At Pup 'N Iron we are committed to positive,  dog friendly techniques.  Between us we have decades of experience in canine learning theory and behavior modification.  Our methods are based on the most up-to-date scientific techniques and humane approach to training.  We believe in using our brains rather than our brawn, brute force, fear, intimidation and compulsion and aversive physical methods to get the behaviors we want from our dogs.  Simply put, consider us not only dog trainers, but you and your dog's relationship counselors!


Laurie Williams CPDT KA -
Certified Dog Trainer; Director of Training and Behavior Modification Counseling


Laurie has been training and serving as a dog behavior modification consultant since 1984.  She is a former VP and board member of the Association of Pet Dog trainers and a current member of the Pet Professional Guild.  She was one of the first instructors in Virginia to become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, the first national and most recognized certification for dog trainers.  Throughout the years Laurie has been a frequent dog show exhibitor and competitor at dog performance events, earning conformation championships and advanced titles in obedience, rally, agility and field events on Irish Setters, German Shorthaired Pointers, Miniature Pinschers, Irish Terriers, Pharaoh Hounds, Dalmatians and Maltese.  She is an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, an evaluator and instructor for Pet Partner's therapy dog association, and is a Rally Obedience Judge for AKC, UKC, WCRL and C-WAGS.  She currently shares her life and home with her husband and their 8 dogs.  Her specialty is helping pet parents cultivate a loving, respectful and life-long relationship with their canine companions.

Debbie O'Boyle - Trainer; Behavior Modification Counselor

Debbie took her first obedience class when she was in the 7th grade with her Keeshond puppy "Bruce" and has never stopped!  Since then she has worked as a professional groomer,veterinary assistant/technician, and has continued to expand her knowledge by attending seminars, trainer conferences, and dog shows.  She has earned conformation championships, obedience, rally and flyball titles on her dogs.  She is an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and an APDT Rally representative.  She shares her life and home with her 5  year old Beauceron Gemma and Herbie, a 9 year old Papillon.  Debbie's favorite moments are when she helps a student and his/her dog finally "click" and start working as a successful team.

Jackie Pratt - Trainer, Day School Training Academy Head Trainer