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. Gone are the days of training focused on dominance. These ideas are outdated and there's growing scientific data supporting the use of science-based learning principles resulting in much more effective and humane ways to train dogs.

Spot On Training stands for positive based training 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, intimidation, 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.

Customer Testimonials

"I have a highly reactive dog with a history of aggression that caused me to be anxious every time I stepped out of my front door with my dog. After multiple trainers who either told me my dog was helpless or used techniques that didn’t help, I had given up. The day I found Heather and Spot On Training was the first day I had hope. Heather listened without judgment, tailored a plan to get me smart on dog behavior, and became a dedicated partner in rehabilitating my reactive dog. I am pleased to say that I am doing things that I NEVER thought I would be able to do with him- and he continues to get better every month. Heather uses positive based training and incorporates her deep understanding of dog behavior to tackle every situation. My dog loves her and I am so grateful for how she has changed our lives!"
Jen Charron
"We have a great goldendoodle puppy Kuba: smart, sweet, and playful. Thanks to Heather and Ashley, he is also well behaved, very reliable off leash, and not bad at all on leash (and he could be even better if his parents worked a bit harder). Since we got Kuba in January 2011, we participated in many Spot On Training private and group classes, to socialize Kuba (monthly Puppy Spots), teach him some manners (Puppy Manners, Adult Manners, and private loose leash-walking classes), and for fun (Dog Tricks!). Working with both Heather and Ashley is fun and friendly and their lovely studio on H Street has quickly become one of Kuba’s favorite places in the world. Many thanks to both."
Sylvia & Lex
"We've taken three classes from Spot On, and they have been great. The trainers are wonderful and make sure that both the human and the dog understand the training process. I'm a big fan of positive reinforcement, and together we learned so much. My dog loved Spot On so much that now every time we go to Metro Mutts, Reggie tries to go downstairs to the Spot On studio in hopes there's class."
Monica Carmean
"Shortly after adopting my dog, Maizy, I noticed her getting overly excited and even aggressive when she saw other dogs while on leash. It was embarrassing and frustrating because I knew what a sweet dog she really was. After consulting with Heather, I signed her up for a reactive dog training class and it has done wonders. Before reactive dog training, Maizy would jump, bark, growl, and pull at the sight of another dog. Now, on walks she is able to see other dogs without overreacting because she learned how to self-regulate and I learned which tools to use to prevent her from losing control. Additionally, during training sessions Maizy and I developed a mutual respect that has made our time together on walks and at home much more enjoyable."
Natalie Mann
"The transformation I've noticed in Kuma was lighting fast. She was/is a reactive dog around other dogs and I've struggled with walking her on leash, in passing other dogs on narrow sidewalks in DC and have resigned to walking her in early mornings or walking on the streets. Approximately a year and half ago, Heather started working with us and I am much more confident in walking Kuma because I now have tools I can use to redirect her attention to me. Kuma now wags her tail when she sees other dogs, and is able to pass or follow some dogs on sidewalks. Kuma loves Heather and Jackie's classes and she knows when I'm chopping up cheese for training treats that it's time for her to waggle and strut her newly learned skills."
Bobbie Jo Kite
"Spot On Training came to my rescue when I brought home a new 8-week-old puppy, Tonk. As the puppy grew, he became increasingly mouthy and my other dog, Roxanne, was not taking well to him. Through in home and private studio sessions, puppy manners, puppy play dates, a class for Roxanne who was picking up bad habits, and several SOS emails and phone calls, I now have two great dogs that genuinely love each other and are a fun addition to my house. Spot On Training is a great resource and I truly consider them a partner in raising the dogs. I couldn’t imagine my life without both dogs and am indebted to Heather, Ashley, and Jaime for making it all happen."
Robin Jones
"Spot On hosted our spectacular puppy birthday party! Pooches of every size frolicked on agility equipment, with a trainer offering support, and my friends surveyed the mayhem with snacks, beverages, and comfy chairs!"
Sarah Pheasant

Our Trainers


 
 
 
 

Heather Morris

Heather Morris is the founder of Spot On Training. She has been working professionally in the pet industry since moving to the Washington, DC metro area in 2003. 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.

Heather is a member of:

  • Certified Professional Dog Trainer- Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
  • Professional Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)
  • Mid-Atlantic Association of Positive Professional Pet Trainers
  • Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce

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.

She is also active in animal rescue helping local organizations by planning fundraising events, consulting, providing educational presentations and has written articles on dog training for metro publications.

Heather and her husband live on Capitol Hill with their two Dalmatians, Lottie and Chiazzo. Her experience level, both educationally and personally includes working with reactive dogs, canine nutrition, and holistic health. She also has interest in dog play and communication. Her unique experience running a dog daycare has provided invaluable insight and education in how dogs play and communicate with one another and humans alike. An all time favorite play activity is watching dogs enjoy the beach running the surf, digging for treasure, and swimming in the ocean. And when she's not working with dogs, she has a hobby interest in dolphin training.

Jamie Eaton

Jamie Eaton is a trainer with Spot On Training. Jamie moved to Washington D.C. from Kansas in 1998 to attend graduate school at The George Washington Elliott School of International Affairs. She subsequently spent a decade in that field. Looking for a change, she chose a career in dog training after her rescue dog Bryn became highly reactive. As many of you know, it's not easy having a reactive dog in an urban environment, and she became inspired to do everything she could to make Bryn's life as stress-free as possible. As a result, she began studying with the Animal Behavior College in 2009 and then completed an apprenticeship with Kissable Canine prior to joining their team of trainers. Jamie lost her Bryn in August 2010 to a rare immunological disorder, but she continues to inspire her on a daily basis.

In addition to her work with Kissable Canine, Jamie is a volunteer with the Animal Welfare League of Arlington. She has also studied with renown positive trainer Pat Miller at her Peaceable Paws Academy and is a graduate of her Level 1 Canine Behavior and Training Intern Academy. She has an interest in TTouch and is working toward her certification. Jamie is also studying for the only nationally recognized dog training certification sponsored by the Council for Professional Dog Trainers.

Jamie is a member of:

  • Certified Dog Trainer through the Animal Behavior College (ABC)
  • Pat Miller Intern Academy Level 1 Canine Behavior and Training Graduate
  • Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)

In her free time, Jamie is enjoying spending time with her recently adopted Newfoundland, Uka. They take daily walks in and around Arlington and are frequent visitors at local dog parks.

Ashley Valm

Ashley Valm is a trainer with Spot On Training. Ashley began training dogs through the Washington Humane Society's Shelter Training and Enrichment program, where she helped adoptable dogs learn behaviors that would help them get adopted and stay in their new homes. She continues to volunteer with WHS on a weekly basis.

Ashley joined Spot on Training in 2010. She teaches group classes at the studio, helps dog owners with private sessions, presents one-night seminars on a variety of topics.

Ashley is a member of:

  • Certified Professional Dog Trainer- Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
  • Professional Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)

Ashley and her husband live on Capitol Hill with their two dogs, Mattie and Tater. Ashley has a special interest in working with rescue and shelter dogs, as well as finding new ways to make training fun and interesting for owners and their dogs!

Jackie Cook

Jackie Cook is the Dog Walking and Pet Sitting Manager with Metro Mutts, as well as a part time trainer with Spot On Training. Jackie has always loved dogs and grew up with a household of animals, but did not venture into the pet industry professionally until 2002 when she started dog walking for a local company in Los Angeles where she was living at the time. Initially this job was thought to be a fun hiatus from working in the sometime stressful world of non-profits, but it was actually a great start to an education in dog behavior that still continues today. Working with such a large variety of dogs (and their different issues) everyday really piqued her interest to learn more, but it wasn't until 2007 when she was back in Washington, DC and adopted a puppy that she really motivated to make working with dogs her career. Jackie then began working for an Arlington based pet care company where she managed a large team of dog walkers and also started as an apprentice in their dog training department. This apprenticeship later turned into an Assistant Trainer position and the opportunity to teach group classes, while also reading tons of books on dog behavior and attending various seminars including two APDT conferences.

Jackie then joined Metro Mutts in February of 2011 when she was hired to create and launch the dog walking service line. Because of Jackie's training background, the walking service has a focus on reinforcing good manners such as polite greetings, loose leash walking and asking a dog to sit before being leashed or crossing the street. Metro Mutts and Spot On Training have many shared clients who love knowing all the work they do in private sessions or group classes can be maintained with their dog walker. Jackie's special area of interest is reactive dog classes since her own dog is well behaved and lovable, but has issues with confidence and being around other dogs. Despite this, she still finds a way for him to enjoy a wonderful life full of long walks, doggie playdates with friends, daily retrieving games in the park and when the weather allows, hiking and swimming adventures.

Jackie is a member of:

  • Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)

She's currently studying to take the CPDT-KA certification exam next year. She also enjoys writing articles on both dog and cat behavior and has been featured in several local publications including the Hill Rag. Jackie is long time resident of Capitol Hill and shares her life and home with husband Maurice, Boxer/Lab mix Hank and Grandido the cat.