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Your Dog's Friend

A NONPROFIT IN ROCKVILLE, MD WITH FORCE-FREE, POSITIVE DOG TRAINING, WORKSHOPS & ADVICE

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MD, VA, & DC Residents

Welcome, locals!

Your Dog’s Friend’s training center is located in Rockville, MD. We’re just a few miles off Route 270 (Montrose Road exit).

Join us for classes or come to one of our free workshops at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Bethesda, MD.

Resources for MD, VA, & DC Residents

These lists are curated by the Your Dog’s Friend staff and are based on our first-hand knowledge and the recommendations of our students. If you feel that we missed someone, please contact us!

Click to skip to:

  • Positive Trainers & Behaviorists
  • Dog Walkers, Boarding, & Vacation Care
  • Groomers
  • Products We Love & Where to Get Them

Positive Trainers & Behaviorists

american cocker spaniel training at the man's feet
Training should be fun!

While we have classes for everything from puppies to basic manners to behavior problems, we know that sometimes the best thing is to have 1-on-1 time with a positive trainer.

The trainers we recommend are positive trainers, sometimes known as clicker trainers. This means that they do not use punishment as part of the training process. Rather, they reward the dog for each step toward the correct behavior. Animal behavior science has proven that this is the most effective and humane way to train a dog.

We also recommend local training centers that use positive training methods, so if you can’t make it to one of our excellent classes, you can visit our friends around the region!

For those with extreme behavioral issues, a visit to a vet behaviorist may be helpful. The title “vet behaviorist” refers to someone who is certified as a veterinarian but also has additional specialty training in animal behavior.

View our list of positive trainers & vet behaviorists in MD, DC, and NoVA.

Dog Walkers, Boarding, and Vacation Care

A tired dog is a happy dog (and happy parent!)
A tired dog is a happy dog (and happy parent!)

Busy lifestyle? We have a list of trusted dog walkers in the region, ready to take your pup on a long run or just a quick potty break and play session while you’re at work.

Your dog’s vacation care should be as wonderful as your vacation! The  boarding establishments on our list will treat your dog with the same love and care that you do.

View our list of dog walkers, boarders, and vacation care in MD, DC, and NoVA.

Groomers

Fresh and clean!
Fresh and clean!

Whether your dog needs a simple bath or an elaborate haircut, it’s important to find a dog groomer that you can trust will treat your dog gently and handle them in a way that minimizes the stress of the grooming process.

We’ve compiled a short list of local dog groomers that our staff & students have used and recommend. Whether you’re looking for a mobile groomer, an in-home groomer, or a private grooming business, you can find the best in the area here.

View our list of talented and humane dog groomers in MD, DC, and NoVA.

Products We Love & Where to Get Them

Boxer puppy with a toy
Are you gonna play with me?

At the Your Dog’s Friend training center, we have our absolute favorite tools in stock for you to pick up before or after your class.

You can get:

  • Leashes
  • No-pull harnesses
  • Clickers
  • Treat bags
  • Treat tubes
  • Dog puzzles
  • Tug toys
  • and more!

You can pay with cash (exact change would be great!) or a check to Your Dog’s Friend.

We also have a list of our favorite local pet shops and online stores that sell the best dog products. If you shop at Amazon, please use smile.amazon.com and select Your Dog’s Friend as your favorite nonprofit.

View our recommended products & local shops.

 

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Featured Free Webinar

Featured Body Language Video

Dogs don't speak with words. They speak with their bodies. They are talking ALL the time. An excellent video by TheFamilyDog.

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yourdogsfriendtraining

Nonprofit that educates & supports dog parents in MD, NoVA, DC, & beyond.
Force-free dog training
Classes, free webinars, advice & referrals

Your Dog's Friend
Small dog friends, this Saturday Jan 23 at 2pm ET Small dog friends, this Saturday Jan 23 at 2pm ET is our FREE webinar with @jwdogtraining all about littles! Learn how to maximize your small dog’s training, safety, and JOY!
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Link in bio to register!
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#smalldog #smallpup #dogtraining #positivereinforcementdogtraining #cavachon #pomeranian #chihuahua #smalldogsofinstagram #pomeranianpuppy #shihtzu #dachshundsofinstagram #cavapoo #cavalierkingcharlesspaniel #bichonfrise #bostonterrier #yorkie #maltese #pekingese #havanese #cairnterrier #frenchbulldog #cotondetulear #lhasaapso #minpin #pug #ratterriersofinstagram #papillon #minipoodle #minischnauzer #whwt
We had so much fun at Agility Special today! Our n We had so much fun at Agility Special today! Our next event is coming up Mon, Feb 22, and spots are still available. Go to the link in our bio or YourDogsFriend.org/Agility-Special to learn more & register.
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#funforpuppies #funfordogs #agility #yourdogsfriend #positivereinforcement #happydogs #mocodog #dcpup
Our second of four January webinars, Advice for Ad Our second of four January webinars, Advice for Adopters & Puppy Parents, is coming up this Sun, Jan 17 at 2:00 pm ET! 🤗 (Link in our bio to register.)
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Our webinar from last Sat (all about puppies!) is posted on our YouTube playlist in case you missed it, want to watch it again, or want to send it to anyone! 😀 (Link to our YouTube playlist in our bio.)
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#freewebinar #learningaboutdogs #newdog #newpuppy #happydogs #happypuppy #forcefreetraining #positivereinforcementdogtraining #housetraining #nipping #puppysharks #dogenrichment
We have 4 free webinars in January! Laughing Dog We have 4 free webinars in January!

Laughing Dog Academy kicks us off THIS Sat Jan 9 with a webinar all about puppies! Let’s talk about building relationship, helping your puppy feel safe, #housetraining #nipping #socialization and more!
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Then, Small and Tall Dog Training brings us our monthly Advice for Adopters & Puppy Parents webinar on Sun, Jan 17.
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Next, @jwdogtraining has a special webinar all about our small dog friends on Sat, Jan 23!
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Finally, in I’ll Bet You Didn’t Know on Sat, Jan 30, Unleashed Joy will discuss surprising facts to help us better understand and train our dogs.
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#newdog #newpuppy #freewebinars #learningaboutdogs #certifiedtrainer #happydogs #happypuppies #smalldog #tinypup #positivereinforcement
Free Advice for Adopters & Puppy Parents webinar o Free Advice for Adopters & Puppy Parents webinar on Sun, Jan 17 at 2:00 pm ET!
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Learn how to make life with your dog easier and more fun! Hear a trainer discuss dog training and behavior, helpful pet products, and the many common issues that dog parents face. There is also time to discuss your individual concerns. This webinar is a must for new puppy and dog parents, but will also help those of you who have lived with your dog longer. Potential adopters and fosters are welcome.

Speaker: Lisa Arant, Small and Tall Dog Training

To register, visit  https://yourdogsfriend.org/free-workshops or visit link in bio.

Please register in order to receive an email with a link to join the webinar!
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#newdog #newpuppy #happydogs #livingwithdogs #learningaboutdogs #dogbehavior #dogtraining #freewebinar
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