Conveniently located between Stafford and Fredericksburg, Pup 'N Iron Canine Enrichment Center is the Fredericksburg/Stafford/Spotsylvania area's premier dog activity, behavior training and canine enrichment center. Our 5600 square foot, climate controlled for all seasons, state of the art facility is one of the longest running and well established canine training and fitness facilities in Northern Virginia. We have raised the standard of dog care by bringing an unprecedented combination of services and professionalism to the area.
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Pup 'N Iron is the realization of a life long dream come true. Having lived in this community for over 30 years, I am happy and proud to provide a safe place where people can connect with their wonderful canine companions. I have devoted my life to the love of dogs and am very fortunate to have enjoyed a long professional career in dog training, behavior modification and general pet care spanning over 35 years.
We will determine closings based on the current weather and driving conditions and local school recommendations. Day program closings will be posted by 5:00am. Please check the website to find out if we will be holding evening classes. Cancellation notices will be posted on the website, by email (be sure you are on our mailing list), on our Facebook page, and on Twitter by 5:00 pm that day, when possible. We will make every effort to get the word out to you. You can sign up for our mailing list at the bottom of our home page.
Directions from Stafford and Points North: Take 95 South to Exit 140 Stafford/Rt. 630. Turn left and go East on Rt. 630 to the first traffic light at Route 1. Make a right on Route 1 South. Proceed 3.4 miles and make a left on Perchwood Drive, just past the Liberty gas station. Make your first left, United Transmission (mustard yellow building) will be on your right. Pull all the way back to the set of stone front buildings located directly behind the Liberty gas station. We are at 21 Perchwood Drive, Unit 111.
Reviews (8)
Alex Pierce
Feb 19, 2022
I highly recommend this canine training center. i have been bringing my dog, Beau, for Level 1 and Level 2. The owner, Laurie, and the trainer, Chris, are highly experienced and you can tell they love what they do. Though I have only taken group classes, This facility does offer private sessions. They offer levels 1-3, dog sports, reactive dogs and rally.
Even in the group classes I feel the training is very individualized, the trainers get to know your dog and offer advice and strategies to work with your dog at home. The price is very reasonable. For level 1 I paid $150 for 8 classes. Levels 2 I paid $350, for up to 3x/week for 8 weeks. They update pricing and schedule/classes offered on their webpage. If you want an affordable and high quality canine training facility, I would highly recommend Pup'n Iron.
Even in the group classes I feel the training is very individualized, the trainers get to know your dog and offer advice and strategies to work with your dog at home. The price is very reasonable. For level 1 I paid $150 for 8 classes. Levels 2 I paid $350, for up to 3x/week for 8 weeks. They update pricing and schedule/classes offered on their webpage. If you want an affordable and high quality canine training facility, I would highly recommend Pup'n Iron.
Sara Mellinger
Jan 13, 2022
I have been a dog owner my entire life but when we got a new puppy last summer it was the first time I had ever enrolled in a professional dog training class. I am so glad I did! The class was well run and covered all the basics to train (the humans and the puppies). I had several light bulb moments when I realized what I had done wrong with previous dogs and why they hadn't been as well trained as I would have liked!
And then my puppy began showing signs of resource guarding aggression. I immediately talked to Laurie and we were able to set up a private consultation. We sat down and she listened to our issues and gave me thoughtful and solid advice. We did another consultation later on and continued with the advice and training Laurie recommended. I am so happy - we now know how to handle resource guarding and have not seen any instances of it since we started following Laurie's advice.
It was well worth the cost of the the private consultation fees. I would not hesitate to recommend Pup'n Iron for basic training or for private consultations to get help with specific issues with your dog.
And then my puppy began showing signs of resource guarding aggression. I immediately talked to Laurie and we were able to set up a private consultation. We sat down and she listened to our issues and gave me thoughtful and solid advice. We did another consultation later on and continued with the advice and training Laurie recommended. I am so happy - we now know how to handle resource guarding and have not seen any instances of it since we started following Laurie's advice.
It was well worth the cost of the the private consultation fees. I would not hesitate to recommend Pup'n Iron for basic training or for private consultations to get help with specific issues with your dog.
Kevin Rice
Dec 18, 2021
The absolute best place to train. We love Pup n Iron so much. I've learned so much coming here the past few years but the number one thing is I've learned that this relationship with my dog is priority numero uno! Once we build that foundation, training is fun and enjoyable. The owner of Pup n Iron is one of the most knowledgeable people. Laurie has always made everything we do at pup n Iron fun yet challenging. My girl Salva and I just love it there Highly recommend Kevin R Rice
Kelia Cutkelvin
Dec 10, 2021
I started going to Pup N Iron when I got my first dog in 2020. While I work in the animal field it is much different to have a dog that is your own and I was a bit at a loss of what to do with my standard poodle. Laurie was suggested to me by another coworker and I couldn't be happier with the lessons, support and teamwork my dog and I have gained from Pup N Iron. Laurie was there for us when we had to do the online starter classes due to Covid to when I took Jinx to her first rally trial.
Now we are working towards our intermediate rally title and will start trialing in agility in 2022. The classes Pup N Iron has provided has allowed me to be a better handler and in turn help my dog be the best her she can be. I couldn't be happier and I'm thankful for crossing paths with the Pup N Iron family!
Now we are working towards our intermediate rally title and will start trialing in agility in 2022. The classes Pup N Iron has provided has allowed me to be a better handler and in turn help my dog be the best her she can be. I couldn't be happier and I'm thankful for crossing paths with the Pup N Iron family!
Jessica Macomber
Dec 08, 2021
First I want to say our instructor Chris in the Basic Manner I class was awesome, helpful, and responsive. On the other hand, the owner Laurie is extremely rude, unprofessional, and unresponsive. I sent her an email over a week ago never responded, had to send a second one confirming she received my first one and then she finally responded. Started off nice then called me a liar about there previous Basic Manner class being on there website with the month it started and a price.
If you can join this training and not have to deal with her then you are good. Stick with Chris. If you have to deal with her then I wouldn't recommend it. Stay away if you don't want to be disrespected. Check out yelp for the several bad reviews as well!
If you can join this training and not have to deal with her then you are good. Stick with Chris. If you have to deal with her then I wouldn't recommend it. Stay away if you don't want to be disrespected. Check out yelp for the several bad reviews as well!
Robin Gilkerson
Mar 18, 2019
I have been taking my dogs to Pup'n Iron for at least 4 years now. I thoroughly did my research, google, videos, website, and even spoke with the owner Laurie, on Pup'n Iron before enrolling my dogs. I am extremely glad that I made the switch and starting using them. The staff is awesome, extremely knowledgeable, and caring. I couldn't ask for a better environment for my dogs to learn.
Two years ago I started taking different classes with one of my dogs, Ginger, for example agility, nose work, rally (which she just earned her Ace title) and none of this could of been done without Laurie, Lana, Amber, and Jackie. Now let me talk about Jackie for a few- Jackie is the agility instructor and I never though this would be something I would be able to do with my dog, but Jackie has been an awesome instructor and I am so appreciative that she is teaching this class.
But Laurie is OUTSTANDING and has helped me so much with my current dog, Danni. When I started with Danni I never thought she would be were she is today, but she is thanks to the advice and knowledge of Laurie and Amber. Amber is a great person and I am so glad I am able to take classes with her. You will not find a better facility to train your dogs at, and I know this because I used another facility and wasted my money, but no money has been wasted with Pup'n Iron.
To end my review and the most important part about it is when I asked my dogs if they want to go to "class" they get extremely excited. They also LOVE Pup'n Iron and I will continue to use them forever as long as I have dogs in my life or Laurie retires (which my dogs and I hope is NEVER). I wish I could give them more than 5 stars because they truly deserve it.
Two years ago I started taking different classes with one of my dogs, Ginger, for example agility, nose work, rally (which she just earned her Ace title) and none of this could of been done without Laurie, Lana, Amber, and Jackie. Now let me talk about Jackie for a few- Jackie is the agility instructor and I never though this would be something I would be able to do with my dog, but Jackie has been an awesome instructor and I am so appreciative that she is teaching this class.
But Laurie is OUTSTANDING and has helped me so much with my current dog, Danni. When I started with Danni I never thought she would be were she is today, but she is thanks to the advice and knowledge of Laurie and Amber. Amber is a great person and I am so glad I am able to take classes with her. You will not find a better facility to train your dogs at, and I know this because I used another facility and wasted my money, but no money has been wasted with Pup'n Iron.
To end my review and the most important part about it is when I asked my dogs if they want to go to "class" they get extremely excited. They also LOVE Pup'n Iron and I will continue to use them forever as long as I have dogs in my life or Laurie retires (which my dogs and I hope is NEVER). I wish I could give them more than 5 stars because they truly deserve it.
Cody Stephanie
Feb 08, 2015
In the summer of 2011 we started puppy classes at Pup N Iron with our Australian Shepherd pup, Cody. I will NEVER be able to put in words the value of the training we have received over the years. Each trainer brings their own style of teaching and a valuable perspective, understanding, and the significance of training not only the dog but the owner too.
I have trained under Laurie, Jackie, Debbie, Diana, and Amber - all I rank as 5 star instructors. We have moved from puppy training to 1st, 2nd, 3rd level training to more focused classes such as Competitive Obedience and Rally classes. Through this training we are now at a skill level to show competitively. Never in my dreams did I think my top bucket list item, training a dog, could ever be accomplished and achieved at the age of 65. Laurie has uniquely set up paying for classes on an annual basis - otherwise know as the VIP plan.
Under the VIP plan, for one year you can attend any and all classes for a year. That translates into a tremendous savings for those serious about training their dog. Each summer Laurie has CAMP RALLY MANIA (2015's will be the 4th) where well known speakers provide insight on various topics with each instructor providing the dog and owner the opportunity to get hands on training. Pup N Iron also provides a TRAINING ACADEMY program where skilled instructors work with your dog to achieve certain levels of training.
Many have found this program to be extremely valuable, particularly since many clients work during the day. The DAY CARE provided by Pup N Iron is the absolute best I have ever seen. Each staff member is fully and totally aware, personally, of each dog's personality and the needs or special attention a particular dog must have. I don't believe many dog owners understand that working with and training your dog is lifelong.
When I walk Cody in the neighborhood I get complements all the time about his good behavior - I have PUP N IRON to thank for that! And these complements come as their dog is either barking or lunging at us.
I have trained under Laurie, Jackie, Debbie, Diana, and Amber - all I rank as 5 star instructors. We have moved from puppy training to 1st, 2nd, 3rd level training to more focused classes such as Competitive Obedience and Rally classes. Through this training we are now at a skill level to show competitively. Never in my dreams did I think my top bucket list item, training a dog, could ever be accomplished and achieved at the age of 65. Laurie has uniquely set up paying for classes on an annual basis - otherwise know as the VIP plan.
Under the VIP plan, for one year you can attend any and all classes for a year. That translates into a tremendous savings for those serious about training their dog. Each summer Laurie has CAMP RALLY MANIA (2015's will be the 4th) where well known speakers provide insight on various topics with each instructor providing the dog and owner the opportunity to get hands on training. Pup N Iron also provides a TRAINING ACADEMY program where skilled instructors work with your dog to achieve certain levels of training.
Many have found this program to be extremely valuable, particularly since many clients work during the day. The DAY CARE provided by Pup N Iron is the absolute best I have ever seen. Each staff member is fully and totally aware, personally, of each dog's personality and the needs or special attention a particular dog must have. I don't believe many dog owners understand that working with and training your dog is lifelong.
When I walk Cody in the neighborhood I get complements all the time about his good behavior - I have PUP N IRON to thank for that! And these complements come as their dog is either barking or lunging at us.
Nancy Zalokar
Dec 25, 2014
I have taken classes at Pup N Iron since 2009 with 4 different dogs. Every step of the way I felt I have dealt with a knowledgeable, caring professional whose main goal was to give me the best possible training, and has resulted in the best possible relationship with my dogs. For me, the classes and accompanying activities have been a pure joy. Classes are held in the evenings to accommodate the working pet parent from 7 - 7:50pm or 8 - 8:50pm.
I would suggest an email to Pup N Iron and a request to come watch some of the evening classes. It's entertaining, it's FREE, and the easiest way to decide if this is the kind of relationship you want with your dog.
I would suggest an email to Pup N Iron and a request to come watch some of the evening classes. It's entertaining, it's FREE, and the easiest way to decide if this is the kind of relationship you want with your dog.
