About 4 the Love of Dogs

4 the Love of Dogs is a one-trainer Northern Virginia business run by Gaby, who introduces herself on the site with "Hola! I'm Gaby, if you see an email from Delizideey G Bautista that is my full name." The business is registered as 4 The love of dogs LLC and works out of Dumfries, offering what the site calls "Dog Training for real life in the DMV".

What they train

The published service list is priced and specific. A consult at $150 is required before any training starts. Private in-home lessons are $125 and are described as "One on one support in your home addressing anything from obedience to specializing in behavior modification such as separation anxiety, reactivity and or aggression". Day Train is $150 a session, or $980 for a monthly program of two day-trains a week plus an online touch point; the day-train page describes "8 hours in trainers home working on all things such as reactivity, leash pulling, jumping, anxiety, potty training" and ends with a go-home lesson for the owner. Virtual lessons are $100. Board and train is offered, but the site states it is "OFFERED ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS" rather than as a standing program.

How they work

The method is framed around owner education rather than a finished dog: "Our training approach emphasizes clear communication, helping dogs understand expectations in a way they understand." The site is explicit that results depend on the owner – "but from a committed owner who is willing to learn, stay consistent, and make meaningful changes in their day-to-day life with their dog". Dogs staying for day-train or boarding are described as being in "a structured environment with strong leadership, all while having plenty of opportunities for enjoyable activities."

Language and background

The most distinctive thing the site claims is bilingual delivery: "Services available in Spanish or English". The owner writes that she was "born in Guatemala City and raised in Virginia from a young age" and is "passionate about making professional dog training and education accessible to both English and Spanish-speaking communities." On training background, the site says only that she completed "hundreds of hours in an intensive apprenticeship under the world-renowned training methods of Canine Karma Training".

What to ask

Ask about certifications and how long the business has run. The apprenticeship is described, but it is an apprenticeship, not a credential. Boarding at $75 a night and dog walking are also offered, but those are care services rather than training.