Olde Towne School For Dogs

Amiel Emerson

2024-04

We trained our 1.5 year old pup, Toulouse, via one on one lessons for formal on leash obedience and later off leash training course. His trainer, Saul, was amazing and taught us how to communicate with our pup in a fair and effective manner.When we first brought Toulouse to OTSFD, he had some impulsive tendencies and a strong desire to say hi and play with every dog he encountered. His reactive behavior made it challenging to enjoy walks or take him to public places. Saul was very knowledgeable and tailored a combination of the four quadrants of operant conditioning to modify Toulouse’s behavior. The transformation we have witnessed is truly remarkable. I can now confidently take Toulouse everywhere, knowing that he will be a well-behaved and obedient companion.

Jennifer Morrissey

2024-02

Leighann has worked with both of our Labrador Retrievers. I cannot imagine any other trainer working with Looie and Madeline. She brought out the best in each dog from puppyhood to advanced off leash work in a manner that shows results and is fun for our dogs - and she has a very loving and gentle way about her. Our dogs get so excited when they see her or hear her voice! Leighann is also a wonderful communicator (with the humans) and we feel that she is definitely a part of our team! She stays in touch with her clients to answer questions and to discuss any concerns or thoughts. Leighann is the best and we are so grateful to have found her!

Julie & Gary Leadstrom

2024-02

We were referred to this business for grooming our pug after moving here from Colorado. Our dog sitter referred us. Our first experience was not a pleasant one due to the payment we made via the telephone not getting solidified in their computer system. Yubissan Bilbao turned that unpleasant experience that could've cost them our business to one that far exceeded my expectations. I had gone in to shop for our pug and was blown away with her customer service! Plus, the other staff was quite knowledgeable and fun to work with on what to get for our pug.

Liz Chiaramonte

2024-02

Old Town School for Dogs has been our go-to for grooming and training for 15 years and for four dogs! We are so grateful to work with such knowledgeable and devoted staff all these years. Our experience with Carlos and Sandy and Yubi, as well as the rest of the staff, has been amazing—always resourceful, dependable, and courteous. And the grooming has always been top notch—every single time.Our most recent experience has been with the Puppy Head Start program and training with Saul for our newest addition, an English Bulldog/Boston Terrier mix. Introducing this puppy to our household with other adult female dogs has been a challenge, and we are indebted to Saul for his patience, guidance, and expert training. This puppy is now our best-behaved dog! I told Saul at our last session that meeting with him was like meeting with God—he is all knowing! And our puppy LOVES him. Many thanks to the entire team for partnering with us on our wonderful pet ownership journey!

Bill Mould

2024-04

Wow! What a great school. My dog, Tilly, just graduated from the 6-session Basic Training Course. The trainer, Aliyah, was highly professional and skilled in helping me learn the training steps so that I can continue Tilly's training on my own. I highly recommend the school and Aliyah as your trainer.

Laurel Taylor

2024-01

I literally called this place crying because I didn't know what to do with my puppy and they have helped me train but well behaved, calm, happy dog. I don't know what I would do without them! So grateful for Saul!

Barbara Lauterbach

2023-11

Trae is a strong trainer, and he is teaching me specific skills I need to communicate desired behaviors to my dog, Theo. This is money well-spent. All the employees are helpful and go beyond expectations

David Dreyer

2024-03

A dog store and more, this is a great place with a knowledgeable staff. I've been to get a toy and to set up a training regime now that my 5 month old, 40+ pound Labrador needs a bit of a tuneup. A well meaning neighbor introduced me to the Olde Town School for Dogs, and I am very glad he did.

Julie Swiatek

2024-02

Leighann is the BEST trainer ever! She trained our dog Rockie AKA 'Rock Star' and us, in obedience and then off leash training. Rockie is a rescue mutt, and very smart. Almost every day either walking him, or at restaurants someone tells us how great he is and well behaved. One waitress even told us she forgot he was there. Better than all the compliments, is how Rockie reacts when he sees Leighann; he is so excited runs up to her tail wagging and leaning in for love. This exchange is a pure example of her compassionate training style and love for dogs. We feel very blessed to have had such a wonderful experience with Leighann as Rockies trainer.

Annamarie Pistone

2024-01

I have been bringing several of my pets here for over 20 plus years, I trust themAnd they always do a great job for grooming. I had them train two of my pets as well, I moved to Herndon and we drive the distance there great.

Amy Dunne

2024-02

We had the best experience at OTSFD with Leighann Klingensmith. She trained my Jack Russell, Luna. Her patience and kind approach to Luna (and me!) gave me all the confidence that Luna was in good hands at all times. The best investment in Luna’s future was having her trained so well. She also taught me how to reinforce training at home - I still continue those lessons with Luna to this day.

Erin Thomson

2024-02

Our family has worked with Leighann to train our adorable yet strong-willed westie for more than three years. We cannot say enough wonderful things about Leighann — her temperament and love of animals is unparalleled. She works tirelessly to support you in reaching and maintaining your training goals. And makes the entire experience enjoyable. We completed the basic training course where Leighann helped us kindly yet firmly develop and maintain verbal commands and positive behaviors with our puppy to learn to heel, loose-leash walk and to recall. We felt so positive about the entire experience and investment that we continued with off-leash training a year later with Leighann. She still kindly offers advice and guidance on equipment and behavior modification. Her ability to continue to connect with our dog and our family has been remarkable — she truly is a special trainer and person. She’s candid with you and tells you what you need to hear not what you want to hear. Your family will not be disappointed in working with Leighann, she’s one-of-a-kind!

Adlai Hardin

2024-02

Leighann has worked with two of the seven dogs we have been lucky enough to have in our lives, and she did masterfully with both. Very different dogs with very different backgrounds — one labradoodle from a respected breeder and the other a mixed breed rescue from a law enforcement seizure in a boarding situation. Leighann keyed in on each dog’s strengths and vulnerabilities, brought out the best in each of them and showed us aspects of their characters that we would not have seen otherwise. She is professional and compassionate, methodical and intuitive, disciplined and kind, thoughtful and generous. Since we live near the store, we have had the chance to watch Leighann with many different dogs. She is dedicated and gifted, we feel most grateful for the chance to she worked with her.

Jessica Wills

2024-02

Saúl Cardona at Olde Towne School for Dogs is a phenomenal trainer! We completed both the basic training course and the off leash program with him for our lovable yet extremely exuberant Labrador Retriever. The transformation was amazing!Within moments of Saúl meeting our dog at the initial evaluation session, Saúl had his attention and had him under control. Saúl’s rapport with him continued throughout both programs, from the very first lesson where Saúl took all our dog’s uncontrolled crazy into a controlled focus, to our very last lesson, with him off leash, commanding him from a far distance.In addition, and more importantly, Saúl has taught us how to control and work effectively with our dog. With each session his demonstration of the training techniques were very clear. He worked carefully with each of us to make sure we were executing the techniques correctly. He always listened closely to our concerns and if necessary modified a lesson to focus on our challenges with our dog.Saúl always responded promptly when we reached out between lessons. When an unexpected conflict arose he worked with us to adjust our lesson schedule.We still have our young, energetic dog but we can easily walk him anywhere, in the parks, along the river, and down any busy streets without concern.Saúl’s knowledge and professionalism is outstanding. We would highly recommend him to any dog owner. Saúl’s training truly changed our lives.

Alice Berman

2024-02

Our family’s experience with the trainer at OTSD - particularly Leighann Klingensmith- was amazing and so helpful to us. We adopted a border collie who had terrible reactivity and aggression caused by an abusive first year of life. Over the course of a year Leighann worked so effectively with Lucie, winning her over quickly and helping her with everything from car chasing to lunging and threatening people she didn’t know. She also taught her the needed basics - sit, down, stay and place, etc. it was life changing for our family. Leighann is a true professional who understands that dogs respond to leadership with respect and affection. Lucies fears were diminished because she responded to firm kindness, Without heavy physical handling.

Dawesome Life

2022-05

My Tankies take training classes here and for a very active, full energy, large Frenchie Ms. Leighann has turn this untrained, and uneducated Frenchie to a well behaved and smart doggo. Plus, this place has unique treats and have a variety of dog clothes and gear!

D Shenoy

2023-10

I finally have the offleash dog that I've always dreamed of! Brad did a great job training Zamboni, and everyone at the school are so wonderful and kind. They always treat Zamboni (and me) super special whenever we come into the store to visit. Highly recommend Brad and the training team here if you want a dog who can play in open spaces without fear that they'll run into traffic or run off too far to get back. I was highly skeptical that my dog could be trusted off leash - but now we practice everyday and I have no anxiety whatsoever anymore!

Chelsea M

2023-09

I competed the three-week day care and training program. Chris helped me so much with my mini Aussie’s reactivity toward other dogs, children, and overall improved his leash obedience and manners significantly. Definitely recommend this option, especially if you have an idea of what your dog needs to work on already.

sueZ Q

2019-05

Well established dog school that has trained two golden retrievers and two labradors for our family over the years. We have always been pleased with the results. It has expanded since our first puppy training and has energetic young trainers who get to know you and your pet. One on one lessons are available. Kyle the manager and his staff are very experienced at addressing behavioral issues with many breeds and sizes. The store has lots of things for your pet such as food, toys, treats, collars, ....Conveniently located in Olde Town it has intimacy and charm. Picture of a puppy and his owner on the way to the school.

Chris Pete

2020-05

We took our Wheaten Terrier Chewie to see Saúl, and he took Chewie from out of control jumping on strangers to an absolute model puppy in about two hours! We're far from done, obviously, but Saúl is amazing about training the owners in addition to the dog! I'd give him ten out of five stars if I could!

Kit Conway

2023-09

Highly recommend Anderson! He did an incredible job helping us get our high energy Australian Cattle Dog trained up, able to heel and walk on a loose leash. Anderson is a total expert and made sure we understood the process every step of the way. We also felt comfortable that Zorro was safe, and he learned so much during our lessons with Anderson. We highly recommend OTSFD and especially encourage you to ask for Anderson!

Gillian Almeida

2023-06

Amazing! We did private lessons with Leighann for our 4 year old Labrador who is very friendly / high energy but was reactive on leash with other dogs (and had general poor leash manners). It was unbelievable the difference training has made for our lives - our dog is so well behaved now that she gets complimented on walks! Leighann's love of dogs is obvious and her years of experience make her incredible at tailoring training for your specific dog's needs. I cannot recommend working with her enough!

Jennifer Schwartz

2023-06

Best training and staff. Saul is as amazing with our rowdy golden retriever. Don’t waste your time with other Alexandria training facilities like we did. We were so impressed with the training and that they didn’t use a ton of treats to do it. We will definitely be back for more lessons.

L Fink

2020-05

We took our puppy to Olde Towne School for Dogs for basic (9 mos old) and off leash (15 mos old) trainings. We were fortunate to get Saul as a trainer. Saul is cheerful, kind and professional to deal with. Our Daisy adored him and was always excited to see him! Her behavior dramatically changed under his guidance. She learned self control and really enjoyed “working” on her walks. Not only did Saul train Daisy, but he taught us how to properly communicate with her. Another trainer we met with before Saul feared that her energetic nature would make her somewhat untrainable. However, after training with Saul, we can take her anywhere knowing she will behave beyond our expectations. It’s all thanks to Saul, our dog whisperer!!

Shannen Harry

2024-04

Great training, grooming, and dog products. Staff is super helpful.

Virginia Elgaen

2021-05

We are repeat clients and will refer everyone we know to have their dogs trained at OTSFD – especially by Saul Cardona Luciano. Saul has trained both of our dogs. Our first dog, Josey, is described by Saul as an exceptional (and even magical) dog, but we know he is responsible for making her that way. Our second dog, Cooper, is a high-needs rescue dog that needs a lot of work, and not only did Saul manage to get him trained wonderfully, he is even going above and beyond to make sure that he will be ready for off-leash training later down the road – rearranging his personal life to great lengths! Saul does not only train dogs for a job – he truly enjoys and invests himself completely into his clients (both canine and human alike). There are no written words to describe how exceptional Saul is and OTSFD is very fortunate to have him represent their company.

Sadie Cornelius

2023-05

Our dog went through the 6-week training program and agree with the 1-star reviews, should have done more research first about negative reinforcement training. They used a prong collar on our sweet little Cavalier and he's still recovering from the emotional and physical damage this training has caused more than a year (and several trainers) later. Save your money and use positive reinforcement trainers for your dog! Research shows it's the more effective method for helping teach dog good behavior and commands. Everything we learned From Old Towne School For Dogs am now learning that it's completely contradicting to what you are supposed do (forcing them to sit, jerking them on leash, using "no" and prong collars). I am crushed that we took our dog here and would not recommend others do the same. At the end of each lesson we had to purchase more and more stuff from their store (extra leashes, collars, accessories, etc) that we didn't need. On top of that the trainer we worked with was so rude I'd be in tears after wards from her attitude towards me when I was just doing my best to try and learn her (wrong) methods for dog training. She also rescheduled on us last minute a few times after we had re-arranged our schedules for training. We can't recover our money but hopefully one day we can recover our dog's trauma from this place!

Eugene Beigelman

2023-05

There aew too many good things to say, whether you!re looking for the highest quality in dog food or need the perfect grooming for your dog(s). I would go anywhere else. My two mini schnauzer Kodi and Kasper get everything they need at this haven for dog. I highly recommend Olde Towne school for dogs to everyone.

Maryjane McCann

2023-05

Jessie, who works at the renowned Olde Town School for dogs, has a natural ability for training all types of dogs. Jessie trains with compassion, enthusiasm and know-how! She is empathetic not only with the dogs she trains, but with their owners as well.We were impressed with Jessie's attention to detail and her follow-up with her clients, making sure our needs were met for our beautiful but overly energetic Golden Retriever puppy.Olde Town School for Dogs is phenomenal--owners Carlos and Sandi, and their employees (more like family) really care. We have used OTSFD before and have always been completely satisfied. We appreciate the knowledge Jessie has and her ability to communicate with us and with our doggie. Thank You!!!Gratefully,Mary Jane McCann

Cody B

2023-05

We took our 4 year old mini goldendoodle here for private lessons. Our trainer, Wes, did an amazing job showing us how to train our dog to be more obedient. We gained a better connection and understanding of our dog through the private lessons. Wes was very engaging, knowledgeable, personal and professional. You can tell that he loves his job and takes pride in his work. We highly recommend Wes for private lessons!