The Enlightened Dog

The Enlightened Dog Personalized private dog training and small group classes in Northern Virginia.
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Now is your chance to nominate your favorite pet businesses in Northern Virginia!! Click the picture below to go to the...
02/22/2024

Now is your chance to nominate your favorite pet businesses in Northern Virginia!! Click the picture below to go to the poll 🐾

Help us find the best pet care services in Northern Virginia by nominating your favorite pet-friendly groomers, walkers, and businesses.

02/01/2024

How does FREE access to an absolute treasure trove of resources designed especially for owners of reactive dogs sound?

From nutrition advice to mindset through to expert dog training and even veterinary advice… you can tap into all of it for not. one. penny. (Yes, it’s free).

I’m just one of a whopping 34 incredible experts who Barking Up The Right Tree have brought together to help reactive dogs and their humans ALL. OVER. THE. WORLD.

It’s a virtual event that you can access from your inbox, so you can watch wherever you are and tap into a wealth of unseen sessions that I know will blow your mind.

>>> Sign up and save your free place here: https://barking-up-the-right-tree.newzenler.com/f/summit-24

Barbara Paterson and Julia Hawkins of Barking Up The Right Tree have gathered an astounding line up of expert dog geeks for you.

But perhaps most importantly, you should know this. 👇
They have done something very different with this…. It’s fun. It’s simple. It makes the hard stuff make sense.

And if that hasn’t got you frantically searching for the sign up link, just take a look at the line up…
Zak George, Susan Garrett, Ian Dunbar, Michael Shikashio, Grisha Stewart Kim Brophey, Robyn Hood, Andrew Hale, Dr Edward Bassingthwaite, Kamal Fernandez, Linda Michaels, Dr Isla Fishburn, Julia Robertson, Anushree Thammanna, Hélène Lawler, Stephanie Zikmann, Deb Bauer, Clair Hickson, Tracey McLennan, Laura Maulbetsch, Team R+ Gundogs, Sowjanya Vijaynagnar, Tom Candy, Niki French, Victoria Shepherd, Emma Parsons, Cathy Slot, Jess Adams, Alexa Capra, Meghan Barrett, Janet Finlay, and your hosts Dr Barbara Paterson and Julia Hawkins

The sign up link again for you >>> https://barking-up-the-right-tree.newzenler.com/f/summit-24

Please feel free to share with anyone you think could use some motivation and inspiration this winter. See you there!

I hope you’ll enjoy this awesome free event as much as I enjoyed being a part of it.

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy new year! What is your new year’s resolution for 2024? #2024
12/31/2023

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy new year! What is your new year’s resolution for 2024?

#2024

One of the benefits of training dogs for a living is getting to work outside. On rainy, cold days I am grateful for sho...
12/01/2023

One of the benefits of training dogs for a living is getting to work outside. On rainy, cold days I am grateful for shops like that welcome well behaved dogs.

I am so thankful for my clients who trust me to care for and train your dogs. You may not realize how fast your pups ma...
11/22/2023

I am so thankful for my clients who trust me to care for and train your dogs. You may not realize how fast your pups make it into my heart and I think of every one as “mine”. Wishing a happy and healthy thanksgiving to you all 🍁🍂🧡💛

Happy October!! Fall is the perfect season to get your pup out and socialize. Edi and Chase are practicing their manner...
10/01/2023

Happy October!! Fall is the perfect season to get your pup out and socialize. Edi and Chase are practicing their manners and browsing Halloween decorations during a day training field trip.

Not all superheroes wear capes, but this one does (reluctantly )🐾 thank you for taking care of my superhero ...
04/28/2023

Not all superheroes wear capes, but this one does (reluctantly )🐾 thank you for taking care of my superhero

One of the biggest pleasures of owning well behaved dogs is enjoying a leisurely stroll on a nice day. Polite leash ma...
04/26/2023

One of the biggest pleasures of owning well behaved dogs is enjoying a leisurely stroll on a nice day. Polite leash manners take a lot of practice to perfect and maintain. Remember, no matter how well-trained your dog is, it is polite to step off the path (if it is safe to do so) for pedestrians, bicycles, joggers, and anyone else that may be more comfortable with a little extra space from your dogs.

This is going to be a long post because it’s easier for me both logistically and emotionally to be open about it. I hav...
04/19/2023

This is going to be a long post because it’s easier for me both logistically and emotionally to be open about it. I have already reached out to many of my clients, friends, and family individually but that is getting difficult for me to keep up with.

Exactly two months ago tomorrow, I discovered a lump in my breast. Since then it has been a flurry of tests, doctors visits, more tests, and doctors visits, etc.

I was officially diagnosed with breast cancer at the beginning of March and soon thereafter learned that it had spread to my lungs. I am under the care of excellent doctors and have a lot of support, including and especially “my” dogs which include your dogs which I have always considered mine too.

I am expecting to start my treatment any day now and I have a lot of uncertainty in front of me. I am confident that I have all of the best possible advantages to get through this.

For now, I appreciate your flexibility, understanding, and support while I adjust to this new phase in my life.

When you are working on new behaviors, it’s important to be patient with yourself. Just like learning a new sport or wo...
04/05/2023

When you are working on new behaviors, it’s important to be patient with yourself. Just like learning a new sport or work task, new skills need time and practice to improve and eventually perfect.

Do you have a short haired princess (or prince) who has a an aversion to the slightest chill? Don’t fret if you forgot ...
04/03/2023

Do you have a short haired princess (or prince) who has a an aversion to the slightest chill? Don’t fret if you forgot their sweater. You can always lend them your own hoodie/jacket/coat in a pinch. It will fit better if you put in on backwards (zipper in the back) and don’t forget to roll up the sleeves so your precious pooch doesn’t trip 🐾

02/25/2023

📣THE CONFERENCE THAT EVERYONE TALKS ABOUT IS BACK!

With both in-person and online options, you will learn from the world’s foremost experts on aggression in dogs.

What? 2023 Aggression In Dogs Conference
Where? Chicago, Illinois
When? September 29th, 2023 to October 1st, 2023
Cost? EARLY BIRD* (effective through May 1st, 2023) In Person - $545 and Virtually - $149

2023 Speakers Include
🐾 Sindhoor Pangal
🐾 Dr. Tim Lewis
🐾 Irith Bloom
🐾 Sean Will
🐾 Maasa Nishimuta
🐾 Dr. Kristina Spaulding
🐾 Sue Sternberg
🐾 Sarah Stremming
🐾 Dr. Wailani Sung
🐾 Saharai “Sada” Salazar
🐾 Dr. Christine Calder
🐾 and your host, Michael Shikashio
⭐️ Special Guest Emcees - Taylor Barconey and Jio Alcaide

Learn more and register by visiting https://aggressivedog.com/conference/

*Cost of tickets increase after May 1st, 2023 to in-person attendance - $595 and virtual attendance - $199

My sister is hiring!
02/23/2023

My sister is hiring!

😊 WE ARE HIRING 😊

Office Help Wanted!
We are seeking a part-time front desk receptionist for a well established family healthcare practice in Wheaton, MD. Positive and supportive work environment.
HOURS: Monday 7:30am-3pm, Wednesday 8:30am-12noon / 2-6:30pm, Friday 7:30am-3pm.
Excellent customer service is a MUST along with kindness and reliability. Accounting experience is helpful. Specific training will be provided.
Mask use mandatory in the office.

Serious applicants please send resume to [email protected].

Did you know that dogs can learn from and influence each other? Younger, less experienced dogs are especially impressio...
02/23/2023

Did you know that dogs can learn from and influence each other? Younger, less experienced dogs are especially impressionable and can greatly benefit from exposure to well behaved and confident dog role models.

01/25/2023

Hikes with your dog off leash or on a long leash give them an opportunity to expand their explorations and burn off a little more energy.

01/24/2023

So *parents are mean* 😂

Reilly had a great first time at Frying Pan Park and met some friendly new species 🐷🐑
11/06/2022

Reilly had a great first time at Frying Pan Park and met some friendly new species 🐷🐑

These good dogs are loving their outdoor field trips this fall 🎃🍂🐾
10/29/2022

These good dogs are loving their outdoor field trips this fall 🎃🍂🐾

When your client passed out at your feet before the session is even over and everyone is happy about it, you know you ha...
08/16/2022

When your client passed out at your feet before the session is even over and everyone is happy about it, you know you have

Meet Luna! At just under 5 months old and around 60lbs, this puppy is as big as an adult large breed dog. As an owne...
07/26/2022

Meet Luna! At just under 5 months old and around 60lbs, this puppy is as big as an adult large breed dog. As an owner or trainer of an XL puppy it is very important to remember that they can seem older than they are. We must make sure that our expectations are appropriate for their age.

07/11/2022

Training games help practice important skills like stay, off, and come (with distractions). Mistakes are part of the process. Swipe to see take 2.

Have a happy and safe 4th of July! 🎆🇺🇸
07/04/2022

Have a happy and safe 4th of July! 🎆🇺🇸

Completed a training program but want a little refresher for your dog? Dogs and puppies who attend and who have gradu...
06/23/2022

Completed a training program but want a little refresher for your dog? Dogs and puppies who attend and who have graduated from the day training, group class, or private lessons can sign up for one or more training tune ups.

Dogs (and humans) are generally social animals. Some are more outgoing, friendly, and tolerant while others are more ch...
05/23/2022

Dogs (and humans) are generally social animals. Some are more outgoing, friendly, and tolerant while others are more choosy about who they like to interact with. As humans, most of us don’t expect to enjoy the company of everyone we meet and we shouldn’t expect the same of our dogs. What we can expect with proper socialization and training is for our dogs to react politely and appropriately in the presence of another dog.

Scooby and store helper, Ranger, hit it off during their chance meeting

Our dog’s behavior can be influenced by every member of their household (including other dogs). Koda gets a confidence ...
05/20/2022

Our dog’s behavior can be influenced by every member of their household (including other dogs). Koda gets a confidence boost from his feisty little sister, Abby, who tagged along on his day training session. Abby was also encouraging some of her younger brother’s “naughty” behavior so she got a bit of a training refresher as well.

Sometimes it helps to have a partner that understands your struggles. These two cuties became fast friends on their join...
03/31/2022

Sometimes it helps to have a partner that understands your struggles. These two cuties became fast friends on their joint training field trip. They are both working on confidence around distractions including other dogs. Together they were able to relax and focus on their training.

By the way, all dogs are puppies!!🐶
03/23/2022

By the way, all dogs are puppies!!🐶

Lucky dogs get to wear holiday headbands 🍀💚
03/17/2022

Lucky dogs get to wear holiday headbands 🍀💚

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3850 Dulles South Court
Chantilly, VA
20151

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Videos

Hikes with your dog off leash or on a long leash give them an opportunity to expand their explorations and burn off a little more energy. #dogtraining #dogtrainingtips #hikingwithdogs #chocolatelab #gooddog #theenlighteneddog

Happy Valentine’s Day! Show your pup some ❤️❤️❤️ #valentines #love #boxer #dogsofdogtopia #theenlighteneddog

Ollie is learning to stay on his place no matter what kind of crazy things happen. Even when I accidentally drop a piece of food right in front of him! That was sloppy training on my part but Ollie handled it like a pro!! #petdogtraining #dogtraining #dogtrainingvideo #boxermix #chihuahua #place #daytraining #stay #dogsofdogtopia #theenlighteneddog

It is quite common for dogs to be a least a little uncomfortable with certain types of touch or restraint. You can help your pup tolerate, and even enjoy, being handled by associating it with something they enjoy. Make sure the “reward” happens AFTER each touch and keep your sessions short. @dogtopiadulles @dogsofdogtopia #dogtrainingtips #handling #classicalconditioning #boxermix #daytraining #theenlighteneddog

People often ask me about the logistics of one person walking two ( or more ) dogs. Generally, I find it easier to keep both leashes in the same hand. This frees up your other hand for treat delivery, steering, holding something, etc. The “free” hand can also be used as extra support if needed. #petdogtraining #dogtrainingtips #dogwalking #aussies #australianshepherd #littermates #theenlighteneddog

Does your dog/puppy let you catch them? We often need to grab or catch our dogs by the collar and many dogs aren’t comfortable with it. Puppies can learn to accept and even enjoy this type of handling by simply following the behavior with something they enjoy. Cooper is only mildly wary of my grabbing him and quickly becomes more relaxed as he anticipates earning a tasty treat. #petdogtraining #puppytraining #dogtrainingtips #handling #desensitization #classicalconditioning #dogtrainingvideo #clickertraining #boxermix #houndmix #theenlighteneddog

How long does it take to teach a dog to love wearing a muzzle? It depends, but it’s worth it to put in as much time as you need. Sure you could wrestle or sneak a muzzle on a dog in an emergency, but I’d rather not make it a fight every time I need one. Bonus Tip: teach your puppy or new dog to love wearing a muzzle before you need it!!! #trainingtiptuesday #dogtrainingtips #petdogtraining #puppytraining #muzzletraining #dogbiteprevention #germanshepherd #theenlighteneddog

Confidence building includes giving your dog the freedom to choose another option. #petdogtraining #confidence #choice #mixedbreed #rescuedog #happydog #problemsolving #smartdog #theenlighteneddog

Body blocks can be used to remind a dog not to rush forward, which can be particularly unpleasant on stairs. Dogs also use body blocks to communicate with each other, so it is usually easy for them to understand. #petdogtraining #dogtrainingtips #dogcommunication #houndmix #dogtrainingvideo #theenlighteneddog

There are lots of fun ways to proof your dog’s behaviors! #petdogtraining #fundogtraining #stay #gooddog #playground #swings #goldenretriever #theenlighteneddog

Walking a circle around your dog is one of the many ways to proof place/stay. Going out of sight when you are behind your dog ( even for a moment ) can be a challenge for them. #petdogtraining #gooddog #petsbehavingwell #stay #place #chocolatelab #positivereinforcement #theenlighteneddog

Life is short. Do what makes you happy!😊 🐶❤️🌞 #letdogsbedogs #happydog #yorkie #rescuedog #seniordog #fieldtrip #petdogtraining #theenlighteneddog

Chase and Bowser had a great session practicing impulse control, stay, off, and heeling. @lifeondesigntrain #petdogtraining #servicedogintraining #impulsecontrol #stay #off #gooddogs #goldendoodle #bulldogmix #theenlighteneddog

There are lots of ways to get new behaviors. One trick, if you are struggling with getting your dog to “down”, is to lure your dog underneath of something low. I usually make a bridge with my leg. This often works better with smaller dogs unless you have long legs ( which unfortunately I do not). #petdogtraining #dogtrainingtips #dogtrainingvideo #pembrokewelshcorgi #clickertraining #lure #down #theenlighteneddog

Last night’s puppy preschool social featuring Dune (Pitbull Mix), Bailey (Chocolate Lab), Barley (Labradoodle), Juzo (American Bully), Otis (Chow), and Dooly (Poodle Mix). These puppies aren’t just having fun; they’re building confidence, practicing bite inhibition, and learning effective communication skills. @dogtopiadulles #puppypreschool #puppyplaytime #puppysocialization #puppysocial #puppytraining #puppyskills #labradoodlepuppy #chocolatelabpuppy #pitbullpuppy #chowchowpuppy #americanbullypuppy #theenlighteneddog

This is the first stage of teaching Oliver to “boop” my hand when he sees a person or dog that he would have previously been likely to bark or lunge at. The goal is to give him an alternative behavior that he can do in exchange for treats that won’t require his owners to have to pay strict attention to the environment. I learned about this idea by listening to the wonderful podcast #thebiteyendofthedog during an interview with Kathy Sdao from Bright Spot Dog Training. Check out www.kathysdao.com and aggressivedog.com for great resources to help with reactivity and aggression in dogs. #petdogtraining #clickertraining #reactivedogs #labradoodle #targeting #boop #reallifedogtraining #theenlighteneddog

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About Us

The Enlightened Dog is owned and operated by Dara Lambert, CPDT-KSA. She has been training dogs and their owners full time since 2006. She also has extensive prior professional experience working in dog daycares and animal shelters. She is a proud member of The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and Truly Dog Friendly.

Dara holds a Bachelor‘s degree in Psychology from the University of Delaware with a minor in Sociology. She is a graduate of Animal Behavior College, one of the largest dog training schools in the nation, and has graduated from two levels of dog training academies offered by renowned dog trainer and author, Pat Miller. Dara has attained both levels of certification through CCPDT (Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers) which required passing an independent, science based exam to demonstrate knowledge in instruction skills, animal husbandry, ethology, learning theory, equipment, business practices and ethics. In addition, a practical skills portion of the exam required video submissions demonstrating her abilities to instruct clients and to train dogs. She continues to supplement her hands-on experience by regularly attending classes, seminars and workshops given by leaders in the field of dog training.

Dara shares her home with her husband, Andy, and their two adopted dogs Clyde and Alice. When Dara isn’t busy helping clients and their dogs, she often volunteers with one of her registered therapy dogs at schools, hospitals and nursing homes.

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