North Star Canines In-Home Dog Trainer & Behavior Counselor - Scottsville, VA

Verified Member since Jul 2017 Verified checkmark

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

4-lesson package
$ 575.00 Per Dog book

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.

6-lesson package
$ 810.00 Per Dog book

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

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virginia dare

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BASED IN: Scottsville, VA
SERVICE AREA: Within 25 miles, including Central Virginia: southern Albemarle County, Charlottesville, Scottsville, Buckingham County, parts of Nelson and Fluvanna and Goochland counties

Distinction

Pw without hitch Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP)

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

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

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 — Certified Dog Trainer in Scottsville, Virginia


Virginia Dare is a certified dog trainer serving Scottsville and the surrounding Albemarle County area, including nearby communities such as Charlottesville, Waynesboro, Staunton, Harrisonburg, Culpeper, Orange, Palmyra, Louisa, Gordonsville, Ruckersville. They specialize in helping dogs and their people build calm, trusting, and lasting relationships through positive, science-based training. Whether you're working through leash pulling, anxiety, reactivity, or simply want a well-mannered companion, Virginia tailors each session to your dog’s personality, history, and learning style—so progress feels natural and sustainable, not forced.


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


Virginia works closely with you as the owner, helping you understand your dog’s behavior, build clear communication, and create routines that lead to real-world success at home and in public.


Training Support for Real-Life Challenges


From everyday manners to more complex behavioral concerns, Virginia provides practical, results-driven support 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

Each session is designed to be encouraging, easy to apply, and tailored to your daily routine.


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 Virginia Dare, ensures that your dog’s training is grounded in science, safety, and compassion. Asking about a trainer’s credentials is one of the best ways to make a confident, informed choice.


Why Pet Parents Book Through PetWorks


Booking through PetWorks gives you more than access to a qualified trainer — it gives you confidence in your choice.


Virginia is a verified professional who uses force-free, positive reinforcement methods grounded in modern behavioral science. Pet parents value the supportive, judgment-free approach, along with the ability to read verified reviews and book securely through a trusted platform.


🦔 How Booking Dog Training in Scottsville, VA on PetWorks Works


Finding the right dog trainer starts with trust and fit. On PetWorks, you can explore Virginia’s profile, read real feedback from pet parents across Albemarle County, and either initiate a booking offer by clicking the "Book Now" button, or start with a conversation by clicking '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 absolutely improve with consistent, professional guidance — with many pet parents noticing meaningful progress within just a few sessions.


In Scottsville and throughout Virginia, demand for experienced, force-free dog trainers can increase during the spring and early fall, when routines shift and outdoor activity picks up. Booking a bit in advance can help you secure the schedule that works best for you.


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 available services and choose the option that aligns with your goals.


All payments are processed securely through PetWorks. Every booking also includes PetWorks Care Coverage, giving you access to a dedicated concierge team, added protection, and support throughout your experience. Once you connect, you’ll coordinate scheduling, location, and training goals directly with Virginia to get the most out of your sessions.


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 behavior issues like reactivity or anxiety may require ongoing training and consistency at home.


Do you offer in-home dog training in Scottsville, VA? Many trainers on PetWorks, including Virginia, offer flexible options such as in-home sessions, local meetups, or virtual coaching. Check the services listed above or use Request Quote to confirm what works best for your situation.


Can dog training help with aggressive or reactive behavior? Yes. Positive, science-based training can be very effective in addressing reactivity, fear, and certain forms of aggression. Early guidance from a certified professional helps ensure safe, lasting progress.


🐾 Start Building a Better Relationship With Your Dog


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


Explore Virginia’s profile, read verified reviews from local pet parents across Albemarle County, and take the first step toward a calmer, more confident dog today. Availability can vary week to week, so booking ahead is recommended.