We teach more than good behavior— we build trust, confidence, and connection.
EXCELLENTTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My husband and I cannot say enough good things about Gary from Aspire K9 Academy. We brought our newly adopted pup, George, for life training skills and we all, not just George, benefitted greatly from our sessions with Gary. He is not only incredibly knowledgeable but also kind, patient, and funny! He took the time to understand our pup’s unique personality and tailored each session to what we needed. Our pup immediately warmed up to him and I could tell that he felt truly comfortable learning from Gary. His positive reinforcement methods were not only effective, but also built a trusting relationship between us and our pup. What really stood out to me was how much Gary genuinely cares and how his training method focuses on patience, kindness, and encouragement. Never once was George punished, intimidated, or hurt. What I also really liked is that Gary explains the reasoning behind his methods and what our pup is communicating to us through his behavior. He was teaching us as well as our pup, so cool! In addition, he followed up after sessions, provided suggestions for food/treat dispensers/toys (which were game changers), and he was always available for questions. It’s clear he is doing this work because of his love for dogs and their people — and it shows! It's rare to find someone who combines such expertise with such a genuine heart. We are so grateful for all of Gary’s help and we cannot recommend him and Aspire K9 Academy highly enough!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We are super happy with Aspire K9! Gary is very knowledgeable and a great teacher. Highly recommend to anyone who needs a 1:1 dog trainer. Worth every penny!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We found Aspire K9 Academy through an online search and it has been such a great experience for both my puppy and I. Gary focuses on the dog you have (they are all unique) and works on your specific goals for your puppy. It goes beyond a basic puppy class which tend to be a one size fits all approach and builds foundational skills. Gray is accessible and responsive outside of class time. He is invested in your dog’s progress and growth. We are looking forward to continuing training with Gary as our puppy grows.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We’ve had many dogs over the years and we’re mostly “do it yourselfer” dog trainers. Needless to say, our results weren’t so good. But when we recently got a new puppy that might end up being closer to a small horse than a dog, we knew we needed to get serious about training. We didn’t want to end up in some viral TikTok where our dog drags us down the street. After some research, we located Aspire K9 and took our puppy in for lesson one. Long story short… Gary is an amazing trainer. We can walk with our pup and she doesn’t leave our side. Never pulls the leash. She literally flies to us when we call her special name. She’s worked out some anxiety issues. While we still have work to do, she’s on a great path. We were so thrilled with the results we even took our other dog to Gary and she’s a different dog already! Gary is patient and generous with his time. He may introduce some wild concepts (like getting rid of the dog bowl for certain breeds), but he’s also realistic and if you aren’t going to do something, he’ll work around it. I couldn’t recommend a trainer more highly. You simply have to go and experience it for yourself. You will not be disappointed.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The short story: The training is worth the drive & the cost. The long story: In October 2024, we attended a community festival where one of the local shelters had animals available for adoption. He’s a 2-year-old, 50 pound, Pitbull Staffordshire Mastiff mix. Our previous 2 dogs were half that size & didn’t strike fear into anyone. Having a larger dog, who is a Pit, was a totally different experience. Behaviors that aren’t a big deal for a small dog are devastating with a larger dog, let alone a Pit. I would cry when walking him because he pulled so hard. And I admit, I regretted getting him. He is a sweet, loving dog but his behaviors... I thought “what have I done?” I was able to get us into training at a chain pet supply company within 2 weeks of adoption. We had two 6-week sessions which did help but things were still not great. On Facebook, I remembered Aspire K-9 Academy highlighting the great results of training Kyoto, a rescue from my co-worker’s organization. I decided I couldn’t take it anymore & was desperate for help. It was the best decision I have ever made. I met with the owner, Gary Daydov, for our interview. I knew he wouldn’t sugar coat anything when he told me “Your walking is garbage.” I was like “Preach, brother!” His training aligned with our family’s. We didn’t believe in shock or pinch collars and he, likewise, avoids those noting there is a time and place but there has to be a long-term plan. He felt that 6 lessons would work well, so I immediately signed up. We met every 2 weeks, and in that time, Gary changed and improved our life 1000-fold. Gary really gave us an insight to the “dog’s mind.” He helped us understand what a dog needs & what makes him happy. He told us what kind of equipment to have & treats to use. With that said, as the pet owner you HAVE to put the time in; if only for a few minutes a day. And you'll be surprised how many opportunities there are to train just in your regular daily routine. All the work pays off. Everything Gary taught us made sense & worked. My husband and I would look at each other saying “he’s like a completely different dog. Look how happy he is!” In turn, the training has made us happy and has totally improved our relationship with our dog. Consider Aspire K-9. You won’t be disappointed. And you & your pet will be so happy.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This has been a great experience. My dog (Gus) and I have learned so much. Each lesson we go over what we have learned and new skills. I have been able to bring the whole family for lessons so we can all learn together. These lessons aren't just sit and stay but life skills to make Gus comfortable at home, at play and in the world. We will continue our journey with aspire K9 academy as Gus gets older to make sure he is happy, healthy and a good boy.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After extensive research and careful consideration of training options in our area, we chose to work with Aspire K9 Academy in Damascus—and we couldn’t be happier with our decision. We were looking for a highly skilled trainer who uses positive reinforcement in a structured and supportive environment, and Aspire K9 Academy not only met our criteria on paper, but has exceeded our expectations in every session. Our puppy is learning essential skills at an impressive pace—but, truthfully, it’s our entire family who’s been transformed. Gary Davydov, is the senior trainer at Aspire K9 Academy; his deep knowledge of canine development, his clear and practical instruction, and his thoughtful approach to training have been invaluable. He explains the “why” behind each method, demonstrates techniques, gives us ample time to practice, provides clear homework instructions, and outstanding support for success between sessions. We feel incredibly fortunate to have found Aspire K9 Academy. It’s clear that Gary is not only a gifted trainer, but also truly invested in helping dogs and their families thrive. We’re excited to continue this journey with Aspire K9 Academy as our puppy grows into the happy, smart, and well-adjusted dog he’s meant to be. Highly recommend!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We couldn’t be happier with our experience at Aspire K9! Gary did an outstanding job with our dog, Kylo, for both boarding and training. From the start, we were impressed by the level of professionalism, communication, and genuine care he showed for our dog. Kylo came back more focused, well-behaved, and confident—and it’s clear he truly enjoyed his time there. Gary's knowledge, patience, and personalized approach made a huge difference, and we’re extremely pleased with the results. Thank you, Gary and the Aspire K9 team, for your excellent work. Highly recommended!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Gary is very patient and knowledgeable! He did a great job helping us manage our cane corso!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I brought my dog to Aspire K9 Academy because he was aggressive with other dogs. Gary, the owner, is extremely talented, serious, and patient with his teaching. My dog is on the older side so he has required repetition to change his ways. My dog has been very responsive to his commands. He has a number of maneuvers he would like the dog to follow as a prelude to exposing him to other dogs. He also has a holistic approach, including food intake. With his recommendations, my dog has lost some weight and his coat is shiny. He is calmer at home as well. I plan to continue my work with Aspire as I have seen great improvement. I cannot say enough about my experience.
At Aspire K9 Academy, our mission is rooted in encouraging pet parents to reach for the stars! We’re not just another dog training facility; we’re a place where we inspire dog owners to dream big and realize the full potential of their canine companions.
We specialize in a variety of areas, including puppy training, obedience & manners, behavior modification, and dog sports, ensuring a personalized approach for every dog and owner.
Aspire K9 Academy is dedicated to offering effective, compassionate training for dogs of all breeds and backgrounds, transforming the canine-human relationship into something truly extraordinary. If you’re looking for a Montgomery County dog trainer; look no further! You’ve found your people.
Immerse your dog in a transformative learning experience with our Board and Train program. Our expert trainers work closely with your dog, instilling fundamental commands, addressing behavioral challenges, and creating a well-behaved and obedient pet. Your dog will benefit from socialization and mental stimulation in a controlled environment, ensuring holistic development and maximum learning.
Tailored to your specific needs, our Private Lessons provide a personalized approach to training. Whether it’s basic obedience, addressing specific behavioral issues, or integrating your dog with a new family member, our experienced trainers work with you one-on-one, ensuring a focused and effective learning experience.
Build confidence, obedience, and social skills in a fun and supportive environment with our Group Dog Training Classes. Whether you’re starting with the basics or looking to refine existing skills, our group classes provide the perfect balance of structure and engagement. Watch your dog thrive alongside others while gaining the tools you need for continued success at home and in the community.
Our specialized team of dog training experts has spent countless hours attending conferences and seminars, reading books & studies, and familiarizing ourselves with the latest industry research and methodology. Over those years, we have listened to pet parents, dog owners, and our own clients to uncover what exactly you are looking for in a dog trainer.
You want simplicity and predictability. You want quality, skilled, caring trainers who will give you reliable results. You want clear communication, realistic expectations, and reliable follow through. But most of all, you want the absolute best care possible for your best friend.
Starting now, don’t let your dog’s untrained behavior stop you from having the companion you’ve always wanted. You deserve to be happy with the dog you have in your life. Let our Dream Team of Maryland dog trainers be the ones to get you there.
Send us a message with any specific questions you may have. In the meantime, check out our FAQ below!
Yes, we offer 20% off each additional program of equal or lesser value
Puppies can start private lessons or group classes as early as 8 weeks old, and they can begin a board & train after they receive their final parvo shot around 16 weeks old.
Your dog will stay in our indoor, climate controlled training facility. Gary lives on-site, so your dog will never be without a human for support close by.
This answer varies depending on Gary’s current workload.
The short answer is no, the whole family does not have to be there. However, we find it very helpful if at least the two head members of the household (ex: both Mom and Dad attend the session, and they relay info to the kids later) are present.
Absolutely. We are passionate about our differently-abled handlers, and we dedicate ourselves fully to finding training solutions that work for you, your dog, and any other circumstances involved.
Yes! We are familiar with a variety of gut and diet issues, as well as specialty diets. Many of us have fed raw to our dogs at some point in life, so we still have a deep freezer and all supplies necessary to accommodate raw diets.
We ask that families who have dogs with significant dietary restrictions please bring their own treats. We go through treats quickly here, so approximately 1 pound for every 3 days of boarding is sufficient. If the dietary restriction is simple (no grain, no chicken), we can likely accommodate this on our own without you needing to provide treats.
Absolutely not! We are big believers that every dog deserves an equal chance in life, regardless of breed.
Yes and no. The success of our training is entirely dependent on our client following the recommendations we have set in place for them, and we cannot guarantee everyone will do their homework. So we cannot guarantee that if you spend X dollars you will definitely get X results.
However, we are committed to improving the lives of pets everywhere, and if it is apparent that you have put in the work, we will be there for you. We guarantee that 100%. We will schedule you an extra lesson, allow you to tag along to lessons with other dogs with similar behavior problems, lend you books, send you videos, anything that helps you learn.
We’ll see what we can do
At Aspire K9 Academy, we’re proud to be your trusted local dog training experts. Complete the form below to book your free consultation, or give us a call today at (301) 660-4875.
