Sundog Affirmative Dog Training - Danbury, CT

5 out of 5

(5 reviews)

Verified Member since Dec 2021 Verified checkmark

At SUNDOG, we are passionate about enhancing the bond between you and your furry companion through our specialized cruelty-free training programs. With 15 years of training experience, we bring a wealth of expertise in positive reinforcement-based training for basic obedience, housetraining, and general problem-solving. Our team is certified by prestigious organizations such as the American Kennel Club as Canine Good Citizen Approved Evaluators and holds certifications from CATCH Canine Training Academy, ensuring that your pet is in the best hands possible. Whether it's resolving issues like leash pulling, jumping, or separation anxiety, our certified professionals are equipped with the knowledge and tools to help your dog thrive.

We take immense pride in our comprehensive training approach, which includes the use of clickers, praise, toys, and treats to promote positive behavior in dogs of all sizes, from under 20 lbs to over 80 lbs. As members of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and certified in Pet First Aid and CPR by the American Red Cross, we are committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for your pets. Our services extend beyond basic obedience, addressing specific challenges such as crate training, rehoming shelter dogs, and improving bite inhibition. We also offer mobile services, ensuring that your pet receives consistent training in the comfort of their familiar surroundings.

Our flexible cancellation policy reflects our commitment to accommodating your needs, even when unexpected cat-astrophes occur. As an insured team of certified dog trainers, we are dedicated to creating lasting positive changes in your pet's behavior. Whether you're looking to enhance your dog's agility or modify challenging behaviors, we're here to support you every step of the way.

Many clients tell me that my positive reinforcement methods are remarkably effective, and some have said their dogs were “totally transformed” after just a few sessions. I believe training should extend beyond the time we spend together, so I provide detailed worksheets, helpful feedback between sessions, and continued support long after training ends. I also try to be as flexible as possible with scheduling and location. I’m passionate about helping dogs and the people who love them, and I work hard to connect with dogs at every stage of their behavioral journey — including rescues and dogs facing more complex challenges.

FAQ: Sundog Affirmative Dog Training, LLC

What training methods do you use?
I focus on science-based, positive reinforcement training. This approach rewards the behaviors we want to see rather than punishing unwanted behaviors, helping dogs learn in a supportive, low-stress environment.

What types of behavior issues can you help with?
I work with a wide range of behavioral challenges, including anxiety, trauma recovery, resource guarding, and helping dogs adjust to life as family companions. Every training plan is tailored to the specific needs of the dog and their family.

How personalized are your training sessions?
My training sessions are highly individualized. I tailor each session to the dog’s personality, behavior history, and the goals of the pet parent so the strategies we use are practical and effective in everyday life.

Do clients receive support between sessions?
Yes. I often provide detailed worksheets, guidance, and feedback between sessions to help reinforce progress. I’m also happy to continue offering advice and support even after our formal sessions are complete.

Do you work with rescue dogs or dogs with past trauma?
Yes. I frequently work with rescue dogs and dogs who have experienced trauma or anxiety. My goal is to help them build confidence, feel safe, and develop healthy behaviors through patient, positive training.

Serving Danbury CT local service area zip codes including 06810 ; 06811 ; 06813 ; 06814 ; 06816 ; 06817 ; Downtown Danbury, Rogers Park, and the Danbury Fair area.

Ready to embark on a journey of positive transformation with your pet? Book us through PetWorks today and let's get started!

  • Licensed
  • Certified
  • Insured
  • Online Sessions
  • Mobile Services

Pricing Packages

Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Manners training (Obedience) and targeting troubleshooting to help resolve specific concerns.
$ 500.00 Per Program book

(4) One-hour private lessons covering Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Manners training (Obedience), and also targeting troubleshooting to help resolve specific concerns.

Private lessons - specific skills training and behavioral troubleshooting
$ 150.00 Per 60 minutes book

Targeted skills training and behavioral troubleshooting for established clients who have completed our (4) session basic obedience program.

How do you serve precious pets?

  • Dog Trainer
  • Puppy Trainer
  • Dog Obedience Training
  • K9 Training
  • Dog Behaviorist
  • Private Dog Training

What training tools do you use?

  • Back-clip Harness
  • Barriers
  • Clicker
  • Front-clip Harness
  • Head Collar
  • Leash
  • Long Line
  • Muzzle
  • Praise/Affection
  • Toys
  • Treats

What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?

  • Dogs

Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?

  • Dog Agility Training
  • Dog Obedience Training
  • Pet Behavior Modification

What size animals do you work with?

  • 20-39 lbs
  • 40-79 lbs
  • 80+ lbs
  • under 20 lbs

Pet Certifications

  • American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Approved Evaluator (AKC CGC)
  • American Red Cross Pet First Aid and CPR Certified
  • CATCH Canine Training Academy - Certified Dog Trainer
  • Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
  • CTA Certified Dog Trainer (CCDT)
  • Pet Tech Pet CPR & First Aid Certificate

Bonded and Insured

  • Insured

Proud member of...

  • Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

Fairfield County, Litchfield County, Bethel, Brookfield, New Milford, Ridgefield, Newtown, Redding, Westchester County NY, Brookfield Center, Sherman, Wilton, Bridgewater, Roxbury Connecticut

What year did you begin serving pets?

2004

Cat-astrophes happen! What is your cancellation policy?

• Cancellations made at least 72 hours before the scheduled service will receive a 50% refund. • Cancellations made 24 hours to 2 days before the scheduled service will not receive a refund. • Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the scheduled service will not receive a refund.
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christopher rohland

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BASED IN: Danbury, CT
SERVICE AREA: Within 50 miles, including Fairfield County, Litchfield County, Bethel, Brookfield, New Milford, Ridgefield, Newtown, Redding, Westchester County NY, Brookfield Center, Sherman, Wilton, Bridgewater, Roxbury Connecticut

Distinction

Pw without hitch CPDT-KA American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Approved Evaluator (AKC CGC) American Red Cross Pet First Aid and CPR Certified Association of Professioanal Dog Trainers (APDT) Pet Tech Pet CPR & First Aid Certificate CTA Certified Dog Trainer (CCDT)

Customer Reviews

I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Sundog and Chris. In 4 sessions my dog has been totally transformed from a resource guarding growler to a pup that happily plays and shares toys and food with our other dogs. Chris is a compassionate trainer who was flexible with schedule, location and even added my other dogs into the mix. Thank you, Chris! - Danbury, CT

- C A

Can’t say enough about Chris! Abby was a foster fail two years ago after being found as a stray. An anxious dog with limited basic commands and my need to have her get along with another foster pup, Chris was contacted. His knowledge, patience and training techniques using positive reinforcement has been incredibly effective after just a few short lessons. He is always available to answer any questions I might have and is able to recommend products that have been quite useful in the health and wellbeing of my pup. I am so grateful to work with such a wonderful trainer! - Danbury, CT

- D A

I have worked with Chris for many years through New Fairfield Sherman Animal Welfare. He is a great positive reinforcement dog trainer, with a tremendous understanding of the dog’s behaviors and thought processes. Great trainer to work with for sure! - New Fairfield, Connecticut

- S I

I have nothing but great things to say about Chris and the time he spent working with me and my pup! Chris was incredibly knowledgeable and offered feedback and perspectives I had never heard before (and I had worked with a few trainers and several different veterinarians). Chris is patient, always positive, thoughtful, and dedicated to his work. This is made evident through his approaches in training sessions, the worksheets he sent home with us after sessions, and feedback he offered in between and long after sessions concluded! It’s not just a job to Chris, rather a passion and you’d be lucky to work with him! :) - Portland, Maine

- H C

I highly recommend Sundog Affirmative Dog Training. Chris is very professional, patient, and a great teacher. Our dog loved working with him during our personalized training sessions. - Danbury, CT

- W T

How do you serve precious pets?

  • Dog Trainer
  • Puppy Trainer
  • Dog Obedience Training
  • K9 Training
  • Dog Behaviorist
  • Private Dog Training

What training tools do you use?

  • Back-clip Harness
  • Barriers
  • Clicker
  • Front-clip Harness
  • Head Collar
  • Leash
  • Long Line
  • Muzzle
  • Praise/Affection
  • Toys
  • Treats

What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?

  • Dogs

Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?

  • Dog Agility Training
  • Dog Obedience Training
  • Pet Behavior Modification

What size animals do you work with?

  • 20-39 lbs
  • 40-79 lbs
  • 80+ lbs
  • under 20 lbs

Pet Certifications

  • American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Approved Evaluator (AKC CGC)
  • American Red Cross Pet First Aid and CPR Certified
  • CATCH Canine Training Academy - Certified Dog Trainer
  • Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
  • CTA Certified Dog Trainer (CCDT)
  • Pet Tech Pet CPR & First Aid Certificate

Bonded and Insured

  • Insured

Proud member of...

  • Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

Fairfield County, Litchfield County, Bethel, Brookfield, New Milford, Ridgefield, Newtown, Redding, Westchester County NY, Brookfield Center, Sherman, Wilton, Bridgewater, Roxbury Connecticut

What year did you begin serving pets?

2004

Cat-astrophes happen! What is your cancellation policy?

• Cancellations made at least 72 hours before the scheduled service will receive a 50% refund. • Cancellations made 24 hours to 2 days before the scheduled service will not receive a refund. • Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the scheduled service will not receive a refund.

Customer Reviews

I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Sundog and Chris. In 4 sessions my dog has been totally transformed from a resource guarding growler to a pup that happily plays and shares toys and food with our other dogs. Chris is a compassionate trainer who was flexible with schedule, location and even added my other dogs into the mix. Thank you, Chris! - Danbury, CT

- C A

Can’t say enough about Chris! Abby was a foster fail two years ago after being found as a stray. An anxious dog with limited basic commands and my need to have her get along with another foster pup, Chris was contacted. His knowledge, patience and training techniques using positive reinforcement has been incredibly effective after just a few short lessons. He is always available to answer any questions I might have and is able to recommend products that have been quite useful in the health and wellbeing of my pup. I am so grateful to work with such a wonderful trainer! - Danbury, CT

- D A

I have worked with Chris for many years through New Fairfield Sherman Animal Welfare. He is a great positive reinforcement dog trainer, with a tremendous understanding of the dog’s behaviors and thought processes. Great trainer to work with for sure! - New Fairfield, Connecticut

- S I

I have nothing but great things to say about Chris and the time he spent working with me and my pup! Chris was incredibly knowledgeable and offered feedback and perspectives I had never heard before (and I had worked with a few trainers and several different veterinarians). Chris is patient, always positive, thoughtful, and dedicated to his work. This is made evident through his approaches in training sessions, the worksheets he sent home with us after sessions, and feedback he offered in between and long after sessions concluded! It’s not just a job to Chris, rather a passion and you’d be lucky to work with him! :) - Portland, Maine

- H C

I highly recommend Sundog Affirmative Dog Training. Chris is very professional, patient, and a great teacher. Our dog loved working with him during our personalized training sessions. - Danbury, CT

- W T

🐶 Certified Dog Trainers in Danbury, Connecticut


Pet parents in Danbury and the surrounding Fairfield County area, including nearby communities such as Bridgeport, Stamford, Waterbury, Norwalk, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Yonkers, White Plains, Fairfield, Milford, often look for a certified dog trainer who can help a dog and their people build a calm, trusting relationship. Trainers like Christopher Rohland focus on positive, science-based methods that fit real life at home and in public. Whether the goal is leash pulling, anxiety, reactivity, or a well-mannered companion, a good trainer shapes each session around the dog’s personality, history, and learning style, so progress feels natural and sustainable.


❤️ Great dog training isn’t just about commands — it’s about connection.


Certified dog trainers work with you as the owner, not only with the dog. They help you read behavior, build clear communication, and set routines that hold up at home and in public. A trainer like Christopher is a coach for both of you.


✅ Training Support for Real-Life Challenges


From everyday manners to more complex behavioral concerns, certified dog trainers in Danbury commonly help with:


  • Obedience and focus for home and public settings

  • Leash training and more relaxed, enjoyable walks

  • Reducing anxiety, fear, and reactivity

  • Puppy and new dog foundations for long-term success


Sessions should feel encouraging, practical, and easy to carry into your daily routine. The services listed on this profile show what Christopher offers.


Recommended Certifications for Dog Trainers


When choosing a dog trainer, professional certifications are a strong indicator of expertise, experience, and commitment to ethical, science-based methods. Widely recognized credentials include the CPDT-KA or CPDT-KSA from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, which demonstrate mastery of modern training techniques, canine behavior, and learning theory. The KPA-CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner) highlights trainers skilled in positive reinforcement and clicker training, while the IAABC Certified Dog Trainer credential, recognized internationally, signals advanced knowledge in behavior modification and problem-solving. Membership or certification through the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) further reflects ongoing education and adherence to ethical standards. Many trainers also pursue specialty certifications in areas such as aggression management, behavior modification, or puppy development to address specific challenges.


For pet parents, choosing a certified trainer like Christopher Rohland is one way to keep training grounded in science, safety, and compassion. Asking about credentials, and confirming them on the profile, is one of the best ways to make a confident choice.


⭐ Why Pet Parents Book Through PetWorks


Booking through PetWorks gives you more than a list of dog trainers in Danbury. It gives you a clearer way to choose.


A profile like Christopher’s lets you review a local professional, read feedback from other pet parents, and book securely through a trusted platform. Many trainers on PetWorks use force-free, positive reinforcement methods grounded in modern behavioral science. Pet parents often look for that supportive, judgment-free approach when they decide who to hire.


🦔 How Booking Dog Training in Danbury, CT on PetWorks Works


Finding the right dog trainer starts with trust and fit. On this page you can explore Christopher’s profile, read feedback from pet parents across Fairfield County, and either start a booking with "Book Now" or begin a conversation with "Get Custom Quote" or "Send Message".


Training works best when you begin at the right time. For puppies and newly adopted dogs, early training builds strong habits from the start. For older dogs, challenges like leash pulling, anxiety, or reactivity can improve with consistent, professional guidance, and many pet parents notice meaningful progress within a few sessions.


In Danbury and throughout Connecticut, demand for experienced, force-free dog trainers often rises in spring and early fall, when routines shift and outdoor activity picks up. Booking a bit ahead can help you get a schedule that works.


Most dog training sessions across the U.S. typically range from $75–$150 per hour, depending on experience, location, and training type. On PetWorks, you can review the services on this profile and choose the option that matches your goals.


All payments are processed securely through PetWorks. Every booking also includes PetWorks Care Coverage, with a dedicated concierge team, added protection, and support throughout your experience. Once you connect, you coordinate scheduling, location, and training goals directly with your trainer.


❓ Dog Training FAQs


How many dog training sessions will I need? Every dog is different, but many pet parents begin to see progress within 2–4 sessions. More complex issues like reactivity or anxiety may take ongoing training and consistency at home.


Do dog trainers offer in-home sessions in Danbury, CT? Many trainers on PetWorks offer in-home sessions, local meetups, or virtual coaching. Check the services on Christopher’s profile, or use Get Custom Quote, to confirm what is available.


Can dog training help with aggressive or reactive behavior? Yes. Positive, science-based training can be very effective for reactivity, fear, and certain forms of aggression. A certified professional helps keep that progress safe and lasting.


🐾 Start Building a Better Relationship With Your Dog


Training is an investment in your dog’s happiness, and in your peace of mind.


Explore Christopher’s profile, read reviews from pet parents across Fairfield County, and take the first step toward a calmer, more confident dog. Availability for trainers in Danbury can change week to week, so booking ahead is a good idea.