Excellent Dog Training

Walking with a Friend, LLC in Gainesville, VA offers pain and force-free training methods to help you bond with your dog. We can teach your dog to do what you want them to do without damaging their spirit and playful nature. Our staff will help you improve and maintain your trusting bonded relationship with your four-legged friend.

Services Offered

Specializing in Puppy Socialization

 Puppy Socialization Program Options 

Board and Train Bootie Camp

Puppy Head Start Programs are available in 2, 3 and 4-week options

Typically 2-3 weeks away from home in training with a trainer and 

2 to 3 weeks of owner coaching to teach the pet parent how to continue and maintain training

 for 12 to 20 Week Old Puppies

Private Class Owner Training Programs

Puppy, Adolescent and Adult Dogs  

Our private owner training program is offered in Four and Six-week options and is divided into

"Out and about Town," Training Room Manners Education, Puppy Socialization with several playtime breaks in our large fenced 

yard occasionally, they might meet our 2 resident Momma dogs.

Adult Board and Train Programs are available - Two Weeks Minimum.

Polite manners and foundation behaviors are taught using games, puzzles, and fun. 

Written step-by-step instructions are given for all behaviors trained. 

We will coach and support you through all phases of your dog's training.

All Puppy and Adult Dog Programs

include: Help with

Leash manners, ending and understanding excessive barking, teaching polite greetings

Living with Kids and Dogs

Family Pet Dog Training

Service Dog Coaching and Tune-ups

Always Fear-Free, Force-Free, Pain-Free

We Build Relationships and Trust

by Using Positive Reinforcement & Bond Based Scientifically Proven Teaching Methods

Reinforcement Rewards include:

Praise, Toys, Food, Life Rewards, and anything else that your dog likes

All Programs are Custom Designed for your Desired Outcomes.

Your Puppy or Adult dog will learn the following:

Watch (Focus, Attention), Touch (Nose Target) Sit, Down, Stay, Stand, Wait, Come, Leave it, Trade,

Take, Give and Drop it, Go to their Place, Bed & Crate, Loose Leash Walking, Long Line Walking, Go Sniff,

with distractions, distance, and duration, as well as

Find it (Search) and Polite Greetings.

We will work together to maintain their healthy curiosity and the amazement and joy you share with them.

     Board and Train Program  for Busy Pet Parents

              We train your dog and then teach you to continue training your dog at home. We teach your dog what you want them

After your dog's history has been submitted, a 90-minute in-person evaluation Meet & Greet session will be scheduled.  

This meeting is to make certain that we are a good match for your family

and to discuss your goals. Cost - $150

This program is limited to one dog per 2-week Board & Train program - 14 sessions total  - Cost - $2800

Many pet parents choose this program when they need vacation boarding for their dog and want to sharpen their skills or learn new ones.

                           Home-Style Boarding for Your Puppy or Adult or Senior Dog

For established client pet-parents only, as may be needed boarding for vacations, special events, etc.