Atlanta Dog Trainer & Behavior Specialist 

Aggression rehab, behavior issues, puppy training, reactive dogs, and basic obedience — backed by 17+ years of experience. Serving Metro Atlanta and North Georgia.

We help dogs relax — so you can, too.

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Dogs trained
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Proven training system

From Atlanta Dog Trainer & Behavior Specialist, Josh Donahue:

Hey y'all!  My name is Josh Donahue, and I’ve been a dog trainer in Atlanta for over 17 years, working with thousands of dogs across Metro Atlanta and North Georgia.


​​​​​​​Most families come to me when they’re dealing with aggression, reactivity, anxiety, fear-based behaviors, or out-of-control behavior at home or on walks. After training well over a thousand dogs, here’s what I’ve learned:

Most dog training programs focus on commands.
I focus on communication.

I teach people how to communicate in a way dogs naturally understand — which is why behavior improves quickly and stays improved.

​​​​​​​My approach is grounded in real-life situations, not drills or gimmicks, and it works for reactive dogs, aggressive dogs, high-energy dogs, newly adopted dogs, puppies, and everything in between.

If you’ve been searching for a clear, practical dog training system that helps your dog relax, listen, and behave better at home and in the real world… you’ve found it.

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"Josh. You're our last hope...
​​​​​​​If training with you doesn't work, we have to rehome our dog."

We hear some version of that almost every week.

Most of our clients come to us after trying multiple trainers with strategies and programs that never actually solved the root problem.
 

Their dogs struggle with:
 

  • Aggression rehab (people, dogs, resource guarding)
  • Reactivity on walks (barking, lunging, pulling)

  • Anxiety, separation anxiety, & fear-based behavior

  • Leash pulling & unruly walks

  • Basic obedience and manners

  • Puppy training & foundation behavior

  • Newly adopted and rescue dogs

  • Multi-dog household issues​​​​​​​


What they discover here is different: dog training that has a clear, structured system that actually creates calm, reliable behavior – not temporary band-aids.

​​​​​​​If you're ready for that shift, let's explore the program that fits your dog best.
Dog training for
busy families

Atlanta

Dog Training Programs

If your dog is showing signs of aggression, fear, or reactivity toward strangers, visitors, or other dogs, this is the place to start.

We work with dogs who bark, lunge, growl, or have even bitten people, kids or other dogs – especially those dealing with anxiety, insecurity, or protective behavior here in the Metro Atlanta area.

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Online

Dog Training Programs

If your dog needs help with basic manners – jumping on people, nonstop barking, leash pulling, or other everyday behavior issues – this is where to begin.

These common problems are highly solvable, and our online dog training programs walk you through step-by-step how to create calm, polite behavior at home, no matter where you live.

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 "Josh completely transformed our dog's behavior!

We enjoyed working with him and are so grateful for all of the progress our dog, Lily, made during our sessions with him. It's more than we thought possible.

Our dog is so much happier now and well behaved. Money well spent!" 
-Jennifer
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 "Wow! We wish we had met Josh before all the other trainers we've worked with in Atlanta. He's Amazing!" 
-Carla
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 "Josh has the greatest of skills in working with your dogs. I highly highly recommend him." 
-Kelly
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 "I can't say enough good things about Josh!
​​​​​​​We've only just started but I feel confident that my puppy and myself will be well trained and happy together. :)" 
-Christina
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 "The ultimate dog trainer as well as all around great person.

​​​​​​​It is so important to be able to connect with the dog trainer personally and professionally.

​​​​​​​If you can get to Josh, it is well worth your money!" 
-Jeff
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 ​​​​​​​Frequently Asked Questions 

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How many sessions does it usually take to fix my dog's behavior?

Most dogs show noticeable improvement within the first session or two, and most issues are fully addressed within one of our structured dog training programs. Whether you're dealing with reactivity, aggression, anxiety, or obedience issues, the key is consistency between sessions — that’s what really moves the needle.

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Do you come to my home, or do we meet somewhere else?

Yes — training happens right in your home and neighborhood, anywhere in Metro Atlanta. Since most behavior issues happen at home or on walks, in-home dog training creates faster, more real-world results than a class or facility.

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Do you work with puppies or just adult dogs?

I work with puppies, adolescent dogs, and adult dogs of all breeds and behavior levels. For puppies, we focus on foundation behaviors, socialization, leash manners, crate training, and preventing future behavior issues.

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Do you offer obedience training as well as behavior training?

Yes. I offer both basic obedience training (sit, down, stay, place, leash walking, recall) and behavior training for issues like reactivity, fear, aggression, and anxiety. Most programs include a mix of both so your dog can be calm, responsive, and well-behaved in real-world environments.

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How long does a session last and how often do we meet?

Each session lasts one hour. Most programs meet once a week, which gives you time to practice, your dog time to adjust, and ensures steady progress for obedience, reactivity, or behavior issues.

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Can you help with aggression or anxiety?

Absolutely. I specialize in aggression rehab, reactive dog training, and helping dogs who bark, lunge, bite, growl, or struggle with strangers, kids, or other dogs. Many families call me when safety is a concern or when other trainers haven’t been able to help. With a clear structure and communication system, most cases improve dramatically.

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What if my dog is "too difficult" or has already seen other trainers?

That’s actually true for most of my clients. Many families come to me after trying other trainers, classes, or methods that didn’t work. With a communication-based approach and clear structure, dogs who have struggled for years often make real progress quickly.

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What training methods do you use?

My method is based on how dogs naturally communicate — body language, energy, timing, and clear boundaries.

We don't fit into the "positive-only" box or the "balanced trainer" box – we're right in the middle, where real-world results actually happen. We pull from both modern behavior science and balanced training tools when needed, but most of our approach comes from something even more important: how dogs naturally communicate with each other.
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When you speak a dog's language – clear signals, consistent boundaries, calm leadership – you get instant understanding and way less confusion. That's why so many dogs relax within minutes. They finally feel like someone "gets" them. That creates real change – fast.

Ready for a calmer home and a dog who finally understands you (and listens to you)?
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Click the button to set up your free phone consultation!

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Serving Families Across Metro Atlanta & North Georgia

I provide in-home and in-person dog training throughout Metro Atlanta and many of the surrounding neighborhoods. Whether you're dealing with aggression, reactivity, anxiety, or basic obedience issues, I work with families all across the city and beyond.

Neighborhoods Served:
Virginia-Highland • Morningside • Ansley Park • Inman Park • Old Fourth Ward • Midtown • Downtown Atlanta • Grant Park • Cabbagetown • Reynoldstown • East Atlanta Village • Kirkwood • Edgewood • Candler Park • Lake Claire • Decatur • Oakhurst • Druid Hills • Emory area • Avondale Estates • North Druid Hills • Brookhaven • Buckhead • Chamblee • Doraville • Sandy Springs • Dunwoody • Smyrna • Vinings

Surrounding Suburbs:
Marietta • Roswell • Alpharetta • Johns Creek • Tucker • Stone Mountain • Norcross • Peachtree Corners • Duluth • Suwanee • Lawrenceville • Acworth • Kennesaw • Woodstock

Counties Served:
Fulton County • DeKalb County • Cobb County • Gwinnett County

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