Shades Of Blu Dog Training INC

Ranked #4 in Chesapeake and #22 in Virginia

5 Stars,48 Reviews
3637 Mill Bridge Way, Chesapeake, VA 23323

Service area: Chesapeake, VA; Hampton Roads, VA; Southern California, including San Diego, CA and Menifee, CA.

Service Overview

Types of Dog Training

  • Family Dog
  • Service Dog
  • Therapy Dog
  • Competition / Agility
  • Behavior Modification

Specialty Focus Areas

  • Leash Pulling
  • Reactivity / Aggression
  • Jumping on People
  • Barking Excessively
  • Separation Anxiety
  • Biting / Nipping
  • Fearfulness
  • Stealing Food
  • Recall

Training Formats Offered

  • Private Lessons
  • Group Classes
  • Board and Train
  • Day Training

Program Formats

  • One-Time Consultation
  • Sessions Package
  • Ongoing Weekly
  • Intensive Program

Types of Dogs

  • Medium
  • Large
  • Giant
  • Herding
  • Sporting
  • Working
  • Doodles

Age of Dogs Trained

  • Puppy (<1 year)
  • Adolescent (1-2 years)
  • Adult (2-8 years)

Dog Training Methodology

Methods: 

  • Balanced Training

Equipment: 

  • Food Rewards
  • Flat Collars
  • Martingale Collars
  • Pinch Collars
  • E-Collars

Shades Of Blu Dog Training develops individualized training plans for each dog and owner. Their process involves first training the dog to learn a new communication system, followed by hands-on training for the owner to ensure confidence and competence in applying the techniques.

Their standard approach begins with teaching obedience cues using positive reinforcement with daily meals. Once the dog understands, they introduce the language of the prong collar for directional communication. Subsequently, they layer in the e-collar stim at a mild working level, using it in conjunction with verbal commands and prong collar direction, with rewards, to achieve clear communication and desired responses.

Program formats include intensive day training, private lessons, and immersive board and train programs, such as the standard Board & Train and the extended Raise & Train. The business emphasizes ongoing support, offering complimentary group training sessions to help clients continue their dog’s progress and strengthen the human-canine bond.

Pricing & Policies

Pricing Summary

The business offers financing options for training programs. Clients can select from various training budget tiers ranging from $500 to $30,000. Specific pricing for individual programs is not detailed in the provided content.

Testimonials

“Felicia is an extremely knowledgeable and talented trainer. I’m so grateful I met her when I did. We did a 5 week board & train with our 1 year old golden retriever and the difference in her behavior is incredible! She use to be so scared when we took her to new places and around new people and now she’s the life of the party. She’s confident, obedient, and still has the same fun loving personality that we love. Felicia is the only person I feel comfortable leaving my dogs with when I need to board them and I can’t wait to continue Whiskey’s training when she get’s a little older.”
– Sara, Newport News, VA

“I have a Bernedoodle named Lucy and she is 14 months old. She is an absolutely great companion for me but she was having some behavior issues because her excitement level was too much when encountering other people. I am disabled and have been home with her 24/7 and never had a reason to not play with or give her attention when she wants it and I think she believed everyone wants to give her that same level of attention causing her to get over excited when seeing people. I used past tense because after spending three weeks in the board and train program with Arianna she is a completely different dog in all the right ways while maintaining everything about her that makes her so special. I am thoroughly amazed with the results and there are not words that can convey how strongly I recommend Arianna as a trainer. From the moment you meet her you will instantly be comfortable sending your dog away with her. When your dog comes home you will be grateful you made the call and arranged to have Arianna train your dog. Your dog will be in a loving and caring environment which should always be the priority. But the results are the reason we seek a trainer and you will be thrilled with the results.”
– Todd, San Diego, CA

“We got Freya, a cattle dog/border collie mix, as a puppy and tried our best. But with our inexperience with the breed and proper training techniques, she began resembling a reactive dog. She wasn’t enjoyable to take on walks and introducing her to new people wasn’t easy. We found Ari Towns through her Instagram and signed Freya up for a 6 week board-and-train (BNT) with e-collar. After the BNT I couldn’t believe the work Ari had done. Freya is proficient in a heel, has a highly motivated recall, and we can have her off leash with e collar and trust she’s going to listen. All because Ari taught us how to bridge the gap of communication between us and our dog. I love Freya, that’s easy, but before the BNT with Ari it was stressful to take my dog on walks. Now it’s one of my favorite parts of the day. It’s been 3 months since Freya’s been home and I still get emotional thinking how amazing it is that Ari was able to not only condition Freya properly, but also work with us to continue the success at home! It’s truly rewarding seeing how responsive and engaged Freya is with her training and recall. Thank you Ari, we are eternally grateful for your guidance and wisdom!”
– Amanda, San Diego, CA

About the Trainer

Shades Of Blu Dog Training INC is a dog training business located in Chesapeake, VA, with additional operations in Southern California. Their mission is to facilitate the best possible human-canine relationships by educating and empowering dog owners. They strive to counteract societal influences that may lead to canine behavioral shortcomings.

The business offers a comprehensive range of services including private lessons, board and train programs, extended raise and train programs, intensive day care, and group training. They also specialize in training for service dogs, therapy dogs, emotional support animals, dog sports, AKC titling, and behavior modification. Additionally, they assist clients in finding suitable dogs and provide guidance on canine nutrition.

A core aspect of their approach is “balanced training,” which integrates positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment, and negative punishment. They utilize specific training tools such as prong collars and e-collars, which they describe as gentle and effective communication devices, with e-collars based on TENS machine technology. The business also operates Woof Gang Rehab & Rescue, a non-profit rescue and rehabilitation organization, and Served And Saved Service Dogs, a non-profit service dog organization for female veterans with service-connected disabilities.

Accomplishments

Felicia Valenti is a U.S. Navy Veteran and the founder and lead trainer of Shades Of Blu Dog Training, Woof Gang Rehab & Rescue, and Served And Saved Service Dogs. She has 13 years of experience volunteering with and training shelter dogs, and 7 years of professional client training.

Felicia holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Animal Behavior, and is an Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer and a Mentor Trainer for Animal Behavior College. She is a member of APDT and IACP, and is a CGC/AKC Evaluator, Service Dog Specialist, Therapy Dog Specialist, and Behavioral Evaluator & Specialist. She completed an internship with Sara Carson and learned from celebrity dog trainers John Devine and Andy Lopez. Felicia specializes in fear aggression, confidence building, pet dog training, service dog training, therapy dog training, trick training, agility, canine nutrition/fitness, and other dog sports.

How to Get Started!

To begin services, prospective clients are required to fill out a brief inquiry form to set up an initial consultation with the lead trainer. After submitting the form, clients can expect to receive a call back within one week. It is recommended to complete the application before calling the business.

Shades Of Blu Dog Training INC featured image for this Dog Trainer
  • 7 Years Experience

Certifications

  • Credentialed

Associations

  • AKC
  • APDT
  • IACP
  • is owned by veterans
  • Women-owned
  • wheelchair accessible parking

Other Services Offered

  • Dog day care center
  • Pet boarding service
  • Pet supply store
  • Pet trainer

Location

3637 Mill Bridge Way, Chesapeake, VA 23323