Your Dog's Friend

Your Dog's Friend Your Dog's Friend is a 501c3 non-profit organization whose goal is to help keep dogs out of shelters by educating and supporting their humans.
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Dog training classes (online & in person), free webinars, advice, and referrals

Please join us today! Register here! https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUqc-2ppj8uHtHQ2V4HoPt0YXuVZwsnUioh #/reg...
09/21/2024

Please join us today! Register here! https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUqc-2ppj8uHtHQ2V4HoPt0YXuVZwsnUioh #/registration

Please join us for a FREE webinar (on a topic near and dear to my heart!), Helping the Sound-Sensitive Dog, coming up on Saturday, September 21st at 2pm ET with Dr. Sameera Nalla, DVM, Clinical Behavior Resident with Animal Behavior Wellness Center 💜

Register for free at https://yourdogsfriend.org/free-workshops/ or directly at
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUqc-2ppj8uHtHQ2V4HoPt0YXuVZwsnUioh #/registration

Please join us this Sunday, September 22 at 2pm ET for Welcome Home, Pup!, a FREE webinar perfect for new puppy parents,...
09/19/2024

Please join us this Sunday, September 22 at 2pm ET for Welcome Home, Pup!, a FREE webinar perfect for new puppy parents, dog adopters, and anyone looking to learn more about dog training and behavior!

Learn how to help your new pup feel safe, prioritize training skills, and develop routines.

Open to all dog parents, fosters, and future or potential adopters!

Time for Q&A at the end!

Register at https://yourdogsfriend.org/free-workshops/

Play and socialize with puppy friends at Puppy Party this Thursday, September 19th at 5:30 pm!Learn more & register at Y...
09/18/2024

Play and socialize with puppy friends at Puppy Party this Thursday, September 19th at 5:30 pm!

Learn more & register at YourDogsFriend.org/Puppy-
Party

Puppy Party is a single-session class where your puppy has the opportunity to play with other compatible puppies under the supervision of a certified dog trainer and experienced assistants!

This play session provides a great outlet for your pup’s energy as well as the chance to socialize with other dogs and people.

Have fun learning more about:
✨ dog body language
✨ play styles
✨ appropriate play behavior
in a safe environment



Good Pets
Infinite-Dog

09/18/2024
09/17/2024

🚨 Ever thought about fostering but felt a bit too nervous to dive in? We totally get it — the unknown can be scary! 🚨

That’s why we’re excited to offer a special weekend fostering opportunity! This is your chance to dip your toes into the fostering world, just for a few days.

📣 From Thursday, September 19th through Saturday, September 21st, you can pick up a medium or large dog (30 pounds and up) and give them a much-needed break from the shelter. Drop-offs are on Sunday or Monday, but if you end up loving the experience (and your new furry friend), we’d love for you to foster longer! We promise the whole process is easy-peasy! 🫛

This is a great way to try fostering with a short, manageable commitment. Plus, you’ll be giving a deserving dog a mini-vacation from the shelter—a win-win for everyone!

📍 Pickups from our 1201 New York Ave NE and 71 Oglethorpe St NW locations.
⭐️ Ready to give it a go? Learn more and sign up at https://forms.gle/jQkSgGKsYYoqj4ta9 🎊

Take the leap—just for the weekend—and see how rewarding fostering can be. 🐾💖 Even if you can’t foster, you can still be a shelter animal hero by sharing this opportunity with friends and family. We are counting on your help to spread the word!

09/14/2024

We often talk about ways we can make life easier for our dogs but let's change it up and talk about things we can do for other dogs in our community! Especially the kiddos with behavioral challenges!

What other small gestures would you add to this list?

Play and socialize with puppy friends at Puppy Party this Thursday, September 12th at 5:30 pm!Learn more & register at Y...
09/12/2024

Play and socialize with puppy friends at Puppy Party this Thursday, September 12th at 5:30 pm!

Learn more & register at YourDogsFriend.org/Puppy-Party

Puppy Party is a single-session class where your puppy has the opportunity to play with other compatible puppies under the supervision of a certified dog trainer and experienced assistants!

This play session provides a great outlet for your pup’s energy as well as the chance to socialize with other dogs and people.

Have fun learning more about:
✨ dog body language
✨ play styles
✨ appropriate play behavior
in a safe environment



Laughing Dog Academy
Good Pets

Lunchtime Fun: Indoor Games & Activities class starts next Tuesday, September 10th!Learn more & register at https://your...
09/06/2024

Lunchtime Fun: Indoor Games & Activities class starts next Tuesday, September 10th!

Learn more & register at https://yourdogsfriend.org/product/indoor-games-and-activities/

Join us on your lunch break to give your pup some midday excitement that will tap into their need to:

✨ move
✨ sniff
✨ seek
✨ chase

All the class activities can be easily adapted to your dog and your space, using items you probably already have at home.

Three weeks of class will give you fresh ideas for ongoing fun!

09/06/2024
Your Dog’s Friend classes with openings within the next two weeks:✨ Sports Sampler✨ Reactive Dog Class✨ Separation Anxie...
09/05/2024

Your Dog’s Friend classes with openings within the next two weeks:

✨ Sports Sampler
✨ Reactive Dog Class
✨ Separation Anxiety Class (Online)
✨ Lunchtime Fun (Online)
✨ Basic Skills for Adolescent & Adult Dogs (Online)
✨ Puppy 1st Grade
✨ Puppy Party
✨ Rally

➡ Learn more & register at YourDogsFriend.org/Schedule

Sports Workshops coming up for Agility and Foley's Dog Training friends!https://yourdogsfriend.org/sports-workshops/
09/05/2024

Sports Workshops coming up for Agility and Foley's Dog Training friends!
https://yourdogsfriend.org/sports-workshops/

SNOOKER DROP-IN CLASSES in Rockville, MD (indoors!)
Wednesday, October 2nd
One hour class - $50
6 dogs maximum

Level:

- The 1:15 & 2:30 pm classes will be based on a CPE Level 1/2 Snooker course that is just jumps and tunnels. Dogs should be able to do at least 4 obstacles in a row before getting a treat. (And no treats tossed into tunnels.)

- The 3:45, 5:00, and 6:15 pm classes will be based on a CPE Level 3/5/C Snooker course that includes jumps, tunnels, and 6 weaves. If your dog doesn't weave yet or needs guide wires, channels, or 2x2s, that's okay! As long as they can do 8-10 obstacles in a row before getting a treat, they're ready!

Before the class, you'll get an email containing:

- A 10-page ebook about how to play snooker, including several example course maps and plans.
- Links to two videos that walk you through the information in the PDFs using a Level 1/2 Snooker course used in a recent CPE trial in PA.

This post has a screenshot of the video creation in progress. :-)

FAQ:

Q: Which level should I do? My dog can do weaves, but I don't know anything about Snooker.

A: You'll have an easier time learning the game on the easier Level 1/2 course. But if you tend to pick up new games (card/board/etc) quickly, you'll learn Snooker quickly too.

Q: Can I come to more than one?

A: Yes! Even if it's the same level course, you could create a new plan on how to run it.

Q: My dog is a little reactive or excited around other dogs, can we come?

A: If you're already in other YDF classes, absolutely yes!
If you're new to YDF (or your dog is), shoot me a message here or email info @ foleysdogtraining . com and tell me a bit about your dog & what setup they'd need to be successful.

Your Dog’s Friend classes with openings within the next two weeks:✨ Out & About✨ Reactive Dog Class✨ From Cautious to Co...
08/27/2024

Your Dog’s Friend classes with openings within the next two weeks:

✨ Out & About
✨ Reactive Dog Class
✨ From Cautious to Confident
✨ Lunchtime Fun (Online)
✨ Basic Skills for Adolescent & Adult Dogs (Online)
✨ Puppy Agility Games
✨ Puppy 1st Grade
✨ Puppy Party
✨ Rally

➡ Learn more & register at YourDogsFriend.org/Schedule

08/21/2024

Blueberry is waiting to see what the next fun activity will be in Puppy K. Those ears! 🥰

Online Reactive Dog Class with Laughing Dog Academy and Joyful Dog starts TOMORROW, Thursday, August 22nd at 7:30 pm ET....
08/21/2024

Online Reactive Dog Class with Laughing Dog Academy and Joyful Dog starts TOMORROW, Thursday, August 22nd at 7:30 pm ET. Learn more and register at YourDogsFriend.org/Reactive

08/21/2024

Retriever hijinks in Puppy K.

We love Control Unleashed! New classes starting next week with DogSpeak, LLC 😀
08/17/2024

We love Control Unleashed! New classes starting next week with DogSpeak, LLC 😀

Control Unleashed® Increase focus with pattern games & help for your reactive, fearful, or overly exuberant dog The Control Unleashed (CU) program is based on the books and DVDs by Leslie McDevitt. Originally designed to help agility dogs learn how to relax, focus, and work reliably off-leash, CU u...

Join Your Dog's Friend and Amie Glasgow, CDBC, ADT, CCUI, FDM, CSAT, FSG-I of Oscar Winning Behavior this Sunday, 8/18 a...
08/15/2024

Join Your Dog's Friend and Amie Glasgow, CDBC, ADT, CCUI, FDM, CSAT, FSG-I of Oscar Winning Behavior this Sunday, 8/18 at 2pm ET for Welcome Home, Pup!, a FREE webinar open to all dog lovers but especially helpful for new adopters!

Learn how to help your new pup feel safe, prioritize training skills, and develop routines.

Register at https://yourdogsfriend.org/free-workshops/

Join Your Dog's Friend and Laurie Luck, KPA CTP of Smart Dog University for Crate Training Made Easy -- a FREE webinar c...
08/14/2024

Join Your Dog's Friend and Laurie Luck, KPA CTP of Smart Dog University for Crate Training Made Easy -- a FREE webinar coming up this Saturday, 8/17, at 2pm ET!

Register at https://yourdogsfriend.org/free-workshops/

We all want our dog to feel comfortable – better yet, LOVE – spending time in their crate. Join us to learn how investing a little extra time and energy into training up front can result in a pup who willingly and happily relaxes in their crate. Our speaker will discuss the best way to introduce the crate (to puppies and adult dogs alike); review appropriate and inappropriate uses of crates; highlight typical and easy to avoid training mistakes; and troubleshoot common concerns.

08/09/2024

TikTok famous dog trainers are taking over, and unfortunately that's not always a good thing. Does having 1 million Instagram followers make you a good dog trainer? Some of the information getting shared on social media is incorrect, ineffective, or downright dangerous. So how do you figure out who's who?

🐶 Look for credentials listed in the trainer bio. Don't see any? It's likely they don't have any. This is not a good thing. "I've had dogs for 20 years" is not a qualification.
🐶 Beware of sneaky marketing. Guarantees of behavior, promises to fix a problem in only a few minutes, or telling you that you "HAVE" to follow these rules are all red flags.
🐶 Impressive before and after videos that show massive behavior change in "only one session"? You may actually be seeing behavior suppression instead of actual behavior modification.
🐶 Pay attention to body language. We share A LOT about body language, and if you have a dog, you likely have some idea of what a relaxed dog looks like. Apply your knowledge to social media videos! Is the dog in the video panting heavily? Are their lips pulled back? Are their ears back? Do they look tense? Those are all signs of stress, anxiety, and fear...

Questions about behavior or training? You know how to reach us! Check out our stories for more info!

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08/06/2024

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Your Dog’s Friend classes with openings within the next week:✨ Puppy Agility Games (starts on Saturday!)✨ Puppy Party (o...
07/25/2024

Your Dog’s Friend classes with openings within the next week:

✨ Puppy Agility Games (starts on Saturday!)
✨ Puppy Party (openings Sunday & Thursday!)
✨ Out & About (starts on Monday!)
✨ Lunchtime Fun (starts on Tuesday!)
✨ Passing Dogs on Leash (starts on Thursday!)

Learn more & register at YourDogsFriend.org/Schedule

07/18/2024

Henry takes a breather during Puppy First Grade.

07/16/2024

Did you know that most dogs become more and more "dog selective" as they age? And guess what? That's OK!

Join us this Sunday, July 21st at 2pm ET for a FREE webinar, Welcome Home, Pup!Have you recently adopted a dog or welcom...
07/15/2024

Join us this Sunday, July 21st at 2pm ET for a FREE webinar, Welcome Home, Pup!

Have you recently adopted a dog or welcomed home a new puppy? Are you fostering for a local shelter or rescue organization? 🥰

Your new family member has just experienced a HUGE change, and they will need some time to settle in and adjust.

Our Welcome Home, Pup! webinar is designed to give you the skills you need to help your pup through this transition. 💜

We will cover topics including:
💚 helping your dog feel safe
💚 prioritizing training skills
💚 developing daily routines
💚 basic leash walking and recall techniques
💚 and tips for organizing a dog-friendly home

All dog parents are welcome and encouraged to attend, even if your dog has been with you for years!

There will be time for questions! 🙋‍♀

Speaker: Angie Madden, CCUI, DogSpeak, LLC

⭐️ Register for free at YourDogsFriend.org/Free-workshops

Join us this Saturday, July 20th at 2pm ET for a FREE webinar, Puppy Separation Anxiety: Prevention & ManagementOur spea...
07/15/2024

Join us this Saturday, July 20th at 2pm ET for a FREE webinar, Puppy Separation Anxiety: Prevention & Management

Our speaker will explain what separation anxiety is, give you the tools to identify and manage it, and provide helpful tips for raising a confident puppy.

Speaker: Alexandra Dilley, M.A. Animal Behavior, CPDT-KA; Home Alone Canine

Register for free here --> https://yourdogsfriend.org/free-workshops/

07/12/2024

Training is simple but not easy. Take breaks as needed and keep it fun!

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07/03/2024

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Sarah Stoycos of Laughing Dog Academy, one of our wonderful trainers, is the Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Part...
07/02/2024

Sarah Stoycos of Laughing Dog Academy, one of our wonderful trainers, is the Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP) of the month for July! 🤩

Sarah Stoycos, owner of Laughing Dog Academy in Rockville, Maryland, embarked on a transformative journey in 2009 when she completed the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program led by Laurie Luck. Transitioning from a career as a college professor, Sarah found her true passi...

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06/22/2024

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12221 Parklawn Drive
Rockville, MD
20852

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An Award-Winning Non-Profit

Our goal is to help keep dogs out of shelters by educating and supporting their humans. We believe that fewer dogs will be given up to shelters if we can help people understand what their dogs need and how their dogs learn.

Why YDF?

We have manners, puppy, behavior, sports, play, and kids classes.

Our free behavior and training workshops are presented by local positive trainers and other pet professionals. Monthly workshops for adopters too!