Pawsitive Training for You and Your Pup!
Whether your dog’s learning to sit pretty or mastering advanced tricks, we use fun, balanced techniques that turn “Oh no!” into “Good dog!” We help your furry friend grow into the well-behaved, tail-wagging companion you dream of.
Puppy Kindergarten
See Upcoming Classes Below
Basic Obedience
See Upcoming Classes Below
Intermediate Obedience
See Upcoming Classes Below
Private & Day School
See Information Below
Meet Our Trainers
Dog Day Afternoon is privileged to have some of the most highly experienced and certified dog trainers in the Northern Virginia area providing instruction. Dog Day Afternoon is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.
Olivia
With decades of expert training, showing, and judging, Sandy blends deep knowledge with heart to help every dog reach their full potential.
Read Sandy's Full Bio
Sandy has been breeding and showing Golden Retrievers in Conformation and Obedience since 1978. Her dogs have obtained titles as Champions, Best of Breed, Utility Degree, Obedience Trial Champion, Canine Good Citizen, Therapy Dog as well as hunting titles. Sandy has served as an instructor for Solid Gold Obedience Academy, Dulles Gateway Obedience Training Club as well as community education programs and 4-H groups.
Sandy has done extensive work with Canine Companions for Independence and other service dog groups helping people with special needs. She has worked with rescue groups and shelters providing evaluations and programs for behavioral modification.
Sandy regularly attends seminars staying current with the latest concepts in dog training. She is an active member of the Potomac Valley Golden Retriever Club, the Golden Retriever Club of America and the American Dog Owners Association that lobbies for pet legislation. She is a licensed UKC Conformation and Obedience Judge and is an AKC certified Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. She volunteers her time to judge Conformation and Obedience matches for local breed and obedience clubs.
Her philosophy – “There are very few bad dogs, only owners that need a little training.”
Deb Matthews
With a passion for puppies and clear communication, Deb helps new owners build lasting bonds through fun, effective training and guidance.
Read Deb's Full Bio
Deb has been around dogs her entire life and started teaching training classes in 2005. She started with Dog Day Afternoon as a trainer for our Day School program. Currently she is responsible for our popular Puppy Kindergarten group classes introducing new dog owners to the world of owning a puppy. She prides herself on making sure each owner understands how to communicate with their new additions while teaching both dog and human the ins and outs of basic obedience. Deb and her Shiloh Shepherds, Chase & Rock, volunteer in the community with the Loudoun County Volunteer Rescue Squad and the local pet therapy program.
Deb and Chase compete in confirmation and Chase has earned her Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog certifications. She is competing in obedience for her CD. Deb is a member of the Shiloh Shepherds Club of America as well as the International Association of Canine Professionals and the Association of Pet Dog trainers.
Upcoming Group Training
Puppy Kindergarten – Mondays @ 7PM
Puppy Kindergarten – Mondays @ 8PM
Basic Obedience Wednesdays @ 7PM
Basic Obedience Tuesdays @ 7PM
Class Descriptions
Puppy Kindergarten Expectations
For puppies 8–24 weeks old (and occasionally older pups who need a great start!)
Welcome to Puppy Kindergarten: the perfect place for you and your pup to build a fun, positive foundation together. This course is all about creating good habits early, teaching basic manners, and building trust between you and your puppy in a relaxed, goal-oriented setting.
What We Cover:
- Housebreaking
- Teething
- Essential commands like Sit, Down, and Come
- Walking nicely on a leash
- Gentle, effective ways to stop jumping, nipping, and barking
- Intro to basic grooming
How It Works:
Group Classes: 1 hour per week for six weeks: $195. Sign up for the next available class on our website.
Three private, one-hour sessions: $250. Contact us to schedule.
Start your pup off on the right paw, and enjoy the journey together!
Basic Obedience Expectations
For dogs ready to level up their manners and become model citizens
This is where your dog learns the life skills that make adventures together a whole lot easier, and way more fun. Our Basic Obedience course focuses on building everyday reliability, strengthening your communication, and solving common behavior challenges.
What We Cover:
- Establishing the owner as the authority, with the foundation of the “heel walk.”
- A focus on leash commands: sit, down, stay, recall, and leave it.
- Correcting bad behaviors like pulling, jumping, lunging, and barking.
Basic Obedience gives your dog the skills to be a well-mannered member of the family—and a welcome guest wherever you go. It’s also a great way to build mutual respect and strengthen your bond, establishing you as the calm, confident leader your dog loves to follow.
How it Works:
Private Lessons – One-on-one training tailored to your dog and your goals: $95/hr in-school, or $125 in-home. Contact us to schedule.
Day School – Drop your dog off and let us do the work. Includes 10 days in school + 3 hour-long sessions with owner and dog together: $645. Contact us to schedule.
Group Classes – Learn alongside others in a fun, supportive setting: $195. Includes 6 weekly hour sessions. Check for the next available class on our website.
Let’s turn good dogs into great ones—starting with the basics!
Intermediate Obedience Expectations
For dogs (and owners!) ready to go beyond the basics
Your pup has mastered the fundamentals; now it’s time to refine their skills and open the door to new opportunities! Our Intermediate Training program picks up where Basic Obedience leaves off, building on your dog’s foundation to improve focus, reliability, and real-world manners.
This course is ideal for anyone interested in preparing for the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test, working toward Therapy Dog certification, or just wanting a well-behaved companion in any situation.
What We Cover:
- Polishing obedience commands with greater distractions and longer durations
- Strengthening recall, leash manners, and stay under pressure
- Real-life training scenarios—like polite greetings and calm behavior in public
- Prep for the CGC or Therapy Dog evaluations
- Confidence-building exercises for both you and your dog
How it Works:
Private Lessons – One-on-one training tailored to your dog and your goals: $95/hr in-school, or $125 in-home. Contact us to schedule.
Group Classes – Learn alongside others in a fun, supportive setting: $195. Includes 6 weekly hour sessions. Check for the next available class on our website.
Let’s take those good manners to great places together!
Intro to Rally Expectations
For dogs who love a challenge and owners who enjoy teamwork
Rally obedience is a fun and fast-paced sport that combines obedience with elements of agility. In our Intro to Rally class, you’ll learn how to navigate a course of signs that instruct you and your dog to perform various exercises, all while staying in sync.
It’s a great way to enhance communication, build a stronger bond, and add a new dimension to your training routine.
How it Works:
Private Lessons – One-on-one training tailored to your dog and your goals: $95/hr in-school, or $125 in-home. Contact us to schedule.
Group Classes – Learn alongside others in a fun, supportive setting: $195. Includes 6 weekly hour sessions. Check for the next available class on our website.
Mixed Training Expectations
For dogs who love variety and owners who want it all
Ready to spice up your training routine? Our Mixed Training class blends obedience, tricks, and fun challenges into one dynamic session. Whether you’re teaching your dog to roll over, perfecting loose-leash walking, or introducing new skills, this class keeps things exciting and fresh.
It’s perfect for dogs who have mastered the basics and are eager for more, and for owners who want to keep training fun and engaging.
How it Works:
Private Lessons – One-on-one training tailored to your dog and your goals: $95/hr in-school, or $125 in-home. Contact us to schedule.
Group Classes – Learn alongside others in a fun, supportive setting: $195. Includes 6 weekly hour sessions. Check for the next available class on our website.
Canine Good Citizen Expectations
For dogs aiming to be model citizens
The Canine Good Citizen program is the gold standard for well-mannered dogs. In our CGC Prep class, we focus on the 10 essential skills required for the AKC CGC test, including polite greetings, walking through crowds, and responding to distractions. Passing the CGC test demonstrates your dog’s good manners and responsible ownership, and it’s a prerequisite for therapy dog certification.
Our instructors are certified AKC CGC Evaluators, and we offer CGC testing at our facility.
How it Works:
Private Lessons – One-on-one training tailored to your dog and your goals: $95/hr in-school, or $125 in-home. Contact us to schedule.
Group Classes – Learn alongside others in a fun, supportive setting: $195. Includes 6 weekly hour sessions. Check for the next available class on our website.
Day School
A focused two-week experience where your dog works one-on-one with a professional trainer each day to build essential obedience and social skills. Includes 10 days in school + 3 hour-long sessions with you and dog together: $645
Day School Details
Throughout the program, your dog is immersed in learning—both inside our facility and out in the real world. You’ll often spot our Day School dogs walking through downtown Leesburg, exploring Market Station, visiting the Government Center, or even relaxing at local outdoor cafes. These field trips help your dog practice calm, polite behavior in everyday environments full of real-life distractions.
We also incorporate structured play sessions to teach positive social skills with other dogs and provide a healthy outlet for energy.
Included with Day School:
- 10 weekday trainings; dogs can be left as early as 7 a.m. and picked up as late as 7 p.m.
- Daily work on basic obedience and manners in public
- Socialization with other dogs in a safe, supervised setting
- Three private one-hour sessions with you and the trainer to transfer the skills to your home life
Day School is ideal for families who want fast progress, real-world practice, and the support to keep things going at home.
One-on-one sessions
Personalized training designed for you and your dog working together. In-school: $95/hr. In-home: $125/hr (additional fee for homes outside of Leesburg).
Private Session Details
In private lessons, we focus on teaching you how to train your dog, so you can build lasting skills and confidence together. Between sessions, you’ll be practicing on your own, reinforcing what you’ve learned and helping your dog progress at a steady pace.
To get the most out of private training, we recommend:
- Daily practice with your dog
- Training in a variety of real-world environments—like parks, sidewalks, and places with other dogs, people, and everyday distractions
- A willingness to be consistent, patient, and proactive
Private lessons are perfect for owners who want customized guidance, flexible scheduling, and the opportunity to work closely with a trainer on specific goals or challenges.