The Best Dog Training in Frederick, MD
Finding a local dog trainer can be tricky. There is a diverse array of dog training options in Frederick, Maryland, which may make it difficult to decide which one to go with, especially if you’ve never worked with a trainer before. When weighing your options, it’s important to consider what you want from dog training sessions so you can choose a schooling type accordingly.
Private dog training lessons can help target behaviors, whether it’s something you’re looking to prevent (like destructive tendencies) or something you’d like to instill (like assistance dog training.) Group lessons are a great option that offers socialization, which is necessary for puppies to learn but hard to teach in a one-on-one setting.
Frederick is a small town, so you’ll likely want your dog to be on their best behavior–especially in front of neighbors. Dog training can help with reduced barking and general obedience, both of which can help ensure that you’re keeping your community safe!
The small-town nature and presence of several parks in Frederick also make it important for your dog to have good leash etiquette. Bad leash etiquette can reflect poorly on you as a neighbor, even when it’s just a case of your pup being overexcited. Luckily, dog training can help your pooch become a superstar on the leash throughout walks around the neighborhood and in strolls through the park!
A Quick Look at the Best Dog Training in Frederick
For a quick look at the best options in Frederick, check out the table below. More detailed reviews of each dog trainer can be found later in the article.
Trainer | Price | Training Types | Online / In-Person / Both |
Dog Academy | $49.99-$349.99 | Obedience, Behavioral Issues, Puppy Training, ESA training, Psychiatric Service Dog Training | Both |
Breakaway Action Dogs | $90.00-$180.00 | Puppy Obedience, Canine Sports, Agility | In-Person |
Creekside Canine Training | $100.00-$2950.00 | Puppy Social Club, Boarded Training, Behavior Management | In-Person |
Loyal Companions | $27.00-$450.00 | Assistance Dog Training, Cat Training, Obedience Training | Both |
Confetti Dogs | $500.00-$2000.00 | Private in-home Training, Virtual Puppy Training | Both |
Mischief and Manners | $345.00-$615.00 | Private Training, Walk and Train | In-Person |
Online Vs. In-Person Training in Frederick
In-person and online training are both great options when it comes to training your dog. In-person training typically means your dog will be getting socialization, which is especially great for puppies learning about the world. However, many in-person trainers in Frederick are private trainers, which may not necessarily mean that your pup is getting as many socialization benefits as they might from group in-person classes. So if socialization is the issue you want to work on, make sure you book a group class.
Online training tends to be more cost-effective and flexible, giving the added benefit of learning at your own pace! In addition, when you use online training, you gain the necessary skills as an effective dog handler because you’re going through the training just as much as your dog is. This can help ensure that your dog takes you seriously in all contexts of your lives, not just when it comes to the behaviors you’re working on in training!
Perks of Online and In-Person Training in Frederick
Online Training | In-Person Training | |
Trainer Can Come to Your Home | X | ✔️ |
Flexible Schedule | ✔️ | X |
One-on-One Instruction | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Study at Your Own Pace | ✔️ | X |
Socializes Your Dog | X | ✔️ |
The Best Dog Training in Frederick
There are many great options for dog training in Frederick, whether you’re looking for basic puppy obedience classes or something more advanced like service dog training! Let’s take a closer look at some of the best:
1). Dog Academy
- Online or In-Person: Both
- Types of Training Courses: Obedience Classes, Behavioral Issues, Puppy Training, Psychiatric Service Dog Training, Emotional Support Animal Training, Specialty Classes (e.g., Canine Confidence, Separation Anxiety)
- Price Range: $49.99 – $349.99
- Link to Website: Dog Academy Basic Obedience Training Program
- Phone Number: (605) 223-1971
Dog Academy offers a virtual training experience, which means you get to do it on your own schedule! Classes are in video format, so you’ll never miss anything your instructor has to say, and you can repeat lessons as often as your pooch needs. Plus, every program is designed by AKC-certified trainers with more than 25 years of experience. Plus, Dog Academy has a nationwide network of dog trainers, including trainers in Frederick, so you can sign up for group lessons that will socialize your pup or private, personalized lessons. Dog Academy offers a wide variety of courses from basic obedience training to assistance dog training to targeting certain behaviors, like canine confidence!
2). Breakaway Action Dogs
- Online or In-Person: In-Person
- Types of Training Courses: Puppy Obedience, Canine Sports, Agility
- Price Range: $90-$180
- Link to Website: https://breakawayactiondogs.com/
- Address: 900 E Patrick St, Frederick, MD 21701
- Email Address: [email protected]
Breakaway Action Dogs is a nonprofit dog training club with canine sports training options. Classes take place in small groups (no more than 6-8 dogs), so this is a great choice for puppies and dogs that need socialization but are overwhelmed with larger classes. Additionally, since the instructors focus mainly on training for canine sports, Breakaway Action Dogs is an excellent option for those who want an alternative training perspective!
3). Creekside Canine Training
- Online or In-Person: In-Person
- Types of Training Courses: Puppy Social Club, Boarded Training, Behavior Management
- Price Range: $100-$2950
- Link to Website: https://www.creeksidecanine.com/
- Address: 423 East Patrick Street, Frederick MD
- Phone Number: (301) 606-3613
Creekside Canine Training offers private one-on-one training, group classes, and boarded training called Canine University. Canine University is perfect for dogs who need more intensive training than weekly sessions can cover, though it runs on the pricier end of the scale. Creekside Canine Training uses a method that balances rewards and structure and gives owners the tools to maintain that at home.
4). Loyal Companions
- Online or In-Person: Both
- Types of Training Courses: Assistance Dog Training, Cat Training, Obedience Training
- Price Range: $27-$450
- Link to Website: https://www.loyalcompanions.net/index.html
- Phone Number: (240) 357-6047
Loyal Companions offers online training as well as home training, where instructors come to your home and train your dog one-on-one. Classes are focused on specific dog behaviors, including assistance dog training. Loyal Companions also offers cat training, which is great if you have a cat and a dog who both need to work on their behavior!
5). Confetti Dogs
- Online or In-Person: Both
- Types of Training Courses: Private In-Home Training, Virtual Puppy Training
- Price Range: $500-$2000
- Link to Website: https://www.confettidogs.com/
- Phone Number: (240) 587-5020
Confetti Dogs offers home training, which is a good option if you’re looking for a totally personalized experience without having to travel to a facility. Part of the personalized experience is the addition of tools, such as special training toys and harnesses/leashes, which can be especially helpful if you’re a beginner. Confetti Dogs also offers a virtual puppy training program, though neither this nor their private training program offer socialization and tend to be more expensive.
6). Mischief and Manners
- Online or In-Person: In-Person
- Types of Training Courses: Private Training, Walk and Train
- Price Range: $345-$615
- Link to Website: https://www.mischiefandmanners.com/
- Phone Number: (240) 397-9317
Mischief and Manners provides home training that works to help you achieve specific goals that you have for your dog. This may entail going to a park or a dog-friendly store, which can help provide some socialization even though it’s one-on-one instruction. They also offer a Walk and Train program, where the trainer takes your dog on an hour-long training adventure in your neighborhood, which may be preferable for those with busy schedules!
Find the Right Dog Training for You
When you’re thinking about working with a dog trainer, the most important thing to consider is what type of classes your dog needs. If you’re having trouble with this, consider how you’d like your dog to behave and think about what specific behaviors this involves eradicating or instilling. From there, you can work out what your goals are for your dog, which will give you a better understanding of which training classes to look for.
Once you’ve figured out the class specifics, it’s essential to consider your schedule, your dog’s socialization needs, and your budget. These factors will help narrow down the options and determine which dog trainer in Frederick is right for you!