Training — Savvy City Dog
Bethesda & Chevy Chase, plus nearby neighborhoods
Training for Dogs 6 Months and Up

Training for city dogs in Bethesda & Chevy Chase

Proudly also serving Kensington, Forest Hills, Van Ness, Cleveland Park, Spring Valley, and Tenleytown.

Practical in-home training for dogs living real life in busy neighborhoods — leash pulling, reactivity, jumping, overstimulation, everyday manners. No fluff. No guilt. Just clearer communication and calmer living.

Book a Free 15-Min Consult See packages ↓
20 years experience
Urban + suburban specialists
Real-life practical skills
In-home training
Not sure which to pick?

Coaching sessions vs. day training

Coaching sessions

You're there for every session, learning the skills side by side with your dog so you can keep using them long after we're done.

Day training

I come to you and handle the repetitions myself — ideal when your schedule doesn't leave room to run sessions yourself, but you still want done-for-you results.

Still not sure? A free 15-minute consult will tell you in five minutes. Book one here →

Our philosophy

You don't need a perfect dog.

  • Walks that aren't stressful
  • Guests that can enter your house
  • Fewer daily battles
  • Calmer routines
  • A dog you can actually enjoy living with

Most behavior problems aren't caused by "bad dogs."

They come from unclear communication, overstimulation, inconsistent routines, and environments that are simply a lot for dogs.

Training should make life easier for both of you.

Book a Free 15-Min Consult

In-Home Coaching Sessions

Learn the skills, side by side.

Serving Bethesda + Chevy Chase.

Training takes place in your home and neighborhood for practical, real-life results.

Most dogs behave differently in:

  • Their own territory
  • Apartments
  • Row homes
  • Sidewalks
  • Elevators
  • Front doors
  • Busy family routines

That's the benefit of training where the behavior is actually happening. Real life. Real distractions. Real routines.

Most dogs are a great fit for Everyday Life Skills. If yours is working through fear, reactivity, or aggression, the Behavior Package gives you more structured, hands-on support.

Single Consult

For clients needing a single session with an expert.

$295
1 60-min session
  • In-home session
  • Perfect for an assessment
  • Or for troubleshooting a single issue
Purchase a Single Consult Now
Best Fit for Most Dogs

Everyday Life Skills

For adolescent dogs and everyday household challenges.

$750
3 60-min sessions
  • Jumping
  • Pulling on leash
  • Crate training
  • Confidence building
  • Door manners
Start Training

Behavior Package

For dogs working through fear, reactivity, or aggression.

$1,250
1 virtual + 4 60-min sessions
  • Reactivity
  • Fear
  • Separation anxiety
  • Aggression
  • Overstimulation
Get Help
In-home coaching sessions are currently offered Monday–Saturday.

Day Training Programs

Hand us the reps. Keep your evenings.

Serving Bethesda + Chevy Chase.

Done-for-you training packages for busy households who want faster, more consistent results.

01

Kickoff consultation

We align on goals, routines, and what "success" looks like for your dog and your home before day one.

02

Training visits

I come to you and put in the repetitions — real life, real distractions, real routines — while you go about your day.

03

Transfer session(s)

A dedicated handoff where we go through everything together, so the training transfers to you — not just your dog.

04

Text support

Questions come up between visits. You'll have direct text support with me throughout the program.

Most Popular

Day Training

2-week program

$1,975

You handle your life. I handle the repetitions.

  • Kickoff consultation
  • 10 training visits
  • 1 transfer session
  • Text support during program

Best for busy professionals who want faster, more consistent results.

Limited availability and service area — apply below to see if we're a fit.

Apply for Day Training

Training Intensive

4-week program

$3,645

You want deeper support. I provide consistency.

  • Kickoff consultation
  • 20 training visits
  • 2 transfer sessions
  • Text support during program

Best for households needing more structure, consistency, and hands-on guidance over time.

Limited availability and service area — apply below to see if we're a fit.

Apply for Day Training

Virtual Training

For clients outside our in-person service area, we'll still work with you.

Our approach is collaborative, thoughtful, and realistic. We'll focus on helping you better understand your dog's behavior, improve communication, reduce stress, and create sustainable progress over time.

Virtual sessions are especially well-suited for:

  • Reactivity and overarousal
  • Barking and leash frustration
  • Management and household structure
  • Enrichment and routines
  • Adolescent behavior challenges
  • Owner coaching and troubleshooting

Single Virtual Coaching Session

A 60-minute session designed to address specific concerns, answer questions, and create a clear action plan.

$165
Purchase Single Virtual Session

Virtual Coaching Package

Ideal for clients looking for ongoing guidance, accountability, and structured support.

$600
  • 4 virtual sessions
  • Follow-up notes
  • Email support between sessions
Purchase 4-Session Package
Straight from Michelle
"You don't need a perfectly behaved dog — you need a dog you can actually live your life with. That's the difference I train for, every session, in your home and your neighborhood."
— Michelle, Founder & Head Trainer, Savvy City Dog
Michelle, founder of Savvy City Dog
Meet your trainer

Meet Michelle

I've spent 20 years helping dogs and owners communicate more clearly and live together more peacefully.

My approach is practical, judgment-free, and focused on real life. Not perfection.

I specialize in:

  • Puppies
  • City dogs
  • Kids and dogs
  • New babies and dogs
  • Leash reactivity
  • Aggression
  • Overstimulation
  • New rescues
Questions

Before you reach out

Do you use positive reinforcement?
Yes. Every method I use is reward-based. I use my 20 years of training experience to create the best possible training program for the individual dog I'm working with. I follow the LIMA approach (least intrusive minimally adversive).
Do you travel to me?
In-home sessions are available in Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Kensington, Forest Hills, Van Ness, Cleveland Park, Spring Valley, and Tenleytown. Outside that area, virtual coaching is a great alternative — see the virtual options above.
What kinds of dogs do you work with?
Puppies, adolescents, and adult dogs of every breed and personality — including reactive, fearful, and previously-surrendered rescues. If you're not sure your dog is a fit, a free 15-minute consult is the easiest way to find out.
What's the difference between coaching sessions and day training?
Coaching sessions are hands-on lessons where you're present the whole time, learning the skills alongside your dog. Day training is done-for-you: we come to your home and put in the repetitions, then transfer everything to you in a dedicated session.
How long does training take?
It depends on the goal. Everyday manners often show real progress within a few sessions; reactivity, fear, and aggression usually take longer and benefit from the Behavior Package or a full Day Training program. I'll give you an honest timeline estimate on your free consult.
Do you work with reactivity and aggression?
Yes — it's one of my specialties. The Behavior Package and both Day Training programs are built to give reactive, fearful, or aggressive dogs the structure and repetition that quick fixes don't.
When are you available?
In-home coaching and day training are currently offered Monday through Saturday. Virtual sessions have more flexible scheduling — ask about evening availability on your consult.

Our Service Area

Serving Bethesda + Chevy Chase

Proudly also serving Kensington, Forest Hills, Van Ness, Cleveland Park, Spring Valley, and Tenleytown.