Spot On Dog Training

04/25/2022

04/25/2022

03/16/2022

We're here with Toni Woods of Spot on Training to learn how we can close the door on separation anxiety! Join us now for our live video and learn the difference between separation and isolation anxiety, how to help your pup, and so much more. Need more training help for your pup? Sign up for a webinar on the topic most relevant to your training needs at the link in the comments.

08/24/2021

It is with gratitude for the many years of being able to help dogs in the DMV, but also sadness that we will no longer be able to do so in the same capacity as always, that we are letting you know on September 1, 2021, Spot on dog training will be closing in Washington, D.C.

Similar to many other businesses, the challenges presented by adapting our training services to COVID-19 has been difficult and after fits and starts of reopening, continuing pandemic related issues have prevented us from finding qualified and highly skilled dog trainers to serve your training needs. As a result, we will be closing ALL in person dog training including group classes, workshops and private lessons.

We will remain open for separation anxiety and isolation disorder training, as well as virtual training option for potty/crate training and emergency recall.

You have our sincere gratitude for your business and for allowing us the opportunity to be a part of your family, and please keep us in mind for future referrals and positive reviews of our services. Please continue to refer us to your friends with dogs in need of help with alone time issues and potty training.

It was our sincere effort to offer excellent customer service to our clients, and we hope we were successful in our endeavors. We thank you for believing in us and sticking with us since 2009.

07/14/2021

Do you have a dog that behaves beautifully in the training classroom....but it all falls apart once you walk out the door? We’ll help you get a dog that listens to you anytime, anywhere with our new classes Outdoor Manners: Manners for the Real World.

We’ll cover:

✅ Basic obedience to get your pup focused and following your direction
✅ Problem solving to make short work of distractions like squirrels, trash, and other dogs
✅ Problem prevention to ensure your dog is the envy of all your neighbors – friendly, relaxed, well-behaved, and fun.

Outdoor Manners kicks off this Saturday, July 17th. We'll meet 7/17, 7/24, 8/7, and 8/14 at Senate Park, across the street from Union Station.

Scamper over to www.spotondogtrainingdc.com to snag your spot.

07/12/2021

Taking a walk with your puppy doesn't have to be a push me- pull you of frustration! Whether you have a puller, or a staller, work out the kinks on your leash walks.

This 4 week class will focus on fun training games that teach your pup the rules of the road. You'll learn the secret to:

🐾 Increase their focus on you vs. what's up ahead.
🐾 Build impulse control muscles to help resist distractions like garbage or other dogs.
🐾 A dog who chooses to walk by your side instead of pulling you to the chiropractor.

"Who's Walking Who?" is coming your way this Saturday, July 17th. Class meets 7/17, 7/24, 8/7, and 8/14 at Senate Park Union Station.

Walk on over to www.spotondogtrainingdc.com/group-training-schedule/ to sign up

07/07/2021

We all love cuddle time with our pups, but did you know you can also train your pup while you cuddle?

During a quiet, sleepy time of day, snuggle up with your pup and pet her using long, soft, relaxing strokes. Before each pet, say "shhhh" in a soft voice.

After a few days, she'll have learned the word "shhh" means to calm down and relax. You can then use this anytime you want her to calm down, such as:

✅ Before guests arrive to your home
✅ Before putting on a leash to go for a walk
✅ When the mid-afternoon Zoomies start
✅ During scary times, such as loud construction or fireworks

07/06/2021

Paws up if you agree 🐾

07/05/2021

"Say Please" is a training strategy that uses everyday situations to reward good manners and practice obedience without setting aside hours of special practice time.

Applying the principle of Say Please is simple. Whatever your dog wants, he has to work for.

From now on, doors are not opened willy-nilly; balls are not simply thrown. For those, and countless other privileges, ask your dog to say please by sitting, doing a down, spinning or performing whatever trick he knows.

With this strategy, you and your dog both win. You get a well-trained, polite dog and he gets what he wants (his belly rubbed, his leash taken off at the park). What’s more, you have laid the foundation for an enjoyable relationship for a lifetime.

Here's how to use it:
Step 1. Make a list of all the things your dog wants and enjoys.
Step 2. Vow to yourself never to give those things away for free again. See them all as training opportunities and ask your dog for an obedience behavior or trick you want strengthened.
Step 3. Give him what he wants as a reward for that behavior.
Step 4. Repeat, every day, everywhere.
When to use it.
Before throwing a ball, Frisbee, rope-toy, etc.
Before giving him a toy.
Before putting the food bowl down.
Before handing over a treat or chewie.
Before opening a door.
Before putting on a leash to go for a walk.
Before taking off a leash at the park or beach.
Before dishing out a belly rub or good ear scratch.
Before hopping into or out of the car.
Before allowing your dog onto the couch with you.

Training Tip
Be patient. Practicing cues in new situations can be a challenge. For instance, a sit at the door when your dog is eager to get out for a walk is harder than a sit in front of you.

07/02/2021

Did you know a tired puppy is a GOOD puppy?

Puppies are a lot like children. If you don’t give them something fun to do, they will make their own fun—and often not in ways you approve of. 😡

Give your pup plenty of physical and mental exercise, and you get a happier, healthier, better-behaved dog.

Well-exercised puppies bark less, chew less, sleep more, and rest easier if left home alone. They are also much less likely to rummage through the trash or attack the couch cushions.

Wanna *really* wear your puppy out? Sign up for our Online Puppy Manners Class that starts Monday, July 5th!

Our Puppy Manners class will help your pup grow into a well adjusted dogs that knows your household rules. We’ll give you tools you need to create a strong foundation while focusing on socialization skills, good manners, and confidence building.

Your puppy will learn:

✅ How to pay attention to YOU, instead of other people, dogs, or squirrels
✅ How to say "please" instead of jumping up or barking
✅ Basic Obedience such as sit and down
✅ Walking calmly on a leash, instead of pulling you down the block
✅ What to do about that non-stop puppy biting
✅ And More!

Sign up for Puppy Manners at www.spotondogtrainingdc.com/classes/

06/29/2021

Let's see those doggy tongues 👇🐶👅

06/28/2021

Fact: No matter how many dogs there are, there's always room for more!

Speaking of which, we've got a couple spots left in our Puppy Manners and Family Manners classes that start Monday, July 5th 🥳

Our Manners classes help you create good doggy habits that last a lifetime through manners, socialization, and fun!

Puppy Manners will help your puppy grow into a well adjusted dog knows your household rules. Young puppies are very impressionable and their experiences can have lasting effects on their behavior. We’ll give you tools you need to create a strong foundation while focusing on socialization skills, good manners, and confidence building.

Family Manners helps you establish and maintain a happy and healthy relationship between you and your dog. Dogs have special training needs as they hit sexual maturity entering the ‘teenage years’ and then grow up into mature adults. This class provides an opportunity to continue learning basic skills and good habits to help your dog understand your household rules and expectations so you can BOTH enjoy life.

You can register for our Manners classes that start Monday July 5th on our website, www.spotondogtrainingdc.com

Class runs for six weeks and is held entirely online. Our virtual, semi-private environment allows for individual attention and personalized instruction.