Mid-Atlantic Dog Training

We found Tom online when searching for dog trainers in the local area as well as our vet recommending him. He had so many great reviews and was one of the few trainers that was sensible and honest. He took the time to train us with the prong collar and E-collar and explained that these were tools to utilize in the training process. They are devices that allow us to effectively communicate and teach our dogs how to earn rewards for doing as we ask, and how to yield to corrective pressure if they do not, in a fair and effective manner, so as to eventually minimize their usage. When used properly they significantly improved our dog’s training. We first adopted our dog without much experience or education in dog ownership. Tom broke down the proper techniques from how to walk the dog down the street to how to properly introduce our dog to people and other’s dogs. We would instantly recommend Tom to anyone that really wants to get the most out of training; not only, for your pet but for yourself as well. The great part of working with Tom is after you and your dog progress through his training program he organizes “pack walks” with all those that have gone through his course. It’s a perfect was to have your dog interact with other dogs properly, get a great walk in, utilize the training techniques and just meet other dog owners while on the walks. It doesn’t matter if you just graduated or saw Tom two years ago. All are welcome and everyone loves it. Again if you’re thinking of getting a dog trainer I highly recommend Tom, you will not only learn about training your dog training but also the importance and proper ways of dog ownership. Thanks Tom!

Tom is a fantastic trainer. He focuses on both the dog and the owners - the training is about giving the owners the tools to train their dog's behavior so that the training will stick and evolve over the long term. Because of Tom's training, my wife and I are much more consistent and disciplined in how we interact with our dog, and this has led to a drastic improvement in our dog's good behavior, ability to walk calmly on leash, interact with people, etc. And most importantly, we know our dog is much happier.

Tom was the third trainer we brought on for Tammy, a highly reactive/anxious hound mix we adopted from Aruba. She was abandoned in a dump at a young age and not socialized with a mother, so we were told she was going to be very high strung - this turned out to be a fact. Though we had a foundation using the stim collar, mastering commands using judicious stim work was not enough. Tom's program that takes on a more train the trainer model turned out to be what we needed to establish a real foundation that we can rely on. When the expectations are clear, set early/often, and consistent both you and your dog have it that much better. This sounds like a simple thing, but for most is anything but - Tom was more adept at giving us what we needed to be committed to this model both during, and particularly, in between sessions. Other trainers don't provide the level of foundational information so while you may get a quicky result for a week or two, it ends up not being sustainable. We are happy to say that while still requiring management in social situations (which we had no illusions would not always be the case), Tammy is a much more balanced and behaved dog after we spent the time using the lessons and tools we picked up with Tom. For anyone that has a reactive/anxious dog, Tom's program is a great mix of teaching what not to do and directing in a way that sticks, and more importantly, providing the satisfaction that comes with knowing how to behave and executing it.... people and dogs both. Highly recommend Tom.

Tom saved my sanity more times then I can count. We adopted an adult, male dog from a city shelter who endured horrible experiences including abuse and neglect. Needless to say, we were committed to helping and supporting Jackson in anyway possible. I learned so much while working with Tom, which ultimately helped rehabilitate Jackson. It wasn’t Jackson who needed the training- it was US! Tom supported and encouraged us through many turbulent moments Jackson; he saved him (and me) time and time again.