My dogs have achieved many obedience, rally, FCAT and Master Agility titles Dog training takes consistent practice and dedication. Obedience is the backbone of all Canine Sports. The Facility is clean, air conditioned, heated. New flooring was installed 2 yrs ago . Recording security cameras are in the facility Classes are kept to a workable size. Instructors are knowledgeable. read more

If I could leave less than one star I would. Signed my granddaughter up for an agility class. Six weeks into the ten-week class, after 10:00 p.m. on a Friday night, they tell us our dog cannot participate in two agility activities they will be teaching without a vet sign-off. I understood the abundance of caution. And then two weeks later, just before our appointment at the vet, our pup went into her season and she could not attend the last two classes. We tried sending my daughter with my granddaughter so they could watch the last class, but the instructor was very rude to her and basically let her know they were not welcome to observe, even though we had paid to attend. The class ended, and we wanted to continue forward with agility, but the trainers refused us, reiterating we would need a vet sign-off and no, they won't hold a spot for us. And just now I received Ann email basically saying we're no longer welcome in their club, because I have a "tone and tenor" about their "reasonable request." A, I never once said I didn't think the request was reasonable, and B, as the class does not begin until January that gives us plenty of time to get to the vet for a sign-off. Very unprofessional, inconsiderate, rude, I can go on... read more

This is a well deserved SHOUT OUT to the Capital Dog Training Club of Washington DC and especially to our instructors for the Basic Obedience Class. Shannon Hall and Carla LaFleur, who worked individually with each person in the class and provided constant encouragement to us as a group. Every dog and owner practiced behaviors in class, recieved notes on what was covered after each session and homework to prepare for the next week. The class was well organized and extremely beneficial for both my 6 month old puppy and I. The class included puppies and some older rescues that all responded well. We had a great time and plan to take more classes at CDTC. I only wish that Shannon and Carla taught Advanced Basic Obedience, too. Oh well, I'm sure there are other great instructors for us to meet. Thank you! read more

Capital Dog Training Club (CDTC) is one THE BEST places for confirmation in the DC area! I've attended many many drop in handling classes over the years to start training young dogs/puppies in confirmation and always get the run of the mill pay your fee and we'll "play dog show" a couple times for an hour, but not at CDTC! Confirmation is fast paced and they offer FREQUENT seminars with guest professional handlers from our area, and just had a FABULOUS Greg Strong weekend long seminar. Regular class is fast paced and your dog will get several go overs, help is available for beginners and everyone is supportive and there's always a ton of experience at each class. The facilities are very nice, temperature is perfect and theres enough space to move the dogs, the best part is the club rents the building so you don't have to worry about "borrowing" an open area, or waiting on weather etc. If there is a schedule change, communication via email traffic is always on point and they get the word out, whether a class is canceled because of snow, shows etc. CDTC is THE PLACE TO BE if you're looking to start (or finish) LOL your dog in AKC or 4H confirmation. read more

Capital Dog Training Club - Venti and I showing off our confirmation skills we've mastered at CDTC at a regional Bull Terrier specialty show! - Pet Training Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

Because of privacy concerns I've never written a review. That is how much I want to convey my disappointment in this club. I've been training my guardian breed for nine years. I know my breed and the perception that persist in AKC about the breed so I'm used to the passive aggressive remarks. I'm used to people being shocked by my dogs and how friendly to people and dogs they are. HOWEVER, I would never expect that from a volunteer trainer in a basic level class. Volunteer trainers normally love all breeds and want to help you get the most from your dog. My normal club Oriole didn't have conformation this term and I wanted to put a good foundation on my new puppy. I came here to give this club try trusting that they would have the same culture. Janice the instructor of my basic conformation class was very rude from the instant we walked in. We were late however she still took the time to say is this the XYZ breed? Oh they are hard dogs. You will have to use strong corrections on that one. Then when I said I'm familiar with the breed this isn't my first one. She turned to the class to tell the class that my breed is so bad and were breed to be really mean dogs. She actually said they were manufactured. With her tone her and the was she stressed it, it was clear she wanted the class to think that my breed is illegitimate because it was genetically modified. Which ALL dogs are. During training she was openly dismissive of my dog and visibly irritated when I asked questions. This was further compounded by the joy and praise she gave to dogs that were in the hound and sporting groups. When working on an exercise my puppy sat and downed and I explained she is offering behaviors because she is confused. She said oh that's wrong. She offered no suggestions. Not even five minutes later the dog next to us did the same thing. She said oh this dog is so obedient. It's funny that while she was concerned with my well tempered puppy there was a dog that didn't like being touched by strangers and another that was very fearful. She didn't address how those issues can and will if not corrected turn into serious aggression problems. I don't expect everyone to love my breed. There have been judges that tell me I don't like your breed and in the end place us first with a smile. I know ignorance persist and it is often fueled by someones limited interaction with a dog that may have poor breeding or training. However it is abhorrent for a trainer especially at the basic level which is supposed to build confidence in a dog to be so blatant. How can I return to a place that goes out of it's way to make my dog feel unwelcome. Any trainer knows that how the handler feels travels down the leash. SHAME ON YOU JANICE. read more

We've gotten a taste of almost every training school in the area and each of them have their positives and their negatives. Until I found this place. I can't think of anything positive to report. First of all, I didn't even know people still trained dogs this way. It only takes a very basic understanding of canine cognition & learning to know that the methods they're purporting are far from the best way to train most pet dogs and should never be recommended to relatively inexperienced dog owners. In a simple Canine Good Citizen class-- which is the equivalent to the finishing school/final exam for basic obedience-- there was discussion of e-collars, choke chains, prong collars, etc. I could even be okay with an intelligent discussion on the use of choke chains and prong collars that presented both sides of the constant argument and let participants draw their own conclusions. But when they mentioned e-collars and condoned their use by everyday dog owners, the discussion lost all credibility in my mind. The dogs that I met who grew up training there were broken, spirit-less personalities. I would never want the relationship with my dog that these handlers have with theirs. It upset me thinking about using some of the methods they preached to train my dog. To put the icing on the cake, when we walked into the class someone's dog looked at my dog and the owner tugged on that dog's choke chain and instructed the dog, "Don't let your eyes be burned by that intentionally bred mutt." I have heard of these people but seriously thought that they didn't exist. They do, and they train at CDTC. We left our class as soon as I could politely leave without creating a scene and never plan to return. read more

On our first day of class, advance basic obedience training for my genius pup, I had no idea that I was going to walk into a world of serious dog trainers. It was kinda intimidating since I would be equally happy to receive my dogs undying unconditional love and attention and come when he's called. I was overwhelmed that with introductions, everybody had aspirations of some sort of competition. . . Jett and I, slowly shrunk to tween sizes to be less noticeable. . . . BUT With the patience and guidance of our instructor, I was able to see what my pup can really do. The class is fairly independent since all dogs are starting off at different levels but the instructor has different and fun exercises to work on attention, distractibility, and endurance. By the end of the class, my pup was no longer shy and pulling back. He was walking by my side in a perfect "loose leash" walk, he came to a heel position and sat looking at me adorably, he stayed for a little bit longer, he came when called. . . All the things I wanted!! Now I'm hooked into this "serious dog world"!!! I can't wait to see what potential my dog really has, what he can do?!?! CDTC is the place for just that, they offer a variety of different classes and will encourage you and your pup for whatever you want to do. Is anybody else having a flash of the military ad "be all you can be"?!?! AND this is a HUGE plus - IT'S CHEAP!!! The classes are much more reasonable than any other dog training places I was looking at. My wallet pats my extravagant self on the back. . . Kudos little one, kudos $-) read more

I've been a member for a long time. Everyone is very experienced and is focused on helping make your dog a good companion and getting you and your dog ready to show. A friendly and supportive community. Try it! read more

They have been realistic about what to expect from your dog and training. My dog started scared of every agility item, and now she whines to run the course. In six weeks. This is the only activity that exhausts her for the rest of the night. read more

Do not take your dog here. The quality of instructors is very inconsistent; I took their basic obedience class in the summer of 2011 and not only had a different instructor every week, but the instructors didn't brief each other and so there was no continuity to the course overall. They teach harmful leash corrections and the use of choke collars on anxious dogs. I knew nothing about positive reinforcement training at the time (the only humane way to go) and let these people tell me to physically punish my dog when all she needed was some positive training methods. Thank goodness my dog didn't develop any lasting injuries from CDTC's negative reinforcement methods; she could have. Go to Your Dog's Friend in Rockville or Pawz for Health if you are looking for safe, humane training. read more

If only they had exclusively positive training, but alas, they still cause pain.

Took my dog here for a puppy class. The trainers do a good job for the most part but I got the idea that I wasn't as welcome as some people were. The trainer who wrote out the puppy kindergarten class certificates wrote my dogs name in bold capital letters, while she wrote mine in the smallest lower case letters possible. Coincidence, I think not. read more

The WORST! Do NOT take your puppy/dog there. WASTE of time and MONEY!! These people don't have a clue. I understand they are VOLUNTEERS but that shouldn't mean you get less than professional treatment. This is seriously a joke of a place!!!! read more

Most of the trainers here Do embrace positive training methods, and the Club seems to hold a wide range of obedience, agiity, etc. classes. The instructors are all volunteers, but highly skilled both with their own dogs and in teaching other handlers. They are very encouraging for those who want to go beyond just a "good manners" class, and offer insights into all the ways in which you can work or have fun with your dog. They sponsor Canine Good Citizen, therapy dog work, rally, agility, as well as all the obedience levels. I have seen an instructor work a miracle on an apparently aggressive dog, because the instructor really understood what was going on and helped the handler adjust -- that dog ended up being the best in the class! So, give it a try. read more

I was very excited to take me dog here. she had been doing great in her flyball from her other training elsewhere unfortunately they didnt have enough dogs to have a team. from first walking it the door i felt uncomfortable. women not even really saying hi for our first class. yelling to put my dog in a crate. my dog was terrified and they would even give me a minute to calm her down. she was scared with the new enviroment no one cared and were very unpatient. i would love for my dog to be on a team but it def is not worth it if this is my only choice. i will not be back with my pup. read more

Not a good place to take your dog for training. They are NOT positive reinforcement trainers. They use pain reinforcement, choke collars, leash pops, etc. (Leash pop training can permanently damage your puppy's neck and spine.) They had no plan to handle instructor absences, of which there were many. They're not prepared to handle more than one anxious or reactive dog in a class. Find another trainer if you want to train your dog more effectively. read more

I have been a member for a while and really like this club. It is non-profit so the instructors are all volunteer and do it for their love of the hobby. The club has many classes for all abilities and their results can been seen in the show ring. You can not go wrong with CDTC! They are the best!! read more

We have a ten month old puppy and have taken several classes at CDTC. Most recently, we've been going to Jeff Harab's class for Confirmation Training. Jeff is totally dedicated and has an incredibly positive attitude. He truly wants all the dogs (and their owners) to enjoy being in the ring. Despite the fact that CDTC is a volunteer organization, Jeff is more than willing to spend whatever time it takes to ensure that the dog will be successful. If you're looking for a Confirmation Training Class, this is the place to go! read more

I've been a member here for several years. They have a great puppy class! I've also done obedience and agility training there. The people and instructors are very nice. It is also relatively inexpensive for non-members and very inexpensive for members. read more

I've been a member for many years. I've also taken classes elsewhere. No matter where you go, some teachers are more compatible for you and your dog than others. If you don't like one teacher, then I'd recommend trying another teacher. Each teacher is different. Training with your dog creates a wonderful unique bond. read more

I took my puppy to puppy kindergarten class at CDTC and had a couple poor encounters with the lead teacher and volunteer/assistant teachers. Everyone should know that CDTC puppy training is on-leash and there is barely any puppy play time or interaction. As a matter of fact, it is heavily discouraged. So if you're looking to heavily socialize your puppy with play (as you should be!), look elsewhere. My puppy was scolded for running around during playtime... why would a 4 month old puppy be scolded for playing in a positive manner? It also took place next to a show dog class with several aggressive dogs, only separated by a 2 foot retractable fence. The training was incredibly basic. If you are struggling teaching your dog sit and down, this class may be helpful for you. The most disturbing part was that our lead teacher was teaching us how to do a modified alpha-roll on our puppies and described it as an action that 'relaxed his dog' when he was keyed-up because the trainer could feel his dog unclench his muscles while in the position. That is not relaxation. That is learned helplessness. Why would you be teaching an abusive and controversial technique to a group of puppy owners. I was very disappointed with the disorganized, unhelpful, and, in my opinion, dangerous nature of the class. I highly recommend Your Dog's Friend or Pawz for Health to train your puppy with positive reinforcement methods. read more