Dog principal
Dog principal

Dog principal

Top Pro

$175
Estimated price


Specific behaviors to address

31 recent inquiries • Responds in about 21 min


Thumbtack Guarantee

If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more

If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more

Introduction
At Dog Principal, we specialize in Reality-Based Dog Training, providing personalized in-home sessions and real-world training in public areas across Washington, D.C., Arlington, Alexandria, and surrounding areas. Our approach is built on compassion, practicality, and respect for each dog’s unique personality. Whether tackling leash pulling, reactivity, or obedience, we create real-life scenarios so your dog learns in the environments where they need it most. With certification from Tarheel Canine and years of experience training aggressive and high-energy dogs, we deliver results that transform both dogs and their guardians. Choose expert training that fits your life—because your dog deserves the best.
Overview

Current Top Pro

Hired 14 times

Serves Rockville, MD

Background checked

1 employee

3 years in business

Business hours

Sun7:00 am - 9:00 pmMon7:00 am - 9:00 pm

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Credit card, Venmo, and Zelle.

Social media

Instagram

Projects and media

80 photos

Projects and media

80 photos

Specialties
Dog training type

Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, responsiveness, and value.

Exceptional 5.0

15 reviews

5
100%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
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Read reviews that mention:


pro avatar
Wanda N.
2 weeks ago
·

Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Adam did a great job training our dog Leo. I learned a lot of commands during the session. Adam even took Leo on a walk and showed me and my husband additional training for our dog. He also welcomed and answered questions when I called. I will definitely call Adam again!

Details: 0 - 6 months old • Extra Small (1 - 15 lbs) • Private lessons • Puppy training • House training • My home, venue, etc.

Dog Training
pro avatar
Ellen q.
4 weeks ago
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Adam is absolutely wonderful to work with! He is incredibly knowledgeable in behavioral dog training and has made the transition for our new rescue puppy so easy and pleasant! We weren’t sure how it would go since we have already an existing dog at home, but he knew his stuff and knew how to get the results that we wantedout of our dogs.

Details: 2 - 10 years old • Large (41 - 70 lbs) • Private lessons • Aggressive behavior modification • Biting • My home, venue, etc.

Dog Training
pro avatar
Past Customer
Jan 31, 2025
·

From Google

From Google

I had Adam come over to help with my 2 Frenchies. Bruno is 9 and Willie is almost 2. I honestly thought Bruno was a lost cause .lunging at people and other dogs and charging folks at the door. Willie was learning these behaviors as well so I had 2 out of control frenchies !! After only 4 sessions the dogs were walking nicely and learned how to calm down when folks came to the door. Adam left me with easy yet effective ways to make this happen and be consistent and they will only continue to get better. I tried other trainers in the past and has zero results. I highly recommend Adam for any dog !!!!
Dog principal's reply
Hi Christy, Thank you so much for this fantastic 5-star review! We're absolutely thrilled to hear about the progress Bruno and Willie have made. It's truly rewarding to see their positive transformation after just four sessions. You know, we understand the challenges of managing multiple dogs with behavioral issues, especially when those behaviors start influencing each other. Bruno's lunging and charging, and Willie picking up those habits, is something we see often. It takes a dedicated approach to address these issues effectively, and we're delighted that our reality-based dog training methods resonated with you and your Frenchies. At Dog Principal, we focus on practical, real-world solutions. We empower dog owners with the tools and techniques they need to create lasting change, and we're so glad that the methods we shared have proven easy for you to implement consistently. Consistency is key, as you've seen, and we're confident that Bruno and Willie will continue to thrive! Thank you again for recommending Dog Principal so highly! Your trust in our services means the world to us. For anyone in the Arlington, VA area or the wider Washington DC metropolitan region looking for a dog trainer near me or a dog trainer in Arlington VA, we encourage you to reach out! We specialize in reality-based dog training and are passionate about helping dogs and their owners build stronger, happier relationships. We address real-world challenges with effective, practical solutions. Just like Christy experienced with Bruno and Willie, we can help you overcome obstacles and achieve your training goals. Dog Principal - Serving Arlington, VA and the surrounding areas.
pro avatar
Past Customer
Jan 28, 2025
·

From Google

From Google

We were very pleased with Adams training sessions. He created customized plan for our two large overexcited dogs and we were able to safely walk them for the first time in two years. He also addressed corrections to stop unwanted behaviors.He was knowledgeable, patient, thoughtful and a great communicator. We highly recommend Adam.
Dog principal's reply
Thank you so much for your kind words! It was a pleasure working with Blue and Rosko, and I’m thrilled to hear that you're now able to enjoy safe, stress-free walks with them after two years. Seeing their progress and helping you achieve that transformation was truly rewarding. I appreciate your trust in my training methods, and I’m always here if you ever need guidance in the future. For anyone in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, including Alexandria, VA, looking for expert, customized dog training, I’d love to help! 🐾 #RealityBasedDogTraining #DCMetroDogTrainer
pro avatar
Past Customer
Jan 17, 2025
·

From Google

From Google

Dog principal's reply
Credentials
Background Check

Adam Hartman