About Respect On Both Ends

What it is

Respect On Both Ends trains from Waterford in western Loudoun County. Its name is its thesis, and the site states it plainly: "Bad dogs rarely exist, however, without proper communication, badly mannered dogs often do exist. It is my goal to help owners learn good communication skills, to fairly and effectively teach their dogs to co-exist with them in harmony."

Who runs it

The trainer is referred to as Phil throughout the client feedback on the site. It states it has won the Best of Loudoun award in the animal training category for five years.

Programs and prices

Prices are published across the board, which makes this one of the easier local trainers to compare.

Group classes run $230 for six weeks of instruction, covering basic commands and leash walking at the entry level and off-leash walking under distraction at the advanced level. A Scent Work and Sporting class also runs $230 for six weeks, pitched at mental stimulation and confidence.

Private sessions are $130 for an hour or three for $375, on weekdays. In-home sessions are $250 per hour on weekdays, aimed at working on goals in the dog's own environment.

Board and train is priced by age and status: $3,500 for three weeks of standard obedience for dogs over six months, $3,700 for dogs under six months, and $3,900 for dogs over seven months that are intact or in season. Refreshers for previous clients run $1,400 for one week or $2,700 for two. The site adds that "Dogs with aggression or anxiety will incur an additional fee" – so those cases are taken, at a premium.

The obstacle course

An unusual offering locally: a private K9 obstacle and fitness course with "five stations with over 25 obstacles", run as 90-minute instructed sessions at $130 per team of one dog and one handler, with group discounts. It is open to students who have completed or are enrolled in the Advanced class. The site is upfront about the conditions: the area is semi-open with no fence, wildlife and other animals may be encountered, and every handler must be able to control their dog and sign a waiver.

Tools

The training tools page is worth reading before you book, because it tells you what to expect. It covers flat buckle collars, slip collars, prong collars and e-collars alongside leads, treat pouches and training aids, gives recommended minimum ages for each, and states that "All corrections given using a collar for inappropriate behavior must be preceded by the use of a negative marker." This is a balanced program, stated openly.

How to start

An evaluation call is required for everything except group classes.

What to ask

Ask about certifications and how long the business has been running. Note that the tools page carries affiliate links to the products it recommends.