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 consultation
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-reported
Obedience training
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 training
Socialization
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.
Barking
Counter surfing
Jumping up
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-reported
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-reported
Pack walks
Private training
Dog age
Adult dogs
Puppies
Support between sessions
Personalized training plans
Photo updates
Assistance and working dogs
Medical-alert and mobility assistance
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 training
Positive reinforcement
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.
Daycare
Consultations
Free consultation
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 Lessons
Advance Lessons
Dog Crate
Dog Testing
Family Dog
Confirm current programs and availability directly.
5/5If we can rate 100 stars we would . So glad we decide to go with good k9 acedmey, Andrew was so sweet and professional. Love that he was bilingual helped my mom with training Zeus . We did the 4 sessions and it was AMAZING to see how we went from zeus pulling on the leash to no…Read full reviewClose full review
If we can rate 100 stars we would . So glad we decide to go with good k9 acedmey, Andrew was so sweet and professional. Love that he was bilingual helped my mom with training Zeus . We did the 4 sessions and it was AMAZING to see how we went from zeus pulling on the leash to now be able to walk without one or just even walking pass another dog without troubles . We would definitely recommend to family and friends.
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Heather McCarty
5/5I had tried another training program before Good K9 Academy with no success. So I was hesitant to try another, especially due to the cost. At the urging of a co-worker I finally called Good K9 for a consultation. I enrolled my dog in the 2 week board and train with Caroline an…Read full reviewClose full review
I had tried another training program before Good K9 Academy with no success. So I was hesitant to try another, especially due to the cost. At the urging of a co-worker I finally called Good K9 for a consultation. I enrolled my dog in the 2 week board and train with Caroline and have 0 regrets. Caroline was constantly providing updates while my dog was in her care and he came home a completely different dog! Now, I actually enjoy walks and taking him places with me. I am so impressed with the work she did and the follow-up. After bringing my dog home I was struggling a little with the commands, Caroline met with me that same week to go over everything again and make sure I was comfortable. In addition, every Saturday they have pack walks. This not only lets my dog socialize with other dogs, but the trainers use this opportunity to make sure your dog is still behaving properly (and give you tips). I would recommend Good K9 Academy without hesitation. Caroline not only helped take a huge weight off my shoulders that was caused by my dog's behavior, but she also helped make my relationship with him 100% better. Good K-9 loves my dog as if he was their own and we will continue using their services forever!!
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Tresi Paulishak
5/5
Andrew did a awesome job helping me and my pup Petey become leash free. My major goal for my dog was for him to be able to go anywhere off-leash and for me to have confidence that I could maintain control and focus of petty under any conditions. Success.!! Petey now enjoys a life of running leash free.
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Liliana Velasquez
5/5We had our almost year old Siberian Husky do the two week board and train with Good K9 Academy and we truly cannot express how amazed we were with the results. We’ve had experience with other dog training companies in the past, but they never matched the level of professionalism …Read full reviewClose full review
We had our almost year old Siberian Husky do the two week board and train with Good K9 Academy and we truly cannot express how amazed we were with the results. We’ve had experience with other dog training companies in the past, but they never matched the level of professionalism and success as Good K9 Academy has. It was the typical “huskies are untrainable” situation with a super sweet but anxious dog. Our trainer was David and he was nothing less than amazing. Very reliable, knowledgeable and confident. David always kept us updated on what he was doing with Olivia and all of her progress; with texts, pictures and videos. He trained her to become a confident dog, and shocked us with all she was able to learn in those two weeks. I never thought I’d be able to say that I trust my dog off leash. Good K9 Academy is not just a company who trains dogs; they’re a community of amazing trainers and amazing alumni who become your family; with pack walks and play dates, it’s safe to say that Good K9 Academy is truly the best. Thank you all for everything!
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D ara
5/5
Rating only; no written comments.
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.
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