🐾 How to Handle Aggressive Dogs at the Dog Park – Real Advice from Dog Owners
Visiting the dog park can be a joyful activity for both you and your furry friend—but aggressive encounters can quickly […]

Sadie’s Rules K9 Training, located at 365 Truslows Ln, Nellysford, VA, offers a unique and comprehensive dog training experience that goes beyond typical dog parks. This women-owned business is known for its inclusive and welcoming environment, featuring wheelchair accessible parking and a safe space for LGBTQ and transgender dog owners. The facility provides onsite services that focus on behavioral training, crate comfort, and leash walking skills, making it an ideal destination for dog owners seeking professional guidance in a supportive setting.
What sets Sadie’s Rules apart is its dedication to transforming dogs’ lives through personalized training programs, including board and train options that have helped dogs overcome anxiety, reactivity, and other behavioral challenges. The team’s commitment to client communication and follow-up support ensures lasting results. For dog owners in Virginia looking for a dog-friendly training center with a community feel, Sadie’s Rules K9 Training is a standout choice, blending expert care with a pet-friendly atmosphere perfect for dogs and their owners.
FAQ for Sadie’s Rules K9 Training in Nellysford Virginia:
I sent my dog, Daisy, to the 6-week board and train program. I was struggling immensely with Daisy’s separation anxiety and reactivity. It was getting to the point where both Daisy and I were unhappy. I started looking for programs that would help her while also being completely safe. A friend of mine recommended Sadie’s to us. After filling out the initial intake form on their website, the Sadie’s team immediately reached out to me with her program recommendation and booking process. Daisy left in July and I got to follow along with her training via social media!! Jess and the team also emailed me with important updates. I could see that Daisy was truly improving and even making some dog friends!! At the end of the program, Jess actually drove Daisy all the way to my house (50 minutes away from her) just to make sure me and Daisy were completely comfortable. The difference in Daisy is LIFE CHANGING. She is completely off leash trained and overall she is SO HAPPY. I honestly do not know what I would’ve done without this program. I recommend this program SO FULLY. Thank you to everyone on the Sadie’s team!!
I can’t speak more highly of Jess and the team at Sadie’s Rules K9, who worked miracles with our beloved puppy, Sonny. While we were both slightly apprehensive to send him away for 14 days at just 3+ months, Jess did a fantastic job assuaging our concerns. Before his time in Nellysford, he couldn’t last 5 mins in his crate without crying/barking. He now spends hours in there peacefully (as evidenced by the below photo!), giving us (and him) peace of mind. His also increasingly comfortable and confident with his “place.” A terrific experience overall and one I’d recommend to any new puppy (or otherwise dog) owner.
Jess and the team at Sadie’s rules were phenomenal. Not only did they take great care, they truly set up my puppy for success. My dog Duke is an energetic puppy that needed help on how to settle and be more comfortable in the crate. He returned much more content with day crating and the foundations for place. Walking has been the biggest change. For a puppy it’s incredible how he walks directly along my side at my speed and not going after whatever may come his way. Walks are more enjoyable and I’m confident in time his on/off leash work will continue to expand as he gets older.
Our sweet but high energy Wirehaired Vizsla puppy, Rozsi, had become unmanageable, and our life was chaotic. After going through Sadie’s Rules’ 6-week program, she now has the training, and we have the tools and knowledge to live a peaceful and fun life together. Jess (and family and trainers) puts her whole heart into ALL the dogs and works with them 24/7. Anyone can go into a profession that helps people–like teaching, nursing, or dog training. However, it takes a special person to be good at it and truly care. Also, Sadie’s Rules’ daily stories on Instagram/Facebook are an invaluable resource. You can watch the dogs’ progress and benefit from Jess’s numerous lessons and advice. Follow them now!
Sadie’s saved our dog’s life. They did the impossible and then some. We are so grateful for them and cannot recommend them more! We rescued our bulldog, Percy when he was 1. He was extremely anxious and always on-guard. He paced and panted every waking moment. His anxiety turned into demanding behavior and object fixation. He expected treats, enrichment puzzles, snuffle mats, and bones for “distractions”. If we did not give in, he would incessantly bark. If that didn’t work, he would nip at us. If that didn’t work, he would bite.We met with veterinarians/animal psychiatrists who suggested medication. He tried 6 different meds within a 9 month period (all causing more agitation/no relief) with positive training. He passed his Canine Good Citizen test with flying colors, but did not retain any obedience without treats. His nipping and biting at us got worse. Unless it was bedtime, we couldn’t be in our house for more than 30 minutes for our safety. Everyone (including vets) told us we really needed to consider putting him down. This was heartbreaking to hear and consider – we loved him so much, but hated to see him so uncomfortable with anxiety.We found Jess + Sadie’s Rules K9 Training online. We were a little hesitant because they were 8 hours away and we were warned that e-collar training was “mean”. Our options were to put him down or try balanced training. Putting him down seemed more mean, so we reached out to Jess. She was quite familiar with cases like Percy’s, and knew that his body needed to learn how to relax so that his mind could relax. We worked with our vet to taper him off of all medication. We drove from Georgia to Virginia to drop Percy off for 8-week board & train. Jess was transparent and communicative his entire time there. We loved seeing his progress through daily videos on social media and updates. We felt like we were there. We couldn’t believe this was the same dog. He was so happy and relaxed.Jess provided resources, Sadie’s training documentation, and a book on balanced training philosophy, so we could prepare for a successful transition.After his 8-weeks, we drove up for in-depth sessions with Jess. She trained with us inside her house, outside on walks, off leash, remote training, and took us on a “field-trip”.We are home with Percy and cannot believe he is the same dog. He is respectful and calm. He walks in a “heel” on leash (even with bikes passing us and other dogs barking/lunging). He loves his crate and joyfully plays during playtime. We feel like we can finally give him the life and experiences we always wanted. Jess has provided real-time support on any at-home questions – they are truly invested in Percy’s success! Thank you Sadie’s Rules K9 Training!!!