Training That Makes Tails Wag and Humans Smile!
We believe every dog deserves to be understood- and every human deserves a loyal companion. Our mission is to help you build that bond through positive, relationship-focused training.
Request a Free Phone Consultation!

What We Offer:
Ruff Start Classes teach more than technique!
Amy uses reward-based, positive methods that empower clients. You and your family will feel supported and heard in your quest to resolve problem behaviors.

Private Lessons at Amy's Property
Come to Amy's home and learn how to solve your dog's individual problems. Amy will create a personalized training plan specific to you and your dog's individual needs. Solve problems like reactivity, leash pulling, excitability, crate training, and more, while learning home management skills.

Group Classes
Group classes are held at Amy's 11 acre property in the hills of Weston, West Virginia. You and 4 other clients will learn obedience training ensuring you have ample attention. Learn engagement techniques, sit, down, stay, recall, loose-leash walking, basic problem solving, and more!

Board and Train
The Ruff Start Retreat
We understand that your time is valuable, and training a dog requires consistency and expertise. Our board and train program offers training for things as simple as obedience for puppies to behavior modification for reactivity or unruly behavior.

Ruff and Ready Packages!
At Ruff Start Dog Training, we believe in providing comprehensive and tailored solutions to help your dog become a well-behaved and happy member of your family. Our Ruff and Ready Packages offer a perfect blend of group classes and private lessons designed to deliver the best results.
Reliable Dog Training in Weston, WV
Do you have a dog who has some of the following problem behaviors?
- Pulling on a leash
- Barking at any animal it sees
- Jumping on guests
- Not coming when called
- Chewing on furniture
- Fearfulness
- Resource guarding
- Mouthing/nipping
- and more...
Let Ruff Start Dog Training help you on your way to the companionship you desire with your dog!
Sign Up for a Private or Group Class Today!NICE TO MEET YOU
I'm Amy Dunlap
I'm a Christian, homeschooling, mother of 4 who has a passion for creating peace in homes that have problematic dogs. I use reward-based, positive training techniques to help you create a companionship with your dog that you have dreamt of. Whether it is obedience or problem-solving, I am happy to lend a listening ear and give you the tools you lack to bring peace back to your home.
READ MY STORY

See What Our Clients Are Saying...

"You sure helped us through our early Ruff Start and I thank you for that. Such workable training methods and ideas. I think you would be proud of Princess now. We sure are."
- Debbie

"We have newfound hope in Roxy's therapy. You are an answer to prayer!"
-Steve

"Amy at Ruff Start Dog Training is knowledgeable, kind, and absolutely wonderful. She empowers you and teaches you how to help your furry baby by showing you how to read their physical cues as well as reward based training.
I cannot say enough about how lucky we are to have found her. Our German Shepherd/Corgi baby is happier and less destructive since she has been helping us with training him!"
-Priscilla
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