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Good K9 Academy

Gaithersburg, Maryland

5/5· 150 Google reviews

About Good K9 Academy

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 training
    Program 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 training
    Program 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 training Customer-reported
  • Obedience training
  • Puppy training
    Program 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 training
    Program 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 training
    Program 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 anxiety
    Program 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 train
    Program 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 training Customer-reported
  • Group classes
    Program 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 training
    Program 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 coaching Customer-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 training
    Program 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 training
    Program 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

  • Boarding
    Program 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 training
    Program 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.

Customer reviews

Google listing
5
out of 5150 Google reviews

Mentioned in reviews

  • Board and train 35
  • Leash pulling 21
  • Reactive dog training 17
  • Daily updates 13
  • Off leash walking 10
  • Day training program 7
All 10 topics
  • Distraction ignoring 6
  • Leash manners 5
  • Pulling on walks 5
  • Stubborn dog training 4

Google review topics, not confirmed services.

100 collected reviews

Text reviews first · newest first
Cris
5/5
I cannot say enough great things about this place! I took my dog, Teddy, here for a two-week obedience boarding program, and it was truly the best decision I could have made. From the moment I arrived, I felt an instant sense of professionalism, care, and expertise. Our trainer,…Read full reviewClose full review

I cannot say enough great things about this place! I took my dog, Teddy, here for a two-week obedience boarding program, and it was truly the best decision I could have made. From the moment I arrived, I felt an instant sense of professionalism, care, and expertise. Our trainer, David, was phenomenal—incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and communicative throughout the entire process. He kept me updated regularly and made sure I understood everything Teddy was learning. The progress Teddy made in just two weeks was unbelievable! Not only did his obedience improve dramatically, but he also became more confident and well-mannered overall. What really sold me on this place wasn’t just the training itself, but the positive, welcoming energy of the entire facility. I was so impressed that I immediately recommended it to a friend, and as soon as she visited and met David, she signed up for the two-week boarding on the spot—she could feel the same great vibe I did! If you’re looking for top-tier dog training with trainers who truly care about your pup’s success, this is the place to go. Highly, highly recommend! 🐶👏

Andrew Enschedé
5/5
We brought our two 1 year and 4 month old cavapoos to Good K9 Academy for their two week intensive training. Before going they were incredibly reactive and difficult to control - even on leash. Every walk was a struggle. They have been back with us for a month now and have …Read full reviewClose full review

We brought our two 1 year and 4 month old cavapoos to Good K9 Academy for their two week intensive training. Before going they were incredibly reactive and difficult to control - even on leash. Every walk was a struggle. They have been back with us for a month now and have been an absolute joy. We are walking with them off leash. And although they are trained on an e-collar we are barely pressing any buttons. Both dogs are responding really well to voice commands - even when we see other dogs. Before they were impossible to control - now they’re great listeners and are super easy all around. Caroline and David took the time to meet with us in person and described the program. David and Dylan did all the training and have both remained available to answer questions - and also visit with us as needed post program. All in all - it has been a great experience and transformative for us as dog owners. Thank you!

Cindy Lastuvka
5/5

Our two dogs Remi and Wini went through the 2 week boot camp with Caroline and David. We were not sure our dogs were even trainable but Caroline and David did it! They are very knowledgeable and experienced with training. They kept us updated each day along with pictures and videos of the progress. We are now able to walk our dogs and enjoy it! 🐾🐾 We would highly recommend this training!!

Christina Poerstel
5/5
Good K9 Academy training program was the best thing we did for my two year old husky! David has changed our lives and we’re forever thankful. Before the two week train and board, Jax would pull on the leash, jump up on the table while I was cooking and eating, and did not have a…Read full reviewClose full review

Good K9 Academy training program was the best thing we did for my two year old husky! David has changed our lives and we’re forever thankful. Before the two week train and board, Jax would pull on the leash, jump up on the table while I was cooking and eating, and did not have any recall. I never thought it would be possible to play fetch with him on the beach. After two weeks with David, Jax is the best behaved and trained dog! His heal, even when walking past other dogs, is incredible. This makes our walks so much more enjoyable! He also now understands speed. Before, when we would run, he would pull me the whole way (like a sled dog). Now Jax runs right next to me! Before, Jax would pull me to pee on every poll in the neighborhood- which he doesn’t anymore! We can walk up and down the beach with him in a heal without a leash- no matter what is happening around him. He can stay in place if someone new is walking through the door or if we’re eating at home or out to eat. One of my favorite new things we can do is laying on a lounge chair together at the pool. Jax will place on a lounge chair during pool parties or while I’m reading. I can bring him so many more places because he’s so well behaved! My favorite thing Jax learned is his recall. I have full trust that Jax will come right back to me- which I heard and believed would never be possible for a husky. I have full confidence I can bring Jax anywhere and he will listen to me. This makes life more fun and safe for me, our family, and more importantly him. This training taught Jax when to calm down. He was very high energy and needed constant attention through playing even after running and walking over 5 miles. While he is still very high energy, he knows when/how to calm down (place) and we snuggle SO MUCH more! Everyone in our house is happier, including Jax! We communicate so much better now! David went above and beyond. He is super responsive and helpful. He sent me updates throughout the training and answers questions I have had after the training. I will ask David to watch Jax whenever we go out of town when I can’t bring Jax because I trust David 100%. We plan to go to many more pack walks to keep in touch with David and practice training with other dogs around. Many people comment on how well Jax is trained when we’re out! I have recommended Good K9 Academy to many family and friends! David truly changed our life!!

Nikki L
5/5

Dylan was an amazing trainer and educator with our dog Boo! We’ve gone from having outbursts at every Labradoodle to being able to walk past three dogs at the same time with little excitement at all, if any. trust the process.

Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.

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