Pet Counseling

Obedience Training

VCA Briarcliff Animal Hospital has partnered with professional dog trainer Richard Fischhof, M.Ed., CPDT-KA, CTC to bring our clients the convenience and benefit of group classes right here in our facility. If you're interested in learning more or enrolling your companion in a class, please contact Richard directly at 404-626-0036.

Richard Fischhof

Richard is a twice-certified dog trainer and honors graduate of the San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers, where he earned his Certification in Training & Counseling. The Academy was led by Jean Donaldson, renowned author, teacher and trainer. He is also a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed by the Association of Professional Evaluator®. Richard participated in Purdue U Dog Trainers (APDT) and its continuing education classes, and an AKC® Canine Good Citizenniversity School of Veterinary Medicine's Principles & Techniques of Behavior Modification course, and earned his master's degree in education at Georgia State University. Most recently, he participated in the Master Course, Aggression in Dogs with Michael Shikashio, and the Multi-Species Training Wolves and Foxes Workshop at Wolf Park, Battleground, IN, led by Ken McCort.

Richard has worked with hundreds of dogs and most breeds, and tailors training programs to you and your dog's specific needs. He uses humane training methods based on the science of how animals learn, and encourages owners to form a positive bond with their dog. He teaches regular group classes at VCA Briarcliff Animal Hospital including Puppy Kindergarten, Basic Manners and Canine Good Citizen certification.

Richard and his Standard Poodle, Blu, compete in K9 Nose Work around the Southeast.