Â
Training That Makes Tails Wag and Humans Smile!Â
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.
Receive a Free Phone Consultation Now!
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.
In-Home, Private Lessons
Amy will come to your home and help you solve problems or learn basic obedience based on your needs. 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 The All Occasions Hall in Jane Lew, West Virginia, by the entrance to the Jane Lew Park. 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
Â
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
Â
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.
Â
READ MY STORY
See What Our Clients Are Saying...
"We had an excellent experience with Amy. She has provided outstanding care and guidance for our American Bully. She’s very knowledgeable, patient, and confident, and tailored the training to meet our dog’s specific needs. We saw real improvement in impulse control and reliability with basic obedience skills. I felt supported throughout the process and appreciated the clear communication and professionalism. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for effective, compassionate training—especially for strong, driven dogs."
- Sarah (Billy)
 "Very knowledgeable. Specialized training for my dog. He is very hyper and she worked with him to burn that energy. Also showed me what to do. I will definitely go back in the spring. Highly recommend."
-Tammy (Yukon)
"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
RUFF START ROUNDUP NEWSLETTER
Get actionable training advice delivered to your inbox.
Dog Training is a marathon, not a sprint. We’ll guide you to the finish line with weekly bite-sized advice.
You're safe with me. I'll never spam you or sell your contact info.