Meet Lanadawn Nusz: Dog Training at Petco Bailey’s Crossroads
Looking for dog training near Bailey’s Crossroads, Arlington, Falls Church, or Northern Virginia?
Meet Lanadawn Nusz of Lanadawn Dog Training.
She offers:
Private lessons
Group classes
Advanced training
Training is available through Petco Bailey’s Crossroads.
Our family has worked with Lanadawn firsthand and has recommended her to PS4C clients and local pet parents.
A Lifelong Connection With Animals
Lanadawn’s connection with animals started early.
She grew up around dogs and cats, spent time on her grandparents’ farm, and worked with horses through high school and college.
Her experience eventually grew into training horses and teaching the people working with them.
From Yosemite to Dog Training
Lanadawn later spent about 12 years with the National Park Service, beginning in Yosemite.
Her work included:
Riding and packing with horses and mules
Training horses and mules
Supporting backcountry trail crews
Her work took her across more than seven national parks and forest service areas.
After moving to city life, she missed working directly with animals and transitioned into dog training in Northern Virginia.
How Lanadawn Teaches
Lanadawn teaches the person as well as the dog.
Her approach focuses on:
Clear communication
Consistency
Timing
Body language
Reinforcement
Adapting to the individual dog
Training With Her Own Dogs
Lanadawn also puts her training into practice with her own dogs.
Her pack includes:
A young Anatolian Pyrenees with Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification
A Border Collie–Pyrenees mix with an advanced trick title and Therapy Dog certification
Bean, a 7-year-old surrender dog working toward his CGC after severe aggression challenges
These experiences add to the practical perspective she brings to training.
Private or Group Training?
Private lessons provide focused, one-on-one support for specific goals or dogs that benefit from a quieter setting.
Group classes provide practice around:
Other dogs
People
Everyday distractions
Some families use both as their dog progresses.
What to Expect at Petco Bailey’s Crossroads
Petco offers six-week group classes with hour-long sessions and up to four other dogs and pet parents.
Class levels include:
Puppy
Beginner
Fundamentals
Advanced
For class, Petco recommends bringing:
Leash, collar, or harness
Proof of vaccinations
Training treats
Poop bags
Why We Recommend Lanadawn
In January 2026, we said goodbye to our 16-year-old Lab mix, Sammy, who had been part of our family since she was 10 months old.
Soon afterward, we adopted Kent at three months old through Lucky Dog Animal Rescue.
We’ve cared for many client puppies over the years, but raising our own puppy at home again was different.
We began working with Lanadawn in March 2026, when Kent was about four months old.
Her guidance has helped our family:
Recognize when Kent needs a reset
Stay calmer around distractions
Set clearer expectations
Practice more consistently
She also encourages our children to participate in calm, age-appropriate ways.
When More Specialized Support May Be Needed
Dog training may not be the right level of support for every concern.
Significant fear, aggression, reactivity, or medically related behavior may require a qualified behavior professional or veterinary behaviorist.
Sudden behavior changes should also be discussed with your veterinarian.
Ready to Train With Lanadawn?
View current classes, requirements, and availability through Petco Bailey’s Crossroads.
5825 Leesburg Pike
Bailey's Crossroads VA, 22041
Save $30 on Group Training
Use promo code:
SCHOOL
Valid on eligible group classes and packages. Check Petco for current offer details.
Need Pet Care in Arlington?
Pet Sitting 4 Comfort® provides:
Dog walking
Cat sitting
Overnight sitting
Medication & specialty care
Basic grooming
Serving Ballston, Clarendon/Courthouse, and Rosslyn.
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