Business Details
20 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Positive Dog Training Solutions
Your Dog's Friend is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving dogs' lives and reducing shelter abandonment through education and support for dog owners. Founded in 2006, we specialize in evidence-based, force-free training methods that build trust and prevent behavioral issues. Our certified trainers offer in-person and online classes, free webinars, and personalized behavior consultations to address challenges ranging from basic obedience to reactivity.With over 15 years of community impact, we prioritize scientific research, transparency, and accessibility, providing free and reduced-cost resources to ensure all dog owners can benefit from humane training practices. Our team collaborates with animal welfare organizations and maintains affiliations with leading professional guilds to advance our mission of keeping dogs in homes and out of shelters.
Services
Puppy Training
Behavior Modification
Online Classes
Free Webinars
Reactive Dog Classes
Agility Training
Confidence Building
Separation Anxiety Support
Cooperative Care
Scent Workshops
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We use only certified, science-backed, force-free training methods proven to build trust.
- Our trainers hold advanced certifications from Karen Pryor Academy and Pat Miller programs.
- We offer free webinars and resources to make training accessible to all dog owners.
- Specialized classes address behavior issues like reactivity, anxiety, and resource guarding.
- Over 15 years of experience reducing shelter abandonment through owner education.
Services
Puppy Training
Our puppy training programs focus on socialization, basic obedience, and play to build foundational skills. Certified trainers use reward-based methods to address house training, bite inhibition, and confidence building. Classes cater to puppies up to six months old, preparing them for adolescence while educating owners on developmental milestones.
Behavior Modification
We address reactivity, anxiety, and aggression through customized behavior modification plans. Our certified trainers employ desensitization, counter-conditioning, and environmental management to resolve issues like leash pulling, separation anxiety, and fear-based behaviors while ensuring owner safety and understanding.
Online Classes
Live and pre-recorded online courses cover obedience, behavior solutions, and enrichment activities. Participants receive personalized feedback through video submissions and interactive Q&A sessions. This flexible option suits owners seeking expert guidance without geographic limitations.
Free Webinars
Monthly webinars led by industry experts cover topics like puppy care, leash walking, and car anxiety. Sessions include practical demonstrations and Q&A segments, with recordings available for on-demand viewing to support continuous learning for dog owners.
Reactive Dog Classes
Specialized programs for leash-reactive dogs combine controlled exposure with positive reinforcement to reduce overexcitement. Trainers teach focus exercises and stress-reduction techniques, helping dogs and owners rebuild trust and enjoy walks without fear or aggression triggers.
People
Sarah Stoycos
Trainer
Sarah Stoycos, KPA-CTP, focuses on helping dogs become lifelong companions through science-based training. A former college professor, she combines teaching expertise with over a decade of experience in animal behavior and shelter work.
Susan Sanderson
Trainer
Susan Sanderson, PMCT3 and KPA-CTP, specializes in force-free training and agility instruction. With decades of experience in dog behavior and competition, she teaches group classes and private lessons in the Washington, DC area.
Marnie Montgomery
Trainer
Marnie Montgomery, PMCT4 and CPDT-KA, brings 20+ years of adult education experience to dog training. Her approach integrates Tellington TTouch and reward-based methods, focusing on stress reduction and behavior modification for fearful or reactive dogs.
E. Foley
Trainer
E. Foley, CPDT-KA, specializes in fearful dog rehabilitation. With experience fostering and training rescue dogs, they offer personalized solutions for anxiety and behavioral challenges, emphasizing patience and positive reinforcement.
Joyce Loebig
Trainer
Joyce Loebig, KPA-CTP and CPDT-KA, focuses on practical training solutions for real-life scenarios. Her expertise includes reactive dogs, separation anxiety, and cooperative care, with a commitment to improving human-dog relationships through education.
Questions
What is positive dog training?
Positive training uses rewards like treats and praise to teach desired behaviors without fear or pain, supported by scientific research and endorsed by veterinary associations.
Do you offer online training options?
Yes, we provide live and pre-recorded online classes for behavior modification, basic skills, and enrichment, accessible from anywhere.
Are your classes suitable for reactive dogs?
Yes, we offer specialized classes like Control Unleashed and Reactive Dog to address leash reactivity and anxiety using force-free methods.
How can I access free webinars?
Register on our website for live webinars or watch recorded sessions on our YouTube channel covering topics like leash walking and puppy care.
What areas do you serve?
We operate in Rockville, Maryland, with in-person classes and serve nationwide through online courses and virtual consultations.
Videos
