Our experienced obedience trainers are ready to work with you and your dog to achieve optimal results, tackling any behavior challenges or situations you need help addressing. Plus, they’ll serve as a trusted advisor on your continued your training journey; they really are the best!
Following are the obedience training programs Frolick Dogs offers and below are client testimonials and our trainer bios. Note that we do not offer group classes; all training instruction is done one-on-one. Our trainers use the balanced method of training -- treats and praise for 'yes', leash and collar corrections for 'no'.
If interested, contact us today (include your phone number) to inquire about pricing and schedule a free, no-obligation 1 hour consultation at our facility!
Dayboard-and-Train (3 weeks for dogs 6 months or older)
Drop your dog off for ‘school’ Tuesday thru Friday each week (drop off 7-10am, pick up 4-7pm)
Trainer takes your dog out for 3 individual training sessions each day, 30-45 minutes long
Training is done around safe distractions (e.g. daycare dogs, the streets of Alexandria, local parks)
Teach sit, down, stay, heel, loose-leash walking, auto sits, come when called, leave it and other commands as needed with increasing levels of distraction and difficulty
One-on-one 1 hour coaching lesson with you each week
Includes free month of Frolick Dogs gym membership – come to the gym to practice!
Private Lessons (6 lessons for dogs 6 months or older)
One-on-one 1 hour coaching sessions each week at our facility, your home/neighborhood, or the streets of Alexandria
Work on sit, down, stay, heel, loose-leash walking, auto sits, come when called, leave it and other commands as needed with increasing levels of distraction and difficulty
You are responsible for doing ‘homework’ each week, practicing what you learned at your lesson in order to get ready for the next one
Puppy 101 (3 lessons for dogs 5 months old and younger)
One-on-one 1 hour coaching sessions every 2 weeks at our facility, your home/neighborhood, or the streets of Alexandria
Covers housebreaking, walking on leash, name response, grooming techniques and more!
Trainer serves as an invaluable resource as you work through the different stages of puppyhood
If interested, contact us today to inquire about pricing and schedule a free, no-obligation 1 hour consultation at our facility!
Trainer Bios
Kevin Gilliam
Owner, Lead Obedience Trainer
Frolick Dogs’ owner, Kevin brings 8 years of experience as a dog trainer at the prestigious Olde Towne School for Dogs where he worked with over 500 area dogs and their owners on everything from puppy socialization to basic obedience to off-leash training. He then launched the Frolick Dogs training program in 2018 and has overseen the successful training of over 140 dogs in this program. He has a deep understanding of canine behavior and is knowledgeable in various methods & approaches for working with dogs of all breeds and temperaments. At home, he enjoys spending time with his fun-loving daughter, three dogs — Chihuahua Tina, Portuguese Water Dog Phife, and Goldendoodle Gus — and two cats.
Justin Ashby
Obedience Trainer
Justin joined Frolick part time in July 2018 but soon became so indispensable that we brought him onto the team full time. His prior experience included 4 years of hands-on experience at area dog daycares where he was quickly promoted into management roles plus serving as an emergency coordinator at 24-hour VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital. In 2020 he began his Frolick Dogs training apprenticeship and quickly became our resident puppy whisperer as he developed a strong obedience foundation with dogs of all ages, breeds and sizes. Justin has served as a volunteer firefighter with Fairfax County, is an avid fisherman, and has 2 cats and a 2 dogs at home; husky-mix Reese and Brittany Spaniel puppy Rigatoni.
Client Testimonials…
“As a “new dog mom” I had a lot of questions — Kevin’s training and guidance at any time was invaluable. He deeply understands dogs and their development and knew exactly what to do in various situations. People tell me how well trained Fiesta is for her age; it’s due to our Puppy 101 training with Kevin!”
“I would give Kevin and Kim 10 stars if I could! We enrolled our 8-month-old Bernedoodle puppy, Dolly, in Kevin’s 3-week day care/training program in April of 2019. It was remarkable to see the complete transformation of Dolly during her time in training.”
