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ABOUT DR. SHAUN'S DOG TRAINING
WHERE MILITARY PRECISION MEETS BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE
Welcome to Dr. Shaun’s Dog Training, where years of military discipline, law enforcement experience, and psychological expertise come together to create exceptional training programs for you and your canine companion.
MEET DR. SHAUN RILEY
I’m Dr. Shaun Riley, and I’ve dedicated my life to service, first to our country, and now to helping families build stronger, healthier relationships with their dogs. My unique background allows me to approach dog training from angles that traditional trainers simply can’t offer.
My passion for dog training began during my military service, where I witnessed firsthand the incredible bond between handlers and their K9 partners. This experience taught me that effective training goes far beyond simple commands—it’s about understanding psychology, building trust, and creating clear communication channels between humans and dogs.
MILITARY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT BACKGROUND
As an 8-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps and currently serving member of the DC Army National Guard, I bring the discipline, structure, and leadership skills that military service instills. My experience as a military K9 handler and trainer taught me to work with dogs in high-stakes environments where precision and reliability aren’t just important—they’re essential.
My time as a federal police officer further refined my understanding of working dogs and their capabilities. This law enforcement experience has given me unique insights into reading behavior, managing high-energy situations, and maintaining calm authority—skills that translate directly into effective dog training for civilian families.
MENTAL HEALTH & BEHAVIORAL EXPERTISE
What truly sets my approach apart is my background as a certified psychiatrist and mental health specialist. This expertise allows me to understand not just dog behavior, but the human side of the equation as well. I recognize that many behavioral issues in dogs stem from miscommunication, owner anxiety, or inconsistent household dynamics.
By addressing both human and canine psychology, I help create lasting behavioral change. I work with owners to understand how their energy, emotions, and behaviors directly impact their dog’s responses and overall training success.
MY TRAINING APPROACH
I believe in balanced, science-based training methods that consider each dog’s individual personality, learning style, and needs. My approach combines:
Clear Communication: Using consistent markers and cues that dogs can easily understand Positive Motivation: Reinforcing desired behaviors to build confidence and enthusiasm Fair Boundaries: Setting clear, consistent expectations that dogs can successfully meet Owner Education: Empowering you with the knowledge and skills to maintain training long-term
I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Every training program I develop is customized to address your specific goals, your dog’s unique needs, and your family’s lifestyle.
LOCATION & SERVICE AREA
Dr. Shaun’s Dog Training proudly serves Alexandria, VA and the surrounding Northern Virginia region. Our mobile private dog training services bring professional training directly to your home, while our training facility hosts board & train and group obedience classes for dogs throughout the area. We provide dog training services to:
Alexandria
Washington DC
Rockville
Bethesda
Fairfax
- And all surrounding Northern Virginia communities