★ 5.0 Stars • 100+ Five-Star Reviews

Dog Daycare Gaithersburg, MD

Get started with Good K9 Academy's dog daycare in Gaithersburg, MD. Unlike typical daycares, your dog gets structured play, socialization, and enrichment supervised by professional trainers, so they come home happy, tired, and better behaved every day. Get started today by claiming your free consultation.

Dog daycare at Good K9 Academy Gaithersburg MD
EXCELLENT
★★★★★
Based on 100+ reviews on Google
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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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Ana Bisker
★★★★★

100% Thumbs up for David Delgado at Good K-9 Academy!We fostered our dog Skyrus - first time dog-carers, we felt overwhelmed and full of questions. On one of our walks, we met trainer David Delgado, who happened to live across the street. David was kind and friendly, answered all our questions and more, made himself available as a neighbor and friend, which gave us confidence, knowing he is around the corner.Soon enough we decided to adopt Skyrus. We used a different trainer at first, and after a few sessions we started noticing that the training wasn’t showing too many results. We were hesitant to use Good K-9 Academy, we feared that the e-collar would be inhumane and hurtful for our dog who was already a rescue and had been through so much.Honestly, just because over time we got to know David even better as person, we knew how calm and kind he was, so he couldn’t be like that and be vouching for something inhumane… And so, we decided with fingers crossed to give it a shot; also because by then we wanted Skyrus to be able to use David as a trainer and as daycare.I can’t say enough about how happy we are, and how great Skyrus has been on this training! Skyrus’s sweet, communicative personality came through.We learned more about the Good K-9 method, which is really like a ‘tap on the shoulders’. It creates an avenue to communicate with our dog.I don’t know about other e-collar systems, but I see that this one is not about causing pain to the dog, much on the contrary. First of all, the pressure of the device is gentle enough that anyone could tolerate. And besides, the method becomes gradually unobtrusive to the point that it frees the dog to play and circulate without a leash. After he’s learned certain commands, we don’t even have to use the remote, he is obedient and does them right away.Good K-9 Academy was definitely the best decision that we could have made. And, Skyrus LOVES David, goes happily with wagging tail to him every time, like family; and returns home excited - with his intelligence stimulated - but also super chill and easy. David is truly wonderful as a trainer and dog-carer, and human.The photos are from a field trip with David. He’s with David’s dog Winston and another dog who was boarding then - this is how cute and how happy they look!!PositiveResponsiveness, Reliability, Quality, Professionalism

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Dana Thomas
★★★★★

If I could rate with 6 stars I would!! Thank you Andrew and Caroline for all your training and genuine care for my 5-year old German Shepherd who came to me under difficult circumstances (attacked another dog in the home). Your initial 2-hour session produced an immediate improvement in our walks, where I felt confident to do so in my neighborhood while we waited for the e-collar training; and now that e-collar training is complete my GS is very calm and under control when near other dogs (including those barking at her!). Moreover, I truly appreciate how you helped a dear friend from NJ who adopted/rescued an adult, quite dog-aggressive Rott-Dobbie mix - helping out in an emergency situation so that she could keep her dog and have basic control until she could enroll him in a similar training program near home.The text updates, pictures and videos throughout the training program were so helpful and appreciated! And value all the tips including you setting realistic expectations! We look forward to joining the Saturday walks and daycare - Thank you! Absolutely recommend your services!PositiveResponsiveness, Reliability, Quality, Professionalism, Value

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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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Hannah Paragon
★★★★★

David has been amazing to work with! We brought our 7-year-old husky mix, Kali, to Good K9 for help with anxiety and reactivity. She spent about eight months in and out of shelters before I adopted her in 2019. After some early success with training, COVID hit us hard — she became anxious, territorial, and leash reactive. Our recent move to Maryland only added to that!Kali’s anxiety made walks tough. She’s also stubborn, stoic, and generally unmotivated😂. David took the time to understand her, and the progress she made in such a short amount of time was impressive. She’s not perfect (and we’re still learning!), but the difference is night and day.I also love that Good K9 doesn’t stop after training. They offer follow-ups as needed and weekly pack walks for continued practice. Would definitely recommend!ServicesDog boarding, Dog training

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Cris
★★★★★

I cannot say enough great things about this place! I took my dog, Teddy, here for a two-week obedience boarding program, and it was truly the best decision I could have made. From the moment I arrived, I felt an instant sense of professionalism, care, and expertise.Our trainer, David, was phenomenal—incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and communicative throughout the entire process. He kept me updated regularly and made sure I understood everything Teddy was learning. The progress Teddy made in just two weeks was unbelievable! Not only did his obedience improve dramatically, but he also became more confident and well-mannered overall.What really sold me on this place wasn’t just the training itself, but the positive, welcoming energy of the entire facility. I was so impressed that I immediately recommended it to a friend, and as soon as she visited and met David, she signed up for the two-week boarding on the spot—she could feel the same great vibe I did!If you’re looking for top-tier dog training with trainers who truly care about your pup’s success, this is the place to go. Highly, highly recommend! 🐶👏

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Daycare with Professional Trainers

Most dog daycares are staffed by part-time attendants who watch a room full of dogs and hope nothing goes wrong. Good K9 Academy is different. Our daycare in Gaithersburg is run by the same professional dog trainers who handle our obedience programs, board and train, and behavior modification work. That means your dog is supervised by people who understand dog body language, social dynamics, and how to manage group interactions safely and productively.

This trainer-run approach makes a real difference in the quality of care your dog receives. Our staff can read the subtle signals that precede conflict, redirect inappropriate play before it escalates, and ensure that every dog in the group is having a positive experience. We actively manage play groups based on size, energy level, and temperament so that timid dogs are not overwhelmed and high-energy dogs get the stimulation they need without dominating the group.

Good K9 Academy is a boutique facility on Darnestown Road in Gaithersburg, which means we keep our daycare numbers small. Your dog is not lost in a crowd of fifty or more dogs like at large commercial daycares. They are in a managed group where they are known by name, their individual needs are understood, and their experience is actively curated by professionals. Families in Bethesda, Potomac, Rockville, Germantown, Silver Spring, and across Montgomery County choose our daycare specifically because of this personal, trainer-led approach.

Supervised dog daycare with professional trainers
Dogs enjoying structured activities at daycare

More Than Just Free Play

At Good K9 Academy, daycare is not just a fenced area where dogs run around unsupervised until you pick them up. We structure each day with a mix of supervised play, individual exercise, rest periods, and enrichment activities. Dogs thrive on routine and structure, and providing that during the day results in calmer, happier dogs that sleep well at night and are easier to manage at home.

Supervised play sessions are organized by temperament and play style. We rotate groups throughout the day to prevent overstimulation and ensure every dog gets appropriate rest. Between play sessions, dogs have structured downtime in their individual spaces where they can relax and decompress. We also incorporate enrichment activities like puzzle feeders, scent games, and training exercises to keep dogs mentally stimulated throughout the day.

For dogs that are enrolled in training programs with us, daycare provides an excellent opportunity to reinforce obedience skills throughout the day. Board and train graduates can practice their commands in a social setting, and dogs in active training programs get additional reps on the skills they are building. This integration of training and daycare is unique to Good K9 Academy and gives your dog more value per visit than any standard daycare facility.

Building Social Skills and Burning Energy

Regular daycare attendance is one of the best ways to maintain and improve your dog's social skills. Dogs that interact with other dogs in a supervised, structured setting on a regular basis are more confident, less reactive, and better behaved in social situations. Our daycare provides ongoing socialization that complements formal training programs and helps prevent behavioral regression in dogs that have completed training.

Exercise is equally important. Dogs that do not get enough physical activity during the day develop behavioral problems, from excessive barking and destructive chewing to hyperactivity and restlessness at home. Our daycare ensures your dog gets adequate exercise through supervised play, structured activities, and individual exercise sessions. By the time you pick your dog up, they are happily tired and ready to relax for the evening. That is a benefit the whole family can appreciate.

Good K9 Academy daycare serves families throughout the Gaithersburg, Germantown, Clarksburg, Poolesville, Columbia, and Washington DC area. Whether you need full-time daycare for your work schedule, occasional drop-in days, or a bridge solution while working through separation anxiety training, our flexible daycare program accommodates your needs. Contact us for a free consultation and to schedule your dog's trial day.

Dogs socializing and exercising at daycare
Safe dog daycare facility in Gaithersburg

Your Dog Is in Good Hands

Safety is the top priority at Good K9 Academy daycare. All dogs must be current on vaccinations, including rabies, DHPP, and bordetella, before attending daycare. We require a temperament assessment before a new dog joins the group to ensure they are a good fit for our daycare environment. Dogs with a history of aggression toward other dogs may not be suitable for group daycare, but we can discuss alternative options during your consultation.

Our facility is designed with safety in mind. Play areas are secure, sanitized regularly, and sized appropriately for the number of dogs present. Fresh water is available at all times, and dogs are monitored continuously by trained staff. In the event of any health concern or behavioral issue, we contact you immediately. We also maintain detailed records of each dog's day, including activity levels, eating habits, and any notable interactions.

We offer a trial day for all new daycare dogs so you can see how your dog responds to the environment before committing to a regular schedule. This trial day allows our staff to observe your dog's play style, social preferences, and comfort level, and it gives you peace of mind knowing your dog is happy and safe in our care. With 100+ five-star Google reviews, Good K9 Academy has earned the trust of families across Montgomery County for both training and daycare services.

Serving Dogs Across the Maryland, DC & Virginia

Good K9 Academy serves dog owners throughout Montgomery County and the surrounding communities from our Gaithersburg facility.

GaithersburgBethesdaPotomacRockvilleGermantownSilver SpringClarksburgPoolesvilleColumbiaWashington DC

Dog Daycare Questions

What are your daycare hours?

Our daycare operates during regular business hours. Contact us for current hours, drop-off and pick-up times, and scheduling options. We offer both full-day and flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs.

What are the requirements for daycare?

All daycare dogs must be current on vaccinations (rabies, DHPP, bordetella), spayed or neutered (for dogs over a certain age), and must pass a temperament assessment before joining the group. We also require a free consultation before your dog's first day.

Do you offer a trial day?

Yes. We offer a trial day for all new daycare dogs so we can assess their temperament and play style in the group environment, and so you can see how your dog responds before committing to a regular schedule.

Is daycare appropriate for dogs with separation anxiety?

Daycare can be an excellent bridge solution for dogs with separation anxiety. Rather than leaving your dog alone to panic while you work through training, daycare provides supervision, socialization, and structure that prevents regression while you build your dog's independence.

Can my dog attend daycare and training at the same time?

Absolutely. We can integrate obedience reinforcement into daycare days for dogs that are enrolled in training programs. This gives your dog additional practice in a social setting and maximizes the value of each daycare visit.

Ready to Try Our Daycare?

Give your dog a day of supervised play, socialization, and professional care. Contact Good K9 Academy to schedule a trial day.

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