Business Details
32 Years
experience
Custom Dog Training in Baltimore | East Coast Academy of Dog Training
East Coast Academy of Dog Training has been a trusted leader in canine education since 1994, dedicated to fostering harmonious relationships between dogs and their owners through humane, effective methods. Founded on the principles of positive reinforcement and tailored instruction, our program eliminates the need for punitive tools, focusing instead on building mutual respect and understanding. With over 34 years of hands-on experience, our director Rob Hirsch has trained thousands of dogs across the Baltimore region, combining expertise in animal psychology with practical, science-backed techniques. Our in-home training model ensures personalized solutions for households of all types, addressing obedience, behavior modification, and specialized needs like separation anxiety or mobility challenges.We prioritize transparency, offering flexible session plans and lifelong support to ensure lasting success. Our commitment to continuous improvement and client education has earned us widespread recognition, with testimonials highlighting our ability to transform even the most challenging cases into well-adjusted companions. By emphasizing convenience, ethical practices, and measurable results, we empower owners to become confident leaders in their dogs' lives.
Services
In-Home Dog Training
Puppy Training
Obedience Training
Behavior Modification
Positive Reinforcement Training
Housebreaking Solutions
Leash Training
Off-Leash Training
Separation Anxiety Solutions
Aggression Management
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We offer 34 years of specialized dog training expertise since 1989
- Our program uses proven positive reinforcement techniques without punitive devices
- In-home training adapts to your specific environment and schedule
- We guarantee no unnecessary training sessions beyond your needs
- Our director provides personalized follow-up and lifetime phone support
What people say
Excellent experience
Positive reinforcement
Flexible approach
Improved behavior
Highly recommend
Services
In-Home Dog Training
Our customized in-home training program addresses obedience and behavior issues in your dog's natural environment. Using positive reinforcement techniques, we teach commands, housebreaking, and socialization while building owner confidence. Sessions focus on practical solutions for daily challenges, with follow-up materials and lifetime phone support included.
Puppy Training
Specialized training for puppies eight weeks and older establishes foundational obedience and socialization skills. We teach attention control, crate training, and basic commands while addressing mouthing and separation anxiety. Early intervention prevents future behavior problems and strengthens the human-canine bond through reward-based methods.
Obedience Training
Comprehensive obedience instruction covers leash walking, off-leash control, and public behavior. Our program teaches reliable recall, sit/stay commands, and impulse control using motivational techniques. Training occurs in multiple environments to ensure consistent performance across different situations and distractions.
Behavior Modification
Targeted solutions address specific issues like aggression, excessive barking, and destructive behavior. We analyze root causes and implement structured retraining programs using positive reinforcement. Techniques focus on redirecting unwanted behaviors while teaching alternative, acceptable actions to create lasting behavioral changes.
Positive Reinforcement Training
Our science-backed approach uses rewards and motivation to teach desired behaviors without fear or pain. This method strengthens trust between dogs and owners while promoting faster learning. Techniques include clicker training, treat rewards, and verbal praise to reinforce good behavior consistently.
People
Rob Hirsch
Director & Trainer
Rob Hirsch has trained dogs professionally since 1989, combining psychology-based methods with practical experience. His positive reinforcement approach has transformed thousands of dogs across Maryland. Rob provides personalized training plans and lifetime support to ensure lasting results for every client.
Questions
What training methods do you use?
We use positive reinforcement techniques without choke collars, shock devices, or physical punishment. Our methods focus on rewarding desired behaviors and teaching alternative actions for problem behaviors.
Do you offer in-home training sessions?
Yes, we provide in-home training at your convenience. This allows us to address specific household challenges and train dogs in their natural environment for better retention.
How much do training sessions cost?
Sessions start at $120 for the first four sessions, then $90 per session. Prices increase slightly for multiple dogs. Most clients complete the program in 4-5 sessions.
Can you train older dogs with behavior issues?
Yes, our program works for dogs of all ages. We've successfully modified behaviors in senior dogs and rescued animals with aggression, anxiety, and destructive tendencies.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, and Howard County. Contact us to confirm availability in your specific location.
Reviews (4)
Lisa Greenberg
Jun 25, 2022
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I must say that I am so very pleased with the 360 degree turn around that my dog Hank has made following a few months of our training with Rob from East Coast Academy. I was so afraid of continuing to be pulled down by my 86 pound golden doodle. With Rob's expertise and guidance Hank knows that darting after cars or other dogs is no longer something that he should do. I have so much more control over him now. Hi could not be any happier! Thank you so much Rob! Lisa Greenberg
Barbara Snyder
Jun 24, 2022
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We hired Rob soon after bringing home a 13-month old yellow lab mix from a rescue in Texas. She was used to living in a rescue and was weary of everything. Rob gave us the tools to train her properly on and off leash. He didn't just train our dog; he really was training us how to work with a dog to achieve goals.
Tammy Bartholow Shelley
Jun 23, 2022
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Rob is an excellent trainer! I highly recommend him. Rob was recommended by a neighbor, and it was the best decision I made to work on some of my dog's behaviors, with positive results.
Cynthia Wagner
Feb 28, 2022
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Rob is the genuine "dog whisperer". Our rescue, Juneau, was really skittish with new people, but she took to Rob right away. His directions for us were clear and he made sure we knew what to do, showing us, watching us do it, then explaining it again while writing it down. We still have training to do, but are all set because of all the tools Rob set us up with to train ourselves and Juneau.
