Academy Dog Training by Haywood

03/03/2026

Weather doesn’t stop reps. Happy training everyone 🙌🏽

02/18/2026

Back in 2018 my father and I used to make housebreaking schedules for adults that worked eight hour days. Helping them blend potty training with an obedience routine that would help grow their dogs and their relationship.

Once Covid hit that schedule completely shifted. For some adults, decades of standard routines with multiple dogs seemingly changed overnight. From “I’ll see you before and after work,” to “I’m now in the house with you 24/7.” Somehow we still did not see the jump in relationship for a lot of clients that we would’ve anticipated, and in some cases we saw the complete opposite.

Droves of people are now going back to work and I think it’s important for my team and I to help prepare a lot of new and current owners on routines that continue to bring their dogs closer. Those routines are not always about the length of time, but most importantly, the quality of time and reps that you all can spend together.

Of course, I am working dogs all day long and sometimes my dog Khan falls to the wayside. Nevertheless, we still find moments throughout our day to improve and to grow closer. I challenge you all to find those moments, no matter how small.

- Jason

02/05/2026

We have countless perfect days for warm weather walks. That being said, there is power in snow days. Introducing our dogs to winter surfaces early builds resilience and confidence.

• Choose smart locations - an empty, fenced tennis court offers structure and safety.
• Respect the puppy - for tiny pups (4–6 lbs), prioritize engagement over distance with brief, reward based sessions. (Also work it into your potty training routine)
• Training doesn’t pause - limited outdoor time simply means thoughtful indoor work…you’ll need to burn energy somehow.

Get to it, enjoy the rest of the snow days ❄️ 🐶

- Jason

12/05/2025

Interesting week so far 🌞😌

12/03/2025

Front Door Boundaries

06/23/2025

Today has had a mix of action! Just because it is HAWT outside doesn’t mean we can stop serving these dogs. That being said, below is a little article from the Academy on how to best keep your dog safe in this heat! 🌞

DC summers mean serious heat + humidity—and dogs feel it more than we do. Temps over 80°F can lead to dehydration, burned paws, or heatstroke, especially for flat-faced breeds, seniors, or overweight pups.

⚠️ Signs of heat stress: heavy panting, drooling, red or pale gums, lethargy, vomiting.

✅ Walk early (before 9AM) or late (after 7PM), stick to grass or shady trails like Rock Creek or Sligo Creek, and always bring water. Cooling vests, collapsible bowls & shaded breaks go a long way.

🐕‍🦺 Double-coated dogs (like Shepherds or Goldens)? Don’t shave—brush to help airflow.
🐾 Short-coated pups? Consider light sun shirts or paw balm.
✂️ Long-haired breeds? Trim coats (not shave) to reduce heat retention.

Know your dog’s limits. Some dogs may need to skip the walk and enjoy indoor play instead. A little prep = a safer, happier summer. 🌳💦

10/09/2023

11/21/2022

When you’re waiting to get a piece of Turkey 🦃 👀

With the holidays around the corner, we know it can be madness to make sure your pup feels included and gets the necessary attention so he doesn’t steal a Turkey leg !🍗

Here are some quick thanksgiving tips:
1️⃣ Practice 5 minutes up to thanksgiving a front door greeter
2️⃣ Practice down-stays in different parts of the home where family will be
3️⃣ Always reward your pup for their hard
4️⃣ Remember you don’t have to have your dog out the entire holiday
5️⃣ Provide a long- lasting chew we recommend the pup pack a variety of bones 🦴 to keep them occupied

We hope this helps! Happy holidays from the Academy🦃