Ask Dr. Caryn

Ask Dr. Caryn Dr. Caryn specializes in personalized training & behavior modification for dogs and their people.

Dr. Caryn offers personalized training and behavior modification for dogs and their people in the Greater Fredericksburg and Northern Neck Areas of Virginia. Private, personalized training is scheduled by appointment and conducted where you need it most...in your home, at your veterinarian's office, and in dog friendly public venues such as parks and trails. Personalized training packages are desi

gned to meet YOUR GOALS. I use non-aversive, force-free methods based in the science of how animals learn. All my methods and protocols are designed to build a strong and trusting bond between you and your dog. My education, experience, and expertise include Puppy Socialization, Good Manners, Basic Obedience, Behavior Modification, Service and Therapy Dog Training. Workshops and Seminars include Clicker Training, Polite Leash Walking, Behavior Modification for Reactive Dogs, Be A Tree Bite Prevention, Dogs & Storks, Dogs and Babies, and TAGteach. In addition to my PhD in Animal Behavior, I am a Certified Animal Behaviorist and Trainer with memberships in multiple professional organizations including: Karen Pryor Academy, Pet Professional Guild, Association of Professional Dog Trainers, Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (ccpdt.org), and International Association for Animal Behavior Consultants (iaabc.org).

08/16/2025

Another extremely satisfied customer!
From Regina: Thank you Dr Caryn - Maddie loves her new Woof Pupsicle and pops! We got Heinz one too!

Sunday Flash Sale! Mention this post and get 10% off all Key Fob Coin Purse keychains by Chala! We have dozens of design...
08/07/2025

Sunday Flash Sale! Mention this post and get 10% off all Key Fob Coin Purse keychains by Chala! We have dozens of designs in stock. Beach Paws Boutique, Ask Dr. Caryn, Visit CBVA Colonial Beach Virginia, Chala Handbags

Dr. Caryn's story...from a teenage mom at 17 to a PhD and beyond. Thanks to for this podcast!
07/31/2025

Dr. Caryn's story...from a teenage mom at 17 to a PhD and beyond. Thanks to for this podcast!

This week's podcast features a woman who faced adversity in her youth but persevered, took care of her family, followed her dream, and has achieved many successes in the animal, non-profit, and business world.I met Dr. Caryn Self-Sullivan several years ago when she served on her town council, and I....

July 31 is National Mutt’s Day, and we’re celebrating the one-of-a-kind pups who don’t fit a mold and never needed to. F...
07/31/2025

July 31 is National Mutt’s Day, and we’re celebrating the one-of-a-kind pups who don’t fit a mold and never needed to. From high-energy fetchers to snuggle-time champions, mutts come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities. Dr. Caryn has curated the best selection of products to enrich the lives of pets and their people. Visit us at 116 Hawthorn Street or online at

Shop online at Beach Paws Boutique in Colonial Beach, VA, and give your pets the best! With a range of high-quality pet products available you can easily order for pick-up or delivery right to your doorstep. Enjoy the convenience of shopping from home while treating your furry friends to something s...

The Happy Meemaw just posted the interview we did a few months ago! When you have 30 minutes, please take the time to li...
07/30/2025

The Happy Meemaw just posted the interview we did a few months ago! When you have 30 minutes, please take the time to listen to "my story." Don't forget to eat at Muse Colonial Beach sometime between 11am and 11pm. They are donating 20% of sales to Ren's Go Fund Me to help pay off his medical expenses. Hope to see you there!

This week's podcast features a woman who faced adversity in her youth but persevered, took care of her family, followed her dream, and has achieved many successes in the animal, non-profit, and business world.I met Dr. Caryn Self-Sullivan several years ago when she served on her town council, and I....

Need dog food, cat food, treats, and training supplies? Why drive to a big box store when the best little shop is right ...
07/29/2025

Need dog food, cat food, treats, and training supplies? Why drive to a big box store when the best little shop is right here in Colonial Beach? It’s owned and operated by Dr. Caryn Self Sullivan, professional animal behaviorist and trainer. She recommends ONLY the BEST and SAFEST products for your furry friends. Located at 116 Hawthorn Street, Open 11-5 Daily...yes, 7 days a week! Call ahead to make surewe have what you need: (540) 287-8207.

I've been thinking alot about whether Ren was in pain during his final days. He certainly didn't show it. Yes, he seemed...
07/23/2025

I've been thinking alot about whether Ren was in pain during his final days. He certainly didn't show it. Yes, he seemed more tired and a little lethargic. But seemed fine on Tuesday during a day long outing in the country, fine on Wednesday at the veterinary oncologist, and just a little tired on Thursday. He didn't have much of an appetite on Friday, then passed in his sleep early Saturday morning. Of course, we knew he was fighting cancer, and he had been on chemo for over 6 months. But, he was still so happy and enthusiastic to see friends, go for short sniff and stroll walks, and to go swimming. Anyway, I thought I would post this helpful blog about pain by the The Whole Dog Journal. I hope it helps you in some way.

The signs of pain in your dog can be subtle. With signs like lethargy, aversion to being touched, and pacing often passing unnoticed.

Address

Colonial Beach, VA

Opening Hours

11am - 5pm

Telephone

+15402878207

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My Story

Like many of my peers, I began training dogs professionally late in life. After a lifetime of diverse careers from being a teen-age mom, to bookkeeping and banking, to sales of everything from Avon to Real Estate, I started college later than most...at age 39...the same year as my youngest daughter! My BS is in Marine Science (Coastal Carolina 1997) and my PhD is in Animal Behavior (Texas A&M 2008). My academic life enabled me to teach and conduct research around the world, finally coming back “home” to Virginia in 2010. Today, I offer private, personalized training and behavior modification for dogs and their people in the Greater Fredericksburg Area and the Northern Neck of Virginia. In addition to my PhD, I am certified by, or a professional member of, multiple professional organizations including the Karen Pryor Academy, Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, Pet Professional Guild, International Association for Animal Behavior Consultants, Association of Professional Dog Trainers, Doggone Safe, Family Paws Parent Education, Operation Socialization, and American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.

Personalized training can be done in your home, at your veterinarian's office, or in dog friendly public venues such as pet stores, parks and trails. Training packages include Puppy Socialization, Good Manners, Basic Obedience, Behavior Modification, and Foundation Training for Service Dogs and Therapy Dogs. More and more I’m specializing in serious behavioral problems including aggression and separation anxiety. Workshops and Seminars include Intro to Marker Training, Polite Leash Walking, Intro to Behavior Modification for Reactive Dogs, Be A Tree Bite Prevention, Dogs & Storks, Dogs and Babies, and TAGteach.