Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about The Virtual Dog Trainer — services, pricing, and more.
General Questions About The Virtual Dog Trainer
What Is The Virtual Dog Trainer?
The Virtual Dog Trainer is a 100% online dog training company founded by Brian Gallardo. We help passionate dog owners build reliable, real-world obedience from home — without guessing their way through YouTube videos or duct-taping together random tips from strangers who have never met their dog.
Our mission is simple: empower you to become the handler your dog actually needs. Because the reality is, your dog’s training is only as good as your ability to communicate with them. Once you learn the system, your dog follows. It’s that simple.
Who Is Brian Gallardo?
Brian Gallardo is the founder of The Virtual Dog Trainer and Awoken K9, one of Tampa’s top-rated dog training companies. He began his training career in 2017 in New York City, working with hundreds of owners and their dogs before relocating to Tampa, FL. After training over 1,000 dogs across in-person and virtual programs, Brian built The Virtual Dog Trainer to make expert coaching accessible to dog owners everywhere — not just those who live nearby.
Brian personally reviews every application, attends every live session, and reviews every video submission. You are not getting handed off to an assistant.
Where Is The Virtual Dog Trainer Located?
We are 100% online. Brian is based in Tampa, FL, but because our entire program runs over Zoom, we work with dog owners anywhere in the country. There is no commute, no scheduling around traffic, and no stranger walking into your home to stress your dog out before the session even starts.
What Problems Can The Virtual Dog Trainer Help With?
We help dog owners solve a wide range of behavior problems, including leash pulling and lunging, leash reactivity toward dogs and people, barking and jumping on guests, ignoring commands around distractions, potty training issues, nipping and biting, destructive behaviors, lack of general obedience, aggression (mild to moderate), resource guarding, and separation anxiety. If your dog’s issue is not on this list, schedule a free consultation and we will let you know if we can help.
Can You Train Older Dogs or Specific Breeds?
Yes. We pride ourselves on helping dogs of any age, breed, and size. It is never too late to build better habits. Whether you have a stubborn 8-year-old bulldog or a high-drive Belgian Malinois, our customized approach meets your dog where they are.
How It Works
How Does Online Dog Training Work?
Our program runs on a proven three-step framework. First, you attend weekly 60-minute live Zoom sessions with Brian — real-time coaching, not a library of pre-recorded videos you will never finish. Second, you apply each technique with your dog between sessions using our step-by-step framework in your dog’s home environment, where the skills actually stick. Third, you submit training videos of your practice sessions. Brian reviews them personally and tells you exactly what to adjust. No more guessing whether you are doing it right.
Is Virtual Dog Training Actually Effective?
Absolutely. The biggest factor in dog training is not whether the trainer is standing next to you. It is whether you know exactly what to practice and how to apply it consistently. Your dog learns in their home environment first, where they are most comfortable and most receptive. You get a clear, specific plan — not random tips. You get direct feedback on your actual dog, not generic advice. And you develop the handler skills to maintain the training for life.
Is Virtual Dog Training Better Than In-Person Training?
Virtual dog training is often better for owners who want to learn how to handle their own dog. You are the one living with your dog 24/7, not the trainer. When you learn the system yourself, the results last. Virtual training is an excellent fit for obedience, leash manners, puppy training, household behavior, and mild-to-moderate reactivity. In-person training may be a better fit for severe aggression cases where immediate safety is a concern.
Do Online Dog Training Courses Work for Reactive Dogs?
Yes. Online training helps reactive dogs when the owner receives a clear plan and knows how to practice safely. Reactivity improves through better structure, better leash handling, clearer communication, and controlled exposure — all of which we teach inside our program. Dogs with severe aggression or bite-risk situations may also benefit from in-person support alongside our virtual coaching.
What Do I Need to Start Virtual Dog Training?
Very little. You need a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, a clear space of roughly 5×7 feet to work with your dog, and your dog’s leash and plenty of high-value treats. That is it. We will walk you through everything else during your first session.
Where Can I Find Virtual Dog Training Near Me?
Because The Virtual Dog Trainer is 100% online, we are always “near you.” You can access our expert coaching from anywhere with an internet connection — right from your living room. There is no service area restriction.
Programs & Training Philosophy
What Programs Does The Virtual Dog Trainer Offer?
Program
Best For
What's Covered
Canine Obedience Accelerator
Dogs needing reliable obedience, leash manners, and off-leash reliability
Sit, down, place, recall, leash manners, reactivity, impulse control, distraction proofing
1-on-1 Private Coaching
Owners who want a fully customized plan with direct support
Specific behavior issues, leash reactivity, aggression, resource guarding, separation anxiety
Puppy University
Puppy owners starting from scratch
Crate training, potty training, biting, chewing, leash foundations, socialization
What Is the Canine Obedience Accelerator?
The Canine Obedience Accelerator is our signature year long group online program. It is the cornerstone of our training system and is designed to take your dog from untrained to reliable on leash obedience & eventually off leash. You get live Zoom sessions with Brian, direct video feedback between sessions, access to our exclusive training portal with video demonstrations and resources, and community support from other dog owners going through the same journey.
Can I Do Puppy Obedience Training Online?
Yes! Our Puppy University course is specifically designed for online puppy training. It covers crate training, potty training, biting, chewing, leash foundations, and socialization — everything you need before your adorable land shark becomes a full-time chaos intern. Most puppy training happens at home anyway, which makes the virtual format a natural fit.
What Training Methods Does The Virtual Dog Trainer Use?
Our Dog Training Programs are all based on creating a sound relationship with our dogs through clear communication and relationship building. We help dogs become the best versions of themselves while educating and coaching owners on how to build the greatest relationship possible with their dogs. We do that by teaching clear communication, managing boundaries, relationship building & play through using a dog’s natural genetics to fulfill them. Whether your dog is biting, fearful, nervous, pulling on the leash, aggressive, reactive, anxious, or a puppy looking to learn the fundamentals our training is universal for all dogs and breeds.
Do You Use Positive Reinforcement?
Yes, positive reinforcement is the foundation of our program. We use high-value rewards to build positive associations and reinforce good behavior. We also believe that everything is about balance — the right correction, at the right time, paired with clear guidance on what the dog should be doing instead. That combination is what creates reliable, real-world obedience.
What Training Tools Do You Recommend?
Tools that we commonly use are, prong collars, slip leads, e collars, food, pet cots, crates, toys, harnesses and treats. When you learn how to use many tools correctly, you never have to turn a dog away that you can’t help. We use all humane tools properly and are known for helping any breed, any size, and any problem. There are many misconceptions about the use of e collars and prong collars. Please take time to familiarize yourself with the way we are using these.
Pricing, Guarantees & Enrollment
How Much Does The Virtual Dog Trainer Cost?
Our programs are customized based on your dog’s current behavior and your specific goals. Because every dog is different, the only way to get an accurate quote is through a free transformation session where we evaluate your dog. For context, our signature year long Canine Obedience Accelerator program is $1500. We also offer in-house financing with payment plans as low as $250 a month, so cost does not have to be a barrier to getting your dog trained.
Is There a Money-Back Guarantee?
Yes. We offer a 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee. If you put in the work, follow the system, upload videos, attend at least 3 calls and do not see a significant improvement in your dog’s behavior within 30 days, we will refund your investment. We are confident in our system because we have seen it work with over 1,000 dogs. (commitment is required)
Do You Offer Payment Plans?
Yes. We offer in-house financing and via affirm, klarna with payment plans starting at $250 per month. Payment plan terms vary depending on the program. We will go over all options during your free consultation.
What Payment Methods Do You Accept?
We accept all major credit cards and Apple Pay. Financing options are also available through our in-house payment plans and via affirm and klarna
How Many Spots Are Available?
Because Brian personally coaches every client, enrollment is limited. We typically keep only 8 spots open per month to ensure every client gets the attention they deserve. Once the cohort fills, enrollment closes until the next round opens.
What Happens During the Free Consultation?
During your free transformation session, we will discuss any and all issues you are experiencing with your dog, go over the goals you want to accomplish through training, provide vital education to help you better understand your dog, and recommend a specific program that fits your needs. There is no pressure and no obligation. If we are not a great fit for each other, we will tell you. We only enroll dogs we are confident we can help
Results & What to Expect
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
Most clients notice meaningful improvement within the first few sessions when they apply the techniques consistently. Significant behavioral change — reliable obedience, calmer walks, better recall — typically develops over the course of 6-weeks The timeline depends on your dog’s starting point, the consistency of your practice, and the specific behaviors you are working on.
What Results Can I Realistically Expect?
You can realistically expect your dog to listen more reliably at home and around distractions, walk on a loose leash without pulling or lunging, respond to commands like sit, down, place, and reliable off leash recall, and behave calmly around guests. Clients regularly report that their dogs go from unmanageable on walks to completely transformed in a few weeks. The key variable is always the owner’s consistency — which is exactly why we coach you, not just your dog.
What If My Dog Doesn't Improve?
If you follow the system and do not see significant improvement after the second week join a call and ask for help. if you joined the call put in the work uploaded videos you have 30 days, our money-back guarantee covers you. Beyond that, Brian personally reviews your video submissions between sessions and adjusts your plan if something is not working. You are never left to figure it out alone.
Do You Work With Dogs That Have Failed Other Training Programs?
Yes, and this is actually one of our most common client profiles. Many of our clients have already tried group classes, board-and-train programs, or pure-positive methods without lasting results. Our approach and handler-focused coaching often succeeds where other programs have not — because we address the communication gap between you and your dog, not just the dog’s behavior in isolation.
Can My Whole Family Participate in the Training?
Absolutely. In fact, we encourage it. Your dog interacts with every person in your household, so the more family members who understand the system, the faster your dog generalizes the behavior. Multiple household members can join Zoom sessions, and we will make sure everyone is on the same page.
Getting Started & Logistics
How Do I Get Started with The Virtual Dog Trainer?
The first step is scheduling a free transformation session. During that call, Brian will evaluate your dog’s behavior, discuss your goals, and recommend the right program. There is no obligation to enroll. You can schedule your free consultation at thevirtualdogtrainer.com or call us directly at 347-921-3376.
How Do I Contact The Virtual Dog Trainer?
You can reach us by calling 347-921-3376 or by scheduling your free consultation online at thevirtualdogtrainer.com. Brian personally reviews every application and reaches out within 24 hours.
How Do I Get Ready for My First Virtual Training Session?
Before your first session, clear a space of about 5×7 feet where you and your dog can move comfortably. Have your dog’s leash on hand and a good supply of high-value treats — think small pieces of hot dog or chicken, not dry kibble. Set up your device so the camera can see both you and your dog clearly. We will guide you on positioning during the session if needed.
What Happens If I Have a Technical Issue During a Session?
If a technical difficulty arises that cannot be resolved quickly, we will reschedule your session at no penalty. We understand that technology is not always cooperative, and we will never count a session as used if we were not able to complete it properly.
Can I Train More Than One Dog?
Yes. If you have multiple dogs, we can discuss the best approach during your free consultation. Some multi-dog households benefit from training each dog individually first before combining them, while others can work both dogs together from the start. Brian will recommend the right approach based on your specific situation.
Do You Offer Group Classes?
Yes via weekly group zoom calls, but first to ensure your dog gets a fully customized plan you must schedule your free consultation. We also offer access to our exclusive online dog training community where you can connect with other clients, share progress, and get additional support between sessions.
Ready to Get Started?
Your dog does not need a miracle. They need a system, a clear plan, and an owner who knows how to lead them. That is exactly what we provide at The Virtual Dog Trainer.
Call 347-921-3376 or schedule your free transformation session today. Brian personally reviews every application and reaches out within 24 hours. Spots are limited — only 8 per cohort.