Dog Training FAQ’s – Washington DC
When should I start puppy training?
Puppies should start training right away. The sooner you start training, the better. They are ready to learn as early as 7 weeks of age.
What training methods do you use?
We offer balanced and reward-based training methods, this method has been proven successful for over 4 decades! Our training methodology includes all four quadrants of the Operant Conditioning Theory. Put simply, we believe in training that is not too harsh or too lenient. We always consider the specific dog, owner, and situation when developing a training program.
Do you travel to my neighborhood?
Monument Dog Training offers dog training in the Washington DC area and Baltimore. We travel to the following areas and more: Alexandria, Arlington, Beltsville, Bethesda, Capitol Heights, College Park, Fairfax, Hyattsville, McLean, Rockville, Silver Spring. If you don’t see your area, contact us!
Can you train my dog as a service dog?
Yes, we offer service dog training for psychiatric support and mobility assistance. We DO NOT train medical alert service animals. Dogs must be young for this program. Service dogs typically retire around 7-8 years old.
What kinds of behavior issues do you help with?
We work with common city-dog challenges including leash pulling, reactivity toward dogs or people, excessive barking, jumping, anxiety, puppy training, and difficulty focusing in distracting environments. We also help puppies with potty training, nipping, and basic manners, and we work with adult and rescue dogs at any age.
Do you offer in-home dog training in DC?
Yes. We offer in-home training throughout Washington, DC and surrounding neighborhoods. In-home sessions allow us to work on real-life behaviors where they actually happen.
How old should my dog be to start training?
Puppies should start at 7-8 weeks old. They benefit from early structure and socialization. Dogs can begin training at any age, yes we train older dogs!
How long does dog training take?
Every dog is different. Some owners see improvement within a few sessions, while more complex behavior challenges take longer. Consistency and follow-through matter more than speed, and we’ll give you realistic timelines during your consultation.
Do you work with reactive or aggressive dogs?
Yes, with clear expectations and safety protocols. Reactivity and aggression often stem from fear, stress, or lack of structure. We’ll assess whether training is appropriate and outline a responsible plan before moving forward.
How much does dog training cost in DC?
We offer a commitment-based training package, we charge one flat fee and work with you until your dog is trained and your issues are resolved.
Do you offer packages?
Yes. We offer training packages for puppies, basic obedience, and behavior modification. Packages provide structure, accountability, and better long-term results.
Do you train on evenings or weekends?
We understand that many DC clients work demanding schedules. Our trainers are very flexible and can see clients during the weekend and weeknights.
Is it ever “too late” to train my dog?
No. Dogs are capable of learning throughout their lives. The key factors are consistency, realistic goals, and commitment from the owner.
Do you have reviews or success stories?
Of course! Our client reviews can be found on Google and the Testimonial Page.