The Alexandria Dog
Training Company LLC
Alexandria, VA
BEST DOG TRAINER IN ALEXANDRIA 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, & 2025!
Alexandria Dog Training Company is honored to be selected as the
Best of Alexandria
2021-2025 Winner:
Dog Trainer
"Based on independent evaluation by the Alexandria Award Program for local businesses. Each year, the Alexandria Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional success in their local community and business category. The Alexandria Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity."
REVIEWS
*****
Sue was absolutely fantastic in helping us get our 5 yr old Dalmatian well trained and desensitized to outside distractions. You can tell that she is a master in her craft and knows dog behavior and language like the back of her hand. I learned during our 6 weeks with her that most of the training is typically in training the humans, not so much the dog. She taught us how to clearly communicate with our pup which relieved a lot of the miscommunications and anxiety our dog had. She was very professional and always communicated with us about appointments and timeframes. I highly recommend Alexandria Dog Training Company for any kind of professional training you are looking for your dog! It’s been the best decision that we have made for our pup and still continue to use the skills we learned in our everyday routine!
*****
Sue was great to work with. She was very professional and knowledgeable. My dogs were crazy walking on a leash, it felt like a chore walking them. After a few sessions with Sue the progress they made was amazing!
*****
Sue has trained three of my dogs and shown two! She is a professional dog trainer and has been training dogs for over 45 years. Results are almost immediate, and she not only trains the dog but trains you to discipline your dog with kindness and lots of love.
*****
Susan Sommerfield and Alexandria Dog Training are truly exceptional. We came to Susan with our family pet, Cherry Blossom, hoping to train her as a service dog for our son. The results have been nothing short of life-changing.
Susan's expertise and compassionate approach transformed Cherry Blossom into a highly skilled and confident service animal. Thanks to Susan's incredible work, our son now has a partner who can accompany him to school daily, fly on airplanes with him, and attend all his medical appointments, providing him with essential support.
Susan is patient, dedicated, and a true professional. We are so grateful for her guidance and expertise. If you're looking for a dog trainer who can achieve remarkable results, especially for complex service dog training, we highly recommend Susan Sommerfield.
*****
We had a great experience working with Sue! She brings a deep understanding of dog behavior that goes beyond basic training techniques. Sue helped us with our high-energy, easily distracted 5-month-old Dalmatian, Margot, who is much more interested in blowing leaves and passing dogs than listening to us.
In just six lessons, we saw tremendous progress. Sue took the time to work with both me and my boyfriend, making sure we both had the skills to handle Margot. She was also flexible with scheduling and meeting locations. Highly recommend Alexandria Dog Training!
*****
I had an amazing experience with Sue. Sue is patient, knowledgeable, and truly cares about both the dog and their owner. She provided clear, effective guidance and I loved the relationship she developed with my stubborn but sweet Bernedoodle, Bruce. I'm thrilled with the end result and instantly wanted to know what training should we do next?!? I highly recommend her services to anyone looking to improve their dog's behavior and training skills.
*****
Our pug, while sweet and wonderful at home, had behavioral issues outside the home. He was always lunging at dogs, cars, delivery people, etc. This was unsafe for him and everyone else. After individual training with Alexandria Dog Training, our pug is the politest gentleman whenever he goes on walks now -- we were even able to take him to a baseball game and he did so well! Before the training we never would have risked going, but instead we had a blast! Thank you Alexandria Dog Training! This was life changing!
*****
Four sessions in and Ernie is a different dog! When he arrived a few months ago, he could barely sit still and now he's responding to commands. Sue's so knowledgeable and patient with both me and the dog. It's a lot of work, but it's definitely worth it. We were so lucky to be able to work with her.
*****
Sue is incredibly knowledgeable and has a wonderful ability to get your dog to instantly listen and be in control.
*****
Sue was a game changer for our training. I had tried 2 other training courses and my dog was getting worse. She was becoming reactive on the leash and was a terrible puller. Even one lesson with Sue had her heeling and listening to me. Six lessons and I feel confident taking my dog in public walking around other dogs! She will even sit and stay for a photo! Absolutely worth the time commitment and work that we put in with Sue. I will only use Sue for training in the future and recommend her for anyone looking to be confident in handling their dog.
*****
Alexandria is a dog friendly town which means there are probably a lot of dog training companies in the area. I chose this one because there were some specific habits I wanted to work on with my dog that other places didn't offer. I really liked how she came to me and it allowed me and puppy to know what to work on in that environment when we needed to practice. Not only did my dog get trained but as the dog owner, I got trained as well. It's an investment in the long run if you want to upkeep the training and build on it. Highly recommend working with Sue, my trainer!
*****
Sue was amazing working with my dog. We rescued a rambunctious and stubborn (albeit adorable) 1-year-old dog who very much needed some structured skill-building. We went from a pup that barely knew how to sit and lunged at every dog in sight to a well-behaved dog that listened and learned some impressive tricks! We're so excited to continue our training and are so grateful for Sue's tutilage and expertise. Couldn't recommend this training enough.
*****
My dog loves Sue! My dog Frodo was very aggressive towards people. The first time they met she didn’t flinch or anything when Frodo was barking at her. She quickly gained his trust and showed him right from wrong. Frodo has really done a 180 with his attitude towards strangers. Some of our neighbors even noticed the difference. She also really cares about our dog. My dog is hairless and he had some skin issues that I was struggling with. She made sure that he wasn’t uncomfortable on the asphalt and made sure that the ground wasn’t too cold. She even had advice on his skin care. We are going to keep up his training and we now know how to help him be the best dog he can be. I would recommend Sue to anyone looking for a dog trainer.
*****
Sue is amazing! She makes every lesson fun not just for our pupper. Sue helped transform our pulling rowdy foster into a well mannered pup. She gave us the confidence to take him into busy areas like Old Town and know we have control over him and any situation. Sue is the best.
*****
Sue is truly a gem. She was able to work with my schedule and kept me as much in line as my black lab during the training process. He's a dream to walk on his leash now and is calm around other dogs when it's not designated play time too. It has been three months since we completed training & my dog gets constant praise from strangers when we're out walking. Thank you, Sue!
*****
I had a great experience training my very active, very strong puppy, and with Sue's guidance, have made great strides in his training. He started out a puller with no leash manners, and now is a well-behaved (mostly ;)) pup who walks at my side and behaves around other people. Sue gives a lot of great information, and it requires work on behalf of the client, but the results are worth it. I'd highly recommend her training course.
Positive, Responsiveness, Reliability, Quality, Professionalism, Value
*****
Our 2 year old corgi Scooter is a sweetheart, but was extremely difficult to walk - pulling, barking at other dogs, and generally stubborn. The difference between when we started and now is wild. We NEVER would have thought that he could walk calmly through a crowd, ignore other dogs, and enthusiastically stick by our sides. Sue makes it simple - do exactly what she says, and your dog will start learning exactly what’s expected and pick it up. She provided clear instruction and feedback and was especially patient as us - two inexperienced owners - picked up the basics. Thanks Sue!
Positive, Responsiveness, Reliability, Quality, Professionalism, Value
Justin Marks
*****
3/16/21
We are very pleased with the results of Sue's training of our puppy. But more importantly, Sue did a great job teaching us how to work with the dog.
Positive, Quality, Professionalism, Value
L. H.
*****
Alexandria, VA
3/14/2021
Before going to Alexandria Dog Training and working with Sue, walking our adopted dog, Tango was a nightmare. She pulled constantly, would chase after cars, people, lawnmowers, and of course, squirrels. Our first dog, which is far more mellow than Tango, was generally ignored on walks because all attention and physical effort was put into keeping Tango from hurting herself and others.
Now, walking her is far more enjoyable. She stays by our side, generally ignores the things she wanted to chase before, and understands commands we never thought possible. As a result, our quality of walks/lives has improved dramatically.
Sue also spent time training us, almost as much as Tango, because we need to know how to identify Tango's triggers for bad behavior and how to enforce good behavior while correcting bad behavior. We were given the tools and knowledge to not only reap the benefits of Tango's training, but also ensure that Tango doesn't regress on her improvements.
It does take effort to help enforce what Sue teaches to your dog, but the end result is well worth the journey.
Susan K.
Alexandria, VA
3/1/2021
*****
Sue has changed my puppy's and my families life in remarkable ways. Before we met Sue we were exhausted and discouraged. Our pup, Rosco, a shepherd mix, was an anxious mess, constant barking and didn't listen or understand "no". We had received bad advice by from a previous trainer. We thought we were all out of options. I had a friend who referred us to Sue, I gave her a call immediately. She took the time (on a weekend) to sit on the phone with me and discuss the issues I was having with my dog and what her business and training was about as well as how to fix the problem. Our phone call lasted over 30 mins, she was extremely patient, understanding, and knowledgeable. Before even meeting her I knew we struck gold. The first training session she assessed Rosco. That day Rosco, was showing his true colors, a true bull in a china shop! Only six sessions/ six weeks later our Rosco was a well mannered member of our family. Something we thought would never be possible. What sets Sue aside from any other trainer I know is the fact that she actually cares about her clients and their pups. She is always there to answer our texts and calls, and has gone above and beyond with helping us and Rosco live our best life. We are so grateful we found her when we did!
Douglas Reyes
March 2021
*****
Sue was brilliant with helping us train our 5 month old working line australian shepherd. Our puppy was extremely energetic and has a quick temper, but Sue was patient and used her deep knowledge to help us through the course. Highly recommend Alexandria Dog Training Company!
Sharon McCarter
February 2021
*****
It was a great experience for us and 5 month old puppy, Cooper, to work with Sue. Cooper loved Sue and throughout his training he was attentive and receptive to her training methods. Sue was patient with us (the parents) as she helped to guide us on how to best handle Cooper when working with him on basic commands and heeling while on the leash. It is evident that she know a great deal about dogs and training and she loves what she does. She is a great trainer !
Positive, Responsiveness, Reliability, Quality, Professionalism, Value
Pierson Brannan
*****
December 2020
We did the puppy pre-school, the 10 day daily boot camp, then the four lessons with us, the humans. We were nervous at first, as during the daily phase we couldn’t know much about the training and we wanted to get started. But after those ten days, our little malinois had the perfect groundwork. Working with Sue during the four days made us more confident on the correct path of continued training, and transformed our little hell hound into a controlled half-hell hound. Would definitely recommend Alexandria Dog Training Co. to anyone looking to make a serious commitment to their dog’s training!
David G.
****
Alexandria, VA
12/31/2020
We had a very positive and successful training regimen with Sue. First off you need to understand that while this is dog training, it is also owner training as well. You need to be ale to recognize that you need to be trained as well as your dog so that your dog understands what you are requesting them to do. So you will receive guidance on correcting your pet just as your pet will need to learn what to do when you command.
We have an Airedale puppy, who can be very stubborn when he wants to be. We are now able to take him on walks without lunging at ever dog passing by to play with, and who sits ever time we stop, heels when commanded and is a much better obedient dog than when we started. She recommended other corrective adjustments for his behavior at home which were implemented successfully as well.
Julie Row
*****
Alexandria, VA
During our time working together, Sue offered us strong customer service and a wealth of knowledge. This reflects the extensive experience she has with training dogs. We received valuable advice, and she answered our many questions thoroughly. Our rescue pup was also quick to respond to her guidance. To that point, we also greatly appreciate the work she has done with dogs at local shelters, as this is a cause close to our hearts.
Judith Hadley
*****
March 2020
We were looking for help with our small dog's aggressive behavior towards other dogs while on leash. Sue has helped us dramatically change our pup's behavior so that it is a pleasure to walk with him. The one-on-one attention tailored to our needs has been terrific. Added bonus- other behaviors he is learning that challenge him and give us better control of his on-leash behavior. We are delighted to have found Sue!
Laura P
*****
March, 2020
My mini poodle and I love working with Sue! In a few short weeks, my dog has learned to heel, sit, down, stay and more and I feel confident that we will be able to maintain these behaviors after training is done. Sue shows you how to train your dog, tailoring the hour long lessons to what you and your dog need most. She also provides you with a training collar and two leashes (6 foot and 15 foot). I highly recommend Sue as a skilled, experienced, and altogether professional dog trainer.
Wizard of AUS
*****
Sep 3, 2019
Brilliant concept. Sue is the original "dog whisperer" with an uncanny ability to bridge the emotional, social and communicative gap between dog and human. She found what she loves and calls it work.
*****
Sue has changed my puppy’s and my families life in remarkable ways.
Before we met Sue we were exhausted and discouraged. Our pup, Rosco, a shepherd mix, was an anxious mess, constant barking and didn’t listen or understand “no”. We had received bad advice by from a previous trainer. We thought we were all out of options.
I had a friend who referred us to Sue, I gave her a call immediately. She took the time (on a weekend) to sit on the phone with me and discuss the issues I was having with my dog and what her business and training was about as well as how to fix the problem. Our phone call lasted over 30 mins, she was extremely patient, understanding, and knowledgeable. Before even meeting her I knew we struck gold.
The first training session she assessed Rosco. That day Rosco, was showing his true colors, a true bull in a china shop!
Only six sessions/ six weeks later our Rosco was a well mannered member of our family. Something we thought would never be possible.
What sets Sue aside from any other trainer I know is the fact that she actually cares about her clients and their pups. She is always there to answer our texts and calls, and has gone above and beyond with helping us and Rosco live our best life. We are so grateful we found her when we did!
Positive
Responsiveness, Punctuality, Quality, Value
Kathleen Dunn
*****
Feb 1, 2019
Loved working with Sue! We had her help us with our new puppy, but it turns out our older dog was also paying attention. I now have two very well behaved dogs. Sue also gave us some good advice on feeding and we've noticed a considerable improvement in our dogs' health. I recommend Alexandria Dog Training Company without hesitation.
*****
1/2/2018
100% recommend! We are new dog owners and adopted a rescue dog that had virtually no training. Sue has helped us tame our "wild beast" (she is a sweet 16lbs) and also educated us on all things dog (food, treats, schedules, health, etc). She comes to our house for training and is extremely patient with us and our little pooch. We are still working with Sue and look forward to how much more our doggie will learn!