Good K9 Academy is a boutique dog training facility in Gaithersburg, MD with 100+ five-star Google reviews and 10+ years of experience.
We turn reactive, anxious, and unruly dogs into calm, confident companions through balanced training methods combining positive reinforcement and e-collar work.
Our Board & Train program is unique: dogs live with their dedicated trainer in a real home, not a kennel.
We also offer In-Home Training, Puppy Training, Group Classes, Aggressive Dog Training, Boarding, and Daycare. Serving Gaithersburg, Rockville, Germantown, Bethesda, Potomac, McLean, and the broader Maryland, DC, and Virginia area.
Get started today with a free in-person consultation!
Training & services
Training goals
Behavior consultationProgram details
Crate trainingProgram details
Teach your dog to love the crate as their calm, safe space. Positive-association training that reduces anxiety, prevents destructive behavior, and creates routine. Works for puppies and adult dogs with bad crate history. Free consultation.
House trainingProgram details
End indoor accidents for good with our schedule-based housebreaking program. Proven routine that works for puppies and adult dogs. Fast results, less stress, a clean home. Includes crate training support. Free consultation.
Leash trainingCustomer-reportedProgram details
Obedience trainingProgram details
Puppy trainingProgram details
Foundation training for puppies from 12 weeks old. Build obedience, socialization, and confidence during the critical developmental window. Prevent biting, jumping, and anxiety before they become problems. Set your puppy up for a lifetime of good behavior.
Recall trainingProgram details
SocializationProgram details
Behavior support
Aggression trainingProgram details
Specialized behavior modification for dogs with aggression toward people, dogs, or both. We address the root cause, not just the symptoms. Most dogs can be rehabilitated with the right approach. Guaranteed results. Free consultation, no judgment.
BarkingProgram details
Counter surfingProgram details
Jumping upProgram details
Reactivity trainingProgram details
If your dog lunges, barks, or loses control on walks, we turn that stress into calm, focused walks. Trigger desensitization, real-world proofing, and balanced training methods. Transform walks from dreaded to enjoyable. Free consultation.
Separation anxietyProgram details
End destructive behavior, excessive barking, and panic when you leave. Build your dog's independence and confidence so they can stay calm alone. Gradual desensitization with proven methods. Works for dogs of all ages. Free consultation.
How training happens
Board and trainProgram details
Our 2-week Board & Train is the fastest path to off-leash obedience. Your dog lives with their dedicated trainer in a real home — not a kennel — for immersive daily training. Returns home calm, confident, and reliable. Free alumni pack walks for life.
Day trainingCustomer-reportedProgram details
Group classesProgram details
Structured group practice sessions for dogs with basic obedience. Practice and proof your dog's skills in real-world environments with other trained dogs. Board & Train graduates get first access. Eligibility evaluation required — not a beginner class.
In-home trainingProgram details
Private 1-on-1 dog training at your home in Gaithersburg and the greater MD/DC/VA area. We address problem behaviors where they actually happen — jumping on guests, counter surfing, door manners, and more. Personalized plans for every dog. Free consultation.
Owner coachingCustomer-reportedProgram details
Pack walksProgram details
Private trainingProgram details
Dog age
Adult dogsProgram details
PuppiesProgram details
Support between sessions
Personalized training plansProgram details
Photo updatesProgram details
Assistance and working dogs
Medical-alert and mobility assistanceProgram details
Service dog trainingProgram details
Professional service dog training for mobility assistance, psychiatric support, medical alert, and other disability-related tasks. Public access preparation and reliable task performance in real-world environments. Free consultation to assess your dog.
Therapy dog trainingProgram details
Prepare your dog for therapy dog certification. Visit hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and community events to provide comfort and joy. Obedience and temperament training for therapy work. Free temperament evaluation.
Training approach
Balanced trainingProgram details
Positive reinforcementProgram details
Additional services
BoardingProgram details
Professional dog boarding with experienced trainers — your dog stays with someone who knows them, not strangers in a kennel. Daily exercise, structured routines, and daily photo updates. Peace of mind while you travel. Book early for holidays.
DaycareProgram details
Consultations
Free consultationProgram details
Other listed services
View 6 additional details
Dog trainingProgram details
Professional dog training in Gaithersburg, MD with 100+ five-star Google reviews and 10+ years of experience. Balanced training for all breeds, ages, and behavior issues. Board & Train, In-Home Training, Group Classes, Puppy Training, and specialized behavior work. Free consultation.
1-Hour LessonsProgram details
Advance LessonsProgram details
Dog CrateProgram details
Dog TestingProgram details
Family DogProgram details
Confirm current programs and availability directly.
5/5I had a really positive experience with Dago’s three-week training program. Now that he has been home for a while and I’ve had the opportunity to work with him myself, I can truly see how much the training helped him.
Dago is a very sensitive dog and has struggled with reactivit…Read full reviewClose full review
I had a really positive experience with Dago’s three-week training program. Now that he has been home for a while and I’ve had the opportunity to work with him myself, I can truly see how much the training helped him.
Dago is a very sensitive dog and has struggled with reactivity toward both dogs and people, so I knew going into training that this wasn’t something that would simply disappear overnight. What I appreciate most is that the program gave him a much stronger foundation in obedience, while also giving me the tools and a better understanding of how to handle him, communicate with him, and support him when he becomes reactive.
He is still reactive at times, and we definitely still have work to do, but there has been a noticeable improvement in his obedience and in my ability to manage situations that were much more difficult for us before. I feel more confident understanding his behavior, recognizing when he is becoming overwhelmed, and knowing how to respond.
One of the biggest things I’ve learned through this process is that training doesn’t end when your dog comes home. Especially with a sensitive and reactive dog like Dago, consistency is extremely important. I know that it is now my responsibility to continue practicing what he learned every day so that he doesn’t lose those skills and can continue making progress.
I’m very grateful for the work that was done with Dago and for the foundation we were given. Seeing his progress has made a huge difference for both of us, and I would absolutely recommend the program, especially to owners who understand that successful training is a partnership between the trainer, the dog, and the owner. ❤️🐾
J
Joshua Shaffner
5/5
Andrew did an awesome job with our Border Collie, Max! Max is easygoing and friendly, but he struggled with leash pulling and could be reactive at times.
After two weeks with Andrew, the difference was huge. Max became a much better listener, and his leash pulling improved tremendously. Our walks are now much easier and more enjoyable.
Very happy with the results and well worth the investment!
P
Patty Shaffner
5/5We had a great experience with Andrew and our Border Collie, Leo. Leo is reactive and anxious and spent two weeks training with Andrew. Andrew took the time to communicate with us through text and use speech-to-text when needed, which we really appreciated as Deaf owners.
Leo is…Read full reviewClose full review
We had a great experience with Andrew and our Border Collie, Leo. Leo is reactive and anxious and spent two weeks training with Andrew. Andrew took the time to communicate with us through text and use speech-to-text when needed, which we really appreciated as Deaf owners.
Leo is very picky about people, but he’s always so happy and excited to see Andrew - that says a lot! He’s made great progress since training and now joins Andrew’s Saturday walks with other dogs.
We’re very thankful for Andrew’s patience, dedication, and continued support. Highly recommend him!
T
Trinity Trickz
5/5Good K9 academy absolute changed my family’s life. Our dog, Archie, was a 10 month old border collie who was an absolute nut! Incessant barking, didn’t listen, pulled like crazy, and no discipline whatsoever. He constantly overstimulated my family and went after our cats too. The…Read full reviewClose full review
Good K9 academy absolute changed my family’s life. Our dog, Archie, was a 10 month old border collie who was an absolute nut! Incessant barking, didn’t listen, pulled like crazy, and no discipline whatsoever. He constantly overstimulated my family and went after our cats too. Then, He spent 2 weeks at Good K9 Academy and came back as an ENTIRELY new dog! I was stunned! Both me and my mom were. Now he heels, now barking, he sits and stays, he’s an absolute angel! I seriously don’t know what we would have done without Good K9 Academy. THANK YOU GUYS!!
J
jp flaim
5/5
Before taking our dog Rocky to Good K9 Academy we were always worried that Rocky would growl at and want to attack other dogs. Well Andrew did wonders with Rocky. Our dog now is well behaved, listens to commands and is a joy on walks. We have also had Good K9 Academy when we have been away on vacations and the boarding has been excellent.
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.
FirstBark