Spot on Dogs

Spot on Dogs Spot on Dogs incorporates progressive, scientifically proven methods of dog training while striving

GROUP CLASSES:
•Puppy Socialization and Basic Manners Class
•Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Manners Classes
•Rally Obedience Classes
•Therapy Dog Preparation Classes
•Canine Nose Work Classes

Loretta (some folks prefer to use her nickname, Lori) Swanson began what has become a lifelong love affair with dogs when she was very young; training her first dog, a mixed breed Collie-

type, to an obedience title when she was 12 years old and part of her local 4-H program. After learning and competing with this dog for several years, Loretta became involved with show horses. A couple decades or so filled with all kinds of equestrian events and several show horses passed quickly and after completing graduate school, Loretta adopted a mixed breed rescue pup and went back to her former dog training club to teach the pup some manners and maybe even perform a little obedience work with him. She was rather dismayed to find they were still advocating the use of “choke” and “pinch” collars (although they now couched them as “training” collars). So, despite the dirty looks she got from instructors and once even having the trainer tell the rest of the class “Oh, that’s Loretta over there, she does her own thing so just try to ignore her,” Loretta trained her new dog as she had her horses, by giving him rewards for his good behavior. This led to a succession of dogs trained and shown in obedience trials using positive methods (and several frustrated teachers!). In 2006 Loretta adopted a young adult Dalmatian, Jack, who was very fearful, so fearful in fact that he didn’t respond well to her usual methods of training. She made the rounds of canine behaviorists in the Midwest with Jack and one suggested using a clicker to work on his issues. While she had heard about clicker training before, she had never used it but she loved Jack and was willing to do anything she could to help him live a less fearful life. That began her immersion in all things clicker (as well as all things behavior) which eventually led her to completing the Karen Pryor Academy in the spring of 2012 and earning the distinction of Certified Training Partner, or KPA CTP. As a lifelong educator (in her previous career she was the Undergraduate Coordinator for the School of Art at Northern Illinois University), helping folks learn to understand their dogs and train them to live together in harmony comes naturally to her.

Dogs don't generalize the behaviors we teach them, so it's important to get them out into the world to practice in new a...
16/09/2025

Dogs don't generalize the behaviors we teach them, so it's important to get them out into the world to practice in new and sometimes strange situations.

The kids are back in school... now it's your dog's turn! Our fall class schedule is now LIVE: https://www.spotondogsilli...
05/09/2025

The kids are back in school... now it's your dog's turn!

Our fall class schedule is now LIVE: https://www.spotondogsillinois.com/

From puppy kindergarten to advanced obedience, nose work, and tricks- there's something for every pup!

02/09/2025

At the Belvidere Farm and Fleet. A CGCA lesson in handler focus while off leash. Nicely done teams!

Congrats to our newest CGC recipients.
13/08/2025

Congrats to our newest CGC recipients.

Add 2 more pups to the AKC Star Puppy Brigade for 2025! Congratulations to both. 😄
06/08/2025

Add 2 more pups to the AKC Star Puppy Brigade for 2025! Congratulations to both. 😄

Recently, Loretta, her Dal Kevin and his friends Ivy, the Border Collie, and Violet, the Borzoi, taught local Girl Scout...
01/08/2025

Recently, Loretta, her Dal Kevin and his friends Ivy, the Border Collie, and Violet, the Borzoi, taught local Girl Scouts how to properly greet dogs and what to do if they encounter a loose dog outside. Important lessons for all!

Last weekend a number of Spot on Dogs/Sniffy School students participated in CarDunAl's AKC Scent Work Trial held in Alg...
26/07/2025

Last weekend a number of Spot on Dogs/Sniffy School students participated in CarDunAl's AKC Scent Work Trial held in Algonquin, IL including instructor Loretta Lori Swanson. Here are a few of our students/dogs from the weekend. Enjoy!

Introducing some of our brand new STAR puppies. Congrats to ALL!
15/07/2025

Introducing some of our brand new STAR puppies. Congrats to ALL!

-Is your dog the CEO of Chaos? -Does “sit” mean “spin wildly and stare into the void”?-Are walks a full-contact sport? W...
15/07/2025

-Is your dog the CEO of Chaos?
-Does “sit” mean “spin wildly and stare into the void”?
-Are walks a full-contact sport? We can help.

Spot On Dogs is back with a new round of dog training classes—science-backed, fun-filled, and 100% positive reinforcement. No yelling. No leash popping. Just real training that works—and feels good for everyone (yes, even you).

Here’s what we’ve got on the schedule:

•Puppy Kindergarten and Elementary Puppy – Start 'em young, start 'em right. Socialization + foundation skills = future superstar.

•Adolescent Dog Manners - Trust us, you'll want to keep your teenager going in classes. This is when they start to push all the wrong buttons.

•Canine Good Citizen/CGCA/CGCU – Because your dog can be the well-mannered member of society you dreamed of, and you'll get a fancy title to prove it.

•Rally Obedience – For dogs who love working with their humans—and humans who love a challenge. Try it out, you won't be disappointed!

•Tricks Class – Teach your dog to bow, spin, and maybe even bring you a tissue when you sneeze. (No promises on that last one, but definitely a possibility).

•Canine Nose Work – Let that sniffer shine! Great mental exercise, and no prior experience needed. The bond you'll develop with your dog while doing nose work is unlike anything else on this planet.

Whether you’ve got a baby genius, a lovable rascal, or a sugar-faced senior, we’ve got a class that’ll meet you where you are—and help you both grow.

Classes fill up faster than a Lab at dinnertime. Grab your spot now: 👉 www.spotondogsillinois.com

On Saturday, June 28th Spot on Dogs held an Adolescent Manners class at the Belvidere Farm and Fleet. Here are a couple ...
10/07/2025

On Saturday, June 28th Spot on Dogs held an Adolescent Manners class at the Belvidere Farm and Fleet. Here are a couple of pictures to enjoy!

Today's temp here in northern IL is expected to be in low 80's but as you can see from this poster pavement temps can re...
07/07/2025

Today's temp here in northern IL is expected to be in low 80's but as you can see from this poster pavement temps can really heat up. Be aware of temps when out and about with your pets!

Even with today's lower temperatures, don't be tempted to leave your dog in the car without proper ventilation. They ca...
06/07/2025

Even with today's lower temperatures, don't be tempted to leave your dog in the car without proper ventilation. They can still overheat very quickly. This goes for your children as well.

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Opening Hours

Tuesday 07:00 - 19:00
Wednesday 07:00 - 19:00
Thursday 07:00 - 19:00
Friday 07:00 - 19:00
Saturday 07:00 - 19:00
Sunday 15:00 - 19:00

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