The Good Dog Yorktown

The Good Dog Yorktown Dog training facility in Yorktown VA that specializes in clear communication between owner and dog

11/12/2025

Do you ever feel like your dog has two speeds, 0 or 100, and there is no in between? In order to get them to relax in any way you have to exercise them until they are dead tired?
This is because your dog has not been taught how to just relax! You would be surprised, most dogs (ESPECIALLY puppies) do not come with the knowledge of how to relax- they have to be shown how!
The mantra “a tired dog is a dog dog” is really not the phrase we live our lives by, we’re way more in the camp of: “a calm dog is the best dog” as a calm dog rarely exhibits problem behaviors!
Instead of exercising our dogs until they literally pass out
- WHICH causes them to need more and more exercise every time to reach that point, you’re basically training an extreme Olympic athlete— we should be fulfilling their exercising needs and then encouraging relaxation throughout the rest of their time!
Just like putting a toddler down for a nap, if you haven’t worked on this much before, it’s going to take them some time to actually relax once you start encouraging that.
The number 1 key is to be patient and ONLY give them
*calm* attention when they do relax (Giving them slow massaging pets or soothingly saying “good” when they lay down versus an excited voice and fast petting)
Here are some of our favorite ways to encourage your pup to relax: crate time, place command, leash tethering (tether your pup to you or something else and just stay still) making sure they don’t have access to any toys during the times they’re learning to relax! And waiting until they’re completely chill to give them any form of attention.

The best way to encourage this is giving your dog calm attention whenever they CHOSE to relax on their own!
*bonus tip: If your pup has been fed, given water, pottied, exercised extensively and they’re STILL overly excited and won’t relax— this is a good indication that your pup is overtired (much like a toddler) and you need to put them down for a nap, the crate is a great place for this. Wait a little while and you’ll be surprised that they WILL end up sleeping if you don’t let them out when they’re whining!

11/09/2025

Sign up for our classes here: https://www.thegooddog.org/december-pay-as-you-go

Our One-Day December classes have been posted so if you‘ve wanted to try out training classes but didn’t want to commit to a full session - this is the PERFECT time to start training!
Our One-Day classes focus on everything you need to be successful with your dog in every day life: a loose leash walk, eliminating jumping, curbing excessive barking, getting a lightning fast recall (even around distractions), and most of all having fun and enjoying your puppy/dog!

Whether you have a young puppy that needs a solid foundation or you have an older dog that needs a fresh start- we’re here to fix your worst issues NOW!

11/07/2025

Do your dogs roughhouse constantly or pester each other, and you can’t get them to stop? This is for you!

These two brothers live separately and got littermate Great Dane puppies. Every time they get together the dogs play NONSTOP, for hours at a time, and they become giant wrecking balls. Letting them play is great, but this lesson works on teaching them an off switch when asked to stop playing!

This was just one lesson and they already started understanding that “enough” meant they can’t play anymore. After multiple sessions, and a lot of consistency and good timing, the dogs won’t need the leash anymore!

Comment any questions you have 🐾

When training your dog, environment 🏖️⛰️🏠🏗️🚏is one of the BIGGEST factors that affect their ability to focus and listen....
10/30/2025

When training your dog, environment 🏖️⛰️🏠🏗️🚏is one of the BIGGEST factors that affect their ability to focus and listen. If your dog is overwhelmed in a certain place, they’re probably not quite ready to be successful there (For example, if you’re sometimes struggling with sit inside the house, you will NOT get a sit when you take them on a walk).

Here are some examples of places to train your dog that ranges from really easy to extremely difficult:

🟢 easy places like in or near your house are the best places for your dog to practice and learn NEW things.
You can’t expect your dog to be able to learn when you’re in an extremely distracting environment. Only once they have their commands down pat in easy environments should you then move to more difficult environments to train.

🟡 medium level places like pet friendly stores. these are great places to PROOF commands your dog already knows well (proof means that you’re teaching your dog to know how to repeat these commands even when more difficult distractions are around). Pet friendly stores are AWESOME for this level. **this does NOT include pet stores, those are far more difficult than other pet friendly stores.

🔴 some of the most difficult places to train include pet stores, hiking trails, major cities, & festivals/fairies. Depending on your dog, these may be different, but these are generally what environments we see dogs have a very hard time in. You should NOT be training in these environments until your dog is extremely familiar with their commands and you’ve practiced in some easier places. Have patience with your dog in these kinds of places, they’re probably a little overwhelmed (when they are successful, extra praise and rewards are very important).

💬like everything with dog training, your dog may struggle more in certain environment than in others.

**And it may look a little different than this list**. Pay attention to your pup and how well they’re able to focus and listen (their body language and actions will tell YOU how difficult the environment is for them)!

10/29/2025

Our annual Therapy Dog Trick or Treat event is this Saturday from 11-1! The event will start at & you’ll be able to trick or treat around the Hilton Village, stopping to say hi to each therapy dog. Head to our fb for a map of the participating businesses & dogs!

Classes have begun THIS WEEK - there are still a few spots left in various classes, sign up by clicking the link below!h...
10/28/2025

Classes have begun THIS WEEK - there are still a few spots left in various classes, sign up by clicking the link below!

https://www.thegooddog.org/book-online

**this is our last full class session before the new year, don’t put off training before the stress of the holidays!

Ft. some grad pics from our past session! Share if you find your pup 🐾

10/26/2025

Comment “VIDEO” for the link to this entire leash walking workshop for free! You’ll see this shelter Rottweiler go from knowing absolutely nothing, to having a strong heel command with a lot of engagement, all within about an hour and a half. You’ll be able to duplicate everything at home with your own dog, no matter their level of training!

Fall Classes Start Monday!Our November classes are just around the corner, sign up now to secure your spot because class...
10/24/2025

Fall Classes Start Monday!
Our November classes are just around the corner, sign up now to secure your spot because classes are almost full!
Start training today so you can enjoy the holidays with ease rather than with stress and fear over your dog's behavior!
Book Here: https://www.thegooddog.org/book-online

Address

4909 George Washington Memorial Highway
Yorktown, VA
23692

Opening Hours

Tuesday 5pm - 8pm
Wednesday 5pm - 8pm
Thursday 5pm - 8pm
Friday 5pm - 8pm
Saturday 10am - 7pm
Sunday 10am - 8pm

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