FirstBarkDeborah is amazing! We have been going here for years! This is our forth pup to be trained here, and they are all outstandingly behaved dogs. We couldn't have hoped to find a better trained!
Playful Pups & Performance Training, Inc.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
About Playful Pups & Performance Training, Inc.
Playful Pups & Performance Training, Inc. is based in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Science-based, force-free training by a fully credentialed trainer with 16 years of experience using modern ethical training methods. No pain is necessary, just knowledge of how to train without correcting or punishing when teaching new behaviors. Specializing in Puppy training, ObedienceT, and therapy dog training, and more. A graduate of the Animal Behavior College, Deborah is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), a Certified Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, and a member of both the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and the Pet Professional Guild. Visit this website and get in touch today! Write [email protected]
Training & services
Training goals
- Canine Good Citizen preparation
- Crate training
- Obedience training
- Puppy training
How training happens
- Day training
- Group classes
- Private training
Dog age
- Puppies
Training level
- Beginner training
Class options
- Evening classes
- Rolling enrollment
Assistance and working dogs
- Service dog training
- Therapy dog training
Your dog’s background
- Rescue dogs
Training approach
- Force-free training
Other listed services
View 3 additional details
- Dog Prep
- Pup Kindergarten
- Training Your Dog
Confirm current programs and availability directly.
Business-stated qualifications
Qualifications stated by the business, not independently verified.
- Training team
- CPDT-KA
- Training team
- AKC CGC evaluator
Questions & answers
From GoogleWhat people have asked about this business.
Do you have a trainer that will train the dog for the owner without owner participation
That's a good question. My wife and i have taken 3 dogs to Deborah for training. I don't recall a dog without an owner, she tends to teach us as much or more than the pups. But I'm not sure she doesn't offer other services like what you asked. Good luck.
Community answer · Craig Cummings · 2019-09-21
Public community answers. Authors are not verified as business representatives; details may have changed.
Customer reviews
Google listing4.6
43 Google reviews
Mentioned in reviews
- Learned 6
- Positive reinforcement 6
- Skills 6
- Fun 3
- Knowledgeable instructor 3
- Socialization 3
All 10 topics
- Certification 2
- Choice 2
- Handouts 2
- Therapy dog training 2
Google review topics, not confirmed services.
One of the best places to bring your puppy to. Great starting point
Great training,Deborah and a John are so caring and just the place to take your puppy for training.
I took my german sheprador for the puppy and adolescence courses. I thought Deborah was an excellent teacher, as she is a retired English teacher. I like the fact they she gave out a lot of literature to help explain the concepts behind positive reinforcement training. This ha…Read full reviewClose full review
I took my german sheprador for the puppy and adolescence courses. I thought Deborah was an excellent teacher, as she is a retired English teacher. I like the fact they she gave out a lot of literature to help explain the concepts behind positive reinforcement training. This has helped me tremendously to interact well with my pup. I have been able to come up with my own training for solutions in a positive manner for needs that are unique to me and my dog. For example, as a puppy she liked to bite my nose! So, I started holding a snack and when she gave me a kiss I gave her a treat. When she bit me, no treat! It was effective and she is quite the kisser now! Deborah is also a true dog lover, which contributes to her being an excellent trainer. She is there to teach as it is her passion. She has two dogs that come to class sometimes and show off their tricks. Petsmart may give some basic handouts that teach you to click and treat, but Deborah's class directs you to training resources and literature that helps you to understand concepts of positive training. Amber is on break to work on her puppy and adolescent learned skills, but she will be back for basic soon!
ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTED. Whether or not she's a qualified or certified trainer of dogs, she's absolutely too close minded & lacking sympathy as a PERSON ON EVERY LEVEL. I'd NEVER consider entrusting my dog with her with my dog (who already has PTSD, having been shot twice by a neigh…Read full reviewClose full review
ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTED. Whether or not she's a qualified or certified trainer of dogs, she's absolutely too close minded & lacking sympathy as a PERSON ON EVERY LEVEL. I'd NEVER consider entrusting my dog with her with my dog (who already has PTSD, having been shot twice by a neighbor with a very similar attitude. Once in the head & once in the neck, so unlike myself, if that had been my past, I'd probably be "sketchy" towards just about EVERYONE!). If you love your puppies, I WOULD NEVER RECOMMEND this woman! ...and YES, I'M A REAL PERSON WITH A REAL ISSUE (among many), DEBORAH LANKFORD!!!!! Thanks for picking the right one!!!!! Stick to animals because your people skills SUCK!
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.