Certified Dog Trainers in Fairfax, Virginia

Animal Behavior Wellness Center is home to the boarded veterinary behaviorist, Dr. Amy L. Pike. We are a behavior specialty practice located in Virginia. Similar to psychiatry and behavioral therapy in humans, our practice focuses on the mental and emotional well-being of our patients. Animal Behavior Wellness Center's purpose is to screen companion animals for significant behavioral disorders, diagnose them, and develop treatment plans to assist in their rehabilitation. As a team of veterinary behavior professionals, we take a truly holistic approach to wellness. We determine if the pet is physically healthy, has appropriate structure, benevolent leadership and adequate enrichment, and understands what is expected of them. Only then can we determine if there is an underlying behavioral disorder

Trainer - Jennifer Pennington CDBC, CPDT-KA, FFCP Jennifer has been professionally training and caring for dogs and exotic animals for over two decades, including as a keeper at Busch Gardens - Tampa, Curator at the International American Rattlesnake Museum, Staff trainer and Dog specialist at Dogtopia, and curator/educator at Reptiles Alive! in Fairfax, VA. She uses positive rewards to train dogs, birds, mammals, and reptiles. Jennifer even trained crocodiles! Jennifer has a BS in biology from the University of New Mexico. She is a certified dog behavior consultant through IAABC. She holds a dog training certification from Animal Behavior College and is independently certified as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CCPDT). She is also Fear Free Certified. Jennifer speaks about dog bite safety, training, low-stress handling, and more throughout the state. Jennifer was an operational dog trainer/handler with the East Coast's oldest and largest search and rescue organization, searching for lost people in the wilderness with her dogs for over a decade. She trains to support her Belgian Malinois dogs; lifestyle. Her company, Lead with Fun, trains dogs and coaches humans using science-based positive-only methods and behavior modification for fearful and aggressive behaviors. We are a Force-Free / Fear-Free certified company. Learning is most effective when setting up training so the learner can be successful. Rewards are used as payment for the behaviors we want.

In April 2022, I became the first native Spanish speaker Certified Control Unleashed Instructor (CCUI). As of today, there are 116 Certified Control Unleashed Instructors in the world and I'm proud to be one of them. \r\n\r\nOne of my specialties is helping dogs and their humans recover from separation anxiety and isolation distress. I studied under the mentorship of Julie Naismith, she is one of the leading experts in this topic. I have become a Separation Anxiety Professional Trainer (SA Pro™ Trainer).\r\n\r\nDogs are individuals with their own needs and desires, and I approach training and behavior modification based on the individuals in front of me (dog and owner). I have been a rescuer on the ground for many years and in may places around the world such as China, Taiwan, Costa Rica, Spain and USA. I became a professional dog trainer because I truly love dogs and I like to help humans enjoy the extraordinary experience of sharing life with dogs.

My service offers training (Private lessons in your home and at my facility, group class and training while boarding or for Day Care), cage free boarding, dog day care, in home pet sitting, bathing, and in home daily dog walking. I have been in the animal field since 1988, and I have owned my business since 1994. CGC Certified and a member of the APDT, PSI, and IACP!

I love all animals, mainly dogs and I am interested in helping owners with their dogs, especially shelter dogs. I own four rescued dogs and I have experience with all kinds of breeds. My training methods are fun-based using positive reinforcement only. I do in-home training.Just contact me if you have any questions. I look forward to meeting you and your dog!

Our goal is to help you create a better line of communication with your dog through reward-based training techniques. The ability to communicate effectively with your dog empowers you to enhance and bring balance to your relationship. Dog training is a simple concept, but it does require proper practice, patience and consistency. Allow Balance Dog Training to coach you through the proper mechanics and timing needed, so dogs will understand what you are asking of them. We look forward to the opportunity and privilege to work with you and your dog.

Christina Todd is a professional dog trainer in Fairfax Virginia. I love helping families turn frustration with their pets into joy. Training is a game everyone can play, even with the busiest of schedules. I can show you how. Christina is an operational dog trainer/handler using positive reinforcement to train dogs. She trains one lab mix, Rain. She is a member of APDT and an Animal Behavior College certified dog trainer.