Atlantic Coast K-9 Training Service

Ralph is an excellent trainer and completely turned around a dangerous aggression issue that had developed with my one year-old German Shepherd. The situation was pretty desperate when I first contacted Ralph. Our puppy had already bit me and my daughter, her primary care givers, on several occasions, and not just play bites, serious ones. I had already worked with two other trainers but the situation was not improving, if anything it was getting worse. Ralph and I talked for over an hour when I first contacted him and he was very concerned. He wasn’t sure if he could help me but said that if the situation could be fixed it would be through a solid foundation of basic obedience. I signed on for the training and Ralph was 100% correct. We built up a solid foundation of obedience training and were able to completely turn the situation around. Any sign of aggression was countered by an obedience command which then shut down the aggressive behavior. It worked and now after just 6 sessions, I have a smart, obedient, and loving dog. Of course we still have work to do but I am very grateful to Ralph for giving me the tools that I needed to change the situation. You are a hero Ralph, thank you so much!

Our dog Tippy is part Boxer and Pug she was hand full. Everytime someone opened the door she would dart out and she was gone. We didn't take Tippy for a walk she took us for a drag. We had some concerns that she was going to get hit by a car or stolen as well as hurt someone when walking her. Ben and I talked about getting someone to help us train her. That's when Ben found Ralph and he told us he could help. Sure enough Ralph worked with her and turned her behavior completely around. I would recommend Ralph to anyone who needs help with their dog. He doesn't only train the dog he also train the owner. We feel like Ralph saved Tippy from getting hurt or even worse killed. Thanks Ralph!

These guys are REAL dog trainers. They don't use any of the gimmicky tricks tht a lot of the other trainers use. It's no wonder that Ralph Smith is among the best trainers in the country. He's amazing!

As a German Shepherd breeder, I researched to find the best trainer and I found him in Charlottesville, Ralph Smith. I have trained three dogs with him and will continue to do so in the future. My dogs have been trained in basic and advanced obedience as well as protection. I will be expanding my dogs training to possibly include schutzhund and agility. His training methods work and the results are amazing. I am always complimented on how well behaved my dogs are in public. You don't have to show dogs to have quality training. I believe in him so much that even though I lived 4 hours away, I made trips weekly. What I have learned from him, I can apply to pups I breed. He has different training options available to fit any budget. Best trainer in Virginia!