The Northern Neck Dog Training Group offers training classes and private/individual sessions for addressing common training and behavioral issues. They are certified and use a range of training equipment and tools, including clickers, treats, toys, buckle collars, head halters, harnesses, leashes, target sticks, crates, resting mats, tunnels, obstacles, footing surfaces, wheelchairs, and brushes.
Their training philosophy focuses on positive, non-force methods to strengthen the bond between handler and dog. Before engaging in on-lead work, an orientation on dog psychology, bonding, leadership, attention, and learning theory is conducted. They serve various locations, providing group and individual basic classes in Puppy Kindergarten, Pet Dog Manners, and Beginning Obedience at their facility in Heathsville.
Additionally, they offer initial consultations, behavior assessments, and behavior consultations in clients’ homes in Northumberland, Lancaster, Richmond, and lower Westmoreland Counties. The group provides a range of packages and pricing to accommodate diverse budgets. The group understands the challenges of dealing with a dog’s unruly behavior and aims to assist owners in cultivating polite companions. They customize training packages to meet individual training goals.
All classes are conducted in a climate-controlled building at their location or in clients’ homes. Their typical group class offerings include Puppy Kindergarten, Pet Dog Manners, and Beginning Obedience. However, they are willing to tailor a training package to meet specific training goals. In addition to training classes and packages, private consultations, behavior assessments, and behavior consultations are available to address common behavior problems.
The trainer is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and actively pursues professional development through courses, seminars, and workshops to stay updated on learning theory, brain science, and the latest training methods.


