dog training classes

descriptions | schedule | registration form | health/vaccinations form | information sheet | flyer


Whether you have a brand-new puppy, an unruly adolescent or a newly adopted adult dog, our classes will help you train your dog to be a welcome member of your family and community. We will help you communicate effectively with your dog so you can train the skills you need and encourage the good behavior you want. Our instructors are experienced in teaching positive, rewards-based training methods that make training fun for you and your dog! For more information, see our class descriptions.

Classes run throughout the year at Dogtopia, 4920 Wyaconda Rd. in North Bethesda (near White Flint Mall; map) and the National Lutheran Home, 9701 Veirs Dr. in Rockville (near Rt. 28 and Shady Grove Rd; map). For our schedule of classes, click here. Days of the week and times will vary as new classes are added.

To register, fill out the Registration Form, and send it with your check to: Your Dog’s Friend, 11401 South Glen Rd., Potomac, MD 20854. Class fees help support the other free programs and services provided by Your Dog’s Friend, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating and supporting dog owners.

Make sure you read the Class Information Sheet before you register, and print the Health & Vaccinations Form to take to your veterinarian. Please bring this form to the orientation session during Week 1. If you have additional questions, e-mail administrator@yourdogsfriend.info or call 301-983-5913.

While you're on our website, check our free workshops for dog owners too!

 

 

class descriptions: Puppy Kindergarten; Basic Manners; Dog Training for Kids

Puppy Kindergarten
(9-16 weeks old)
8 weeks/$160

Get an early start on socialization and training. This class includes name recognition, sit, down, wait, come-when-called, and leash walking. You will learn how to teach your puppy to greet without jumping up, accept being handled, and reduce the “bite” in the dreaded (but normal) puppy play biting. A period of supervised puppy playtime will build your pup's confidence. Every week, a topic of importance to puppy owners will be discussed and questions answered. All skills are taught using food, play and praise.

Basic Manners
(16 weeks and older)
8 weeks/$160

Learn to live compatibly with your dog and give him/her the skills necessary to enjoy a full life with you at home, on walks, and at family outings. We'll show you how to teach skills you want and manage the behaviors you don't want. Behaviors taught in class include attention, sit, lie down, come-when-called, walking on a loose leash and stay-in-place. Reward-based training methods are used so you can achieve the control you want with a minimum of handling and a maximum of enjoyment.

Dog Training for Kids
(10-14 years old)
6 weeks/$120

Ever wanted the best trained dog around?  Want your dog to know lots of tricks to impress your friends? Things like soccer, hide and seek or dancing?  You will learn how to use a clicker to teach tricks and games to your dog.  Your dog will learn self-control and focus while having fun! Dogs must be 12 months or older (except at the discretion of the instructor), neutered and friendly with other dogs. 

Reactive Dog Class
10 weeks/$250


This class is run at Capital Dog Training Club in Silver Spring by Alfhild Winder of Come When Called Dog Training. The goal of the class is to develop the tools to walk your dog on leash in public without his barking or lunging at the various other dogs you will encounter. The class is NOT for dogs that are afraid of people or for dogs with a history of serious injurious bites to other dogs. Although the application and fee go directly to the instructor, Your Dog's Friend provides administrative support and can send you the appropriate application.
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