Transform Your Dog

Empowering Dog Owners Through Training

Dog Training Fundamentals is a modern dog training service built on the belief that every dog has the potential to thrive. Whether you're raising a confident puppy or helping a shelter dog become adoptable, we offer real-world, relationship-based solutions grounded in structure, consistency, and clear communication. Our approach is practical, humane, and results-driven—helping dogs and their humans live better lives together.

Our strength lies in foundational obedience and early-stage puppy training. We believe these two areas form the cornerstone of a well-balanced dog and a confident owner. We specialize in setting clear expectations, building reliable routines, and teaching essential life skills that prevent future behavioral issues. Starting strong with a young dog—or resetting the basics with an older one—can make all the difference.

At Dog Training Fundamentals, we focus just as much on educating the handler as we do on training the dog. Just as dogs need clarity, handlers need confidence. We teach owners how to read behavior, apply consistent structure, and respond appropriately to what their dog is communicating. The more we can empower the person, the better outcomes we see for the dog.

Everything we do is grounded in the science of animal behavior and learning. We draw from proven principles to help clients understand why dogs behave the way they do—not just what to do about it. This foundation allows us to tailor each plan to the dog in front of us, taking into account temperament, drive, environment, and stress levels to shape more thoughtful, effective training.

Based in Richmond, Virginia, Dog Training Fundamentals offers in-home, outdoor, and virtual training options to meet the needs of busy families. We also partner with shelters and rescues to help prepare dogs for adoption through structured training support. Whether you're dealing with a rowdy puppy, a stubborn adolescent, or just want better day-to-day control, we’re here to bring clarity, confidence, and calm to your training journey—on both ends of the leash

Who we work with

Empowering owners with skills for calm, well-mannered dogs through science-based training methods.

First Time Puppy Owners

Bringing a puppy home is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming. We help new dog owners navigate the critical early months with structured routines, age-appropriate training, and clear guidance. From crate training and housebreaking to leash walking and socialization, we lay the groundwork for a confident, well-mannered adult dog. We’re here to answer your questions, troubleshoot setbacks, and help you avoid common mistakes that can lead to long-term behavior issues.

Rescue and Shelter Dog Adopters

Adopting a dog from a shelter is an incredible act of compassion—but it often comes with unknowns. Whether you're working through fear, overexcitement, or lack of structure, we help adopted dogs make a smooth transition into home life. Many of these dogs have never learned the basics, and some carry baggage from past experiences. We focus on helping them decompress, build trust, and learn the skills they need to succeed in their new environment. Our training gives both the dog and the handler a roadmap for progress.

Maybe your dog jumps on guests, pulls on the leash, or ignores commands when it matters most. Or maybe you're just looking to bring more calm and control into your daily routines. Our obedience programs are designed to help dogs develop consistent manners and responsiveness—whether they’re six months old or six years old. We tailor the training to your dog’s personality and your goals, making sure you have the tools and confidence to carry those skills into real life.

Dog Owners looking to Improve Obedience