Welcome to
Led by Brittany Schneller — Founder & Head Trainer
Balanced training built for real life in Arlington, VA. Every program starts with a behavioral evaluation.
Free download
Get the Free Dog Training 101 Guide
This is the same starting point we give our own clients: our 8 core training principles plus the step-by-step fundamentals — body language, focus, leash communication, and the everyday habits that make it stick.
It works for any dog at any age. Brand-new puppy, teenager testing limits, or a senior rescue learning new manners — the fundamentals are the same.
Train for Reality
Led by Brittany Schneller, the Canine Cardio Academy uses our Train for Reality™ method — a balanced training philosophy inspired by professionals like Tom Davis, The K9 Method, Pack Leader University, and Pack Leader Dogs.
- Tom Davis
- The K9 Method
- Pack Leader University
- Pack Leader Dogs
We focus on calm confidence, fair structure, and communication that empowers both dogs and owners. Every program starts with a behavioral evaluation and is customized to achieve real-world results — not just obedience, but confidence and control in everyday life.
Book an Evaluation »
- 01
Calm Confidence
Dogs learn to settle and think, so good choices come from a balanced state — not adrenaline.
- 02
Fair Structure
Clear, consistent boundaries the whole household can hold, every single day.
- 03
Two-Way Communication
Handling that empowers both dog and owner, so the language carries beyond the session.
- 04
Real-World Results
Every program starts with a behavioral evaluation and is customized — not just obedience, but confidence and control in everyday life.
Brittany Schneller
Founder of Canine Cardio & Head Trainer
For nearly two decades, Brittany has immersed herself in every facet of canine care — from dog walking and daycare leadership to working as a veterinary technician, trainer, and foster for German Shepherds and other power breeds.
Her hands-on experience with hundreds of dogs revealed one simple truth: dogs thrive on consistency, structure, and calm leadership.
Traditional daycares often overstimulate or exhaust dogs without fulfilling them mentally. Brittany designed Canine Cardio to change that — focusing on enrichment, emotional balance, and physical fitness.
We believe in training a dog to behave reliably in everyday, real-world situations, not just in a controlled environment — building a strong foundation of basic obedience, then practicing with increasing levels of distraction and real-world challenges.
Common questions
Training — Canine Cardio Academy
What is Canine Cardio Academy?
Our training program, led by founder and head trainer Brittany Schneller, who has spent nearly two decades in canine care as a walker, daycare leader, veterinary technician, trainer and foster for German Shepherds and other power breeds. We use a balanced Train for Reality method: calm confidence, fair structure, two-way communication and real-world results. Every program starts with a behavioral evaluation and is customized to your dog.
What programs do you offer?
One-on-one training sessions, Board & Train (your dog stays with us for structured boarding and daily training, then you get three transfer sessions and three weekly follow-up practice sessions so it sticks at home), and Behavioral Boarding with Brittany. Daycare dogs can also add training-focused work through the Foundation Program.
What training methods and tools do you use?
Balanced training: rewards and relationship first, with fair, clear structure. Depending on the dog, tools like slip leads, prong collars or remote collars may be used. Any tool is conditioned properly before it's introduced, and you'll be taught how to use it before it ever goes home with you.
Do you work with reactive or aggressive dogs?
Yes, that's a large part of what we do. We ask for full disclosure of any bite history, reactivity, resource guarding or severe anxiety up front so we can plan safely.
Do you guarantee results?
No honest trainer can guarantee a dog's future behavior. Results depend on genetics, temperament and, most of all, consistency at home. That's why our programs include transfer and follow-up sessions: the goal is a plan you can actually keep.
How much does training cost?
Every plan is customized, so we quote it after the behavioral evaluation. Book the evaluation and you'll leave with a clear recommendation and price.
Is there anything I can start on my own first?
Yes. Grab the free Dog Training 101 guide: our eight core principles plus fundamentals like body language, focus and leash communication. It works for any dog at any age.