How much does dog training cost in Annapolis, MD?

Private in-home dog training with Dog Principal is $175 per session, billed after each visit. The first session runs about 1.5 hours to allow time for a full evaluation, and follow-up sessions are typically an hour. There are no packages, bundles, or long-term commitments, just honest, pay-as-you-go training.

What areas do you serve?

Dog Principal provides private in-home dog training throughout Annapolis, MD and Anne Arundel County, along with the greater DMV area, including Northern Virginia, Washington, DC, and surrounding Maryland communities. Concierge training is also available further out, including Delaware and Virginia Beach, VA.

Do you only train at my home, or can we meet elsewhere?

Training starts in the home, then moves to the dog's own neighborhood, and eventually public areas as the dog is ready. Dog Principal is happy to meet dog parents in a public location near their neighborhood if that fits better, whatever setting helps the dog and parent progress.

Can you help with dog aggression or reactivity?

Yes. Aggressive and reactive behavior is one of our specialties, including reactivity toward other dogs, strangers, and situational triggers like car rides or walks. Dog Principal also works on and rehabilitates food aggression and human aggression cases. Every plan begins with an in-home evaluation to understand what's actually driving the behavior, not just suppressing the symptom.

Do you offer puppy training?

Yes. Puppy training covers foundational obedience, house training, leash manners, and controlling nipping or jumping, taught through structured play so puppies learn good habits while burning off their energy the right way.

Do I need to buy a training package?

No. Dog Principal does not require packages or contracts. Sessions are billed individually as needed, so every dog parent only pays for the training their dog actually requires.

What makes Dog Principal's training method different?

Training is built around five pillars: Evaluation, Cooperation, Fulfillment, Socialization, and Authority, always starting with positive reinforcement. Instead of chasing a quick fix, this approach rebuilds real trust and communication between a dog and their parent, so the results actually last.

How many sessions will my dog need?

It depends on the dog and the behavior being addressed. An exact number can't be promised before the first in-home evaluation, but most dog parents notice real change within the first few sessions.

Is Dog Principal insured?

Yes. Dog Principal is fully insured for pet training services, giving every dog parent peace of mind during in-home sessions.

What is the Tarheel K9 training background?

Adam Hartman, founder of Dog Principal, is a graduate of Tarheel K9 in Sanford, North Carolina, a hands-on training program known for real-world, reality-based methods rather than classroom-only theory.

Does Dog Principal train dogs in Washington, D.C. neighborhoods like Georgetown or Capitol Hill?

Yes. Dog Principal trains dogs throughout Washington, D.C., including Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, and Navy Yard, addressing city-specific challenges like elevators, hallways, and close-quarters dog encounters.

Do you provide dog training in Northern Virginia?

Yes. Dog Principal regularly trains dogs throughout Northern Virginia, including Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Vienna, McLean, and Falls Church, working through real-world triggers like busy sidewalks and close-quarters dog encounters.

What Maryland towns does Dog Principal serve besides Annapolis?

Beyond Annapolis, Dog Principal regularly trains dogs in Bowie, Rockville, Bethesda, Olney, Silver Spring, Clinton, Laurel, Gaithersburg, Columbia, Glen Burnie, Waldorf, Upper Marlboro, Crofton, Severna Park, Pasadena, and Edgewater.

What is Concierge Dog Training, and do you travel outside Maryland?

Concierge Dog Training is for clients further out, including other states like Delaware or cities like Virginia Beach, VA, roughly four hours from Washington, D.C. Instead of single sessions, Adam stays in a nearby hotel or Airbnb and runs multiple sessions in one day to speed up progress. Out-of-state cases typically require a minimum of 3-4 days booked in full, and the exact length is determined through a phone consultation.

What is Board and Train, and how is it different from Concierge Training?

Board and Train is different from Concierge Training. With Board and Train, available to new clients, the dog stays at Adam's home for a minimum of two weeks, allowing time for real behavior modification. Concierge Training, by contrast, is Adam traveling to stay near the client's home, not boarding the dog.

Are you a dog behaviorist or a dog trainer?

Both. Dog Principal combines behaviorist-level evaluation of what's driving a dog's behavior with hands-on, reality-based training to actually change it, not just manage the symptoms.

Do you train reactive dogs or pitbulls?

Yes. Reactive dog training and bully-breed and pitbull-type training are core specialties, including cases involving dog-to-dog aggression, leash reactivity, and dogs with a history of being surrendered or given up on.

Can you help with separation anxiety, resource guarding, house training, or leash pulling?

Yes. These are some of the most common issues we address, especially with puppies and newly adopted dogs, using structured, hands-on training in your home and neighborhood. Separation anxiety and resource guarding usually stem from a specific root cause that has to be identified first, before real improvement is possible.

Do you use positive reinforcement or correction-based training?

Positive reinforcement always comes first, paired with classical conditioning to build calm, healthy associations with people, environments, and triggers. If a dog remains stubborn or unresponsive, we progressively introduce positive punishment or negative reinforcement, completing the four quadrants of operant conditioning, to achieve genuine, lasting behavioral change. This balanced methodology mirrors real-world scenarios rather than relying on a single technique.

Do you offer training for dogs anywhere in the DMV, including Southern Maryland?

Yes. Beyond Annapolis and the immediate DMV core, Dog Principal also serves Southern Maryland communities, along with Howard and Baltimore Counties, for in-home training and evaluations.

Involving Owners for Lasting Results

Sep 1

Written By Dog Principal

Meet Archie, a lively 2-year-old Golden Retriever whose boundless energy and curiosity led to some challenging behaviors, including counter surfing and jumping on the couch. His owners, recognizing the need for change, sought guidance from Dog Principal to help Archie channel his enthusiasm into more positive actions.

The Challenges

Archie’s zest for life sometimes got the better of him. Counter surfing had become a favorite pastime, as he used his agility to explore the kitchen counters. Meanwhile, his love for the couch, though endearing, wasn’t ideal for maintaining household order. Additionally, Archie’s natural friendliness turned into overwhelming excitement whenever guests arrived, making it difficult for family and visitors to manage his intense greetings.

The Training Approach

Our 5-day concierge service in Alexandria, VA, involves several hours each day dedicated to hands-on training and support. We believe in involving owners every step of the way, respecting their efforts during and after the training. For Archie, we developed a customized plan targeting three key behaviors:

Counter Surfing: Archie was taught the “OFF” command, with consistent praise for staying off the counters. By focusing on calm behavior, Archie quickly learned that good things come when he remains composed.
Couch Jumping: Consistency was key in addressing Archie’s couch-jumping. Every time he jumped up uninvited, the “OFF” command was reinforced, rewarding him for staying off the furniture unless invited. Archie soon understood that he could still enjoy the sofa, but only when allowed.
Excitement with Visitors: To manage Archie’s excitement around guests, we used threshold training and desensitization. Family members calmly entered the house, and Archie was only allowed to greet them once he was sitting quietly. This approach helped Archie understand that calm behavior earned the attention he craved.

The Results

Archie’s transformation over the 5-day concierge service was nothing short of extraordinary. By the end of our intensive sessions, Archie’s habit of counter surfing was a thing of the past. His owners could finally enjoy mealtimes without worrying about their food disappearing when they turned their backs.

The issue of jumping on the couch also saw a significant change. Archie learned to respect boundaries, understanding that he could still enjoy the comfort of the sofa, but only when he was invited. This new behavior brought a sense of order and calm to the household.

One of the most rewarding changes was Archie’s improved behavior when guests visited. His previous over-the-top excitement was replaced with a calm and polite greeting. Archie would sit patiently, waiting for attention, and his new demeanor left a lasting impression on everyone who visited. This shift in behavior showed just how effective the training had been in helping Archie become a well-mannered and balanced companion.

Conclusion

Archie’s journey is a powerful example of what can be achieved with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement through our 5-day concierge service in Alexandria, VA. His owners are delighted with the results, and Archie is happier and more balanced, enjoying a life where his energy is channeled into positive behaviors. At Dog Principal, we’re committed to helping dogs like Archie reach their full potential, ensuring they thrive in their loving homes.

If you’re in Alexandria, VA, and facing similar challenges with your dog, don’t hesitate to reach out. Every dog has the potential to learn and grow, and we’re here to guide them—and you—every step of the way.

Dog Principal

Adam Hartman
Founder & Head Trainer, Dog Principal

I'm a dog trainer based in Annapolis, Maryland, working across Anne Arundel County, the wider DMV, and Northern Virginia.

I specialize in the hard cases — aggression, reactivity toward dogs and people, anxiety, food aggression, resource guarding, and conflict between dogs in the same household. Most of the dogs I see have already been through another trainer.

I trained for six months at Tarheel Canine in North Carolina and worked hands-on at Woof Dogs in Florida alongside one of the top trainers in the state. My approach is reality-based: we work in your home and in real public settings, because that's where the behavior has to hold. I train the dog and the parent equally — that's the idea behind the name.

Sessions are pay-as-you-go. No packages, no contracts.

https://www.dogprincipal.com/

Involving Owners for Lasting Results

The Challenges

The Training Approach

Conclusion

4438087373

Dog Principal

Annapolis, MD

Info@dogprincipal.com

Serving Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, and the greater DMV

Involving Owners for Lasting Results

The Challenges

The Training Approach

Conclusion

Dog Training Teamwork

Transforming Nash in 10 Days

4438087373

Dog Principal

Annapolis, MD

Info@dogprincipal.com

Serving Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, and the greater DMV