Pawz For Health Dog and Puppy Training Maryland listing logo

Pawz For Health Dog and Puppy Training Maryland

Silver Spring, Maryland

4.9/5· 204 Google reviews

About Pawz For Health Dog and Puppy Training Maryland

Pawz For Health Dog Training Maryland, provides in home dog training servicing areas: Silver Spring, Bethesda, Kensington, Olney, Rockville, Ashton, Fulton and surrounding areas. We use positive reinforcement dog training methods and never support the use of shock collars ever! We work with puppy behavior problems such as: Puppy manners, crate training, housebreaking, jumping, puppy biting/nipping, separation anxiety, leash walking, off leash walking, coming when called, obedience (sit/down/stay/off/leave it/drop it/door manners. We train owners to train their dog through developing a trusting respectful relationship. Janet Oquendo is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer & Certified Dog Behavior Consultant. Call a Certified Trainer now.

Training & services

Training goals

  • Behavior consultation
    Program details

    We work with all dog and puppy behaviors, from basic obedience / manners training : Sit, lay down, come when called, stay, door manners, jumping and leash walking. Using positive reinforcement dog training techniques only.

  • Crate training
  • House training
  • Leash training
  • Obedience training
    Program details

    Basic puppy manners; sit, down, stay, no jumping, leash walking.

  • Puppy training
    Program details

    Our puppy obedience training programs are fun, simple, and effective. We use 100% positive reinforcement dog training techniques, and do not support the use of any harmful dog training techniques. Your puppy’s physical and emotional wellbeing is our commitment.

    Our services are unique in that all puppy training is carried out with the home of the trainer. Ensuring your puppy continues to gain skills within a home/ living environment. We never kennel dogs outside, all puppies will get crate training, housebreaking, leash walking, socialization.

    We offer puppy training in Maryland and surrounding areas. We are certified Professional Dog Trainer (CCPDT-KA) and Certified Dog Behaviorist (CDBC).

    We offer a unique puppy board and train program. Your puppy will live in our home for up to two (2) weeks working on crate training, house breaking, basic manners, leash walking, as well as receiving invaluable puppy socialization with other puppies and socialized adult dogs in our home environment. we never use pain to train, we use 100% positive reinforcement dog training techniques only.

    Puppy manners, crate training, housebreaking, leash walking, puppy socialization

  • Socialization

Behavior support

  • Chewing
  • Fear and confidence
    Program details

    Helping shy and fearful dogs overcome their anxiety. Working with dogs and owners to help their dog develop confidence and reduce overall fear and anxiety through positive reinforcement dog training techniques.

  • Reactivity training
  • Resource guarding
  • Separation anxiety

How training happens

  • Board and train
  • Day training
  • Group classes
  • In-home training
  • Owner coaching Customer-reported
  • Private training

Dog age

  • Adult dogs
  • Puppies
    Program details

    Working with puppies who are puppy biting. Helping the puppy learn how to use their mouth appropriately and not to bite their owners. Teaching bite inhibition (soft mouth) and understanding how to interact with the family without biting.

Training level

  • Beginner training

Support between sessions

  • Follow-up support
  • Personalized training plans

Your dog’s background

  • Rescue dogs

Training approach

  • Positive reinforcement

Additional services

  • Boarding

Other listed services

View 22 additional details
  • Dog training
    Program details

    Our Dog training programs are providing to all breeds of dogs, of all ages, exhibiting undesirable behaviors. We recognize that once dogs reach their adult developmental stage, their behavior changes. We provide dog training programs to meet all needs.

  • Animal Behavior Consultants
  • Animal Rehabilitation
  • Animal Rescue
  • Certified Dog Behavior Consultants
  • Certified Dog Trainer
  • Certified Dog Trainer - CCPDT-KA
    Program details

    Certified professional dog trainer, through council for certified professional dog trainer. Using positive reinforcement dog and puppy training techniques only.

  • Challenging Behavior
  • Day Stay
  • Dog Bark
  • Dog Behavior Assessment
  • Dog Bite Prevention
  • Dog Leash
  • Dog Parents
  • Dog Training Maryland
    Program details

    We offer dog training in Maryland and surrounding areas. We are certified Professional Dog Trainer (CCPDT-KA) and Certified Dog Behaviorist (CDBC).

  • Dogs Health
  • Kids And Dogs
  • Overnight Camp
  • Shock Collars
  • Shy Dogs
  • Veterinary Behaviorist
  • Pet training in Maryland
    Program details

    If you are looking for a pet trainer in Maryland please get in touch with our certified dog and puppy trainer. We are only using positive reinforcement.

Confirm current programs and availability directly.

Business-stated qualifications

Qualifications stated by the business, not independently verified.

Training team
CDBC

Questions & answers

From Google

What people have asked about this business.

I have a 2.5 yo male chesapeake bay retriever not fixed who is very stubborn. Growls at us shows his teeth etc. Need a good trainer. Maybe a long term setting Any advice

Maybe he just doesn't like you.

Community answer · Harrison DySard · 2024-09-21

Yes. Please get in touch with me by filling out the contact form on the website. Thank You.

Community answer · Pawz For Health Dog and Puppy Training Maryland · 2024-09-21

Question on Google
What is positive reinforcement training?

Positive reinforcement training is scientifically proved to be the most effective method of training, using rewards! Rewards can consist of high value food, praise, toys, attention..i.e. anything the dog wants and views as a reward. Positive reinforcement ensures your dog is more likely to repeat the behavior consistently and is the most highly used method in this modern day to change your dog's behavior.

Community answer · Pawz For Health Dog and Puppy Training Maryland · 2023-09-21

Question on Google
How do I deal with a dog that has aggression?

First of all seek out a certified professional dog trainer or a certified dog behaviorist. Aggression can be the result of many emotional issues and it's important that you are able to identify the underlying cause of this behavior. Once the underlying cause has been established working with a certified professional who utilizes positive reinforcement dog training techniques is key. Aggression can often be the result of lack of trust or fear so in order alleviate fear in your dog trust must be established using positive reinforcement techniques. It's important to avoid any punishment based training at all costs. Punishment will only result in mistrust and is likely to escalate the dog's aggressive behavior.

Community answer · Pawz For Health Dog and Puppy Training Maryland · 2023-09-21

Question on Google
How do I choose a good dog trainer?

Always check the credentials of a dog trainer. There are many professional organizations which certified dog trainers in specific skill areas. The majority of positive reinforcement dog trainers often belong to professional certification organizations. Find the organization and check if the trainer you are considering using is certified. Always research dog trainers, get references. If you identify that a dog trainer uses any techniques other than positive reinforcement dog training techniques avoid them at all cost. You should always use a trainer who is positively motivating your dog and not using aversive training methods which results in fear and intimidation.

Community answer · Pawz For Health Dog and Puppy Training Maryland · 2023-09-21

Question on Google
Is it possible to train an older dog?

YES! It certainly is. There are however factors to consider. If your dog is older it's likely he or she has had a significant amount of time to practice and exhibit undesirable behavior or bad habits. So bearing that in mind it can take a little while to undo some of those habits, but as with any training as long as you maintain a high level of routine, repetition and patience there is no reason why your older dog cannot achieve the same goals as a dog who is much younger - it just might take a little more time.

Community answer · Pawz For Health Dog and Puppy Training Maryland · 2023-09-21

Question on Google
How do I deal with a dog with anxiety issues?

This is a specialist area! Dogs that exhibit anxiety usually have underlying issues. Therefore contacting a certified professional or a veterinary behaviorist is likely the best option as they will be able to identify the triggers and the best solution to address the anxiety. Anxiety can be a medical condition which will require the intervention of a veterinary behaviorist.

Community answer · Pawz For Health Dog and Puppy Training Maryland · 2023-09-21

Question on Google
How can I train my dog to stop barking excessively?

As with any behavior we have to identify why the dog is barking. There are several reasons why dogs bark i.e. Territorial / protective barking, fear and anxiety, or boredom. So each of the reasons require different techniques and responses. If possible provide your dog with safe doggie activities to do throughout the day to alleviate boredom, i.e the use of Kongs, or stuffed marrow bones, give your dog plenty of exercise to burn of excess energy helping them to relax and sleep as opposed to barking, as tired dog does less barking! You can also teach your dog the command “quiet” in a calm but first voice say ‘quiet” and when they are quiet for a period of time they are rewarded. Whatever the reason is for your dogs barking, ensure it's not allowed to continue as it becomes a habit and is difficult to stop.

Community answer · Pawz For Health Dog and Puppy Training Maryland · 2023-09-21

Question on Google
How do I teach my dog to come when called?

This is a “simple” one: always reward your dog for coming when you call them. At first you can use a piece of high value food.. you call your dogs name and reward with a treat. Once your dog is responding well and coming consistently using a high value treat you can then call your dog and provide them with 5-10 seconds of physical praise i.e. rubbing them playfully on their torso. Repeating this exercise will teach your dog every time you call them “something good happens” as a result calling your dog results in them responding consistently.

Community answer · Pawz For Health Dog and Puppy Training Maryland · 2023-09-21

Question on Google
What should I do if my dog is not responding to training?

Assess why your dog is not responding to training! Are you communicating clearly to your dog what behavior you are looking for? Dogs often get mixed messages from their owners as a result the dog becomes confused and is unable to respond to your training requests. Other factors to consider is your dog fearful? Is the environment conducive for your dog to learn and respond to training? i.e. is it free of distractions? Are you using high enough value food? Are you giving your dog enough time to process the training requests so he understands? Are you providing enough motivation for your dog to respond? Once all the factors have been resolved there is no reason why your dog should not respond to training.

Community answer · Pawz For Health Dog and Puppy Training Maryland · 2023-09-21

Question on Google
How long does it take to train a dog?

There is no one time frame that fits all when you are training your dog. There are so many factors to consider when training. i.e. the age of the dog, how much training the dog has previously had (if any), the stress level of the dog-stressed dogs take longer to learn as they have to ensure they trust the process before they can progress and this can take time again. Each dog is different. If you remain patient and consistent, your dog will achieve the desired goal.

Community answer · Pawz For Health Dog and Puppy Training Maryland · 2023-09-21

Question on Google
What is the best way to train a dog?

The most effective way to train a dog is first of all ensure you utilize positive reinforcement dog training techniques. Positive reinforcement training is where we provide the dog with a reward every time he or she performs the behavior we desire. The Use of positive reinforcement ensures your dog will reliably repeat the behavior he or she is being rewarded for. When you start training your dog, be sure to minimize any distractions to help your dog remain focused on you, and train in short segments to avoid your dog losing interest and becoming disinterested and overwhelmed. Be sure to exercise patience and consistency as all dogs learn at a different pace and only move onto a new training area once your dog has mastered and fully understood the basics. Also ensure you and your dog have fun as it enhances learning and develops a lasting bond between you and your dog.

Community answer · Pawz For Health Dog and Puppy Training Maryland · 2023-09-21

Question on Google
Can I train my dog to do tricks at home?

YES you can! Usually training at home is easier and more relaxed for dogs to learn. Training your dog at home provides the dog with a familiar environment which is familiar and relaxing as a result training tricks at home becomes fun and rewarding.

Community answer · Pawz For Health Dog and Puppy Training Maryland · 2023-09-21

Question on Google
How much does dog training usually cost?

It all depends on what dog training service you are looking for. The cost for group classes is significantly less than private in home training. If you use a certified professional through an accredited association the cost is likely to be more expensive as you are utilizing the services of a trained, qualified expert with qualifications to back up their knowledge. You can also use a trainer who is not certified but you run the risk of limited knowledge without any expertise to back up the training being provided.

Community answer · Pawz For Health Dog and Puppy Training Maryland · 2023-09-21

Question on Google
Can I train my dog myself, or do I need a professional trainer?

There are many do it yourself training books on the market as well as a variety of resources on the internet. Oftentimes the resources available are great references and many dog owners have been able to follow them with some success. However as all dogs are not the same and all have varying degrees of behavior training requirements using some of the generalized training resources may not apply to the specific challenges you are having with your dog. Seeking out the help of a certified professional dog trainer or behaviorist allows the professional to identify exactly what your dog needs and modify training to accommodate your dogs behavior to meet your training goals.

Community answer · Pawz For Health Dog and Puppy Training Maryland · 2023-09-21

Question on Google
How can I tell if my dog is enjoying training or not?

This is all about body language! Reading your dog's body language is an important factor when you are trying to gauge how your dog is feeling about training. If your dog has a soft wriggly body, mouth open (looks like he or she is smiling), tail soft and wagging, eyes are soft and focussed on you, the owner, they are playful and enthusiastic. It's highly likely your dog is enjoying training.

Community answer · Pawz For Health Dog and Puppy Training Maryland · 2023-09-21

Question on Google
How often should I train my dog?

Every dog is different, as all dogs learn at different levels and some have a different capacity to retain the information than others. Depending on your dog, You should consider training little and often. Dogs learn quicker and more consistently if you train in shorter durations. It doesn't have to be every day it could be 2-3 times a week but whatever the training schedule you afford your dog, be sure to provide it consistency. It's more effective to train your dog 10 minutes a couple times a day rather than 1hr once a week with no follow up reinforcement after that 1 hr training session. Repetition is key to ensuring you get consistent results from your dog.

Community answer · Pawz For Health Dog and Puppy Training Maryland · 2023-09-21

Question on Google
What are 3 common mistakes to avoid when training a dog?

Some common mistakes people make when training their dog is 1) the dog owner assuming the dog knows exactly what you want. Ensure you have effectively communicated the behavior you are desiring your dog to perform and ensure you reward immediately. 2) rewarding too slow! If the dog provides you with the behavior you are looking for you must ensure you reward that behavior immediately as it occurs. This ensures the dog makes the connection between the behavior he or she has performed and the reward. 3) Yelling at your dog. Yelling at your dog during training is not effective and will not result in your dog performing the behaviors you desire any quicker, actually its highly likely the dog will begin to show fear and shut down from training all together. Always make training fun and positive.

Community answer · Pawz For Health Dog and Puppy Training Maryland · 2023-09-21

Question on Google

Public community answers. Authors are not verified as business representatives; details may have changed.

Customer reviews

Google listing
4.9
out of 5204 Google reviews

Mentioned in reviews

  • Crate training 44
  • Positive reinforcement 42
  • Leash training 41
  • Potty training 23
  • Calmer dog 11
  • Board and train program 8
All 10 topics
  • Puppy socialization 7
  • Holistic approach 5
  • Dog behavior expert 3
  • Board and socialize program 2

Google review topics, not confirmed services.

100 collected reviews

Text reviews first · newest first
Amanda Zanville
5/5
We sent our 3 month old Bernadoodle named Shiloh to Janet at Pawz for Health for a 2-week puppy training camp where she learned to socialize with other pups, leash walking skills, as well as basic commands such as "Sit, Stay, Down". The value and impact of Janet's training was ap…Read full reviewClose full review

We sent our 3 month old Bernadoodle named Shiloh to Janet at Pawz for Health for a 2-week puppy training camp where she learned to socialize with other pups, leash walking skills, as well as basic commands such as "Sit, Stay, Down". The value and impact of Janet's training was apparent the moment we picked Shiloh up, as she was more confident around people, a great listener, and very playful with other dogs of all ages and breeds. She also learned to love her crate, which was evident as she no longer cries in the crate when it's time to rest and go to sleep. Janet was amazing, sent us daily updates and pictures, and we felt at peace knowing our puppy was in great hands. Highly recommend Pawz for Health to any dog owner who is looking for training, boarding, or just basic socialization skills for their pup! Here is a pic of our happy girl when we we picked her up from puppy training camp :)

Christian Yarberry
5/5
Janet has been a Godsend for our family. From our initial intake to our end of puppy training transition, we were impressed with her passion, knowledge, and thorough plan for train our puppy to meet our needs. Janet has a sweet spirit and is truly cares for her dog clients as it …Read full reviewClose full review

Janet has been a Godsend for our family. From our initial intake to our end of puppy training transition, we were impressed with her passion, knowledge, and thorough plan for train our puppy to meet our needs. Janet has a sweet spirit and is truly cares for her dog clients as it they are her own. We appreciate her understanding our needs and tailoring the plan based on what works best for our puppy and achieves our goals as owners. We have been home a few days with our puppy and saw positive changes when we pulled up to pick him up and when we arrived home in his environment. Janet equipped us with the information and adult training to continue her work. We highly recommend Janet and Pawz for Health Dog Training to any dog owners that need support with positive reinforcement dog training.

Karen Fisher
5/5
I have two Havanese puppies that are four months old and sent them to Janet for two weeks. I couldn’t train them to go outside, walk together, or sleep in their crates to get a routine. After spending two weeks with Janet, they came back and had successfully mastered all of those…Read full reviewClose full review

I have two Havanese puppies that are four months old and sent them to Janet for two weeks. I couldn’t train them to go outside, walk together, or sleep in their crates to get a routine. After spending two weeks with Janet, they came back and had successfully mastered all of those things that I found to be difficult to do. I am so pleased with the results. Plus, they were not socialized with other puppies and had learned to be comfortable enough to interact with other dogs. Communication and updates were provided routinely every day or every other day. All my questions were always answered promptly. She took very good care of them while they were there and they seem to be very very comfortable with her when I came back to pick them up. I can’t say how ecstatic I am to have dogs that I can walk on a daily basis and sleep through the night. Let alone let me know when they need to go outside. I would highly recommend her for your pet training.

Daniel Boitel
5/5

Janet is an incredible professional and truly understands the dogs mind. I would strongly suggest anyone who is becoming a puppy parent to consult with her. She is helpful, positive, not pushy and produces amazing results. Our puppy overall was very chill but nippy and terrible on a leash. All that changed after 10 days with Janet. She is high level! Worth every cent!

Leo Delwic
5/5
Honestly I cannot thank Janet enough for helping set a routine, potty train, and teach my new puppy, Cosmo the basic tricks! Before deciding on which trainer and training method to use I met with 3 different trainers (all recommended either by vet or word of mouth). I felt uncomf…Read full reviewClose full review

Honestly I cannot thank Janet enough for helping set a routine, potty train, and teach my new puppy, Cosmo the basic tricks! Before deciding on which trainer and training method to use I met with 3 different trainers (all recommended either by vet or word of mouth). I felt uncomfortable with the 2 other trainers because they used e-collars or prong collars to have the dog listen both of which I do not feel is humane. Not only did both Cosmo and I meet with Janet before even sending him to board and train but she eased our worries, taught us how to effectively start potty training, and believed Cosmo would be a great candidate for the board & train. Before sending him there I was exhausted and worried because clearly something was not working. We used to have to take him out every 10-15 minutes after he drank or ate anything yet he was never going to the bathroom normally. Throughout the night I would get up because he would cry so much and low and behold there would be some serious accidents in his crate. When Cosmo was at board and train Janet helped determine what could be the issue and how to fix it. I truly believe if Cosmo never met Janet then he would still have severe GI issues all of which could be fixed by certain probiotics, a schedule, and tracking. I felt like something was off with him but was assured that this was normal (by the vet), it indeed was not normal! I highly recommend any sort of training or board and train with Pawz for Health because it really is not like you are sending your dog away and forgetting about him. You get numerous email (or text) updates of how your dog is doing, videos, and can visit him whenever you are missing him. For me this was a big deal as I already grew attached to Cosmo! I was able to visit him, talk about my fears/what I fear upon return home, and honestly just pet him. If nobody has told you already getting a puppy is hard! I never thought it would be but I learned really fast that if you are not equipped/ have never had a puppy before it is a lot of work and discipline. I wanted to tend to Cosmo the best I could but enabling him all the time was in fact harmful. Now he is home and although it was bittersweet to say goodbye to Janet she has let us know she is only a text, email, call, or home training session away. Additionally, if you are looking for a board and train this is one of few that actually have the dogs boarded at a home and not a kennel which is very important! There is also a limit of how many puppies can be boarded and trained at a time and the other puppies that were there with Cosmo helped teach him how to interact and socialize with other dogs. He learned that if he is too rough the other dogs will tell him and now he is not afraid to see a dog but rather looks at the dog, may go up to the dog (if allowed), and say hi (as dogs do). I cannot wait to continue the training and yes, we have videos, were taught, and have a lovely schedule and the dos and don’ts when tending to Cosmo.

Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.

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