Dog Trainer in Beltsville, MD
Dog Principal provides private, in-home dog training in Beltsville, Maryland. I’m Adam Hartman, and I work with dogs and their parents on aggression, reactivity toward dogs and people, anxiety, resource guarding, and leash pulling.
Training takes place in your home and neighborhood, helping you handle the situations you face every day.
Tux’s Story: Anxiety and Reactivity in Beltsville
“Adam has been so helpful and absolutely amazing with Tux! We have a pitbull and he was very anxious and aggressive. He has gotten a lot calmer and better trained since working with Adam. We are so happy about our upcoming sessions! And looking forward to continuing our work with Adam.”
Tux is a male American Pit Bull Terrier whose move from open land to apartment living brought new challenges. His mom, Sydney, described stressful walks, hard leash pulling, intense reactions to other dogs, and nervousness around people.
Sydney wanted private training that would help Tux become calmer and more confident. We worked together on his behavior and everyday skills. Her commitment to continuing the work helped Tux become calmer and more responsive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What parts of Prince George’s County do you cover from Beltsville?
I serve all of Prince George’s County — Beltsville, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Bowie, Clinton, Upper Marlboro, Fort Washington, and everywhere in between. If you’re in PG County and need a trainer who comes to you, I can help.
My dog is anxious around strangers. Will training actually help, or is that just how he is?
Training can absolutely help. Fear and anxiety toward strangers is one of the most common things I work on. It’s not a fixed personality trait — it’s a learned response that can be changed with the right approach. We work on it in your home first, then gradually in real-world situations, at a pace your dog can handle.
Do you use punishment or force in your training?
No. I use balanced, structured methods focused on clear communication and consistent boundaries. The goal is a confident, calm dog — not a suppressed one. I want your dog to understand what’s expected, not to be afraid of making mistakes.
How do I know if my dog needs in-home sessions or a board and train?
If the behavior is manageable day-to-day and you’re able to follow through on training between sessions, in-home works well. If the behavior is severe, dangerous, or escalating — or if you’ve tried training before without results — the board and train is usually more effective. I’ll give you an honest recommendation after the first session.
Private, In-Home Dog Training in Beltsville
Dog Principal serves dog families in Beltsville, Prince George’s County, and across the greater Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia area.
Sessions are $175, paid after each visit. Your first session includes 1.5 hours for evaluation and hands-on training. Follow-up sessions are one hour, with no packages or long-term commitments.
Call or text 443-808-7373 to book a session.

