The Dogs' Spot - Dog Training Center and Boutique

Kat McClain

2024-04

Rogue and I have taken a few agility classes at The Dogs' spot and have always had a blast! LeAnn and Grace are awesome instructors, friendly and personable while providing clear helpful feedback to help us improve. As a trainer myself I've met many others in the industry, unfortunately not all in it for the true love of dogs and how amazing they can be - but the team at The Dogs' Spot is the real deal. We will definitely keep coming for a long time!

Izzie Neubauer

2024-03

Karen has been guiding us through in-home training. We’ve only had 3, 1 hour sessions and I have already noticed a drastic difference in our 2 minpins behavior! It was intimidating trying to modify reactive behaviors in adult rescue pups (both 6yrs old), but Karen assured me it’s both possible & rewarding! She is a patient, kind, passionate, & professional trainer. She not only explains how to train behaviors but also WHY we use specific methods & cues. She gave us tips about food, treats, medication, recommended helpful books & videos. I really can’t say enough positive things about our experience w/ Karen from The Dogs’ Spot.I should mention that prior to choosing DS, I read about & called several training centers in KC. Dogs’ Spot seems to offer the most flexible options & had some of the most experienced (& multi-certified) trainers. I wanted a hands-on experience rather than an expensive board & train, which just didn’t seem like a good fit for my budget or my anxious dogs.

Claire Witt

2024-04

I've been taking my dog-reactive fearful/anxious dog to individual training classes and just started reactive dog class as well (can't say much about that yet since I just started) but the individual sessions with Karen have been great! She is extremely knowledgeable and cares deeply about your dog. She was so helpful with getting my dogs anxiety medication sorted out and has shown me a lot of behaviors to incorporate to reduce my dogs anxiety/reactivity. I absolutely recommended the dog spot and Karen. It's not cheap, but it's well worth it and you get much better quality training than if you were to go to Petsmart or a place like it.

Julie Yoder

2024-04

I love this facility and the trainers. The classes are unique and so helpful. We had a great experience in both puppy class and Excellent Engagement. We will be back for Calm Foundations!

Jerah White

2023-12

With surviving adolescents and canine good citizen courses completed I've decided that the convenience of the dog spots location really isn't a reason for us to continue training there anymore. I will say they have a nice facility and I did accomplish socializing my Dogo Argentino in a safe controlled environment. I picked up more usable information in our puppy class than I did in CGC. The lecture time in surviving adolescents seemed long and a lot less interactive than you would expect. Other facilities do these group classes in a way you would expect that is much more interactive and interesting.It was in this first course where I was sold a harness for my mastiff puppy at 5 months old under a completely false statement. They promoted a trade in program where you get a XL adult size for free when he grew out of a smaller size if I purchased a balance harness. I had no interest in getting one previously since I was fully aware he was going to outgrow it in months if not weeks. When we showed up for the CGC class a couple months later, he had doubled in size and I was told they wouldn't uphold the statement anymore. Put a fairly bad business taste in ones mouth to say the least. I get things changed, but not upholding sales that have already been made to clients just comes off bad.My recommendation on the CGC course would be to go ahead and skip it. You are spending thirty plus bucks a class for something you can just watch on you tube. The first red flag was the newbie trainer. Dude is teaching an AKC class but has zero idea what conformation is! Very odd... 6 classes and almost all of them the last 20 minutes the trainers had no curriculum left and just sat around asking what we wanted to do for the rest of the class. I don't know that I learned a single thing in the class except the 10 skills needed to pass the test which as stated before can just be watched for free. I definitely did not learn the one thing that he was automatically failed for! lol The end of the program, 3 of the 6 dogs tested. The 2 other dogs passed and mine did not.  The handler let my boy wander up and mark a wall during the 3 minute duration I was away, which is an immediate dq. Unfortunately, the start of the test was literally the first time anyone had ever mentioned marking at all. Learning by FAILURE is the lesson plan apparently! I'm happy for the other 2 dog owners for passing but the reality is not one dog there would actually pass legitimately. It comes off extremely subjective when you pass a dog that won't recall or down but fails another because the handler lets him pee on a wall which was never prepped for.I'll leave a pic of his test sheet. It just shows him passing everything which if I'm honest is a complete fabrication and shows just how watered down the program really is. He should have never passed. At least he stays and recalls though unlike the other candidates.As stated this is a good facility, they have very nice people. I just can't honestly say I would recommend them at this point for training.

Darcy Dishman

2023-06

Been coming here weekly for the last year. My Labrador was a HOT MESS. We have grown by leaps and bounds with the help of owner Laura and her staff LeAnn and Grace. They have great patience and superb kindness and I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else. Also the Dog Spot community has also given me wonderful advice, assistance and support, especially Kathy.

Madison Bates

2022-05

Absolutely amazing! I have a Dalmatian who started agility at 8months old with The Dogs' Spot! He progressed so much in such little time. Laura the owner is so good at what she does! She always took the time to answer all of our questions and give us quality feedback in lessons. LeAnn also gives absolutely phenomenal feedback in lessons. We laughed and had a smile on our face during every lesson! They both are experienced professionals and make training so much fun! We were regulars for several months and even celebrated Hugh (my Dalmatians) 1st birthday with them. Watching Hugh progress each lesson and see his confidence grow from a scared puppy to a confident dog was well worth it! We were devastated to have to end lessons. I haven't seen a better agility program ever!The Dogs' Spot we are so grateful to have met and worked with such amazing people like you!Love, Madison and Hugh

Laurel Anderson

2023-05

Archie and Bowser absolutely love coming here! Laura is fantastic at helping each individual during class based on their skill level. LeAnn and Grace have been so fun to work with during agility. I work for a large local animal shelter and have been recommending The Dogs Spot to friends, coworkers and adopters!

Tracybuzz Verduzco

2023-06

I have taken several classes at The Dog’s Spot and have participated in several events. The staff is knowledgeable and are excellent at promoting all around good dog ownership. I can honestly say that every interaction I have had with at The Dog’s Spot has had a positive effect on my relationship with my dogs. I have grown more confident in my ownership skills and feel equipped to handle many different interactions. Most of all all the people at The Dog’s Spot want the best for our canine pals and when I am there I feel like I found my people! Highly recommend for anyone who wants to feel educated and confident in their pet ownership. Regardless of your ultimate goal, there is a class and/or event for you at The Dog’s Spot.

Jill Hampton Denno

2023-11

So glad we found The Dogs Spot for help with our reactive dog! Karen, who led the reactive dog class, has been a fantastic advocate and educator. Our dog made a lot of progress with the class, but even more helpful was private lessons with Karen. I specifically sought out a trainer/facility that practices positive reinforcement, and that's exactly the experience we have had with Karen and The Dogs Spot. Could not recommend it more highly!

niki williams

2023-11

Karen is incredible, so knowledgeable and patient, she honestly saved us from having to put down our baby, Wesley. IT has been worth every penny, even struggling as we are, and we have learned so much from her! Being able to contact her via text between visits has been immeasurably helpful, and it's really obvious how dedicated she is to helping people and their pups. And I honestly trust her as much, if not more sometimes, as my vet. Cannot recommend her highly enough.

Aubrey Anderson

2022-05

I learned about The Dogs' Spot when I was at a local dog park & met Laura, the owner.My dad and I brought one of our doggos to The Dogs' Spot for reactive dog training. All owners go through a training with Laura to understand more about the training practices used. I nearly cried because I finally felt that I could do something to help me better help my dog.Class was taught by 2 trained & certified instructors who themselves had reactive dogs. I REALLY loved the methodologies of positive reinforcement. My dog isn't perfect, but neither am I. The skills learned in the Reactive Dog I class were crucial in our interactions.

Wind Waker

2018-05

I have been training dogs with positive methods for a long time. After a disappointing experience at a local obedience club which encouraged chain leash corrections and made my dog scared, I decided to walk away from the $100 I sank into that place to save my relationship with my dog and headed for The Dog's Spot because of Laura's positive training credentials. The orientation class for humans is a little long if you've done clicker training before, but otherwise the classes here are AWESOME. We took a super fun Tricks class with Laura and Jamie, and a couple workshops with the two of them, and they are both patient, kind to people and dogs, and very good trainers. I LOVED their workshop on the Copy That observational learning method. This is an awesome place for training your dog in a way that enhances rather than damage your bond, and they keep at the forefront of positive behavior training and techniques. Lambchop and I highly recommend them!

Jes Caylor

2024-02

We've only had one official lesson so far and I already love the place.

michael koenig

2023-06

We have 3 German Shepherds and the only way to prevent shepherds from turning your couch into a chew toy is to keep their minds and bodies engaged. We started training at The Dogs' Spot in January of 2021 with our first shepherd. All 3 train there now in various activities including agility, scent work and one of them even did a Treibball class. The owners, Laura and her husband, Kirby, always make you feel welcome. Outstanding staff there. One dog is better in agility than the other 2. LeAnn and Grace are the instructors for agility. Both are very knowledgeable and have competed, or are currently competing, their dogs at a high level. The way our dog has improved with their teaching is amazing. The other two dogs are progressing through a series of scent classes to be able to compete some day. Tracy is the scent teaching guru and is amazing. Tracy is usually helped by Kathy or Natalie who are as nice as the day is long. We have never had a bad experience at The Dogs' Spot. If you want your dog to be trained the right way by knowledgeable trainers they will take care of you.

Julie Hall

2020-05

A great place to train with your pups! I have taken puppy classes and also beginning agility through advance agility classes. Although there is a wide variety of options. Instructors are very knowledgeable of dog behavior and always there to help. They strive to know you and your dog to personalize the training to meet your needs.

susan fisher

2023-06

I am a frequent visitor at the dogs spot. I have taken several classes as well as multiple fun runs. Trainers are very helpful and knowledgeable. I learn something new with every class! My youngest agility dog has grown so much during her time at class.

John Riley

2024-02

We have been very satisfied with our trainer, Karen. Very knowledgeable and professional. Pepper is very sad to see her leave.

John Van Hengel

2024-04

Went there to start training my dogs in FlyBall. Every one was very welcoming and helpful. Dogs had a great time.

C. Paramesh

2023-05

What a wonderful team at The Dogs Spot! My dog loves this place. He is so excited when we pull up and can’t wait to get out of the car. Excellent trainers that provide personalized instruction. Very professional staff. I recommended the trainers to my neighbor for his reactive dog and he has had amazing results. The agility classes are top notch! LeAnn and Grace are fantastic and supportive at competition. Can’t imagine going anywhere else. So thankful I found them.

Emma Brown

2023-10

We had the privilege of working with Karen and Ella with our dog in reactive dog 1 training. She was absolutely amazing with molly and and us and would always answer any question we had. We hope to get to work with her again in the future

Jordan Wandfluh

2021-05

Sophie and I have been going to the Dogs' Spot for several years now. We use to do a lot of agility classes but now that she is 11 we are incorporating Fit Paws to keep her active, flexible and agile. The Dogs' Spot is not only a wonderful place for Sophie and I to keep our bond strong but the people there become like family. They offer so many different classes and are so knowledgeable.

Deana B

2023-06

The Dogs Spot has been such a positive part of my journey training my deaf dog Win. Starting right in puppy classes they encouraged and helped me to understand his capacity to learn and ability to participate in whatever a hearing dog could. With the mindful guidance of positive trainers like Laura Hills, LeAnn Hiserote, Grace Pinnick, Tracy Martin and others, Win and I have grown in both skill and confidence. Because of the work we do together at the Dogs Spot our bond has truly grown. We have successfully competed in several Agility trials and become part of such a supportive agility family at the Dogs Spot. We are also starting a new training area in Nosework! Both Win and I look forward to all of our classes and class friends each week.

J Hinkle

2023-06

I want to give a big thank you to the staff at The Dog Spot! I had no idea what agility was when I started training here a couple years ago. I was just looking for something to help my Catahoula mix burn some energy. I had no idea we would get to where we are today.We started training with LeAnn and Laura and now LeAnn and Grace are helping me advance the skills Willow and I need for success. We were able to qualify for Champs last week for the second time and are so excited. Willow and I have so much fun playing agility. We would not be the team we are without you. Thank you so much!!!

Tom Race

2023-05

We recently enrolled our dog in the puppy training classes at The Dogs' Spot. From the beginning we were told that our dog was on the age border and may be better off in the Adolescent training class, and they told us they may recommend we move to that group after his first week. We then had to delay training another 3 weeks due to kennel cough, so by the time we were starting his first week he was older than what they originally recommended for puppy training. We went to the first week and our dog had a good time, and he was the biggest and oldest dog there. He was pretty wild, in our opinion, but we were told he interacted so well during the few minutes of 'free play' with the other dogs and took their cues well when they were scared or nervous of a bigger dog. Our 2nd class did not go well, and my wife was asked to step out with the dog about 20 minutes in to class. She was told she could stay outside and watch, however, I'm not sure what that would accomplish with a barking dog and a very embarrassed and stressed out dog mom for how she was called out. We received an email later on stating he could not return to class until he saw a behavioral specialist. We are not talking about an aggressive dog here folks. He is a Golden Retriever puppy with tons of energy and was being asked to sit still for a majority of class while the instructors spent the majority of the hour speaking to the adults. Through one and a half sessions, the dog spent most of his time being required to sit still and silently in a room with 5-6 other dogs he wanted to play with while they spoke to the humans. This could have been better attained without bringing the dog's to class at all. It was miserable.To make matters worse, when we requested a refund on the remaining 5 classes, we only received a response that they felt bad we felt the dog was kicked out, and the refund matter was referred to Laura. Multiple emails and requests for refunds later, without a single response from apparently the one person who can address this, and now we feel obliged to write a review. Go somewhere else, and do your research on a more interactive setting for your dog. We've talked to multiple other friends who have done group classes elsewhere, as well as private, and they couldn't believe what we described our experience to be. It also does not appear to be the norm to pay in full before your sessions even start, which makes sense. I would never pay a contractor in full before they have completed a job on my house, so why would any other service be different?

Emily Baker

2023-07

We’ve been going for 2 years now with a super senior and our puppy. All the staff is very knowledgeable and kind. We have taken many different classes there and love them all.

leaha ryon

2023-06

I train agility at a with a different trainer due to the use of more modern practices. Supposed lies were made by people about me and my dog when we went to fun runs. The business refused to talk to me and instead decided I was not allowed to attend. Worse part was instead of talking to me, they chose to force me to call by removing my online account to sign up. When I tried to talk to Laura, she had no knowledge of the lack of sportsmanship from the people they trained. Even went so far to imply my dog was reactive when he never reached to any dogs. In fact,, I had dogs growling and jumping at my dog while I walked from the ring to his kennel and my dog was always kenneld in between runs to keep him from the reactions.. Their people had harassed us even as my dog was in a kennel in our car. They would rather blame other dogs than work on the reactions of their client dogs. Owner is not aware of what us going on in the facility.As the business wants to claim an investigation , they could not specify the problems nor discuss before kicking out.. It was a one sided investigation that the owner still has no clue what is going on nor can tell me what made people feel uncomfortable. Can't change something if not brought to persons attention. Only thingi was told was went through wrong gate and even admitted I was not the only one.Clients she keeps bully others. Not just Myself, but I have personally seen it to others. I have been harassed by others there but acted mature enough to not take up to everyone.

Gieselle A.B. Fest

2024-01

I have been looking for a great dog training center in the Northland. Found it!!Great trainers! Couldn’t be happier 😊

D. C.

2022-05

This was our first time visiting The Dogs' Spot. We signed up our recently rescued 9 month old "puppy" for the 6 week training program. Their pricing is competitive and affordable. They just relocated to this location and are still reorganizing some things, but overall it was a great first experience. At first, our new puppy was embarrassingly out of control, but the trainers and staff knew exactly how to handle him. He eventually settled down and learned a few things the very first day! Everyone was very polite and knowledgeable. I can only expect that this place will just get better and better. We are looking forward to continuing our dogs training here. Highly recommended!!

Emily Sweet

2023-06

Visited the Dog's Spot today for the first time with my dog. Everyone was friendly and welcoming. The facility was clean. The instructors were knowledgeable and patient.