Academy Dog Training

Dog Trainer Dog Training Training Services

Bestie Business Card

Welcome to Academy Dog Training by Haywood, offering basic obedience, advanced obedience, and nose work! We work with dogs off all sizes, tempermants, and ages!

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Business Hours

Mon: 10:00am - 6:00pm
Tue: 10:00am - 6:00pm
Wed: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Thu: 10:00am - 6:00pm
Fri: 10:00am - 6:00pm
Sat: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Sun: Closed

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About Silver Spring, Maryland, USA

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Nominated for BestAround

A-
Overall Grade
Rating Scale:
A: 80-100% B: 60-79% C: 40-59% D: 20-39%

Academy Dog Training, a cornerstone of dog training in the DC area, has earned a nod for its "BestAround" nomination through its innovative approach and commitment to transforming human-dog relationships. Founded over four decades ago, the organization's three-step balanced training methodology, emphasizing communication and mutual learning, has proven effective in fostering healthier, more harmonious bonds between dogs and their families. This approach has not only led to a significant reduction in shelter placements but also garnered over 3,000 successful pairings, underscoring its impact on animal welfare.

The leadership at Academy, spearheaded by Executive Director Jason, a blend of practical dog sports experience and veterinary science, has been pivotal in driving the organization's growth and excellence. Jason's background and his family's deep-rooted passion for dogs have infused the training with a unique blend of empathy and scientific rigor, ensuring high-quality care and education. Key figures like Kranti, Tiara, and Lake have further bolstered the team's capabilities, each bringing specialized skills that have expanded the Academy's service offerings and raised its standards.

However, customer feedback reveals both strengths and areas for improvement. Positive testimonials highlight exceptional training quality, particularly from trainers like Tiara, whose personalized approach has led to noticeable behavioral improvements in clients' dogs.

Yet, some reviews indicate challenges in the sales process, with some customers feeling pressured into commitments without clear understanding of ongoing costs. Additionally, concerns about daycare services, including staffing and training issues, have been raised. To maintain its "BestAround" status, Academy Dog Training must address these concerns by enhancing transparency, ensuring ethical practices, and continuing to refine its operational consistency.

This balanced approach will be crucial in sustaining client loyalty and positive referrals.

About Academy Dog Training

Academy Dog Training, founded in the heart of the DC area over four decades ago, stands as a beacon of innovative dog training and education. The organization's mission, rooted in transforming the way people interact with their canine companions, is both noble and ambitious. Through a unique 3-step balanced approach to training, the Academy emphasizes effective communication and mutual learning between dogs and their human families, aiming to foster healthier, more harmonious relationships. This philosophy has been instrumental in bringing over 3,000 dogs and their families closer together, significantly reducing the number of dogs that might otherwise end up in shelters.

The leadership at Academy Dog Training is a testament to its commitment to excellence. Jason, an individual with a dual background in dog sports and veterinary science, brings a blend of practical experience and academic rigor to his role as Executive Director. His father's early passion for dogs and his mother's expertise in veterinary care have shaped his approach, blending hands-on training with a deep understanding of canine behavior and health. Under Jason's guidance, the team has not only expanded their services but also elevated their standards, ensuring that every dog receives the highest quality of care and education.

Key figures like Kranti, Tiara, and Lake have each brought their unique strengths to the Academy, contributing to its growth and success. Kranti, with her background in psychology and extensive experience in dog training, has become a pivotal figure in the team, applying her problem-solving skills to create effective training programs. Tiara, who started her career as a dog walker, leveraged her passion for grooming to expand the Academy's services, offering comprehensive care from basic maintenance to complex procedures. Lake, known for her expertise in dog grooming, has elevated the Academy's reputation by setting new standards in pet aesthetics and health. Together, these leaders have built a robust team that continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in dog training and care, making Academy Dog Training a trusted name in the community.

Category Tags
Dog Trainer Dog Training Training Services Canine Education Behavioral Training

What Customers Say

4.7
Rating Based On
93
Official Google Reviews
5
84
4
3
3
0
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6

Customer experiences at Academy Dog Training highlight a range of positive outcomes and areas for improvement, reflecting the diverse needs and expectations of dog owners seeking comprehensive training and care services.

Positive experiences include exceptional training quality, particularly from trainers like Tiara, who demonstrated remarkable patience and expertise in tailoring programs to individual dogs' needs. Clients praised the team's friendliness, professionalism, and commitment to client education, noting significant improvements in their dogs' behavior and obedience. For instance, one customer reported dramatic progress with their Irish wolfhound, crediting the training for enhancing behavior and building a strong bond between dog and owner.

However, some reviews also pointed out areas needing refinement. A notable critique was around the sales process, where some customers felt pressured into commitments without fully understanding the ongoing costs and services post-initial consultation. This highlights the importance of transparent communication and avoiding high-pressure sales tactics. Another concern was the availability and quality of daycare services, with one review mentioning issues related to staffing and training, which impacted the overall experience.

The feedback underscores the need for balance between providing high-quality services and maintaining ethical business practices. Academy Dog Training's response to these critiques, such as offering more detailed consultations and ensuring clear communication about costs and services, could enhance client satisfaction and trust.

Overall, the reviews suggest that while Academy Dog Training excels in training quality and customer service, continuous improvement in sales practices and operational consistency is crucial for sustaining long-term client loyalty and positive word-of-mouth referrals.