Business Details
14 Years
experience
Expert Dog Training Services in Richmond, VA
At Dog Lovers Obedience School, we specialize in creating harmonious relationships between families and their canine companions through structured, science-based training programs. Founded in 2012 by Emily Bracken, our team combines over 16 years of hands-on experience in dog behavior modification, puppy development, and advanced obedience techniques. We offer a balanced training approach that integrates positive reinforcement with corrective measures to address unwanted behaviors while fostering mutual respect. Our services include group classes for socialization, private sessions for personalized attention, and specialized programs for service dog preparation and behavioral issues.With a focus on family involvement, we welcome participants aged four and older to learn effective communication strategies that transform dogs into well-mannered household members. Our commitment to continuous education ensures clients receive up-to-date methodologies, including remote collar training and Canine Good Citizen certification preparation. Located in Richmond, Virginia, we serve pet owners seeking long-term solutions through flexible scheduling and comprehensive training tools.
Services
Group Obedience Classes
Private Training Sessions
Behavior Modification
Service Dog Preparation
Canine Good Citizen Certification
Puppy Socialization
Remote Collar Training
Therapy Dog Preparation
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer 16+ years of experience in dog behavior modification and training.
- Our balanced method approach corrects negative behaviors while reinforcing positive ones.
- Family-friendly programs welcome participants aged 4 and older in group classes.
- Specialized training includes service dog preparation and Canine Good Citizen certification.
- We provide personalized solutions for puppies through advanced obedience stages.
What people say
Results-oriented training
Knowledgeable about dog behavior
Family-friendly programs
Visible improvements in months
Best companionship training
Services
Group Obedience Classes
Structured group sessions for dogs of all ages focus on basic obedience skills like loose leash walking, sit/down stays, and recall commands. These classes emphasize socialization with other dogs and people while addressing common behavioral issues. Owners learn to correct unwanted behaviors through hands-on practice in a controlled environment.
Private Training Sessions
Personalized training programs address specific behavioral challenges through individualized attention. Sessions target issues like aggression, anxiety, and leash pulling while teaching customized solutions for home environments. This option works best for dogs needing focused intervention beyond group class capabilities.
Behavior Modification
Specialized programs tackle complex behavioral issues including fear aggression, separation anxiety, and reactivity. Using balanced training techniques, our experts develop customized plans to reshape problematic behaviors through consistent reinforcement and environmental management strategies tailored to each dog's needs.
Canine Good Citizen Prep
Four-session program prepares dogs for the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen test. Focuses on advanced obedience skills including off-leash control, public access readiness, and proper social behavior. Includes test administration to certify dogs meeting the rigorous behavioral standards required for this prestigious designation.
Service Dog Preparation
Comprehensive training program develops specialized skills for service dogs-in-training. Covers task-specific behaviors, public access requirements, and handler-dog communication techniques. Designed to meet ADA standards for service animals through structured progression from basic obedience to advanced working proficiency.
People
Emily Bracken
Head Trainer/Owner
With 16 years of experience, Emily Bracken specializes in behavior modification and service dog training. She purchased Dog Lovers Obedience School in 2012 after working with Canine Companions as a puppy raiser. Her balanced training approach combines positive reinforcement with corrective techniques to build lasting human-canine relationships.
Jess Cagnina
Dog Trainer
Jess Cagnina brings veterinary medicine experience to dog training, focusing on helping owners develop teamwork with their pets. She specializes in puppy training and enjoys working with rescue dogs. Her background in biology informs her science-based training methods that emphasize mutual understanding between dogs and their families.
Questions
What age dogs do you train?
We train dogs from 8 weeks old through adulthood. Puppy classes accept 8-16 week olds, while other programs accommodate dogs 4 months and older.
Do you offer refunds for group classes?
We don't offer refunds for group classes but can transfer remaining funds to private training sessions if the group setting doesn't work for your dog.
What training methods do you use?
Our balanced approach combines positive reinforcement with corrective measures. We use tools like martingale collars, gentle leaders, and remote collars when appropriate for effective communication.
Are vaccinations required?
Yes, we require proof of rabies vaccination and up-to-date shots by age. Bordetella vaccination is optional but recommended for group class participation.
Can children participate in training?
Yes, we welcome children aged 4 and older to participate in training sessions. Family involvement helps create consistent communication between all household members and the dog.
Reviews (6)
James H.
Dec 24, 2021
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We trained our dog here 11 years ago and it was the best decision we made. It has made all the difference in having a well trained, obedient dog. When I've met neighbors walking their unruly pumps, or should I say being walked by the dog, I've always suggested that they consider Dog Lovers Obedience School and tell the how it has helped us. Ownership has changed since the original owners retired, but the new owners have kept the praise based training. Recommend the basic obedience class. Other services are offered but a bit on the expensive side.
Monica Klisz
Nov 22, 2021
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I am training my 5th dog with Dog Lovers over the course of 23 years. Emily, Daniel and Mary and wonderful trainers and are firm, reasonable and make training fun. The dogs truly enjoy watching their owners figure out canine communication, make time to practice, and feel proud when their pups shine! I can't say enough about this school.
Jessica Engle
Nov 09, 2021
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We've used Dog Lovers for both of our dogs for group and private lessons and have been very happy. Emily and her team are professional and extremely knowledgeable. The group lessons are helpful for both the dogs and their humans! We have recommended to several friends over the years and will continue to do so. Great experience!
Anne Middlebrook
Nov 07, 2021
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Emily and Team are results-oriented and very knowledgeable about dog behavior. In the few months I have been working with them, I am so much better equipped to handle my dogs successfully, or at least not to let anything get too far off the rails, and DLOS is always there when needed! The process has been fun and positive. Congrats on 10 years! Thanks for all you do for us and our canines!
Shankar Swaroop
Jun 15, 2021
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Great place to get young puppies trained. We are so glad we found this place. Just what we needed for our new addition to the family.
Bridget A. Watts
Mar 08, 2021
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Don't waste your time on the group puppy classes. We wasted so many weeks trying to get our puppy to behave with minimal guidance and help. Invest in Off Leash K9 Training instead. Our dog is amazing now!
