About Buck's of Virginia
Buck's of Virginia operates under license from Buck's Dog Training, founded by Nicole Buck. We run the same curriculum, the same methodology, and the same cert pathway as the Mullica Hill HQ — adapted to the Virginia community we serve.
Four operating standards we hold ourselves to on every program.
We do not stop until your dog reaches the goals we agree on at the start. Goals are written down before drop-off.
Foundational graduates get 3, Two-Week and Three-Week graduates get 5, Four-Week service-dog graduates get 7–8. Built in, no extra charge.
Every graduate keeps an open chat thread with their trainer for the life of the dog. We are still your trainer at year ten.
Photo and video clips, plain-language training notes, every day your dog is with us.
Every trainer at Buck's of Virginia is certified to the Buck's methodology and held to the same annual 4-modality assessment battery as our HQ team.
Owner & Head Trainer
Stephanie leads Buck's Dog Training of Virginia as Owner and Head Trainer. A former New York City educator with a Master's degree, Stephanie transitioned from teaching adapted physical education to intensive dog training. She specializes in reliable obedience and service dog development.
Owner & Director of Marketing
Laura is Co-Owner and Director of Marketing at Buck's Dog Training of Virginia. A communications and operations leader, Laura previously held editorial and director positions across New Jersey's education and non-profit sectors. She drives brand growth and the client experience for Buck's Virginia.
Senior Trainer
Virginia farm-raised and a natural with sensitive animals, Shelby is a Senior Trainer at Buck's Virginia. She is known for her intuitive approach and her ability to build trust quickly with dogs, specializing in foundational obedience and service dog development.
Service Dog Coordinator
A U.S. Navy veteran, Megan emphasizes calm leadership, clear communication, and fair accountability. She specializes in working dogs and behavioral training with extensive experience in retriever and detection work.
Office Manager
Angie started with Buck's Virginia as a volunteer and now manages operations and client support. Her background includes medical administration and over 13 years in optometry, plus volunteer work with the Portsmouth Humane Society.
Developing Trainer
A Navy veteran with nearly a decade of training experience, Bryant focuses on behavior modification and structured, systems-based approaches to real-world reliability.
Canine Wellness Program Director
A U.S. Army veteran and licensed massage therapist, Melissa specializes in canine bodywork, pain relief, and rehabilitation for aging or injured dogs.
The first 30-minute call is free. A real trainer, not a sales rep.
First 30-minute phone call is free — tell us what's going on and we'll recommend the right program.