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.

Dante’s Journey to Paradise

dog traininganxietyreactivityleash reactivedog aggressivepeople aggressiveaggression

Dec 2

Written By Dog Principal

When I first met Dante, his deep brown eyes carried a mixture of uncertainty and hope. A rescue from Florida, Dante had experienced many changes in his young life. After spending time in a foster home, he found his forever guardian in Arlington, VA, who was eager to give him the stable, loving home he deserved. But with that love came concern—she had been told that Dante was an “untrained” and reactive dog, so she took precautions, including fitting him with a muzzle to ensure safety for all.

The moment I met Dante, I knew he wasn’t a “bad” dog. He didn’t lack training; he simply needed someone to understand him. The muzzle, though well-intentioned, was just a symbol of misunderstanding. Dante’s energy wasn’t aggression—it was uncertainty, a natural response to his new world and the challenges it brought. His guardian asked me to help, and it was a privilege. Helping dogs like Dante is why I do what I do: to help guardians and their dogs find harmony, understanding, and trust.

One of Dante’s biggest challenges was leash reactivity. He pulled hard on walks, reacting to fast-moving cars and lunging at dogs that barked or lunged at him first. His guardian often felt tense during walks, worried about how he’d respond to the chaos around him. But Dante wasn’t reacting out of aggression—he simply didn’t know how to process these overwhelming stimuli.

Through a balanced, reward-based training approach, we worked on transforming Dante’s reactions. For the fast cars that once triggered his anxiety, we built a foundation of focus and calm. Using treats and positive reinforcement, I taught him to redirect his attention to his guardian whenever a car zoomed by. Over time, Dante learned that cars weren’t something to fear or chase; instead, they became background noise on his calm, confident walks.

Passing other dogs was another challenge. Dante wasn’t the instigator, but if another dog lunged or barked at him, he felt the need to respond. Together, we focused on building his confidence and teaching him that he didn’t need to react. By rewarding calm behavior and using gentle corrections when needed, Dante learned to remain composed, even when other dogs didn’t. Now, he walks past barking dogs with his head held high, fully trusting his guardian’s leadership.

And then there was the cat at home. The dynamic between Dante and his feline housemate wasn’t ideal—the cat hissed, and Dante responded with nervous energy. While the issue isn’t fully resolved, significant progress has been made. Dante now stays calmer in the cat’s presence, and his guardian, equipped with the tools and techniques I shared, continues to reinforce this progress. She’s doing an incredible job, and I’m confident that with time and consistency, they’ll reach a point of true harmony.

Throughout this journey, Dante’s guardian has been dedicated, balancing her busy life while continuing to reinforce the training techniques we practiced. Her commitment highlights an important truth: every dog deserves a chance to adapt to their new environment. Adopting a rescue like Dante requires patience and understanding, but the rewards are immeasurable. Training isn’t just about teaching commands—it’s about building trust and offering these animals the stability they’ve been longing for.

Dante’s transformation is nothing short of inspiring. From a nervous rescue wearing a muzzle to a confident, well-behaved companion, his journey is a testament to what patience, understanding, and teamwork can achieve. His guardian no longer worries about walks or interactions—she enjoys the bond they’ve built and the freedom that comes with knowing her dog is thriving.

Arlington, VA: German Shepherd, obedience and confidence training. — Dog Principal founder and owner, Adam working with Dante on a nature walk.

At Dog Principal, helping dogs like Dante isn’t just a job—it’s a passion. I believe that every dog has potential, and every guardian deserves the tools to unlock it. Dante’s story is a shining example of what’s possible when we focus on building trust and understanding, not just obedience.

If you’re in Arlington, VA, and facing challenges with your dog—whether it’s reactivity, leash manners, or creating harmony at home—know that help is available. Like Dante, your dog’s journey to paradise is within reach, and I’d be honored to guide you every step of the way.

Most importantly, Dante’s story is a call to action for others: adopt, train, and give these animals a chance to adapt. Every rescue has potential, and with love, structure, and time, they can truly thrive. Dante’s journey proves that every dog deserves their paradise—and every guardian can be the key to making it happen.

dog trainingdog principal

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/

Dante’s Journey to Paradise

4438087373

Dog Principal

Annapolis, MD

Info@dogprincipal.com

Serving Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, and the greater DMV

Dante’s Journey to Paradise

Baxter and the Battle of the Bone

4438087373

Dog Principal

Annapolis, MD

Info@dogprincipal.com

Serving Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, and the greater DMV