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.

Transforming Nash in 10 Days

Aug 8

Written By Dog Principal

Nash, a 4-year-old Pitbull mix, had severe dog-to-dog aggression and a tendency to chase anything that moved quickly, day or night. His family was eager to enjoy a happy life with him for the next 10 years, but they struggled with managing his behavior, especially with traditional dog training methods that only provided limited support.

The Concierge Dog Training Approach

Unlike traditional dog training, which often involves weekly sessions and leaves owners to manage their dogs alone in between, Dog Principal's concierge service provides a comprehensive, hands-on approach. Our concierge services range from 5 to 10 days, depending on the severity of the case, the owner's schedule, and their commitment to the process. For Nash, we implemented a 10-day intensive program with four daily sessions, each lasting 90 minutes. This method ensures continuous support and guidance for both the dog and the owners, creating a consistent and supportive learning environment.

The Dog Training Journey

Day and Night Sessions: To address Nash's specific issues with chasing fast-moving objects, we conducted dog training sessions both during the day and at night. This comprehensive approach helped Nash learn to remain calm and composed in a variety of situations, regardless of the time. Night sessions were particularly beneficial in building his confidence and ensuring he could handle different scenarios, including future nighttime outings with his family.
Public Exposure and Socialization: Our dog training took place in various public settings such as Home Depot, Alexandria, VA and local restaurants. These environments provided real-world challenges that helped Nash acclimate to the presence of other dogs, people, and various stimuli. We focused on reducing his reactivity through positive reinforcement and consistent guidance.
Family Involvement and Education: A crucial aspect of our concierge service is involving the owners in the dog training process. I worked closely with Nash's family, teaching them how to manage his behavior effectively and confidently. This hands-on involvement ensured that they felt supported and capable of continuing the dog training after the intensive period.

The Transformation

By the end of the 10 days, Nash showed remarkable improvement. His aggression towards other dogs had significantly decreased, and his tendency to chase fast-moving objects was under control. The consistent, daily dog training helped him build confidence and become more comfortable in public settings. His family can now take him on peaceful walks, enjoy meals at restaurants, and even explore trails without the stress of managing his previous behaviors.

Alexandria, VA: Pitbull mix learns real-world obedience at Home Depot training session.

Why Concierge Dog Training Works

Dog Principal's concierge dog training stands out from traditional methods by offering continuous, immersive support. The intensive schedule allows for immediate adjustments & real-time reinforcement, ensuring that both the dog and the owners are consistently progressing. This approach not only helps the dog learn new behaviors but also empowers the owners with the confidence and skills needed to maintain these improvements.

Conclusion

Nash's journey is a testament to the effectiveness of personalized, intensive dog training. At Dog Principal, we believe in providing comprehensive solutions tailored to each dog's unique needs. Whether your dog struggles with aggression, obedience, or other behavioral issues, our concierge service offers a path to a happier, more harmonious life.

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/

Transforming Nash in 10 Days

The Concierge Dog Training Approach

The Dog Training Journey

The Transformation

Why Concierge Dog Training Works

Conclusion

4438087373

Dog Principal

Annapolis, MD

Info@dogprincipal.com

Serving Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, and the greater DMV

Transforming Nash in 10 Days

The Concierge Dog Training Approach

The Dog Training Journey

The Transformation

Why Concierge Dog Training Works

Conclusion

Involving Owners for Lasting Results

4438087373

Dog Principal

Annapolis, MD

Info@dogprincipal.com

Serving Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, and the greater DMV