2SpeakDog Workshops

• To participate in class, 2SD requires proof of at least two rounds of the following vaccinations: distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza (typically reflected in records as 'DHPP'), as well as bordetella. Proof of rabies vaccination is required for puppies 16 weeks and older.

• If you are interested in training two or more dogs, whether they are litter mates or just house mates, please sign them up for classes or workshops individually. We do not recommend having both dogs in the same class, as they will be more successful building confidence on their own, learning to rely on you, instead of their pack mates.

• 2SpeakDog encourages attendance by the whole family. If you have young children, we ask that two adults attend class when possible.

walking workshops level I + II

Walking Workshop I will take you through how to start your walk before you leave the house and the first stages of structured loose leash walking. This level is appropriate for pups new to our loose leash walking method. New clients, please reach out to us via email or phone prior to enrollment to ensure this workshop is an appropriate place to start your training with us.

Walking Workshop II will review Level I and then focus on reactions to distractions with other dogs and humans while still achieving a controlled loose leash walk. The level II sessions are always different, and a great way for even the most experienced of walkers to practice calm behavior around distraction. We encourage clients and pups who have already completed Level II to keep coming back for more, as each session is tailored to the students' needs!

When Walking Workshop Levels I and II are held at the same time (noted as a combined session below), it is not possible to take both on the same day, as you will need time in-between to practice your new skills. 

pack walking workshops

This on-the-go workshop will emphasize teaching your pup to stay calm around other dogs, remain focused on you while in distracting environments, and understanding ‘pack walk’ behavior.

We will introduce you and your pup to "Structured Socialization" vs "Recreational Socialization" as we walk through local parks and dog-friendly city areas. You will be able to enjoy the wonders of a great walk with your pup, and learn to be an advocate for your dog as you introduce him to the world at large.

*Please note that we strongly encourage (but do not require) attendance at our Walking Workshop Levels I & II and/or our Field Trip Workshop Levels I & II prior to participating in a Pack Walk.

field trip + etiquette outings

These workshops will expose your pup to high foot and paw traffic, allowing you to put your previous or newly learned skills to work. It is helpful but NOT necessary to take Level I before Level II.

Levels I and II to cover:

Socialization – Meet and greet humans and dogs

Social Responsibilities – Respect of environment, leash etiquette, and cleaning up after pet

Recommendations:

It is best to attend a Walking Workshop before going on a Field Trip Workshop but it is not necessary

If you know your pup is easily distracted, it’s recommended to start with Level I but again, it is not necessary

Please bring extra-yummy treats and a treat bag to help keep your pup focused

Make sure to bring bags to dispose of potential accidents

agility workshop level i

In this exciting, interactive workshop, you will learn beginner agility techniques for touch, jumps, tunnels, tables, plank, perch, hula-hoop, and more. Agility offers a fun opportunity to build trust and confidence in your pup while strengthening obedience skills, as well as being a fantastic way to stimulate him both mentally and physically

class make-up sessions

This workshop is primarily for students who have missed a week of obedience class and need a make up session. It's also great for pups that have already had training but need some extra help in solidifying what was taught in class. All levels are welcome! Our goal is to tailor this workshop to meet the needs of the students enrolled, so it changes each time, and we may cover a wide variety of obedience skills and social behaviors.

Please note that Class Make-Up enrollments must be done with the assistance of 2SpeakDog staff to ensure the right fit. Please email us or call 804-440-2498, and we're happy to help you find the best option for your missed class or training refresher needs.

meet + greet workshops

Practice calm dog-people and dog-dog greetings. Learn how to use placement and wait to improve your pup's social behavior. Along with greetings, we cover appropriate leash handling, reading body language, and how to de-escalate and disengage when needed.

Please Note: If you are interested in training two or more dogs, whether they are litter mates or just house mates, please sign them up for classes or workshops individually. We do not recommend having both dogs in the same class, as they will be more successful building confidence on their own, learning to rely on you, instead of their pack mates.

Please note registrations for workshops should be submitted NO LATER than 3:00 pm the day before the workshop. Registrations received after this time may not be accepted.

Level I:

This workshop is appropriate for pups 4 months and older and a variety of training ability. Attendance at either Basic Obedience I, Walking Workshop I, or equivalent is a pre-requisite for enrollment in this workshop. Please contact us for any questions about qualifications!

Level II:

The workshop will build on what they learned in Level 1 M&G by understanding the psychology behind the dog's behavior and will also include more dog-dog and dog-human interaction.

Prerequisite Requirement: You must have attended a Level 1 Meet and Greet (aka just a "Meet and Greet").

Water Therapy

Is your pup nervous around water? Do they panic in the pool? Maybe your pup has never been in the water and you want to make sure they're "water safe" before they join you on the river? Swimming can also be a great form of low impact exercise for our senior canine friends.

2SpeakDog is excited to announce a new partnership with Paws To Swim! Through this partnership, we're pleased to offer private hourly swim lessons with Master Trainer, Behavior Specialist and our very own Large Breed Advisor, Kasey Herrera. Kasey will work one-on-one with your pup to associate a calm state of mind with the water so they then can learn how to enjoy simply being in and around it. If this is your first session, it will primarily focus on calming and water safety with your pup. Every session will always reinforce getting in and out of the pool, finding stairs or ramps, and using them properly. Most of all, hourly swim is about staying calm while having fun in the water!

The rate for these hourly lessons is only $140, payable in advance, which includes the Paws To Swim pool fee. Swim lessons will take place at the Paws To Swim facility, 12082 Walnut Hill Drive, Rockville VA, 23146. While we anticipate the all swim slots to fill completely, 2SpeakDog reserves the right to adjust your appointment to consolidate the booked appointments into an uninterrupted block of time (confirmed with the client, of course!).

Obedience Through Games

Learn obedience by playing games! Engage your pup's mind along with his body with this super fun workshop. If you've got a busy, intelligent pup who is always looking for something to do, this is the workshop you want to attend! Have a blast and work on important obedience skills while playing:

• Recall Relays - come when called training

• Musical Chairs - stay (distance, distraction) training

• Puzzle Games - wait training, mental challenges/focus

• Find It Game - scent tracking, stay training

• More Games

canine good citizen testing

These Special Opportunity Workshops are for those who feel their dogs are ready to be evaluated for Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certifications. You provide the pup and excellent handling, and we'll provide the evaluators! These exams are open to both new and existing clients who feel their pups are ready to take the test.

If you're currently enrolled in our Advanced Obedience, one CGC test is already included in the price, but you may enroll for additional tests for the standard CGC fee of $15.

For more information on program guidelines and testing requirements, visit the AKC CGC page.

hiking pack walk

This on-the-go workshop will emphasize teaching your pup to stay calm around other dogs, remain focused on you while in distracting environments, and understanding ‘pack walk’ behavior.

We will introduce you and your pup to "Structured Socialization" vs "Recreational Socialization" as we hike through local parks. You will be able to enjoy the wonders of a great walk with your pup, and learn to be an advocate for your dog as you introduce him to the world at large.

*Please note that we strongly encourage (but do not require) attendance at our Walking Workshop Levels I and II prior to participating in a Pack Walk.

Our hiking locations are considered medium difficulty (we will be walking at a relatively easy pace). While this is not intended to be a high-intensity workout, you should be comfortable hiking these distances in a trail setting. If you have questions about your pup's readiness for this workshop, please contact 2SD.

2SpeakDog will provide any parking permits and lunch at the workshop.

Please note: This hike CANNOT be used as a make up!

puppy playgroups

These workshops offers pups 10 weeks to 12 months a chance to play off-leash together in a safe, supervised environment. The playgroup will include training on how to settle your pup from high energy play, recognizing proper puppy interaction, and instruction on interrupting and redirecting play when needed. Scheduled breaks will include discussion on puppy-related training topics.

Please Note: If you are interested in training two or more dogs, whether they are litter mates or just house mates, please sign them up for classes or workshops individually. We do not recommend having both dogs in the same class, as they will be more successful building confidence on their own, learning to rely on you, instead of their pack mates.

Please note that the enrollment links will take you to our online enrollment system, the website MindBodyOnline. If you have any problems completing enrollment, please contact 2SD. Registrations should be submitted NO LATER than 3:00 pm the day before the workshop (3:00 pm on Friday for weekend workshops). Registrations received after the cutoff may not be accepted.

Additionally, if you're enrolling in a Puppy Playgroup as a class make-up session please email us or call 804-440-2498 to ensure the right fit and apply the missed class as payment.

trick dog training

2SpeakDog is now offering the fun and excitement of Trick Dog training in workshop form! Our staff will show you how trick training improves your pup's obedience skills, self-control, and focus. Trick training is a lively, enjoyable method of furthering your pup’s training while strengthening the bond between you and your pup!

These workshops are great for almost every pup! If your furry friend has a ~lot~ of energy, or is too smart for their own good, trick training is the way to go! We will put that canine brain to work, combining physical training with mental stimulation, to burn energy and teach them a whole host of new skills. For pups who are little anxious and need a confidence boost, trick training helps develop a trusting relationship based on communication, respect, and positive reinforcement. Trick training is a great way to expand obedience skills (yes, obedience skills!) beyond basic training, and helps keep your pup in top “training shape” before, during, and after our program of Obedience classes.

PRE-REQUISITE: Knowledge of sit, down, and settle. Completion of a 2SD obedience class helpful but not required.

Please note that the enrollment links will take you to our online enrollment system, the website MindBodyOnline. If you have any problems completing enrollment, please contact 2SD. Registrations should be submitted NO LATER than 3:00 pm the day before the workshop (3:00 pm on Friday for weekend workshops). Registrations received after the cutoff may not be accepted.

These workshops utilize different trick training methods (Luring, Molding, and Rewarding) and may be taken independently or in a series. One is not needed for the next, although they're all a blast

Trick Dog Training – Luring: This workshop focuses on tricks taught by luring, a technique that uses food (or sometimes toys) to coax your pup into the correct action. Tricks for this workshop may include Spin, Bow, Shake, Roll Over, Ribbon, and Crawl.

Trick Dog Training – Props: This workshop focuses on tricks taught by molding, a technique in which we use props to encourage your pup to perform on cue. Tricks for this workshop may include Cover Your Eyes, Dig, Unroll the Rug, Paws Up, and Hoop Jump.

obedience brush up workshops

Has there been a bit of break for you and your pup in between Basic Level II graduation and Intermediate Level I enrollment? Want to make sure you're both ready? Or, maybe you're new to 2SpeakDog but have had Basic training elsewhere and want to be sure you're qualified for Intermediate class with us?

This workshop reviews the graduation requirements for Basic Level II to ensure you're ready to go in Intermediate! Curriculum includes the following skills:

• Walking wait/placement

• Sit

• Down

• Stay

• Give/drop

Please note that demonstration of this skills foundation is a requirement for Intermediate Level I with 2SpeakDog to ensure a constructive experience for everyone! Registrations for workshops should be submitted NO LATER than 3:00 pm the day before the workshop. Registrations received after this time may not be accepted.