The Family Dog
Behavior & Training
Happy family dogs on the porch

Relationship-based behavioral dog training

Building better bonds through behavior. Remote and in-person training for families in and around Reston, Virginia.

  • Reactivity, anxiety, inter-dog conflict, bite history
  • Rescue adjustment and life-stage support from puppy to senior
  • Compassionate, relationship-first philosophy
Book an evaluation — $35 (remote)
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About The Family Dog

I help families raise confident, calm dogs through a behavior-first, relationship-based approach. I've worked with puppies through seniors, rescues with big feelings, reactivity, anxiety, inter-species conflict, and bite histories. My goal is a safer, happier home for both humans and dogs.

  • Experienced with rescue transitions and behavior issues (reactivity, anxiety, conflict)
  • Relationship-building and trust as the foundation for change
  • Flexible scheduling — in-person within 40 minutes of Reston, VA, or remote

Services & Rates

Remote Evaluation
$35
Required before training. Remote via video.
In-Person Training (1 hr)
$95
Available within 40 minutes of Reston Town Center.
Remote Training (1 hr)
$85
Convenient video sessions from home.
Follow-ups (30 min)
Half-price
30-minute focused sessions at 50% off the normal rate.
🐶 Rescue dogs adopted within the past year: 15% off services

Meet Jessica, Your Trainer

Jessica with dogs

I started working with dogs at age seven and continued animal care for other people through my teen and college years. I then adopted my own dogs, a black lab with infinite energy and smarts, and a pit-mix with one of the roughest starts to life. After a season as a structural engineer, I returned to my lifelong passion—working professionally with dogs, using the knowledge I've gained along the way. I’ve collaborated with behaviorists, obedience trainers, hunting trainers, and teams who raise guide and service dogs. I’ve helped dogs with extreme separation axiety, bite histories, inter-dog conflict, and adjustment at home. My approach is relationship-first, focused on building trust so dogs can learn and thrive.

Get in touch

Or email: thefamilydogva@gmail.com