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Wholistic Hound Academy

Alexandria, Virginia

4.5/5· 40 Google reviews

About Wholistic Hound Academy

Wholistic Hound Academy is Alexandria, Virginia’s premier award-winning canine training and learning center for people and their dogs. We were voted the Best of NOVA Dog Trainers from the Northern Virginia Magazine and voted Alexandria’s best dog trainers in the Zebra Newspaper Reader’s Choice Award for the past 6 years. At our state-of-the-art dog training facility, we offer a wide variety of services for people and their dogs, including: * Pre-pet planning * Pet selection * Puppy foundation training and socialization * Basic manners and life skills * Advanced training * Dog sports (agility, nose games, rally, parkour, and tricks) * Behavior modification * Family Paws Parent Educators We help people and dogs have a better life together.

Training & services

Training goals

  • Behavior consultation
  • Crate training
  • Leash training
  • Obedience training
  • Puppy training
  • Socialization

Behavior support

  • Fear and confidence
  • Reactivity training

How training happens

  • Board and train
  • Day training
  • Group classes
  • Private training

Dog age

  • Adult dogs
  • Puppies

Training level

  • Advanced training
  • Beginner training

Dog sports

  • Agility
  • Scent work
  • Trick training

Your dog’s background

  • Rescue dogs

Training approach

  • Positive reinforcement

Additional services

  • Boarding

Other listed services

View 32 additional details
  • Dog training
    Program details

    Private lessons, group classes and workshops in manners training, behavior modification, puppy socialization, agility and dog sports, canine conditioning and more.

  • Animal Rescues
  • Apprentice Program
  • Basic Manner Training
  • Behavior Analysis
  • Behavior Course
  • Canine Fitness
  • Classes & Workshops
  • Continuing Education
  • Day School
  • Dog Behaviors
  • Dog Classes Specialty
  • Dog Show
  • Dog Sports
  • Dog Trainer Certification
  • Dog Training Programs
  • Dog's Learning
  • Early Training
  • Educational Seminars
  • Explosives Detection
  • Family Dog
  • Family Paws Parent Educators - Babies, kids, and dogs
  • Fecal Test
  • Jump Start
  • Obstacle Course
  • Online Classes
  • Pet Selection
  • Prep Classes For Dog
  • Specialty Classes
  • Training Exercises
  • Training Skills
  • Training Your Dog

Confirm current programs and availability directly.

Customer reviews

Google listing
4.5
out of 540 Google reviews

Mentioned in reviews

  • Basic obedience 4
  • Building dog confidence 3
  • Calming skills 3
  • Clean facility 3
  • Leash walking 3
  • Puppy social 3
All 10 topics
  • Reactivity issues 3
  • Certified instructors 2
  • Personal training 2
  • Rescue dog adoption 2

Google review topics, not confirmed services.

42 collected reviews

Text reviews first · newest first
Melissa Panger
5/5
We adopted our little, rescue dog, Barley, several years ago… she was 5 or 6 years old at the time and she came with many behavioal issues from her past life. She was scared of everything, barked constantly, wasn’t able to walk on a leash, was very reactive with other dogs, and…Read full reviewClose full review

We adopted our little, rescue dog, Barley, several years ago… she was 5 or 6 years old at the time and she came with many behavioal issues from her past life. She was scared of everything, barked constantly, wasn’t able to walk on a leash, was very reactive with other dogs, and had a load of other neuroses… I quickly realized we needed help. A friend recommended Sandy and Wholistic Hound Academy. We worked with Sandy in some personal trainings and did a few courses at her academy. Those were life-changing! Barley is now a very confident dog, loves her daily walks, is very loving, and is a wonderful member of our family. Sandy helped Barley become the dog she always wanted to be and we are very grateful!

H W
3/5
I took my puppy for a few activities and a class. It was good and my puppy had fun. However, they don't have a flexibility on refund. I tried to cancel my reservation 5 days before due to the work schedule. Their refund/credit policy required at least 6 days in advance notice. I …Read full reviewClose full review

I took my puppy for a few activities and a class. It was good and my puppy had fun. However, they don't have a flexibility on refund. I tried to cancel my reservation 5 days before due to the work schedule. Their refund/credit policy required at least 6 days in advance notice. I will get the class materials in an email but I pay for hands-on training instead of reading materials. Basically, I just wasted $250.

Trixie
5/5

Loved the Dogs with Big Feelings class led by Tricia. She's incredibly patient and so realistic. Our sweet girl was able to safely and confidently apply her new calming skills. This is not intended to be an obedience class. It's truly a class to understand and connect with your pup. Forever grateful for wholistic hound!

Dee Benno
5/5
Wholistic Hound Academy has been an exceptional partner in raising and training our now 3 year old dog. Their Doggie Day Academy program is a standout feature, prioritizing training on the goals you, as dog parents, have for your dog. Their genuine care for each individual dog an…Read full reviewClose full review

Wholistic Hound Academy has been an exceptional partner in raising and training our now 3 year old dog. Their Doggie Day Academy program is a standout feature, prioritizing training on the goals you, as dog parents, have for your dog. Their genuine care for each individual dog and their well-being is evident in how they have this program structured. As part of this program, they go above and beyond, conducting hour long 1:1 private sessions with your dog present, showing you exactly what they're working on, and providing hands-on guidance for seamless implementation at home. This program even accommodated our dog's significant dietary restrictions, which were challenging for us for a long time. The attention to detail and personalized care make their Day Academy program exceptionally well thought out and their personalized approach ensures knowledge transfer to us as dog parents, which I really appreciate. What really sets Wholistic Hound Academy apart though is the people. The trainers are phenomenal, always patient and skilled in their approach. The office staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, making scheduling and communication a breeze. Sandy, the owner, is a true dog whisperer; her expertise and dedication shine through in every interaction. If you want a training academy that not only trains your dog effectively but also cares deeply about their overall wellness and your success as a dog parent, look no further than Wholistic Hound Academy. It's truly a second family for our dog. We feel fortunate to have such a dedicated and knowledgeable team available. Whether you're starting with a puppy or need advanced training, Wholistic Hound Academy is the place to go. Highly recommended for all dog parents!

Kristen Langsdorf
3/5
I took the "Dogs With Big Feelings" class with our slightly reactive girl after reading the Control Unleashed book. I thought the tips and games would be easier to understand in person, and that my dog might get some controlled dog exposure, but I really felt like she did not ben…Read full reviewClose full review

I took the "Dogs With Big Feelings" class with our slightly reactive girl after reading the Control Unleashed book. I thought the tips and games would be easier to understand in person, and that my dog might get some controlled dog exposure, but I really felt like she did not benefit from this class at all. We were behind barriers for 90% of the class doing things in our "pod." I could have done that at home for $325 less. The facility was nice and clean, and the instructor was kind, but definitely not clear in her instruction. I was confused most of the class and couldn't seem to grasp her winding explanations of the games and why we were even doing them. I would go back here for more simple obedience classes with a dog/puppy that is perhaps not special needs, as they had a good amount of equipment and a large space for training.

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

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