North Star Canines In-Home Dog Trainer & Behavior Counselor - Scottsville, VA
I’m Virginia Dare, owner of North Star Canines, and I’ve been a full-time professional dog trainer and behavior counselor since 1991. I provide expert guidance and reward-based training strategies for dogs of all ages, breeds, and training, and most behavior needs.
I founded my dog training business in 1991, beginning in WI and later expanding to VA, NY, and CT. I’m now based in Scottsville, Virginia, where I enjoy working closely with local pet owners to help them build stronger, more fulfilling relationships with their dogs. I’m just as passionate about teaching people as I am about training dogs, and I always keep your lifestyle and goals at the center of my work—because you’re the one living with your dog every day. My goal is to create clear communication and a positive, rewarding partnership between you and your canine companion.
As a certified trainer, I’m committed to offering practical, effective training methods and behavior advice that’s easy to understand and designed to help you achieve real-world results. I focus on positive, humane techniques that are enjoyable and stress-free for both dogs and humans.
One of the things I love most about this profession is the opportunity to keep learning. I’ve studied with leading professionals in the field and continue my education through workshops, conferences, webinars, and extensive reading to stay current with the latest research. I’ve completed a comprehensive applied behavior analysis course, which has strengthened my training and troubleshooting skills. I also hold a Level 2 TAGteach certification.
Please contact and book me on Petworks. Thank you.
- Certified
- Insured
- Online Sessions
Pricing Packages
Each lesson is designed to the unique goals of each individual and takes place in the comfort of your home. Detailed notes are emailed after each lesson to recap what we discussed.
Lessons are scheduled in the convenience of your home. Detailed notes will be sent by email after each lesson to recap what we discussed and so you know what to work on between lessons.
How do you serve precious pets?
- Dog Trainer
- Puppy Trainer
- Private Dog Training
- Dog Obedience Training
What training tools do you use?
- Back-clip Harness
- Barriers
- Clicker
- Front-clip Harness
- Head Collar
- Leash
- Long Line
- Martingale Collar
- Muzzle
- Praise/Affection
- Toys
- Treats
Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?
- Dog Obedience Training
- Dog Therapy Training
- Pet Behavior Modification
What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?
- Dogs
- Rats
What licensing do you have?
- Business License
On a scale of snail to elephant, what size animals do you work with?
- 20-39 lbs
- 40-79 lbs
- 80+ lbs
- under 20 lbs
Pet Certifications
- Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP)
Do you offer mobile services?
- Yes
Education
CTP, certified training partner, Karen Pryor Academy
Which part of the country do you serve pets?
Central Virginia: southern Albemarle County, Charlottesville, Scottsville, Buckingham County, parts of Nelson and Fluvanna and Goochland counties
What year did you begin serving pets?
1991
SERVICE AREA: Within 25 miles, including Central Virginia: southern Albemarle County, Charlottesville, Scottsville, Buckingham County, parts of Nelson and Fluvanna and Goochland counties
Distinction
Customer Reviews
WARM & WONDERFUL!! I would recommend Virginia Dare to anyone who has any type of dog training need. She is professional, warm, easy with pets and children as well as adults. Virginia is non-judgmental, patient, attentive and truly loves animals. Her pricing is reasonable and if I have any future needs, I am going back to her! There are levels of training - even if your dog is already good with basic commands, she can get him/her and you to the next level. I have a rescue who had a number of behavior problems (jumping, nipping, uncontrolled enthusiasm) - much of this is related to his age, but Virginia gave us tools that reduced and even eliminated his poor behavior. Training approach - Rewards-based (although there are alternative methods she will work with you on if you'd like). Technique - Praise / non-responsive to poor behavior (no military-style approach!) Responsiveness & Availability - Any question I had I was able to ask her either during the training session or in follow up (email or phone). Virginia's goal was to ensure we were getting the behavior we wanted to see. Whenever I had to reschedule a training session, she was very flexible and understanding. Overall character - Virginia is someone I'd love to call a friend - she is warm and friendly and is kind and consistent with everyone! I'd though my children (both 9) would be 'in the way', however, Virginia included them in the training sessions and it was great! My daughter became very skilled in training our Ivan. Virginia is very gentle with everyone and has a refreshingly open view of living with dogs. Follow-up - Virginia always followed up after each training session to ask if there were questions. She provided detailed reference for us that we could review and more deeply understand the 'why' of the training. She did explain everything during the training, but it was very helpful to have written material to refer to afterwards. - Brewster, NY
- Lois LHow do you serve precious pets?
- Dog Trainer
- Puppy Trainer
- Private Dog Training
- Dog Obedience Training
What training tools do you use?
- Back-clip Harness
- Barriers
- Clicker
- Front-clip Harness
- Head Collar
- Leash
- Long Line
- Martingale Collar
- Muzzle
- Praise/Affection
- Toys
- Treats
Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?
- Dog Obedience Training
- Dog Therapy Training
- Pet Behavior Modification
What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?
- Dogs
- Rats
What licensing do you have?
- Business License
On a scale of snail to elephant, what size animals do you work with?
- 20-39 lbs
- 40-79 lbs
- 80+ lbs
- under 20 lbs
Pet Certifications
- Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP)
Do you offer mobile services?
- Yes
Education
CTP, certified training partner, Karen Pryor Academy
Which part of the country do you serve pets?
Central Virginia: southern Albemarle County, Charlottesville, Scottsville, Buckingham County, parts of Nelson and Fluvanna and Goochland counties
What year did you begin serving pets?
1991
Customer Reviews
WARM & WONDERFUL!! I would recommend Virginia Dare to anyone who has any type of dog training need. She is professional, warm, easy with pets and children as well as adults. Virginia is non-judgmental, patient, attentive and truly loves animals. Her pricing is reasonable and if I have any future needs, I am going back to her! There are levels of training - even if your dog is already good with basic commands, she can get him/her and you to the next level. I have a rescue who had a number of behavior problems (jumping, nipping, uncontrolled enthusiasm) - much of this is related to his age, but Virginia gave us tools that reduced and even eliminated his poor behavior. Training approach - Rewards-based (although there are alternative methods she will work with you on if you'd like). Technique - Praise / non-responsive to poor behavior (no military-style approach!) Responsiveness & Availability - Any question I had I was able to ask her either during the training session or in follow up (email or phone). Virginia's goal was to ensure we were getting the behavior we wanted to see. Whenever I had to reschedule a training session, she was very flexible and understanding. Overall character - Virginia is someone I'd love to call a friend - she is warm and friendly and is kind and consistent with everyone! I'd though my children (both 9) would be 'in the way', however, Virginia included them in the training sessions and it was great! My daughter became very skilled in training our Ivan. Virginia is very gentle with everyone and has a refreshingly open view of living with dogs. Follow-up - Virginia always followed up after each training session to ask if there were questions. She provided detailed reference for us that we could review and more deeply understand the 'why' of the training. She did explain everything during the training, but it was very helpful to have written material to refer to afterwards. - Brewster, NY
- Lois L🐾 About Virginia Dare – Expert Mobile Dog Trainer based in Scottsville, VA
Virginia is a trusted professional dog trainer in Scottsville, VA, dedicated to helping dogs and their families build lasting, trusting relationships. With years of hands-on experience working with dogs of all sizes...from playful puppies to seasoned seniors, Virginia Dare uses positive, effective, science-informed techniques to make training enjoyable, rewarding, and results-driven for you and your dog.
🏙️ Personalized Training Right at Your Home
Living in a busy urban or suburban environment can bring unique challenges for dogs - distractions, new neighbors, and varying routines. Virginia Dare’s canine training services bring expert guidance directly to your door, providing flexible schedules, personalized attention, and safe, fun walks and training sessions for dogs of all energy levels.
🐶 Obedience & Manners – Teaching reliable commands and respectful behavior
📏 Leash & Walking Confidence – Ending pulling, lunging, and stress during walks
🧠 Behavior Modification – Addressing fear, anxiety, reactivity, or unwanted behaviors
🐾 Puppy Foundations - Socialization and good habit development from the start
❤️ Transforming Your Dog’s Life - and Yours
Training is about more than obedience. It’s about connection, trust, and confidence. When your dog understands expectations and communicates clearly, everyday life becomes calmer and more joyful. Imagine stress-free walks, confident greetings at home, and a deeper bond built on love, patience, and understanding. Virginia Dare is dedicated to helping you and your dog experience this transformation.
📘 Training Tools & Techniques
Virginia Dare uses customized, positive methods tailored to each dog’s needs:
🎯 Clicker or reward-based reinforcement
🦴 Treats, toys, and praise for motivation
🐾 Safe harnesses and leashes for structured practice
🧠 Behavior plans focused on sustainable, long-term results
These techniques strengthen good habits, reduce problem behaviors, and make training fun for your dog.
📌 Book a Session With Virginia Dare Today
Ready to see lasting results with your dog? Book a virtual or mobile dog training session with Virginia Dare in Scottsville, Albemarle County, Charlottesville, Waynesboro, Staunton, Harrisonburg, Culpeper, Orange, Palmyra, Louisa, Gordonsville, Ruckersville, VA at your convenience.
Whether you’re tackling basic obedience, leash issues, or more complex behavioral concerns, expert guidance is just a click away. Explore verified reviews, request quotes, and start your journey toward a happier, more harmonious life with your four-legged companion!
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