Thoughtful Dogs

05/25/2026

When all of their favorite people are off on the same day, the Aussie Doodles will play! Lots of GOOD BOYS today! ❤️

05/10/2026

Creedence, Play Group Superstar, testing Ophelia's dog friendliness today - Ophelia is what we call Push/Pull. Creedence is what we call a "Good Boy!"

The 1st term is official, the 2nd in unofficial. Play Groups are an integral part of finding out who a dog is and keeping them sane during their stay in a shelter.

Play Groups are MAGIC... and we learn so much at these times! Check out the adoptable dogs at Animal Aid Society. You won't regret it!

05/09/2026

What "Heel" should look like from the handlers perspective!

Eliot enjoying his training session at the park...

05/08/2026

Eliot and Finn love their outings where they get to experience real life situations and learn how to navigate the world around them (Oh, and maybe the occasional french fry - they really love that, too).

05/06/2026

Teaching Blueberry how to "Sit" by luring with a treat...

Smart pup!



If you're interested in Puppy Group Training Classes, sign up by clicking the link below!

https://book.squareup.com/classes/j0anuq8du2wpk7/location/LW69ZFWDSZPC7/classes

05/06/2026

05/05/2026

Exciting news for Hampton Roads! Starting in mid and end of May, Thoughtful Dogs will be holding Group Classes at Animal Aid Society in Hampton, VA!

An Adult Level 1 Group Training Class will be available for your dog to learn basic skills or brush up on those that just need to be fine tuned.

Or maybe you have a new puppy in your life that's eager to learn and ready to embrace those oh-so-important doggie social skills? Puppy Level 1 Group Training Classes are available!

Do you have a shy dog that struggles with the big, scary world and needs help building confidence? Thoughtful Dogs is here to help! Check out the "Shy Guys" Group Training Class opportunity!

Using science-based methods, modern techniques, and positive reinforcement, we're so excited to be offering this training opportunity for the community in a Group Class setting!

If you are interested in signing up for an upcoming class, please visit the link below. Dates and times for each 6 week course can be seen on this section of the website, as well.

https://www.thoughtfuldogstraining.com/group-dog-training-classes

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!

03/23/2022

ATTENTION ALL DOG OWNERS WHO GET CLOSER AND PUSHIER AS YOUR DOG GETS MORE INATTENTIVE: QUIT THAT S**T. It doesn't help.

Like holding water.
Don't tighten and close your fist.
Relax and support.

This trainer is great. She is intentionally passive and responsive to this doberman. But watch how little pressure it takes to upset a sensitive dog.
Watch the trainer's left leg.
At :23-seconds she steps in just a tiny amount and that is enough to freeze the pup. Pup moves to the off-leg before sitting. The next rep, pup waits until she moves her forward leg back before closing the distance and sitting.

03/26/2021

Some trainers might think a "good dog" looks like a wide-eyed, obsessively focused, prong or shock collar wearing, perfect heel positioned, alert and rigid dog.

I believe a good dog looks like a happy dog who makes their owner happy.