About Buck's of Virginia
Real methodology. Honest assessments. Outcome-guaranteed programs.
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.
Our standards
Outcome guarantee 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.
Tiered in-person refresher sessions
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.
Lifetime trainer chat access
Every graduate keeps an open chat thread with their trainer for the life of the dog. We are still your trainer at year ten.
Daily updates during board-and-train
Photo and video clips, plain-language training notes, every day your dog is with us.
The Virginia team
Meet Our Staff
Stephanie Loria
Owner / Operator
Stephanie owns and operates Buck's Dog Training of Virginia. A former New York City educator with a Master's degree, she transitioned from teaching adapted physical education to intensive dog training, and specializes in reliable obedience and service-dog development.
Laura Federico
Co-Owner & Wellness Director
Laura is Co-Owner and Wellness Director at Buck's Dog Training of Virginia. A communications and operations leader, she drives the client experience, brand growth, and the wellness side of the program for Buck's Virginia.
Megan Briggs
Head Trainer
A U.S. Navy veteran, Megan leads the training floor with calm leadership, clear communication, and fair accountability. She specializes in working dogs and behavioral training, with extensive experience in retriever and detection work.
Shelby Thorpe
Lead Trainer
Virginia farm-raised and a natural with sensitive animals, Shelby is the Lead 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.
Angie Humphries
Admin
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.
A look at where the work happens
Inside the farm
Ready to talk about your dog?
The first 30-minute call is free. A real trainer, not a sales rep.
Outcome-guaranteed programs · Lifetime trainer chat access
Ready to transform your dog?
First 30-minute phone call is free — tell us what's going on and we'll recommend the right program.