Behavior Consulting and General Manners for the Family Dog

Golden retriever puppy on white background_edited.jpg

When you trust Valerie with your dog's education, you'll find that she brings extensive knowledge, professionalism and a joy of facilitating relationships between dogs and their people to her lessons. She teaches people with as much patience and compassion as she teaches dogs.

Whether your dog needs basic manners training or help with aggression, studies have shown that force-free training based on the science of how dogs learn is the best choice for your furry family member. It's what your dog would choose!

for general manners classes

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for behavior consulting

click here

Special Announcements

The intensive and customized training you receive when you work with a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT) guides your dog out of panic and into relaxation so you can leave the house worry-free. Learn more HERE

general manners classes

behavior consultations

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ONE SPOT JUST BECAME AVAILABLE IN THE PUPPY KINDERGARTEN STARTING DEC 12

Getting a Puppy?

Plan ahead! You can register for puppy classes before you have your pup, or have picked out a name. Name and vaccine info can be updated later. Registering early ensures you get a spot in class.

Not sure when to start puppy classes? Read HERE about the importance of early socialization and why it is ok to start class before vaccination is complete.

Canine Behaviorist

Street Sign

Street Sign on Harris St

Front Door

Facility front door

Puppy Playground

Saturday Socialization set up

Street Sign

Street Sign on Harris St

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About Me

Valerie Balwanz

CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, PMCT

Valerie is certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers as both a Certified Behavior Consultant (CBCC) and a certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT). She also holds a certification from the Peaceable Paws Academy (PMCT). Additionally, she is a CSAT (Certified Spearation Anxiety Trainer). She is a member of the Pet Professionals Guild, an organization of force-free training professionals. Valerie is a certified CGC tester for the AKC. Her training services have received the Charlottesville Family Favorite Award and the Daily Progress Reader's Choice Award several years in a row. Many of the area's veterinarians recommendnd her services and bring their own dogs to Valerie fo training. She has been training dogs for 15 years.

Information
Charlottesville Dog Training
Classes are held at 918 B Harris St, Charlottesville VA 22903

In class we use clickers to expedite the learning of new material. If you prefer to use a different "marker" other than the clicker, that's no problem. Many of my students use "yes".

None of the training uses force, fear, or threat of pain to achieve results.

You are always welcome to observe a class before signing up.

In class you will...