Tom's Private Dog Training - Bethesda, MD

5 out of 5

(2 reviews)

Verified Member since Apr 2020 Verified checkmark

Hello and thank you for considering me to be a part of your pet's journey! Since April 2020, I've been dedicated to transforming the lives of dogs and their owners across our community. As a certified dog trainer with credentials including American Red Cross Pet First Aid and CPR, as well as PetCPR+ Pet CPR Certification, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every session. My holistic approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of each dog, specializing in areas such as obedience, leash handling, crate training, and addressing behavioral issues. My passion for dogs fuels my commitment to enhancing their well-being and strengthening the bond between you and your beloved pet.

I offer flexible, mobile services to accommodate your busy schedule and can work with dogs of all sizes—whether under 20 lbs or over 80 lbs. I am fully bonded and insured, providing you with peace of mind and assurance that your pet is in safe hands. In our one-on-one consultations, I take the time to understand your goals and create a customized training plan that delivers excellent results. My proven methods have successfully transformed many ill-behaved dogs into well-mannered companions, bringing happiness to both pets and their owners.

Are you ready to see the remarkable difference in your dog's behavior? I invite you to book my services through Petworks today. Let's work together to achieve your training objectives and ensure that you and your furry friend enjoy a harmonious and fulfilling relationship!

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

Pricing Packages

Starting Price
$ 110.00 Per Session book

How do you serve precious pets?

  • Dog Trainer
  • Animal Behaviorist
  • Puppy Trainer
  • Dog Obedience Training
  • Dog Behaviorist

What training tools do you use?

  • Clicker
  • Front-clip Harness
  • Head Collar
  • Leash
  • Long Line
  • Muzzle
  • Slip Lead
  • 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 licensing do you have?

  • Business License

What size animals do you work with?

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

Pet Certifications

  • American Red Cross Pet First Aid and CPR Certified
  • PetCPR+ Pet CPR Certification

Bonded and Insured

  • Bonded
  • Insured

Cat-astrophes happen! What is your cancellation policy?

PetWorks Cancellation Policy Pet Care Professional's Own Policy If a pet care professional has published their own cancellation or refund policy, that policy governs the refund of the service amount only. Any PetWorks fees, including the Care Coverage Fee and Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee, are governed by this PetWorks Cancellation Policy and not by the pet care professional's policy. Pet Parent Cancels If the pet care professional has not published their own cancellation policy, the service amount is refundable only if the pet parent cancels at least 72 hours before the scheduled start time of the booking. Cancellations within 72 hours of the scheduled start time are non-refundable for the service amount. The Care Coverage Fee is non-refundable when a pet parent cancels, regardless of timing and regardless of whether the pet care professional has their own cancellation policy. Pet Parent No-Show If a pet parent does not show up for a confirmed booking, no refund will be issued for the service amount or the Care Coverage Fee. Pet Care Professional Cancels If a pet care professional cancels a confirmed booking, the pet parent receives a 100% refund of everything they paid, including the Care Coverage Fee. The pet care professional receives no payment for the canceled service and is charged a Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee equal to 10% of the service amount, up to a maximum of $150. PetWorks may collect this fee by deducting it from a future payout through PetWorks or by other means if no future payout is available. Policy in Effect at Booking The cancellation rules that apply to a booking, including any pet care professional cancellation policy on file and the Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee rate, are those that were in effect when the booking was confirmed.

Education

Catch Academy

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

Chevy Chase, Rockville, Silver Spring, Potomac, North Bethesda, Cabin John, Kensington, Garrett Park, Gaithersburg, Wheaton, Takoma Park Maryland

What year did you begin serving pets?

2019

How did you hone your craft?

I went to Catch Canine Academy. I walked dogs for several years before I was a trainer.

What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?

Dogs are constantly speaking to you.

What is one thing you want pet parents to know about you? It can be whatev-fur you'd like!

I always work with pet owners to make sure that they have a strong bond between themselves and their dog.
Verified checkmark

tomas kaufman-o'reilly

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BASED IN: Bethesda, MD
SERVICE AREA: Within 75 miles, including Chevy Chase, Rockville, Silver Spring, Potomac, North Bethesda, Cabin John, Kensington, Garrett Park, Gaithersburg, Wheaton, Takoma Park Maryland

Distinction

Pw without hitch American Red Cross Pet First Aid and CPR Certified American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Approved Evaluator (AKC CGC)

Customer Reviews

We reached out to Tom when we realized we needed some help with our puppy. He was very responsive and we had a consult where we discussed what we wanted to achieve and then scheduled our first session. Tom arrived right on time, came prepared with a personalized plan, and was very professional. He helped us with basic commands and gave us tips based on how our puppy responded. He then taught us several exercises to work on to help with basic obedience and lease biting. We've already seen an improvement in our puppy's behavior and will be scheduling more sessions as our puppy progresses. I'd highly recommend! - Washington DC

- Jill S

Tomas is terrific! He came to our home and was at least as focused on training us as on training Bear. I've discovered that this is a novel and almost a reverse system from the one employed by most trainers, and have discovered that Tom's efforts have been lasting and and been absorbed by us and by Bear in ways that have given us greater control of and love from Bear than I thought possible from a one hour session. - McLean, VA

- Michael H

How do you serve precious pets?

  • Dog Trainer
  • Animal Behaviorist
  • Puppy Trainer
  • Dog Obedience Training
  • Dog Behaviorist

What training tools do you use?

  • Clicker
  • Front-clip Harness
  • Head Collar
  • Leash
  • Long Line
  • Muzzle
  • Slip Lead
  • 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 licensing do you have?

  • Business License

What size animals do you work with?

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

Pet Certifications

  • American Red Cross Pet First Aid and CPR Certified
  • PetCPR+ Pet CPR Certification

Bonded and Insured

  • Bonded
  • Insured

Cat-astrophes happen! What is your cancellation policy?

PetWorks Cancellation Policy Pet Care Professional's Own Policy If a pet care professional has published their own cancellation or refund policy, that policy governs the refund of the service amount only. Any PetWorks fees, including the Care Coverage Fee and Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee, are governed by this PetWorks Cancellation Policy and not by the pet care professional's policy. Pet Parent Cancels If the pet care professional has not published their own cancellation policy, the service amount is refundable only if the pet parent cancels at least 72 hours before the scheduled start time of the booking. Cancellations within 72 hours of the scheduled start time are non-refundable for the service amount. The Care Coverage Fee is non-refundable when a pet parent cancels, regardless of timing and regardless of whether the pet care professional has their own cancellation policy. Pet Parent No-Show If a pet parent does not show up for a confirmed booking, no refund will be issued for the service amount or the Care Coverage Fee. Pet Care Professional Cancels If a pet care professional cancels a confirmed booking, the pet parent receives a 100% refund of everything they paid, including the Care Coverage Fee. The pet care professional receives no payment for the canceled service and is charged a Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee equal to 10% of the service amount, up to a maximum of $150. PetWorks may collect this fee by deducting it from a future payout through PetWorks or by other means if no future payout is available. Policy in Effect at Booking The cancellation rules that apply to a booking, including any pet care professional cancellation policy on file and the Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee rate, are those that were in effect when the booking was confirmed.

Education

Catch Academy

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

Chevy Chase, Rockville, Silver Spring, Potomac, North Bethesda, Cabin John, Kensington, Garrett Park, Gaithersburg, Wheaton, Takoma Park Maryland

What year did you begin serving pets?

2019

How did you hone your craft?

I went to Catch Canine Academy. I walked dogs for several years before I was a trainer.

What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?

Dogs are constantly speaking to you.

What is one thing you want pet parents to know about you? It can be whatev-fur you'd like!

I always work with pet owners to make sure that they have a strong bond between themselves and their dog.

Customer Reviews

We reached out to Tom when we realized we needed some help with our puppy. He was very responsive and we had a consult where we discussed what we wanted to achieve and then scheduled our first session. Tom arrived right on time, came prepared with a personalized plan, and was very professional. He helped us with basic commands and gave us tips based on how our puppy responded. He then taught us several exercises to work on to help with basic obedience and lease biting. We've already seen an improvement in our puppy's behavior and will be scheduling more sessions as our puppy progresses. I'd highly recommend! - Washington DC

- Jill S

Tomas is terrific! He came to our home and was at least as focused on training us as on training Bear. I've discovered that this is a novel and almost a reverse system from the one employed by most trainers, and have discovered that Tom's efforts have been lasting and and been absorbed by us and by Bear in ways that have given us greater control of and love from Bear than I thought possible from a one hour session. - McLean, VA

- Michael H

🐶 Certified Dog Trainers in Bethesda, Maryland


Pet parents in Bethesda and the surrounding Montgomery County area, including nearby communities such as Rockville, Silver Spring, Arlington, Alexandria, Gaithersburg, Washington, Reston, Potomac, Mclean, Herndon, often look for a certified dog trainer who can help a dog and their people build a calm, trusting relationship. Trainers like Tomas Kaufman-O'Reilly 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 Tomas 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 Bethesda 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 Tomas 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 Tomas Kaufman-O'Reilly 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 Bethesda. It gives you a clearer way to choose.


A profile like Tomas’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 Bethesda, MD on PetWorks Works


Finding the right dog trainer starts with trust and fit. On this page you can explore Tomas’s profile, read feedback from pet parents across Montgomery 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 Bethesda and throughout Maryland, 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 Bethesda, MD? Many trainers on PetWorks offer in-home sessions, local meetups, or virtual coaching. Check the services on Tomas’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 Tomas’s profile, read reviews from pet parents across Montgomery County, and take the first step toward a calmer, more confident dog. Availability for trainers in Bethesda can change week to week, so booking ahead is a good idea.