Live a Happier Life with Your Furry Friend
Certified
balanced trainers you can trust
Since 2005
helping families nationwide
Lifetime Support
to keep training on track
National Network
of local trainers near you
Free Evaluation
to start your dog’s training
How It Works
We offer a wide range of dog training programs designed to fit your goals, whether you need board and train, private lessons, puppy training, or group classes. Each program is led by certified trainers, with flexible scheduling and lifetime support after graduation.
Free Evaluation
We assess your dog’s needs and create a personalized plan that fits your lifestyle.
Customized Training Plan
Certified trainers guide you and your dog through proven, positive methods for behavior improvement.
Hands-On Training
Choose from in-home or mobile programs designed for lasting results.
Ongoing Support
Receive tools, guidance, and follow-ups to maintain progress and reinforce skills at home.
Our Dog Training Programs
and Services
Meet Your Dog Trainers
Every dog trainer on the The Dog Wizard Richmond team is extensively trained and experienced in balanced training techniques that address a range of behavioral issues to help your dog reach their full potential.
Steve Bittner
President/Trainer
Certifications & Qualifications: Dog Wizard Academy
Hobbies: Avid outdoorsman; skiing; kayaking; artist; cook
Notes: No single favorite breed — focuses on turning chaotic dog‑owner relationships into calm, respectful, and fulfilled partnerships
Dominique Fleming
Trainer
Dogs have shaped my life in ways I never imagined. Inspired by my own pups, Costa and Disco, I’m passionate about helping owners build deep, lasting connections with their dogs. Every dog is unique, and I love finding the best way to bring out their full potential through positive, effective training.
Years of Experience: 1
Certifications & Qualifications: Certified Balance Trainer
Hobbies: Anime, kitchen experiments, background acting
Notes: No single favorite breed; trains dogs with opinions and off-days; rescued tripod dog and senior pup inspired empathy; Type 1 diabetic with strong empathy;
See What Other Dog Owners are Saying
What sets them apart is how comprehensive and personalized the program is. They didn’t just train our puppy — they trained our whole family, including our young kids, who had an absolute blast! They also provided an abundance of valuable resources including videos, written instructions, and tips tailored to our specific challenges, which have made all the difference in continuing our progress at home. Our puppy Moose made huge strides, and it’s clear that Steve and Dom genuinely care deeply about the dogs they work with. We’re so grateful for the experience and couldn’t recommend them more highly!
From the very beginning, Steve was incredible to work with. Before we even committed to training, he spent 90 minutes on the phone with me — answering all my questions, easing my nerves about bringing a new puppy into our home, and even offering helpful tips and advice completely pro bono. That kind of care and thoughtfulness is so rare, and it meant a lot to us.
Once we started training, the entire team was fantastic. They really took the time to get to know our pug’s unique personality and quirks, and tailored the sessions to fit his needs and ours. His walking reactivity improved dramatically — walks are now calm, controlled, and so much more enjoyable. We also worked on "place" commands, which have been a lifesaver at home, especially when we have guests or need a little downtime.
You can tell the trainers genuinely care about the dogs (and people) they work with. They gave us practical tools, clear guidance, and the confidence to keep reinforcing good behaviors on our own. I’d highly recommend The Dog Wizard Richmond to anyone — whether you’re dealing with a reactive dog, prepping for life with a new puppy, or just looking to build a better relationship with your pet. We’re so grateful we found them!
Richmond Dog Wizard, making your life easier and your dogs life better. Giving dogs freedom by implementing obedience and resolving all types of behavioral problems so that they can be a better part of your family.
About The Dog Wizard Richmond
Our dog training goes beyond basic commands like Sit, Come, and Down. Our approach focuses on helping your dog make better choices and respond to you instead of their impulses.
We cover all the essential obedience commands you need to communicate effectively with your dog. But more importantly, we teach your dog to stay engaged and follow through with these commands, even in the most distracting environments.
Our goal is to enhance your dog’s understanding of obedience, making it a natural part of their behavior, not just a few tricks they perform when they feel like it.
Why Choose The Dog Wizard
Magical Methodologies
All of our trainers use balanced training techniques that are proven to be effective in and out of the classroom.
Everywhere Dogs Are
With over 100 locations — the majority of them being mobile — we have the ability to bring balanced dog training right to you.
Trained to Transform
Our knowledgeable trainers complete a rigorous dog training curriculum through The Dog Wizard Academy that teaches them methods that truly work
A Lifetime of Support
Those who complete our obedience programs have access to indefinite group class training support.