospective clients are encouraged to reach out to schedule an initial consultation or evaluation to discuss their dog’s needs and goals. Many clients begin with a private session to assess behavior and create a customized training plan.

Contact Information
Availability
- Weekdays
- Weekends
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
Hours
Monday: 12-6am
Tuesday: 12-7am
Wednesday: 12-7am
Thursday: 12-7am
Friday: 12-7am
Saturday: 12-7am
Sunday: 12-6am
Certifications
- Credentialed
Associations
- Accredited
Languages
- English
Other Services Offered
- Pet trainer
Location
563 Wilmington Rd, Palmyra, VA 22963Listing Tools for Trainers
For Empathic Dog Training Academy LLC Only
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