About Good K9 Academy

How Good K9 Academy Began

Good K9 Academy was born from a deep, lifelong passion for dogs and a belief that every dog deserves the chance to live a balanced, fulfilling life alongside their family. Founded in Gaithersburg, Maryland over 10 years ago with a simple mission: help dog owners build stronger, more trusting relationships with their dogs through clear communication and proven training methods.

What started as a one-person operation quickly grew as word spread throughout Montgomery County. Families in Gaithersburg, Bethesda, Potomac, Rockville, Germantown, Silver Spring, and across the Maryland, DC, and Virginia area began seeking out Good K9 Academy specifically because of the transformative results they saw in their neighbors' dogs. Today, with 100+ five-star Google reviews and a team of four dedicated trainers, Good K9 Academy has become one of the most trusted dog training facilities in the region.

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Good K9 Academy dog training in Gaithersburg Maryland
Boutique dog training facility at Good K9 Academy

Small by Design, Big on Results

Despite our growth, we have intentionally stayed small. Good K9 Academy operates as a boutique facility, only training a few dogs at a time. This is not a high-volume operation. Every dog that walks through our doors gets individualized attention, a custom training plan, and the time and care they need to truly transform.

That boutique approach is what allows us to deliver the kind of consistent, lasting results that larger training programs simply cannot match. When your dog is here, they are not just another number in a kennel. They are part of our daily routine.

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Balanced Training That Delivers Results

At Good K9 Academy, we practice balanced dog training. That means we combine positive reinforcement, including treats, praise, and play, with structured accountability tools like e-collars when appropriate. We use whatever combination of methods gives your dog the clearest communication and the most reliable outcomes in real-world situations.

What sets us apart is our commitment to real-world proofing. We train in real environments with real distractions so that when your dog graduates, the results actually hold up in the situations that matter most to your daily life.

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Balanced dog training at Good K9 Academy
Dog training results at Good K9 Academy

Why Families Choose Good K9 Academy

  • Balanced MethodsPositive reinforcement combined with e-collar training for reliable, real-world obedience.
  • Boutique FacilityWe only train a few dogs at a time so every dog gets individualized attention and care.
  • Real-World ProofingTraining happens in real environments with real distractions, not just inside a training hall.
  • Custom Training PlansEvery dog gets a personalized program based on their breed, temperament, and your specific goals.
  • Free Alumni Pack WalksAll board and train graduates are invited to free weekly group walks for continued socialization and practice.
  • Hands-On Transfer SessionsBoard and train graduates get a thorough two-hour turnover session plus free alumni pack walks for life to keep practicing.
EXCELLENT
★★★★★
Based on 100+ reviews on Google
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Joy
★★★★★

We are so happy to have found the Good K9 Academy! After completing the 2 week board & train program, our corgi is now turning heads with how eagerly she follows commands like "heel" and a sustained "place" ! The pack walks for alumni are a highlight! When we needed to board our corgi, we knew our pup would be in the best hands. Caroline possesses a rare combination of expertise and kindness that makes dogs feel safe and eager to learn. She also made long-distance flights with our corgi possible by teaching us to train her to feel safe in her travel carrier bag, ensuring a positive travel experience. I highly recommend the Good K9 Academy!

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Ryan Kavanaugh
★★★★★

Caroline and Andrew did an amazing job with our energetic 5 year old mixed breed dog who was in desperate need of training. They formulated a clear plan for his board and train and made us feel comfortable throughout his whole stay with regular updates on his progress and wellbeing. When we picked him up they gave us the skills and training we needed to continue his obedience at home. Would highly recommend!ServicesDog boarding with training

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Jimmy Yates
★★★★★

After hearing about Good K9 Academy from our friend, we decided to board our dog Sully with Caroline at Good K9 Academy. Sully was extremely reactive before training, and would pull the leash to chase any squirrel, or lunge to say hi to any human or dog that passed us. After the board/train and lots of practice, Sully walks like a service dog and we feel comfortable with him off leash! We cannot say enough good things about Good K9 Academy. When we boarded with Caroline, we were out of the country, and she sent us pictures and videos each day to make us feel at ease. She is so kind, responsive, easy to work with, and great with all dogs. Thank you again Caroline!ServicesDog boarding with training

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Wendy
★★★★★

I am very pleased with Andrew and the time he invested with my dog, Uzi. Andrew is an exceptionally dedicated trainer and did an excellent job teaching my dog to listen. He also paid close attention to Uzi's preferences, recognizing his toy-driven nature, and recommended an e-collar that worked wonderfully during our walks. Thank you so much; I am very impressed.ServicesDog training

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Jay
★★★★★

I signed my Australian Shepherd dog named Lupo up for the drop off week session with Good K9 Academy. I was highly impressed with how well Andrew the trainer did with my dog. My dog had several bad habits, such as jumping up on people and counter surfing, which he no longer does. He also learned several commands, the most important of which is heel and stay in one position. I would recommend Good K9 Academy to anyone who’s looking for a good dog training facility.

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Geri Levin
★★★★★

We sent our Golden Retriever, Oscar, to the two-week board and train with David to work on leash pulling and reactivity to loud sounds outside and he did an amazing job. Oscar is now a pro heeler, listens when we say commands and while he is always a bit fearful, David gave us ways to help Oscar cope with the these fears. I could not recommend Good K8 Academy enough for any type of training your dog might need!! They are pros and know how to help the most stubborn of dogs.

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moustafa fathy
★★★★★

I had dogs for over 30 years with a lot of trainers. So I was spectacle to send my dog to a new place. This has proven me 100% wrong. The dog I got back totally changed . David is the one who has done this miraculous transfer. He is extremely Knowledgeable professional with exceptional dedication follow up and the most important he Cares. I am honored to have to come to know him and to have my dog trained in the academy by him. David Keep the super super exceptional work , dedication and caring . My link to you and the academy will continue for ever........ServicesDog boarding with training

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Carlo Cristobal
★★★★★

We had a very reactive and hard to train rescue dog but David and team were great at adapting their style to her. They provided her with customized training during the bootcamp, and helped train us to be better owners as well.The team continued to provide us with support and advice through our journey, including additional training sessions, boarding, and daycare.They are great people all around and have created a supportive community for dogs and owners alike. We love good K9 and would highly recommend!!ServicesDog boarding with training, Dog boarding, Dog training

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Cindy Lastuvka
★★★★★

Our two dogs Remi and Wini went through the 2 week boot camp with Caroline and David. We were not sure our dogs were even trainable but Caroline and David did it! They are very knowledgeable and experienced with training. They kept us updated each day along with pictures and videos of the progress. We are now able to walk our dogs and enjoy it! 🐾🐾 We would highly recommend this training!!

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Nikki L
★★★★★

Dylan was an amazing trainer and educator with our dog Boo! We’ve gone from having outbursts at every Labradoodle to being able to walk past three dogs at the same time with little excitement at all, if any. trust the process.

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Julie
★★★★★

Sent my dog to Dylan at Good K9 to address his car anxiety and I am beyond grateful for all the work that he put in! I was honestly ready to give up after working with multiple trainers over the past 3 years. But after just two weeks with Dylan, my dog now goes into the car crate with no hesitation and tolerates it so much more. Dylan also took my dog on many outings and worked on so much more than I even asked for. Highly recommend Dylan and Good K9!

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isabel silva Pereira
★★★★★

Thank you so much Dylan for all your hard work training Luna. Dylan was extremely communicative and friendly. He provided updates with photos and videos each day which really help with continuing her training at home. I highly recommend this service for anyone looking to train their new fur baby. Thanks again!

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Brianna Bolen
★★★★★

We couldn't be happier with our experience with Good K9 Academy. Caroline worked wonders with our high energy cavapoo puppy during his two-week board and train program. The regular video and picture updates provided us with peace of mind, and Caroline's communication throughout the process was great. We wholeheartedly trust the team at Good K9 Academy and cannot recommend them enough!!

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Vanessa
★★★★★

we rescued a dog that was used for breeding purposes & was very timid / fearful of men. Andrew has given our dog & us owners full CONFIDENCE that she will not react and is able to go to dog parks again and socialize. she has her sit, break and Recall all under control!! He is very gentle and efficient working with Athena. we are so happy we chose to work with Andrew & Good K9 Academy, thank you for all you do!

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Rosa G
★★★★★

This review is long overdue. But, in 2021, we decided to adopt a puppy from a shelter. We’ve had two other dogs in the past and we typically did not need a trainer. But, Lani came with a personality of dominance, which we could not manage. She had a mind of her own and wanted to be the boss. I decided to train her with Good K9 Academy. Andrew and Caroline are simply the best! I boarded her for the two weeks and she came back more behaved and obedient. When I had questions or issues they taught me tips and tricks along the process to help me keep Lani in check. Thank you Andrew and Caroline - “you guys are simply the best and definitely better than all the rest”

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12101 Darnestown Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878

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