Spot On Training Services

Group Classes

We want you to think of Spot On Training as a partner for life and have created a class structure that creates good habits that last a lifetime through manners, socialization, and fun!

Summary of classes: (maybe each can link to a bookmark depending on how long the page is; is each section could be a shade of the sandstone; alternating between a dark and lighter shade)

  • Manners Classes: puppy, adolescent, adult
  • Specialty Classes: reactive dog, loose leash walking, coming when called, tricks, play, and much more
  • Seminars (without dogs)
  • Workshops (with dogs)

What you can expect:

  • Studio located in the lower level of Metro Mutts
    508 H Street NE
    Washington, DC 20002 (Capitol Hill/Atlas District)
  • Our semi-private environment allows for individual attention and personalized instruction. Class size limited to 6 dogs to create a calm, stress-free training space to optimize learning.
  • The first class is typically an orientation WITHOUT dogs unless otherwise noted.
  • Class sessions run for 1 hour.
  • Classes include training handbook.
  • No refunds for class fees after orientation.
  • Due to high demand and our goal to limit class size to provide a semi-private learning environment there are no makeup classes.

Requirements:

  • All dogs must have at least 2 DHPP booster shots and Rabies vaccine if 24 weeks or older.
  • All dogs should be free of parasites, free of infectious disease, and in overall good health.
  • Proof of current vaccines (or titers) is required at orientation/first class.
  • Classes (except reactive dog classes) are for dogs who are comfortable moving around in close proximity to unfamiliar dogs and people. If you're unsure your dog is appropriate for class, consult with trainer prior to registration.

Available Group Classes

Puppy Manners (8 weeks - 6 months)

Six week class designed to help puppies grow into well adjusted dogs that enjoy life and know 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.

Class focus: name recognition/attention skills, the art of saying 'please', sit, down, intro to coming when called, intro to walking on a leash, potty/crate training, puppy chewing/mouthing, handling/grooming, jumping up, socialization, and off leash puppy play.

Orientation: YES, first class is orientation WITHOUT dogs.

Prerequisite: None

Cost: $190, see class schedule and register here.

Adolescent Manners (6 months - 2 years)

Six week class designed to help you establish and maintain a happy and healthy relationship between you and your dog. Adolescent dogs have special training needs as they hit sexual maturity and enter the ‘teenage years.' Special attention should be made on continued socialization. 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.

Class focus: attention skills, sit, down, impulse control (leave it, jumping, settle, stay), loose leash walking, coming when called, leash greetings, enrichment, and continued socialization.

Orientation: YES, first class is orientation WITHOUT dogs.

Prerequisite: None

Cost: $190, see class schedule and register here.

Adult Manners (2 years & beyond)

Six week class devoted to the adult dog to compliment prior training or as a foundation class for first timers. Yes, older dogs can learn new tricks! It just takes a little longer as bad habits can be hard to break.

Class focus: attention skills, sit, down, stay, loose leash walking, coming when called, leash greetings, and a few tricks.

Orientation: YES, first class is orientation WITHOUT dogs.

Prerequisite: None

Cost: $190, see class schedule and register here.

Reactive Dog Class (any age welcome)

Eight week class designed for dogs who are reactive on leash. Reactivity includes behaviors such as barking, lunging, growling, and snapping. This behavior often baffles many dog owners, especially when they otherwise have a social dog that enjoys playing with other dogs off leash (not always the case).

Class focus: identifying the motivations behind the behavior, calming techniques, management techniques, confidence building, and provide you with a toolbox of exercises you can apply and practice in the urban environment to modify your dog's behavior.

Orientation: YES, first class is orientation WITHOUT dogs.

Prerequisite: None. After receiving your registration, you will receive a follow up email/phone call requesting additional information to ensure this class is appropriate for your dog.

Cost: $255, see class schedule and register here.

Fido Come

Four week class designed to train a consistent recall - one of the most important skills to teach a dog. One day it might even save your dog's life!

Class focus: why dogs don't come when we call them, establishing a recall cue, games to practice recall skills, what to do if your dog doesn't respond, and establishing an emergency recall. This class is held both in/outdoors.

Orientation: YES, first class is orientation WITHOUT dogs.

Prerequisite: Prior training is not required, but strongly encouraged to get full benefit out of class. Your dog should be responsive to their name and able to sit on cue in an outdoor environment.

Cost: $135, see class schedule and register here.

Who's Walking Who

Four week class designed to teach polite walking behavior. Having a dog that pulls you down the street and lunges after everything that moves can be embarrassing and absolutely exhausting.

Class focus: walking management tools, attention skills (the key to loose-leash walking success), reinforcing polite walking behavior, what to do if your dog forges ahead of you, and teaching an automatic sit that is helpful when approaching curbs or stopping to pick up after your dog. This class is held both in/outdoors.

Orientation: YES, first class is orientation WITHOUT dogs.

Prerequisite: Prior training is not required, but strongly encouraged to get full benefit out of class. Your dog should be responsive to their name and able to sit on cue in an outdoor environment.

Cost: $135, see class schedule and register here.

Dog Tricks I

A four week class that includes fun and functional tricks as well as foundations for more advanced tricks training. Teaching tricks is a great way to get your pooch some mental exercise while having fun. Don't you wish your dog could put away his own toys? Turn on the lights when it gets dark? Get you a drink? This class is also great for teaching attention and focus around other dogs.

Class focus: shake, roll over, take a bow, pick up your leash, sit pretty, and much more!

Orientation: NO, dogs come to ALL classes.

Prerequisite: Prior training is required, dogs must have completed a manners class or equivalent.

Cost: $135, see class schedule and register here.



Seminars


Available Seminars

No Jumping

This 90-minute seminar is designed to give you the knowledge and tools to end problem jumping behaviors. The seminar teaches owners the following:

  • Why dogs jump, and how to react when your dog jumps
  • Effective and ineffective techniques to address jumping
  • How to identify what makes your dog jump, and how to avoid it
  • Alternative behaviors such as sitting for greetings, four on the floor, and go to place
  • Management tools for training and everyday life
  • Generalizing and solidifying new behaviors
  • How to effectively teach jump on cue

Prerequisite: This seminar is designed for people ONLY, please leave dogs at home. Preregistration is required as seats are limited.

Cost: $35, see class schedule and register here.