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Hi, I’m Nikita, a certified dog trainer and founder of Furry Friends Dog Training in San Francisco. I offer private, positive reinforcement-based training tailored to each dog’s needs, whether it’s basic manners, leash walking, or behavior support. I’m DTIA-certified through SF Puppy Prep and focus on building trust, skills, and a strong human-canine bond. ✨ I offer a free 30-minute Zoom consultation—learn more at furryfriendsdog.com.

Polite Pooches offers group classes and private training sessions utilizing positive reinforcement, force free methods only. We offer puppy classes through advanced manners. All private sessions & group classes are held at our safe, quiet, clean training center in Forest Hill, MD. All of our trainers have achieved at least their CPDT-KA certification. We teach using humane methods, and go at a pace each dog is comfortable with.

We are a dog centered training facility. We teach basic life skills to dogs to help create happy families..

After nearly 30 years teaching high school, I retired to work with animals. I am certified through Animal Behavior College as a Dog Walker, Pet Sitter, and Zookeeper Assistant. I am also a Certified Dog Trainer through Petco. I have two small dogs, a 12-year-old Spitz and a 3-year-old Border Terrier. I’ve been a pet mom for the past 25 years of both dogs and cats. I have also owned fish, mice, hamsters, and a rat. I LOVE animals, and I will care for yours as my own.

Joyful Dog works one-on-one and in group classes with people and their dogs, teaching fun ways to live together with force-free tools and techniques for creative communication. We provide training in basic manners, behavioral problem-solving, puppy socialization, and a variety of special interests. Our positive approach includes Connection, Cooperation, and Control™, a curriculum founded on Suzanne Clothier’s Relationship Centered Training techniques, and Tellington TTouch® methods of body work and movement, to help dogs achieve physical and behavioral balance. We serve an online clientele, as well as in-person in Leesburg, Loudoun and western Fairfax counties in Virginia.

Many people are stressed out and struggling with their dog's behavior. I help them transform their relationship with their dogs through fun, games-based training, so they can joyfully share their life with a well-behaved dog.