St. Pete Dog Works, LLC

St. Pete Dog Works, LLC Positive motivation equals thriving dogs who are happy, healthy, & well-mannered living the BEST life Gone are the days of training focused on dominance. St.

Our Philosophy

As the role of the dog has evolved from that of a working species, to one of a beloved family member, we must too think about the evolution of dog training. These ideas are outdated and there’s growing scientific data supporting the use of science-based learning principles resulting in much more effective and humane ways to train dogs. Pete Dog Works stands for positive based trai

ning with evidence based outcomes. For dogs who thrive and are happy and healthy. Our core model focuses on:
• positive motivation to encourage behaviors (positive is not permissive)
• training protocols based on science-based learning theory
• replacing undesirable behaviors with more appropriate responses
• management for success; eliminate practice of unwanted behaviors
• a fair leadership strategy
• clear communication system
• a wholistic approach where nutrition, exercise, and enrichment compliment training
• having fun and building a relationship

To train a dog you need motivation, otherwise change in behavior won't happen. Motivation comes in many forms, some trainers use rewards to encourage a dog to continue doing a certain behavior and others use fear, intimidation, and pain - we NEVER use pain, force, or fear to train any dog we work with. We believe in using positive motivation to get desired behaviors, setting the dog up for success, and focus on relationship building. Training Team

Heather Morris comes to St. Petersburg from Washington, DC with 15 years experience working professionally in the pet industry. In 2010, she created Spot On Training, LLC which evolved into one of the most well-respected, successful dog training companies in the Washington, DC metro area. Spot On Training was consistently recognized as the ‘BEST’ in the Washingtonian Magazine and The Washington City Paper by its loyal client base. This one-woman operation quickly grew into a small team of trainers teaching group classes, speciality workshops, and puppy play in its own studio located in one of the fastest growing and most dog-friendly neighborhoods of DC. Additionally, Spot On Training provided private training and behavior consultations in DC, Virginia, and Maryland. Spot On Training established many relationships with other pet businesses in the area and was sold in 2016 to one of its competitors who still successfully operates and maintains its positive reputation today. Prior to the creation of Spot On Training, Heather was fortunate enough to combine her passion for food (a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America) as well as her love of dogs to create a unique business selling organic dog treats to local boutiques in the area. It wasn’t long before her love of active, healthy dogs and her devotion to being the “best” in her field opened up a new career pathway. This pathway led to a dog training position, a general manager position, and eventually a training director offer. Heather is a member of:
• Certified Professional Dog Trainer- Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
• Professional Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)
• Dalmatian Club of America
• Dog Training Club of St. Petersburg

The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers is the first national certification for dog trainers. Heather carries a strong sense of pride in this accomplishment and nationally recognized certification and honor. Like all honors, certification in professional dog training carries responsibilities like continuing education, maintaining a code of ethics, and upholding the highest standard of training. Heather lives in Old Southeast with her husband, 2 children, and her dog, Kismet. She currently trains and competes in conformation, rally, and dock diving.

I’m so incredibly thankful to have these two amazing ladies as part of my dog training team! While we come from differen...
12/20/2024

I’m so incredibly thankful to have these two amazing ladies as part of my dog training team! While we come from different backgrounds with unique experiences and credentials, our shared passion for helping dogs and their owners thrive has been the foundation of our success. Together, we've helped so many pups live their best, happiest, and healthiest lives.

We celebrated another year of success over small plates at Wild Child, reflecting on how far we've come and the lives we've touched. I have so much gratitude for these talented, dedicated women and the incredible work we do together. Here’s to many more years of growth, learning, and wagging tails!

Cheers to the team and happy training in 2025! 🐾✨

We’re so excited to announce our NEW OFF-LEASH PUPPY KINDERGARTEN CLASS STARTING MONDAY, JANUARY 27 at 5:30pm! 🎉Yes, you...
12/16/2024

We’re so excited to announce our NEW OFF-LEASH PUPPY KINDERGARTEN CLASS STARTING MONDAY, JANUARY 27 at 5:30pm! 🎉

Yes, you read that right—this 5-week class is entirely off-leash! (With the exception of leash training, of course.) Get ready for a fun and engaging experience with your puppy, where you’ll have a blast and leave with a tired, happy pup! 🐾💤
In this class, puppies of all sizes and play styles will come together to help each puppy build confidence and social skills while interacting with both large and small breeds. We’ll focus on positive socialization and create an environment where your puppy will thrive!

Puppies will also learn how to interact with unfamiliar people—and children (if in attendance)—while practicing bite inhibition during playtime with their peers.

The class includes short, frequent training sessions that focus on basic manners, sprinkled between playtime. This helps you, as an owner, develop the essential skills to calm, control, and get your puppy’s attention, even when they’re excited and distracted.

Each training session ends with a "play break" as a reward, reinforcing good behavior and making playtime a positive part of the learning process. It’s the perfect balance of training and fun—playtime becomes a reward, not a distraction!

Classes taught by certified professional trainers in a safe environment cleaned with veterinary grade disinfectant and proof of vaccination required.

Ready to start your puppy’s training journey? Spaces are limited, so sign up today! 🐶

https://www.stpetedogworks.com/puppy-classes

🐾 Meet Maggie Mae! 🐾Isn't she just the cutest? 😍 But don't let that sweet face fool you — Maggie Mae is also as sharp as...
12/13/2024

🐾 Meet Maggie Mae! 🐾

Isn't she just the cutest? 😍 But don't let that sweet face fool you — Maggie Mae is also as sharp as a tack! 💡 She's quickly mastering the skills that will make her the perfect pup.

Her parents came to us to ensure they start with a strong foundation and good manners from the very beginning. So Maggie Mae is enrolled in our 6-week training program, where we're focusing on essential life skills like:

✨ Appropriate greetings
✨ Go to place
✨ Leave it
✨ Leash manners
✨ Coming when called
✨ Confidence building
✨ Ongoing socialization
✨ And LOTS of fun! 🎉

Why are Maggie Mae’s parents so excited about this program?

✔️ They'll be able to enjoy all the amazing things St. Pete has to offer — with Maggie Mae right by their side! 🏖️
✔️ They’ll walk Maggie Mae with confidence and ease, no more pulling or frustration!
✔️ They'll be proud of how well-behaved Maggie Mae is around friends and family. 🐶💕
✔️ They’ll have the tools to replace undesirable behaviors with positive ones. ✅
✔️ And they'll be part of a community of dog lovers who enjoy living their best lives WITH their pups! 🐾🏙️

We’ve started strong in our studio, building those essential foundation skills. Now, we’re taking things on the road for real-world practice, and we'll wrap it up in their home to cover every base.

Maggie’s owners are thrilled with their investment and can’t wait to continue this journey with her! 🌟

Does your dog need a little extra guidance? Give us a call or reach out to learn more about our certified trainers and training philosophy — we’d love to help you and your dog thrive! 🐕💪

https://www.stpetedogworks.com/about

Come join us for our last FREE Puppy Playdate of the year!Who: For puppies 6 months and younger (proof of DHPP vaccinati...
12/11/2024

Come join us for our last FREE Puppy Playdate of the year!

Who: For puppies 6 months and younger (proof of DHPP vaccination required)
When: Monday, 12/16 at 5:45pm
Where: St. Pete Dog Works at 3001 Central Ave

Are you looking for?

🎄 A safe socialization opportunity for your puppy under the supervision of a certified professional trainer.

🎄 An opportunity to ask questions related to common puppy behavior challenges like mouthing/biting, crate training, and potty training.

🎄 Want to learn more about dog body language and play styles so you feel comfortable letting your puppy play with other dogs.

🎄 A chance to stop in our training studio to check it out and see if we’re a good match for your puppy training needs.

We’re now accepting registrations for January 2025 puppy classes.

If so, then REGISTER TODAY at: https://www.stpetedogworks.com/puppy-playdates

12/09/2024

Here’s why we do what we do! 🌟

One of our amazing clients just shared a heartwarming win with us: she sent a picture of Willa, calmly sitting like a pro at a shoe store! 🥿👠 The store owner invited her in because Willa’s manners were that impressive. Talk about a perfect testament to all their hard work!

We couldn’t be prouder of Willa and her mom for their dedication and progress. You’re both rockstars! ✨

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and family gatherings, but it can also pose several risks for your pup...
12/05/2024

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and family gatherings, but it can also pose several risks for your puppy if you're not careful. With the hustle and bustle of decorations, guests, and seasonal foods, it’s important to take proactive steps to keep your furry friend safe and happy. Here are some essential tips to ensure your puppy stays safe during the holidays.

1. Keep Toxic Foods Out of Reach. Many holiday foods, while delicious for us, can be toxic to dogs. Chocolates, raisins, grapes, onions, garlic, alcohol, and certain nuts like macadamias are all harmful to dogs. Be especially mindful during gatherings when food is being passed around, as your puppy may try to sneak a taste. Avoid leaving food unattended on counters or tables, and if your dog is particularly food-driven, consider using baby gates or crates to keep them out of the kitchen or dining area.

2. Secure Decorations. Holiday decorations, while festive, can be hazardous to curious puppies. Tinsel, ribbons, and ornaments can be tempting chew toys but can cause choking or internal blockages if ingested. Glass ornaments or breakable decorations present an additional hazard if they are knocked over and shattered. Choose puppy-safe decorations and avoid placing them where your dog can easily reach them. Additionally, be mindful of string lights and electrical cords—puppies are notorious for chewing on cords, which could lead to electric shocks or burns.

3. Watch Out for Small Objects. Many holiday items, such as small ornaments, buttons, and gift-wrapping materials, can present choking hazards. Wrapping paper, bows, and tape are all enticing to puppies who love to tear things apart. Keep these items out of your dog’s reach, especially when unwrapping gifts. Store your wrapping supplies in sealed containers, and always supervise your puppy during gift opening to ensure they don’t ingest anything harmful.

4. Avoid Stressful Situations. For puppies, the holiday season can be overwhelming with the influx of guests, loud noises, and changes in routine. Stress can cause behavioral issues and even lead to accidents. To minimize anxiety, provide a quiet, safe space for your puppy to retreat to when things get too chaotic (yet another reason to crate train). Familiar objects, such as their bed or favorite toys, can help them feel more secure. Stick to their usual feeding and exercise routine as much as possible to provide stability amidst the changes.

5. Be Mindful of Guests and Visitors. With the influx of visitors, your puppy may feel excited or anxious around strangers. Ensure your dog is properly introduced to guests in a calm and controlled manner. If you’re hosting a party, consider using a crate or a separate room for your puppy to avoid overstimulation. Be especially careful if your guests are bringing in potentially harmful items like bags of food, alcohol, or medications that could tempt your curious puppy.

6. Keep the Fireplace and Candles Away. The cozy ambiance of a fire or candles can be inviting, but they pose a significant risk to your puppy’s safety. Ensure that any open flames are out of your puppy’s reach and avoid leaving candles unattended. Consider using flameless candles if you want to achieve a similar effect without the risk of burns or fires.

7. Be Cautious with Holiday Plants. Several popular holiday plants are toxic to dogs, including poinsettias, mistletoe, holly, and lilies. If you plan to decorate with these plants, place them in areas that your puppy cannot access. If your dog is a frequent chewer, consider using artificial plants or non-toxic alternatives to reduce the risk.

8. Don’t Forget Regular Exercise. With all the holiday excitement, it can be easy to let your puppy’s regular exercise routine slide. However, maintaining regular walks and playtime is important to help them burn off energy and stay calm amidst the festivities. Adequate physical activity also prevents behavioral issues, such as excessive barking or chewing, that may arise from pent-up energy.

The holiday season should be a time of joy for both you and your puppy, but ensuring their safety requires vigilance and preparation. By following these tips—securing hazardous items, monitoring stress levels, and maintaining a safe environment—you can help your puppy enjoy the season with the same enthusiasm and happiness as you do. With a little extra care and attention, you and your furry friend can have a joyful, safe holiday season together.

Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃🍁♥️🐾
11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃🍁♥️🐾

🎉 Big News at St. Pete Dog Works! 🎉As 2024 comes to a close, we’re gearing up for an exciting start to 2025! January isn...
11/22/2024

🎉 Big News at St. Pete Dog Works! 🎉

As 2024 comes to a close, we’re gearing up for an exciting start to 2025! January isn’t just the start of a new year — it’s National Train Your Dog Month, and we’ve got a brand new lineup of classes to help you kick off the year with your pup in the best way possible! 🐾✨

Here’s what’s coming your way:

🐶 Off Leash Puppy Kindergarten
We’re not kidding when we say this is St. Pete’s ONLY off-leash puppy class! For puppies 5 months and younger, this unique class is all about building a strong foundation for off-leash reliability, relationship-building, and most importantly—FUN! 🐾

🐕‍🦺 Revised AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Class
We’ve expanded the age range! Now, puppies up to 10 months old can join in on the fun, earning their AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy title while learning essential skills in a supportive, structured environment.

🌳 Urban Leash Manners & Come When Called
Both held outdoors in the real world! These classes focus on real-life skills like walking calmly on a leash and reliable recall in a variety of environments. Because good manners don’t stop at the door! 🏙️

🔥 NEW! Use It Or Lose It Skill Refresher
For all our loyal clients who’ve completed classes or one-on-one sessions—this is for you! Get the chance to brush up on skills and tackle new goals with professional guidance, in real-world settings. These monthly 60-minute sessions are designed to keep your pup’s skills sharp and your bond strong! 💪🐕
Don’t miss out—space is limited and spots are filling fast! REGISTER ONLINE to reserve your spot and start 2025 on the right paw! 🐾🎉

https://www.stpetedogworks.com/puppy-classes

Evidence shows that puppy classes are very beneficial and can prevent behavior problems down the road.  Research suggest...
10/28/2024

Evidence shows that puppy classes are very beneficial and can prevent behavior problems down the road.

Research suggests that enrolling puppies in classes by age of 6 months can reduce behavior problems such as aggression by socializing them with unfamiliar people and dogs while learning basic obedience cues and life skills.

Come join is for our last puppy class of the year!

Class starts on Thursday, 11/7 at 6pm and runs for 6 weeks (skipping Thanksgiving week)

Location: 3001 Central Ave (Grand Central District) St. Petersburg

This semi-private class is taught by a certified trainer and is limited to 4 puppies to maximize experience.

Register online: https://www.stpetedogworks.com/puppy-classes

Enrolling a puppy in a puppy class before the age of 6 months reduces the likelihood of adult behavior problems such as aggression and destructive behavior.

Today’s weather was absolutely ideal for training walks!  We had the pleasure of working with Bowden and Skye.  Bowden &...
10/17/2024

Today’s weather was absolutely ideal for training walks! We had the pleasure of working with Bowden and Skye.

Bowden & Skye are adolescent, littermates who are now living together because Bowden’s house is uninhabitable due to Helene. Add to this, a very busy, active family with two young boys whose parents are also entrepreneurs.

Did you know that adolescent dogs need consistency, structure, and continued exposure more than ever? They can be especially sensitive to environmental change and need a patient leader to help guide them to make better choices.

During these guys’ training walks, we focus on teaching more polite greetings at the door, walking nicely on a leash, and how to better cope with all the new sights and sounds in a hurricane ravaged neighborhood that’s active with demolition & construction efforts.

We’re so happy to help this family with limited bandwidth at the time, navigate this rather stressful time in their lives.

Mission accomplished TODAY 🙌🏼 🐾 🐕‍🦺

Hi Puppy Owners!  We just received 2 cancelations for tonight's FREE Puppy Playdate.  Sadly, these puppies' homes were d...
10/02/2024

Hi Puppy Owners! We just received 2 cancelations for tonight's FREE Puppy Playdate. Sadly, these puppies' homes were damaged in the storm and their parents are still working hard to savage what they can.

The silver lining is that it opens up 2 spots for other puppies.

Come join us tonight:

📍 3001 Central Ave - inside of St PetersBARK
🗓 Wednesday, 10/2 at 5:45pm

Register at: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/f42684dc/?appointmentTypeIds[]=21890703

We just had a spot open up in tonight's puppy playdate in case anyone wants to come?Puppies 6 months and younger are inv...
09/11/2024

We just had a spot open up in tonight's puppy playdate in case anyone wants to come?
Puppies 6 months and younger are invited tonight Wednesday, 9/11 at 5:45pm.

Registration required:

Opportunity to ask training questions related to puppy behavior such as potty training, crate training, puppy chewing/mouthing, etc

September News from St. Pete Dog Works, LLC.Check it out for upcoming events, a few fun facts about hot dogs, thoughts o...
09/05/2024

September News from St. Pete Dog Works, LLC.

Check it out for upcoming events, a few fun facts about hot dogs, thoughts on safety during a crisis, and our monthly dog-inspired quote.

🐾 🐶 📰

https://mailchi.mp/5cbe631c7b2f/september-news-from-st-pete-dog-works

If like to receive our newsletter going forward, sign up here:
https://stpetedogworks.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=7c71aeeb9ab812c2dcc81b133&id=bc55b79b5f

With the return of the school season, it's the perfect time to dive back into routines and focus on growth. We're thrilled to announce that our new community programs are taking shape and are eager to expand these exciting opportunities.

09/04/2024

The 🛸 mother ship 🛸 has dispatched an alien spy disguised as the cutest little pup you've ever seen. Julio might be transmitting Earth's secrets back to his extraterrestrial overlords, and he might even have us under some sort of alien enchantment.

He began our Puppy Program yesterday, where he'll spend the next six sessions mastering all the essential skills to become the finest earthly puppy imaginable.

His parents will:

✔️ Have a puppy well on their way to being potty trained; who enjoys spending time in his crate and knows your household rules.

✔️ You will know how to properly manage your puppy to set him up for success so you enjoy living with your puppy.

✔️ Gain relief from puppy nipping, chewing, and jumping.

✔️ Understand the true meaning of socialization, the importance of enrichment, and confidence building.

✔️ A toolbox of skills to create and maintain a happy and healthy relationship with your dog. gain relief from his puppy

Do you have an alien spy disguised as a canine companion?

If so, join us today! We have many options for puppy owners:

👽 puppy class
👽 private 1-on-1 training
👽 puppy playdates

Learn more at: www.stpetedogworks.com

09/03/2024

We’re so proud of Harrie and her wonderful parents Darrel & Brenda!

Harrie’s life started out quite small, being born in a kennel. Darrel and Brenda rescued her from Barking Out Loud Rescue, Inc and recognized they were going to need some professional guidance to help Harrie gain confidence and live a happy, active life.

Now look at this girl - she’s climbing mountain tops, meeting new friends, and going places:)

Are you a new puppy owner looking for safe, socialization opportunities? If so, we invite you to join our Puppy Playdate...
08/30/2024

Are you a new puppy owner looking for safe, socialization opportunities?

If so, we invite you to join our Puppy Playdate Program. In this program we offer weekly playdate opportunities.

📍3001 Central Ave

🗓 Our September schedule includes:

Wednesday, 9/4 at 6pm
Saturday, 9/14 at 9:30am
Wednesday, 9/18 at 6pm
Saturday, 9/28 at 9:30am

With this membership, puppy playdates are just $10. Purchase a package of 5 playdates to be used within 90 days.

✔️ We follow the American Veterinary Association of Animal Behavior recommendations on early, safe socialization
✔️ Proof of vaccination required
✔️ Play area sanitized with Rescue (veterinary grade disinfectant)
✔️ Trainer supervised off-leash puppy playtime
✔️ Discussion about dog body language, play-styles, appropriate vs inappropriate play
✔️ Opportunity to ask training questions related to puppy behavior such as potty training, crate training, puppy chewing/mouthing, etc
✔️ Play groups limited to 4 puppies

Come Join Us Today!

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/catalog.php?owner=22607371&action=addCart&clear=1&id=1788635

*** once purchased a link will be provided to sign up for playdates

In celebration of National Dog Day, St. Pete Dog Works is giving away a $50 class credit to our upcoming Basic Obedience...
08/26/2024

In celebration of National Dog Day,

St. Pete Dog Works is giving away a $50 class credit to our upcoming Basic Obedience Class scheduled to start on Tuesday, 9/10 at 6pm. 🐾

Heres how to enter this giveaway:

1. Like our post on our page!

2. Follow on Facebook: Make sure you’re following

3. Tag a dog loving friend in the comments (unlimited entries)! For a bonus entry, share our post to your story and tag us!

Hurry, this giveaway ends on August 29th at 11:59pm

📣Winner will be randomly selected and announced August 30📣

Address

3001 Central Avenue
Saint Petersburg, FL
33713

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