The Freckled Paw, LLC

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The Freckled Paw, LLC Living with a dog can be both wonderful and frustrating at times. We give dog owners a proven training path for an easier life with their dog.

Click the link below to schedule a phone consultation! www.thefreckledpaw.com

Puppy Kindergarten Classes Are Starting Soon!Looking for the perfect way to set your pup up for success? Our Puppy Kinde...
03/03/2025

Puppy Kindergarten Classes Are Starting Soon!

Looking for the perfect way to set your pup up for success? Our Puppy Kindergarten classes kick off on March 5th and March 8th! This 5-week class is designed for puppies over 20 weeks of age, focusing on essential manners, socialization, and confidence-building.

Got a younger pup?

No worries! Our Puppy Pre-K program is ongoing, so puppies 8-19 weeks old can start anytime and continue learning until they're ready for Puppy Kindergarten.
Start your puppy off on the right paw!

Reserve your spot today!
https://thefreckledpaw.com/index.php/puppy-training/

Meet Finn,Finn has discovered that focusing on his human and earning snacks is much better than barking at people passin...
28/02/2025

Meet Finn,

Finn has discovered that focusing on his human and earning snacks is much better than barking at people passing by! With patience and the proper training, he’s learning to stay calm and engaged on walks.

Need help with your reactive dog? Visit our website to schedule a free phone consultation today!
https://thefreckledpaw.com/

Polite in Public: Essential skills for every dog!Want a well-mannered dog you can confidently take anywhere? Focus on th...
27/02/2025

Polite in Public: Essential skills for every dog!

Want a well-mannered dog you can confidently take anywhere? Focus on these key skills: staying calm in public spaces, giving people and dogs space, and responding to recalls reliably.

These behaviors make outings more enjoyable and stress-free for both you and your pup!

For more tips on building a polite pup, visit our blog.
https://thefreckledpaw.com/index.php/2024/02/27/polite-in-public/

Have you joined our Paws On The Path Club?Training isn’t just about obedience! It’s about building a lifelong bond with ...
26/02/2025

Have you joined our Paws On The Path Club?

Training isn’t just about obedience! It’s about building a lifelong bond with your dog. Our Paws On The Path Club is a monthly subscription designed to help you keep up with your training in a fun and supportive environment.

As a member, you’ll get access to group outings where you can practice real-world skills, play training games with friends, and participate in workshops and drop-in classes to continue learning together.

Whether you’re working on manners, socialization, or advanced skills, we’re here to guide you every step of the way!

Meet the Staff!SamSam has worked with dogs in just about every capacity, starting out at the Virginia Beach SPCA. She mo...
24/02/2025

Meet the Staff!
Sam

Sam has worked with dogs in just about every capacity, starting out at the Virginia Beach SPCA. She moved into Doggy Day Care and Boarding, and then went into Veterinary Medicine for about 5 years.

She then started working as a part time bather at Petsmart. When the trainer decided to step down, she then began her training journey. Since this transition she has trained many pups on everything from basic manners to correcting behavior problems.

She currently shares her home with a 4 year old Blue Heeler mix named Lorelai!

Meet Kage,Kage (Ka-gay) joined us to polish his manners, and he’s been an absolute star. He already knew his positions, ...
21/02/2025

Meet Kage,

Kage (Ka-gay) joined us to polish his manners, and he’s been an absolute star. He already knew his positions, heel, and how to station, so we’ve been having a blast introducing him to new toy skills and sport foundations.
With the right training and engagement, every dog can learn to excel and have fun!

Want to take your dog’s skills to the next level? Visit our website to schedule a free phone consultation today! https://thefreckledpaw.com/

Not everyone is comfortable with your dog, and your dog won’t be comfortable with everyone they come across. But either ...
20/02/2025

Not everyone is comfortable with your dog, and your dog won’t be comfortable with everyone they come across. But either way, it’s your job - as your dogs guardian- to keep everyone safe and comfortable. So what can you do?
Pull over when runners or bikes go by. This allows the other person to predict where you will be so they can safely navigate the terrain. This also helps keep your dog from startling when a bike goes flying past them. Practicing your pull overs also teaches your dog some impulse control

Give other people and dogs space - people can have different experiences and traumas around different types of dogs. If you see someone struggling, see what you can do to help. That might be turning and going another direction or moving your dog behind a car or treeline to help the other dog pass calmly. Kindness is also teaching your dog to wait until told to approach people or other dogs. This allows you to evaluate how the other person or dog feels about the interaction.

Having a dog who can come when called reliably allows your dog to have more freedom in public. That freedom and agency is so important for a dog's well-being, but make sure it is not at someones expense. Use a long line in areas where your dog may not be as reliable as needed as you practice. Using a brightly colored long line allows others to know your dog is leashed while farther away from you. This simple step could be a huge kindness to a park patron worried about your loose dog.

Next time you are out with your dog, make sure you always consider those around you. Work to keep both your dog and surrounding people comfortable and happy in the situations you put your dog in.

Upcoming March Classes!FPA 101: FoundationsPerfect for dogs over 6 months or those who’ve completed Puppy Kindergarten. ...
19/02/2025

Upcoming March Classes!

FPA 101: Foundations
Perfect for dogs over 6 months or those who’ve completed Puppy Kindergarten. This class covers essential skills like mat work, sit, down, recalls, and leash manners to build a strong foundation.

FPA 104: Terrific Teens
Designed for dogs 8 to 38 months navigating adolescence. This class focuses on impulse control, leash skills, and attention around distractions. Great for excitable pups, but not suited for reactive dogs.

FPA 200: Reactive Recovery
Drop-in class for dogs who struggle with reactivity or have completed private sessions. With controlled setups and safe spaces, this class helps your dog focus and stay calm around other dogs.

FPA 203: Pups Around Town
Ready to take training on the road? This class prepares your pup for real-world adventures with solid stays, loose leash walking, and impulse control practice in different locations.

FPA 207: Sniffy Games Drop-In
Did you know sniffing is one of the best ways to mentally tire your dog? This fun workshop builds engagement, strengthens your bond, and promotes calm behavior. No prior experience needed!

Puppy Preschool Drop in class for puppies 8 to 20 weeks old. This class covers essential life skills like potty training, nipping, and socialization, plus it prepares puppies for a smooth transition into Puppy Kindergarten.

Puppy Kindergarten Drop in class for puppies over 20 weeks, up to 8 months old. Building on skills from Puppy Preschool, this class covers body awareness, socialization, enrichment, and obedience!

Sign up today!
https://thefreckledpaw.com/index.php/classes/

Meet the Staff!CrystalCrystal started The Freckled Paw in 2012 when she realized her desire to help dogs and their paren...
17/02/2025

Meet the Staff!
Crystal

Crystal started The Freckled Paw in 2012 when she realized her desire to help dogs and their parents with behavior challenges instead of medical challenges.

Fast forward 13 years and many dogs later, she can now call herself a Certified Canine Behavior Consultant, and continues to help pet parents understand their dogs unruly behaviors.

In her free time she enjoys competing with her dogs in Dock Diving, Agility, Scent work, and many other fun sports.

Share your dog's "dating" profile with us!What are their likes, dislikes, and what are they looking for in a friend?Swip...
14/02/2025

Share your dog's "dating" profile with us!

What are their likes, dislikes, and what are they looking for in a friend?

Swipe to check out our staff dogs' profiles for some inspiration!

Being Realistic About Your Dog’s Limitations!Not every dog is cut out for public outings, and that’s okay. While trainin...
13/02/2025

Being Realistic About Your Dog’s Limitations!

Not every dog is cut out for public outings, and that’s okay. While training can help build confidence, it’s important to respect your dog’s comfort level instead of forcing them into stressful situations.
Our latest blog dives into the dangers of unrealistic training expectations, why “more training” isn’t always the answer, and how to balance training with management to set your dog up for success.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your dog should be doing more, this guide will help you set realistic, compassionate goals that respect their needs.

Learn more on our blog!
https://thefreckledpaw.com/index.php/2025/01/21/being-realistic-about-your-dogs-limitations/

Give your puppy the best start with Puppy Pre-K!Designed for puppies 8 to 20 weeks old, this set of five unique lessons ...
12/02/2025

Give your puppy the best start with Puppy Pre-K!

Designed for puppies 8 to 20 weeks old, this set of five unique lessons can be taken in any order, so you can jump in whenever you're ready. Each class stands alone, offering a new challenge and valuable skills to help your puppy grow into a confident, well-adjusted dog.

We’ll cover essential life skills, socialization, potty training, nipping, preventing separation anxiety, and more. You’ll learn what proper socialization really means and how to set your puppy up for success.

With classes switching to 9:30am sessions starting March 1.

Sign up today!
https://thefreckledpaw.com/index.php/puppy-training/

Being a responsible pet owner goes beyond loving your pet.It means cleaning up after them, respecting leash laws, keepin...
11/02/2025

Being a responsible pet owner goes beyond loving your pet.

It means cleaning up after them, respecting leash laws, keeping up with vet visits, and understanding their needs. Small actions make a big difference for your pet and your community.

Which of these do you already practice?

Meet the Staff!Keri"I hired The Freckled Paw for my own reactive dog at the end of 2017. By the next year, she had hired...
10/02/2025

Meet the Staff!
Keri

"I hired The Freckled Paw for my own reactive dog at the end of 2017. By the next year, she had hired me as a dog trainer.

Over the years, I've had a plethora of dogs, including several pitty fosters. Currently, my wife and I have Nala (staffy aka pitty), Ada (aussie), Cebastian (American hairless terrier), Brisket (Great Dane), Cash (miniature dachshund), and Willie (pitty).

After hearing how many dogs we have, the first question is usually if they all get along. Sadly, no. But that's given me even more insight for my clients in crate and rotate situations.

Everyone enjoys daily enrichment games or puzzles and the occasional sport."

Meet Bailey, a shy pup learning to navigate the world with confidence!Through our Mannerly Mutt program, she’s catching ...
07/02/2025

Meet Bailey, a shy pup learning to navigate the world with confidence!

Through our Mannerly Mutt program, she’s catching up on socialization and growing braver every week. With patience, guidance, and the right training, even the most fearful dogs can learn to thrive!

Want to help your pup build confidence? Visit our website to schedule a free phone consultation today!
https://thefreckledpaw.com/

Unpopular opinion: A dog doesn’t have to be able to “go everywhere” to be a good dog.If your dog is scared of other dogs...
06/02/2025

Unpopular opinion: A dog doesn’t have to be able to “go everywhere” to be a good dog.

If your dog is scared of other dogs or screaming children, sitting in the middle of a brewery might be a form of slow torture for your dog, not to mention dangerous. If your dog cannot take food and has a hard time listening to you, they are not ready for the environment that you have asked them to be in. You don’t get to determine where your dog feels safe. They get to determine that. Just because you think the situation will be fine, your dog may have other ideas. Forcing them to ‘deal with it” will absolutely create more problems down the line.
And for the love of all things holy there is no such thing as a “little bite” or putting your dog into situations where “they might bite.” This means your dog feels so scared that they feel that using their teeth has become their only option to stay safe.
If going places and being polite in public was a big part of your “ideal dog”, work with a qualified trainer when you get your dog to be sure that you are setting them up for success. This starts with a well run puppy class and continues on through adolescence. Many qualified trainers have programs that will carry you and your dog through all the changes that happen between being a baby puppy and an adult. Let them help guide you through those challenging years to create the dog you dreamed of, or give you realistic expectations of what life will look like while you respect your dogs boundaries.

Adventure awaits!Join us for Paws on the Path:Enrichment Workshop on February 9th and a Walk at Mount Trashmore on Febru...
05/02/2025

Adventure awaits!

Join us for Paws on the Path:
Enrichment Workshop on February 9th and a Walk at Mount Trashmore on February 22nd!

Sign up today at thefreckledpaw.com!

Happy National Golden Retriever Day!Goldens are known for their loving personalities, but did you know they’re also pron...
03/02/2025

Happy National Golden Retriever Day!

Goldens are known for their loving personalities, but did you know they’re also prone to health and behavioral traits that make finding a responsible breeder so important?

✅ Golden Retrievers have a high risk of cancer, so health testing and lineage matter.
✅ Resource guarding can be common and early training and proper socialization are important.
✅ “Field” Goldens are bred for work and can have extremely high energy levels. These goldens are not good family pets.

Looking for a Golden?
Do your research and find a breeder who prioritizes temperament and health!

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The Freckled Paw Dog Training

Living with a dog can be both wonderful and frustrating at times. We give dog owners a proven training path for an easier life with their dog.

We want nothing more than to help you have a wonderful life with your dog.

Stress-free walks in the neighborhood.

Playing on the beach with no worries.