Your Dog’s Friend
Service area: Serves the DMV area (Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C.), with in-person classes held at their facility and online classes available statewide and beyond.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Behavior Modification
- Competition / Agility
Specialty Focus Areas
- Puppy Training
- Basic Obedience
- Leash Pulling
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Separation Anxiety
- Fearfulness
- Recall
Training Formats Offered
- Group Classes
- Private Facility
- Video Calls
Program Formats
- Ongoing Weekly
- One-Time Consultation
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
- ✓ Obstacle Courses
Training programs include in-person and online group classes for puppies, basic obedience, leash manners, reactivity, separation anxiety, and sports like agility. Classes are structured as ongoing weekly sessions with clear progression from beginner to advanced levels. One-on-one consultations are available by phone or email for behavior issues. Free webinars cover a wide range of topics and are recorded for later viewing.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Offers free and reduced-cost resources including webinars and consultations. Group classes are priced affordably with transparent rates listed on their website. No pricing details are publicly itemized, but they emphasize accessibility and financial support for those in need.
Policies
Classes require up-to-date vaccinations. COVID-19 policies are posted on their website. No explicit cancellation or rescheduling policy is stated, but clients are encouraged to contact the Training Coordinator for assistance.
Testimonials
“Your Dog’s Friend is truly one of a kind! I can’t say enough good things about this organization. I worked with Sarah, one of their trainers, to help my dog Brownie and Stevie and the difference was incredible. I’ve also taken their classes and webinars so much real-life, helpful info for dog owners, and most of it is free! Their mission to keep pets out of shelters and help families build stronger bonds is amazing. They truly care and go above and beyond every single time.”
– Anonymous
“I have done over 5 classes here for fun, training and learning with my dog. The trainers are so kind and knowledgeable! The prices are excellent too. Love this place!!!”
– Anonymous
“Our boxer, Kiki, just graduated from puppy kindergarten at Your Dog’s Best Friend, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience. The positive reinforcement training techniques they use really work—not just for the dogs, but for the humans too! We had to unlearn some old habits and learn how to truly understand Kiki’s needs, and it has made a huge difference.”
– Anonymous
About the Trainer
Your Dog’s Friend is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to improving dogs’ lives and keeping them out of shelters through force-free, reward-based training. They offer in-person and online group training classes for puppies, basic skills, behavior modification, and sports, all taught by certified trainers who use only positive reinforcement methods—no chains, prongs, or e-collars. They also provide free monthly interactive webinars, one-on-one phone/email consultations, and a curated directory of recommended positive trainers, veterinary behaviorists, and pet services. Their mission is rooted in science and compassion, emphasizing trust-building and fun for both dogs and owners. They support animal welfare and offer reduced-cost resources to make training accessible to all.
Their instructors are certified professionals with extensive experience in behavior modification, puppy socialization, and reactive dog training. Many operate their own private businesses while teaching for Your Dog’s Friend, bringing diverse expertise in areas like separation anxiety, fear-based behaviors, and agility. The organization also provides educational resources on dog behavior, lost dog prevention, and human-dog communication.
Clients praise the organization for its knowledgeable, warm staff and effective training outcomes, with many noting transformative results for anxious or reactive dogs. While most reviews are highly positive, one client reported a negative experience with a specific instructor, highlighting the importance of matching with the right trainer.
Accomplishments
Your Dog’s Friend is an award-winning nonprofit recognized for its impact on reducing shelter intake. Their instructors hold certifications from Karen Pryor Academy, CPDT-KA, Pat Miller’s program, and IAABC. Many have advanced education in psychology, animal behavior, and adult learning. They are affiliated with leading organizations like the Pet Professional Guild and Association of Professional Dog Trainers.
How to Get Started!
Begin by exploring their free webinars or class schedule. Contact the Training Coordinator for personalized guidance on selecting the right class or behavior support. Consultations are available by phone or email to help determine the best next steps.

Contact Information
Availability
- Weekdays
- Weekends
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
Hours
Monday: 8am-10pm
Tuesday: 8am-10pm
Wednesday: 8am-10pm
Thursday: 8am-10pm
Friday: 8am-10pm
Saturday: 8am-10pm
Sunday: 8am-10pm
Certifications
- CPDT-KA
- KPA-CTP
- PMCT
- SAPro
- CNWI
Associations
- APDT
- PPG
- IAABC
- AnimalPositiveCoalition
Languages
- English
Misc Features
- wheelchair accessible entrance
- wheelchair accessible parking
Other Services Offered
- Pet trainer
Location
12221 Parklawn Dr, Rockville, MD 20852Listing Tools for Trainers
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