C&C Pals, LLC offers small group classes, clicker training, puppy socialization, multiple level obedience, and conformation classes. They also provide K9 Nose Work Classes and in-home behavior consultations.

Their training philosophy focuses on a positive, motivational approach without the use of force or coercion. They are headquartered in McLean, VA and serve the DC Metro area, including DC, Northern VA, and Maryland.

The classes not only cover household commands but also prioritize socialization to ensure friendly and comfortable animals around people and other animals. Their small group classes maintain a low student-to-instructor ratio (5 or 4 to 1), offering individualized attention.

They provide well-designed lesson plans and in-depth handouts for home reference. Their training methodology is scientifically proven and uses a positive motivational approach, suitable for all family members, including children.

Instructors are either nationally certified or studying for their certification, with many certified in multiple disciplines. Classes are conducted in modern indoor facilities for year-round comfort.

C&C Pals boasts a high rate of returning clients, with over 35% per year, and comes recommended by veterinarians and colleagues. They hold an A rating with the BBB and welcome all breeds and ages.

Always There Pet Care LLC offers obedience training, both privately in your home or at their facility, as well as group classes. They also serve as CGC Evaluators and Animal Behavior Mentors, providing pet sitting and daily dog walking services.

With certifications from the Animal Behavior College, they operate in Falls Church, Arlington, Reston, Herndon, Annandale, Vienna, Mclean, Pentagon City, Crystal City, Winchester, Dunn Loring, and Great Falls. Their services include group classes, private in-home training, private facility training, new puppy classes, first-time dog owner classes, addressing behavioral problems at home, and training during boarding or day care stays. As a mentor through the Animal Behavior College, they guide new and upcoming trainers.

Dog trainer at Fur-Get Me Not in Arlington, VA, with certifications in:

• Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
• Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
• Member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers

Carole Peeler, CPDT, CDBC, CNWI, has more than twenty years of experience in dog training and canine behavior consultation. She is certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, the first certification program for dog trainers in history. She is also certified as a dog behavior consultant through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, Inc. (IAABC). Currently she is also a Certified Nose Work Instructor through the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW).
For the past fourteen years, Carole has managed her own dog training company, C&C PALS. While teaching various types and levels of classes, she also offers private consultations at clients' homes helping people with their dogs' various behavioral issues.

Training Philosophy
The goal of all C&C PALS training is "to teach people how to train their dogs" using humane, positive training skills. A training class should be much more than just "obedience." It should be fun and enjoyable, for both dogs and owners alike, and work toward creating a bond of mutual trust and love between owners and their dogs. With positive training, dogs and owners can forge a wonderful relationship and the dog can become a good member of the family.

Services

• Group classes offered in multiple locations
• In-home private lessons
• In-home behavioral consultations
• Board & train
• K9 Nose Work(R)
• Conformation handling
• AKC Canine Good Citizen program (CGC)
• Tricks
• Freestyle
• Day Training

Certifications
Carole Peeler is certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, the first certification program for dog trainers in history. She is also certified as a dog behavior consultant through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, Inc. (IAABC). Currently she is also a Certified Nose Work Instructor through the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW).

Specializations
obedience training, puppy training, behavior consultation, K9 Nose Work, Conformation handling, AKC Canine Good Citizen program (CGC), Tricks, Freestyle, Day Training

Training Methods
C&C PALS teaches people what really motivates their dogs' behavior and debunks the many myths surrounding traditional training methods that have unwittingly led to behavioral problems in man's best friend. Classes work on teaching dogs good, basic household manners. Classes teach all the basic obedience commands, but, more importantly, they help pet dog owners understand how to get their pets to carry out the commands when asked in real-life situations. Socialization is another central part of classes, which is vitally important to help ensure the animal is friendly, thoroughly enjoys the company of people and knows how to act around other animals. This is often overlooked in other training styles and classes.
In all classes, the owners are taught how animals communicate and how they learn. Then owners use this knowledge to train their animals. So owners walk away from the classes not only knowing how to train their dogs, but also knowing why the training works!

Customer Reviews

• Donna, Cliff and Ike Boltz: "Thanks again for the really outstanding class. Ike is just a sweetie -- pleasant and well socialized. We credit much of his confidence and well-mannered behavior to his puppy kindergarten with C&C PALS! We're trying to keep up the great training you got us started with. We felt right at home with your direct approach to positive training."
• Rob & Caroline Buster: "We just wanted to thank you and your staff for all you taught us and Samantha in your class. We were unable to take your last class due to scheduling conflicts. Disappointing because we were able to teach Sam to shake. Thanks for the lead on White Dog Bone Company for treats. You do a great job and really put your heart into your work. Thanks Again!"
• Kathy Huff: "I would like to thank you for all the help and training you gave Sonny and me. As you know, Sonny had an aggression problem. We went through the traditional dog training method, which did not help. It actually made the situation worse since he stopped giving warning signs, like barking and growling. The conditioning training that you provided made a tremendous difference and in a much shorter period of time than expected (1 month). We were able to take Sonny to a busy shopping center, which he enjoyed and showed no signs of aggression or fear. I have also seen improvement in the home. Sonny is not as protective with delivery people or others who stop by. Again, the training you provided us made a world of difference for my wonderful, large Briard. Thank you."
• Cheren, Satchel and Gibson: "I just wanted to say thank you! I learned a great deal from the classes and you. I have always loved my dogs but look at them differently after learning from you and reading the books you recommended. Satchel has become a much better listener. I am also able to have him lay on his back and have me pet his stomach without him resisting me. I do not spend an hour training them but have taken them off welfare :-) Both sit before they eat and look at me to release them before they dig in. A sit is required before they are let off leash or given a treat. Both are required to stay before they can jump out of the car. A sit is required while collars are being snapped on and a stay before I open the door. I am exposing Gibson to more action, such as people walking, running and biking in the park. My husband takes her to work a few times a week so she gets more exposure to noise and people. We still have work to do, but I am focusing on the progress both have made. So I just want to say thank you."
• L. Arrington: "Before my husband came into my life, I lived with Galen, my 75-pound shepherd. He was rescued from the pound four years earlier, and continued to have problems of aggression, fear, and territory issues. Galen was my life, and he had me all to himself. When I started dating my husband, Galen decided he wasn't too keen on sharing the house or me. I had been working with Carole since 1999. She explained what was going on with Galen, why he was reacting the way he was, and then she gave us concrete training steps using positive reinforcement to help change the behavior. Everything Carole has instructed us to do has led to a positive change in Galen's behavior. Carole is great to work with and always explains whatever options might be available, such as managing the problem, avoidance, correcting a problem in real time, or working to positively shape the behavior. Carole suggested that my husband should give Galen his food and any treats. Sure enough, over time, Galen now associates my husband with food and all things good. Thanks to Carole my husband can enter the house!"
• Michele Rouse: "Carole Peeler is a dedicated professional. She is also a gifted trainer. Thanks to her positive approach to learning, my dogs and I now share a richer lifestyle than I would ever have thought possible. Thanks Carole!"
• Carol Rodekohr: "After a few unsuccessful attempts to have my sweet Golden girl Kayla earn her CGC, I knew there was only one place to go for assistance. After enrolling in Carole's CGC class and under her professional tutelage, I can proudly say my girl passed her CGC test. I owe Carole and her staff a great debt of thanks. Wahoo!"
• Cindy Crapo: "It was a real pleasure meeting you yesterday. We really appreciate your taking time out of your schedule to address our group. Your presentation was a huge success. The evaluation sheets were full of compliments. Carole, we do hope you will come back when we have future forums. Thank you so much for your time."
• Stuart Brawley: "Duncan was adopted from Friends of Homeless Animals at 10 months. His nickname could be "Will Rogers" as he never met a stranger he didn't lick. His exuberance in meeting people, however, led to his two biggest bad habits: jumping and licking!!! Duncan also would bolt through any open door; a closed screened door was no impediment! Duncan would also have an onset of "selective deafness" when pursuing a squirrel in the backyard. Obedience training was in the cards for Duncan. He enrolled in the Adult Basic Obedience Class at C&C Pals. With Duncan's willingness to work for treats, paired with positive reinforcement training at C&C Pals, Duncan has been a delight and joy to train. Duncan was voted valedictorian of his class. Duncan can now control his licker and suppress his desire to jump. Duncan will now "sit" anytime a door is opened and wait until given the hand signal to go through. Duncan hopes to continue his training and become accepted as a pet therapy dog with Pets on Wheels."
• Holly Russo: "Not only did I learn how to train my dog in C&C Pal's classes, but I learned how to understand him. Believe it or not, a lot of training is digesting what motivates dogs and how to work with it. I also learned about things I didn't expect, like nutritional information and recommended reading. If I hadn't had these classes, I wouldn't have known where to start. Thank you for all you've done, I wish I could better express how much of an impact the quality of your training had for all of us."
• Oletha: "I just wanted to let you know how very much Harris and I enjoyed your classes, and also how much I appreciated your excellent teaching methods in training me to train my puppy/dog to become a better canine citizen. I especially commend your method of teaching the owners the basics of each command; i.e., the way you break down each new command so that the dog learns in phases, and is not overwhelmed with more than he can absorb, shows that you have a deep understanding into the methodology of animal training. You always take extra time with each participant to help them master a new command, interjecting suggestions when we are having problems. Each class session you come with a well-prepared lesson plan which emphasizes to me how totally committed you are to your profession. Above all is your kindness to the animal -- your method of using rewards and praise instead of force is a welcome change from the other dog training techniques. We both feel truly honored to have been a member of your classes, and I cherish you as a friend."
• Mitch, Peggy, Alex and Tyler: "A few weeks after we brought Tyler, a Norwegian Elkhound mix, home from the Humane Society shelter, it was clear we needed some help. Tyler had no known history, as he had been a stray. As best we could determine, he was about 1 1/2 years old. He had a wonderfully sweet demeanor, was especially gentle with Alex, our 14-year-old Golden, and was very friendly with everyone he met. Sometimes, however, he showed his affection in inappropriate ways -- jumping, mouthing, etc. -- and was a bit pushy, too. He also had a breathtaking rambunctious streak and was, on a couple of occasions, a bit aggressive in his play. Bottom line, Tyler was an untrained puppy in a grown dog's body.
  On the recommendation of Pam Reid, one of the leading animal behaviorists in North America, we called Carole to help evaluate Tyler. From the moment Carole walked into the house, Tyler was under her spell. Carole revved him up and let him fly and, just as quickly, recaptured his attention. Her upbeat manner had Tyler working and having fun all at once. We had fun watching the two of them interact. Carole was equally adept at communicating with us. She fully explained her positive training philosophy and presented a program that addressed both short-term and long-term goals. Carole gave us the tools and, perhaps more important, the confidence to make things work.
  That was three months ago. With a little time each day and continued guidance from Carole, the progress has been astounding. Tyler is now a polite and well-behaved host. He is as enthusiastic and exuberant as ever, but now knows the boundaries. There is more to be done, as there always is, but we are all having great fun learning. That's the best part. Carole's technique is about more than obedience -- it's about nurturing a happy dog who is obedient. We are all very fond of Carole, but no one enjoys her visits more than Tyler, who is always tail-thumping excited when she is at the door. We have already recommended her to several friends. Her positive attitude is infectious, and we can't imagine that there is a better teacher out there."
• Rindy Martin: "With encouragement from Carole Peeler and support from our veterinarian, I enrolled our puppy, Harley (an Italian Spinone), in Carole's puppy kindergarten class three days after bringing him home. He was eight weeks old and was going to grow into one large pup before long.
  My eight-year-old daughters were afraid of Harley (and most dogs), as he was already big and nipping at their heels and clothing, as pups will do. We all attended the classes as I saw it as an invaluable set of skills for all of my kids to learn. All of us, including Harley, enjoyed Carole, the atmosphere, and all the pups, and this prompted us to enroll Harley in a second kindergarten session following the first session. Not only did we get to see lots of really cool dogs, but by the end of the first session, my most anxious daughter (who wouldn't get out of her chair when Harley was around) was training Harley during his end-of-session competition.
  We continue to receive complements about how well behaved Harley is and look forward to working with Carole with the next level of instruction and will seek her assistance when we pursue canine good citizenship. Carole truly loves her work and has such respect for dogs they are immediately drawn to her. She is fun, encouraging, and thorough with her instruction. She wants her clients to leave with much more than they pay for in hopes that people and their dogs can look forward to many years of companionship together. Do we have wonderful things to say about Carole Peeler? You betcha! There aren't too many more important things in life than the family dog, at least around our house."
• Biscuit & Mary Beth: "We had a great time and learned a lot! Thank you for training us!"

Media Appearances
The Washingtonian Magazine repeatedly recognizes Carole Peeler and C&C PALS among the best dog trainers in the DC metro area.

Pamela W. Nashman

Pam Nashman is a certified professional dog trainer and owner of All About Dogs. Since 1993, All About Dogs LLC has been dedicated to providing the best possible counselling and training for you and your dog.

Training Philosophy

Programs focus on teaching your dog to be a well-mannered dog, which the whole family can enjoy. We believe in the highest quality service for all our customers and are dedicated to teaching humane, dog-friendly training methods.

Services

We specialize in family dogs, teaching them the skills they need to live comfortably in a household environment, such as walking on a loose leash, greeting new people politely, coming when called, and much more.

We offer classes in Annandale, and Springfield.

We offer private lessons, group classes, phone consultations, behavior assessments, and special events.

Certifications

Certified Professional Dog Trainer

Specializations

Family dogs, puppy training, problem behaviors, basic training, Relaxing Rowdy Rovers (anxious dogs), Calming Cautious Canines (shy dogs)

Training Methods

Humane, dog-friendly training methods, positive reinforcement

Customer Reviews

Lesley K
Arlington, VA
I was referred to All About Dogs from another training program. The training has been excellent. In addition to improving my dog's behavior, I've also learned techniques to respond and calm my dog down when he gets too worked up. And the trainers take the time to address individual questions and issues that each dog and dog owner is trying to address. Great training!

Shannon S
Centerville, VA
I could not be happier about the quality of All About Dogs Levels Program. The trainers are knowledgeable, empathetic, and encouraging. They understand how stressful having a puppy or problem dog can be and are prepared with suggestions for just about any scenario you throw at them. After a year and a half of working with them I can say my dog is an exceptionally good boy. Training has taught me how to interact with him as much as it has taught him how to behave like a gentleman.

Stacy B
Dog Lover
I have been taking my dogs here for a decade now and they're just amazing. Fun trainers with the absolute best concept for class. The class grows with your dog, so if they learn faster, you get moved up to New things, but if it takes them a little longer, you can work with them on what they're having a tough time with. The staff are top notch and I'll continue to bring all my dogs to them for good and fun obedience classes.

Sharon B
Washington DC
I have a lovely reactive Sheltie named Sailor. Fortunately we found All About Dogs. Sailor and I have participated in private and group lessons. I have learned so much and am putting it into practice with my dog. The trainers are knowledgeable and caring. I highly recommend them to anyone who has a dog that reacts to noise people and other dogs. We will continue our lessons long term. They are invaluable.

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Social Media Links

Media Appearances

Washingtonian Magazine listed All About Dogs as one of the top dog training facilities in the area!