# Hire A Certified Dog Trainer Near You

Looking to hire a professional dog trainer near you? PetWorks is a pet care marketplace that helps pet parents hire certified dog trainers for obedience training, behavior improvement, leash pulling, barking, reactivity, separation anxiety, aggression, and other common training challenges. Compare verified trainers by specialty, certifications, experience, and reviews. Browse local dog trainers, request services, and book the right professional directly through the platform.

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## nearest to you

### Deborah Lankford  
  
[Playful Pups and Performance Training \| Dog Trainer - Virginia Beach, VA](https://www.petworks.com/listing/playful-pups-and-performance-training-dog-trainer-virginia-beach-va "Playful Pups and Performance Training | Dog Trainer - Virginia Beach, VA")  
**Certified:** CPDT-KA  
**Location:** Virginia Beach, VA

### Andrea Marx  
  
[Freak On A Leash Dog Training - CCPDT Private Dog Trainer - Virginia Beach, VA](https://www.petworks.com/listing/freak-on-a-leash-dog-training-ccpdt-private-dog-trainer-virginia-beach-va "Freak On A Leash Dog Training - CCPDT Private Dog Trainer - Virginia Beach, VA")  
**Certified:** CPDT-KA, IAABC  
**Location:** Virginia Beach, VA

### Kimberly Dillon  
  
[Right On Training - Professional Dog Trainers - Virginia Beach, VA](https://www.petworks.com/listing/right-on-training-professional-dog-trainers-virginia-beach-va "Right On Training - Professional Dog Trainers - Virginia Beach, VA")  
**Certified:** ABCDT  
**Location:** Virginia Beach, VA

### Cathlyn Clark  
  
[Bravo Zulu CCPDT Certified Private Dog Trainer - Hampton, VA](https://www.petworks.com/listing/bravo-zulu-ccpdt-certified-private-dog-trainer-hampton-va "Bravo Zulu CCPDT Certified Private Dog Trainer - Hampton, VA")  
**Certified:** CPDT-KA  
**Location:** Hampton, VA

### Erika Austin  
  
[Dandelion Dogs - Certified Private Dog Trainer - Williamsburg, VA](https://www.petworks.com/listing/dandelion-dogs-certified-private-dog-trainer-williamsburg-va "Dandelion Dogs - Certified Private Dog Trainer - Williamsburg, VA")  
**Certified:** CPDT-KSA  
**Location:** Williamsburg, VA

### Kathleen McClure  
  
[The Happier Dog - Virtual Dog Training and Private In Home - Williamsburg, VA](https://www.petworks.com/listing/the-happier-dog-virtual-dog-training-and-private-in-home-williamsburg-va "The Happier Dog - Virtual Dog Training and Private In Home - Williamsburg, VA")  
**Certified**  
**Location:** Williamsburg, VA

### Jennifer Damon  
  
[Love For Paws Private Virtual Dog Training - Richmond, VA](https://www.petworks.com/listing/love-for-paws-private-virtual-dog-training-richmond-va "Love For Paws Private Virtual Dog Training - Richmond, VA")  
**Location:** Richmond, VA

### Mariah Dudley  
  
[Confident Canine Coach - Private Certified Dog Trainer - Richmond, VA](https://www.petworks.com/listing/confident-canine-coach-private-certified-dog-trainer-richmond-va "Confident Canine Coach - Private Certified Dog Trainer - Richmond, VA")  
**Certified:** CPDT-KA  
**Location:** Richmond, VA

## Dog Training FAQs

**How much does a dog trainer cost in 2026?**  
Private lessons typically run $80–$150 per hour, and board-and-train programs $1,000–$4,000+ depending on duration. Virtual sessions are generally the most affordable at $40–$100 per session.

**Do I need a certified dog trainer?**  
Certification isn't legally required, but it matters — especially for dogs with reactivity, aggression, or anxiety, where the wrong approach can make behavior worse.

**How long does dog training take?**  
Basic obedience can show meaningful progress within a few weeks of consistent practice. Behavior modification for reactivity or aggression typically requires a longer commitment.

**Are virtual training sessions effective?**  
Yes, for many goals — particularly obedience, manners, and coaching owners on technique. They're less suited to situations requiring hands-on work with the dog.

**How do I choose the right trainer for my dog?**  
Check credentials, read reviews from owners with similar challenges, and ask about their experience with your dog's specific breed and behavior history. Consistency matters — choose a trainer whose methods you can commit to.