Spot On Training Services

Mini Series

Our mini series sessions were created to allow you to focus on specific topics and behaviors. Each of these series is a short 2 session plan that make them perfect for people that don't have extra time on their hands to train their dog. This allows us to efficiently provide you information in a relatively short amount of time to meet your training needs. Additionally, the series are great for people that aren't sure what they are looking for, or need. Take a look at our current offerings below, we're confident you'll find something of interest and best of all our mini series are designed to be fun!

What can you expect?

Mini series are typically held in and around your home, however there my be times where we schedule at the studio, visit a local park, or work on skills in the community. All family members (including children) are encouraged to participate. The first session is typically 1-1.5 hours. This initial session serves as an orientation where we will review:

  • equipment use and recommendations (if applicable)
  • provides you with foundation skills to get you immediately working towards your mini series goals

The second session will run approximately 45 minutes.

What does this include?

Mini series sessions include a personalized training goal for you, Spot On Training articles and handouts, and a clicker (if applicable.)

How much does it cost?

The total cost of each mini series is a flat fee of $190 (2 sessions). Payment for the first session ($95) is due after you have spoken to a trainer and prior to a confirmed session. The second session payment is due at the end of the session by cash, check, or credit.

How do you get started?

Get started with our mini series by contacting us or call us at 202-629-2967.
Once we find out your location and availability we'll determine which trainer will work with you. You'll receive an email with your trainer's contact information as well as a request to complete a new client form. The new client form collects necessary background information that's helpful for the trainer when it comes to understanding your training goals and developing a plan. This MUST be completed prior to a scheduled session.
Then you can expect to receive a phone call from your trainer to introduce themselves, schedule your behavior consultation, and explain what you can expect for the first session and answer any additional questions you might have.
Lastly, you will receive a follow up email that confirms your session date along with instructions on how to activate your online client file and provide payment for your mini series.
Congratulations, you are now officially a Spot On client and we look forward to working with you to help you meet your training goals!



Available Mini Series

Urban Canine

Dogs that live in urban environments have different training needs then their cousins that live in the suburbs. Urban dogs must learn to tolerate and be comfortable with streets that are a buzz with pedestrians, cyclists, other dogs, and traffic. Likewise, there are certain etiquettes that you as a dog owner should follow as a courtesy to other people and dogs alike. Our Urban Canine series focuses on:

  • socialization to the sights, sounds, and noises of the city
  • on leash greeting behavior
  • navigating tight sidewalks
  • passing a dog that doesn't want to say hello
  • city leash manners

Let's Play

Playing with your dog can be a wonderful bonding experience and provide needed stimulation to your dog, however often we don't know how to play with our dogs? Likewise, many people find themselves unsure of their dog's play behavior around other dogs at the dog park. The Let's Play series focuses on:

  • field trip to the dog park
  • dogs' play styles and compatibility
  • what play is appropriate and what's not
  • dog body language
  • safely breaking up a dog fight
  • mental stimulation & games
  • physical exercise options

Who's Walking Who?

Loose leash walking skills are one of the most sought after skills when it comes to seeking a trainer. Having a dog that pulls you down the street and lunges after squirrels (and everything else that moves) can be embarrassing and absolutely exhausting. One thing is for sure, with this kind of behavior, over time walks will happen less and less frequently, resulting in an under exercised dog (which can open another can of worms). The Who's Walking Who series will focus on:

  • walking management tools
  • attention skills (the key to loose leash success)
  • reinforcing nice walking behavior that meets your standards
  • what to do if your dog forges ahead of you
  • teaching a wait cue that is helpful when approaching curbs and stopping to pick up after them

Fido Come

You guessed it, coming when called is the other skill commonly sought after by dog owners seeking a trainer. Spot On Training believes that a consistent recall is one of the most important skills you can teach your dog as it might one day safe their life! Recall skills are something you will work on with your dog for the rest of their life and we want to give you the skills needed to do just that. Our Fido Come series focuses on:

  • 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
  • establish an emergency recall

Puppy Preschool

Deciding to welcome a puppy into your family can be a full time job itself and often overwhelming. No matter how many books you read, you may still find that you need some support. The Puppy 101 series addresses common puppy themes such as:

  • house training
  • crate training
  • puppy mouthing
  • exercise needs
  • puppy obedience - attention, sit, down

Preparing for Baby

Having a baby is a very exciting time and a time full of emotion and things to do. Don't forget about your furry companion when it comes to planning for the arrival. The addition of a new baby to the family can be a very stressful and scary experience to a dog. Often times, the dog was probably the center of attention and that's about to change along with many other things. The Preparing for Baby series will focus on:

  • before baby
  • pet sitting options while at hospital
  • the birth
  • coming home from the hospital
  • socilaizing the dog to the new baby smells and sounds
  • management techniques
  • general safety guidelines
  • address any personal concerns you have

So You Want a Dog

Adding a dog to your family is a big decision and shouldn't be taken lightly. There are a lot of things to take into consideration in order to be a responsible dog owner. This series is geared for people that have NOT yet welcomed a dog to the family. Our intent is to provide you will valuable insight and things to take into consideration before making a decision. Please note that our discussion points will alter slightly depending on whether you are considering a puppy, adult, geriatric, or dog with special needs, however the series will generally focus on the following:

  • breed compatibility with your lifestyle
  • exercise needs
  • cost of owning a dog
  • equipment needs
  • nutrition/food selection advice
  • rescue or purchase
  • grooming, veterinary, and training needs