Train a Dog That Helps Change a Life…Yours.
Our Program focuses on assisting handlers in training their own Service Dog, Positive Pet Training, and Fully Trained Service Dog Programs.
Meet Our Training Director
Tala Castro
Atlas-CT, CPDT-KA, FDM, FFCP
Tala’s lifelong love for animals grew into a career dedicated to ethical, science-based dog training. With formal accreditation from a nationally recognized school and mentorship from trainers with over fifty years of combined experience, she’s developed a strong background in obedience, scent work, service, and therapy dog training.
Holding certifications including Atlas-CT, CPDT-KA, FDM, FFCP, and AKC Evaluator, Tala continues to grow through ongoing education and collaborations with ADI-accredited service-dog programs.
As Training Director, she oversees Helping Howls programs across Central Virginia and Northern Virginia (NOVA) mentoring trainers, designing individualized training plans, and guiding service-dog development.
As a service-dog handler herself, Tala values accessibility, inclusivity, and positive reinforcement at the heart of every training experience.
When she’s not teaching or mentoring, Tala enjoys volunteering with local clubs, spending time with her own dogs, and continuing her studies to ensure Helping Howls remains a leader in positive-reinforcement based training.
Our Training Team
At Helping Howls, our trainers share a commitment to ethical, positive-reinforcement-based training that builds strong, trusting partnerships between dogs and their people. Our team brings together a range of experience, from service & therapy dog development to puppy foundations, behavior modification, and basic obedience.
Every trainer on our team has been personally mentored in Helping Howls’ reinforcement-based, fear-free approach and continues ongoing education to stay current with modern training methods. Together, we blend compassion, structure, and individualized support to help each dog reach their full potential…whether they’re a beloved family companion or a future service dog.
With locations in Central Virginia and Northern Virginia (NOVA), our trainers work collaboratively to ensure every client receives consistent, high-quality training and long-term support on their journey.
Types of Service Dogs We Train
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Owner-Training Programs
Fully Trained Service Dogs
Started Service Dogs
Board & Training Programs
How We Train
Frequently Asked Questions
What Our Clients Are Saying