The Best Dog Training in Newport News, VA

Newport News may be a relatively small city, but it’s got a little of everything. Close to many historic landmarks and with an active waterfront, it attracts a diverse collection of people and businesses to the southern tip of Virginia.

They say Virginia is for lovers and that includes dog-lovers. If you live or work around Newport News, there are a number of dog-training services to meet whatever your needs are. Whether you  are looking to train your dog for competition, or if you simply want a family dog for companionship or protection, there’s a training option near you.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most highly-rated dog trainers around the greater Newport News area.

A Quick Look at the Best Dog Training in Newport News, VA

Here’s a quick look at the basic stats of the top schools servicing the Newport News area so you can more easily narrow down which school may be the right fit for you. Below, we’ll go into more detail about each school so you can make a more informed decision.

Online Vs. In-Person Training in Newport News

In-person training is typically what you think of when you think of dog training. Training in person involves either going to a facility for a class, or having the trainer come to your home and train your pup there. In-person training can be more expensive than online training, but it gives your dog socialization and can be more effective with more complex behavioral issues.

Online dog training may not be an option you’ve considered before, but there are lots of online dog training options.  Online training mostly helps you learn how to train your dog on your own, making the process more hands-on. While online dog training is not right for everyone, it may be the right option for you and your dog.

Perks of Online and In-Person Training in Newport News

Before deciding if online training or in-person training is right for you, you may want to consider the pros and cons. To help, we’ve compiled a list of the benefits of both training styles below.

The Best Dog Training in Newport News, VA

Now that you have a better understanding of the benefits of both online and in-person training, we’re going to do a deep dive into each of our recommended trainers. We’ll show you what makes each one unique and help you find your perfect match.

Dog Academy

• Online or In-Person: Online and In-Person
• Types of Training Courses: Obedience Classes, Behavioral Issues, Puppy Training, Psychiatric Service Dog Training, Emotional Support Animal Training, Specialty Classes (e.g. Canine Confidence, Separation Anxiety)
• Price Range: $49.99-$349.99
• Link to Website: Dog Academy Basic Obedience Training Program
• Phone Number: 605-223-1971

Dog Academy is a leader in online dog training. All of their courses were designed by AKC-certified dog trainers, based on proven methodology that keeps a dog’s well-being in mind.

Their classes range from beginner obedience training for puppies and adult dogs to more advanced and specialized training. If you think your dog’s temperament is suited to being a service dog, Dog Academy’s psychiatric service dog training will be a great starting point.

While their online courses are available on-demand anywhere in the US, Dog Academy has also launched an in-person service matching dog owners with trainers in their city. This is perfect if you prefer the immediacy of in-person training and want to give your dog more opportunities to socialize with new people.

You can always enjoy a combination of online and in-person classes to better suit the needs of your dog over time.

On Command Dog Training

• Online or In-Person: In-Person
• Types of Training Courses: Beginner to Advanced Obedience, Scent Work, Agility
• Price Range: $110-$175
• Link to Website: https://www.oncommanddogtraining.net/
• Address: 892 J Clyde Morris Blvd, Newport News, VA 23601
• Phone Number: 757-846-4404

A local dog training school featuring a team of experienced trainers, On Command Dog Training mainly focuses on group classes. The school covers the basics like puppy training and obedience, but for families with highly intelligent and energetic dogs, their specialty classes may be of particular interest.

Enrichment classes in agility and scent work are featured at the school. If you think your dog might have the potential to bring home a blue ribbon, there are more advanced classes for rally, scent work, and agility available too.

The school has two locations and offers multiple time slots for each class, making it more possible for busy professionals with dogs to find a time that works for their schedule. This allows you to learn alongside your dog and develop a deeper bond and better communication.

Merrimac Dog Training Club

• Online or In-Person: In-Person
• Types of Training Courses: Puppy Training, Rally, Scent Work, Agility, Barn Hunt
• Price Range: $120+
• Link to Website: https://merrimacdogtrainingclub.coursestorm.com/
• Address: 15 Newsome Pl, Hampton, VA 23661
• Phone Number: 757-723-8141

Merrimac Dog Training goes beyond the basics and offers a number of courses to help get your pup competition ready or just ready to be a great neighborhood dog.

They offer Canine Good Citizen training and testing according to AKC standards, puppy training, and all levels of rally, agility, and scent work. They also offer a Barn Hunt course which is perfect for helping any dog develop their foraging skills, even better if you want them to be a good farm dog.

As the word “club” implies, Merrimac Dog Training is a club. If you are serious about preparing your dog for competition, it may be worthwhile to become a member as some of their classes to prepare for dog shows and competitions are only open to members. However, plenty of their classes are open to non-members at an affordable rate.

Pet Suites of America

• Online or In-Person: In-Person
• Types of Training Courses: Puppy Preschool, Socialization, Enrichment
• Price Range: $36-$662.40
• Link to Website: https://newportnews.petsuitesofamerica.com/
• Address: 12533 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, VA 23606
• Phone Number: 757-447-2469

While they are best known for their doggie daycare and boarding services, Pet Suites of America also has highly rated training options in Newport News. For busy professionals, their one-on-one training package that can be tacked on to a daycare stay is a convenient option. Pet parents receive a report card about their dog’s progress after each session.

Their “Stay and Study” board-and-train option is also a popular choice with packages ranging from two to 4 week stays. These programs focus mainly on teaching basic commands and leash skills while socializing your dog.

Pet Suites also offers group class options so humans and dogs can train side by side either in adult good manner training or their puppy training class. One-on-one classes are also available to help your dog develop a particular skill or address a behavioral issue.

Find the Right Dog Training for You

If you live in Newport News and have just added a new canine family member to your household, or are considering it, it’s good to be informed about your dog training options. Fortunately, there are a lot of great options in the area. Whether you’re looking to start with basic foundational training for puppies or advanced competition training, we’ve got you covered.

We hope that our list has helped you to find the perfect dog training match for you and your dog, in person or online.