“As a veterinarian, some of the most common questions I encounter are about behavior and training. Whether it is puppy socialization, naughty adolescent behavior or reactive dog issues, the Dogs’ Spot can be relied on to take care of my client’s needs. I recommend them with 100% confidence that my clients will be taken care of and happy with their pet’s training and results. The Dogs’ Spot is a reliable training facility with qualified trainers and this is an invaluable resource as a veterinarian.”

“As a dog trainer myself who now works in animal sheltering, I am picky about where I refer adopters, and The Dogs’ Spot is top of my go-to list. This is who I turn to for help with my own pets and where I send my family.”

“I’ve been bringing my dogs here for three and a half years. At first I just wanted puppy socialization and basic house manners.. now I have one competing in agility, one about to try competing in nosework, and a third who might do both!
The trainers here become like family, very kind and understanding, and will guide you to amazing skills using 100% force free methods, even for reactive dogs.
My dogs love going here so much! My most stubborn dog is eager to get harness and leash on when he hears we are going to school, and my most fearful dog is so happy there that she doesn’t even need to take a pill before we go.”

“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!”

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

“We’ve only had one official lesson so far and I already love the place.
Edit: we’ve now graduated from puppy kindergarten and surviving adolescence classes. We love the dog spot and the trainers here. We’ve learned so much, our puppy loves classes and we’re really considering doing more advanced activities with her in the future. We’ve learned so much about dog behavior and have made such a great bond with our puppy.”

“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!”

“I just wanted to thank you for doing such a wonderful job hosting the trial this weekend...and please thank everyone who worked so hard to make the trial such a fun experience! Wyatt and I loved every minute of it!!”

“We all enjoyed participating in the teacup competition. Thank you, Kirby, and your entire staff for making it a most enjoyable event, and your vendors, too. We all thought the photographer, Rachel Gayle with Fetch Light Photography, did outstanding photos of our beloved dogs. We all enjoyed our lunches, costume contests, white elephant exchange, meeting new people, and enjoying the company of our friends/classmates.

We all are looking forward to another Teacup Competition and hope you can organize another in the Spring.

I can’t say enough wonderful things about The Dogs’ Spot, you, your staff and all the wonderful trainers. I continue to hand out your business cards and rave about you.”

“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.”

“I definitely recommend taking your young dog to the Dogs Spot. We’ve done both the Puppy Prep and Surviving Adolescence classes. Not only do they make training approachable, but just all the tips and guidance they share has made a huge difference. I especially recommend Puppy Prep for socialization and the joy of seeing puppies play every week.”

“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!”

“Cooperative Care is an amazing class. We learned so much! Amaze your vet staff when your dog is the most cooperative ever and becomes so comfortable being handled.”

“Our session with Kaitlin was so helpful as we address anxiety issues with our dog. The session was packed full of information and activities.”

“I wanted to let you know that after our Excellent Engagement class Poppy did a great job on our trip. We were in several unfamiliar places but she was able to stay engaged. There was no pulling on the leash even in an outdoor park with plenty of distractions. Thank you so much for your help.”

“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.”

“
I have rescued and trained dogs for 30 years and this is THE BEST STAFF I’ve ever encountered. My present dog is a blind rescued mix and he is SO BLESSED by these people.”

“Love this place. They are so Personable, with you and your dog. The trainers are fabulous. We have learned so much in this past 2 years and come so far. Thank you so much for all you do.”

“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. ”

“We love the dog spot! Everyone is friendly and knowledgeable! We have done agility and a reactive course with my dog reactive pup! Highly recommend!”

“Such a fun place to go with your dog. I just started a beginners agility class and am having such a great time. LeAnn and Grace are very knowlegable and show great patience as Dublin and I get started.”

“The woman I spoke with on the phone really reassured and made me felt heard and understood and made sure to make me feel comfortable expressing my concerns she was an amazing listener. I want it to be clear she is the reason I chose this location.”

“We take our puppy to dog training here and just finished our second course, or our twelfth class. We have learned how to have control and handle our dog in a variety of situations, and we are very pleased with the quality of training that the trainers at the Dogs’ Spot provide!”

“I saw a professional team with a real concern for our pet partners as well as our abilities. I appreciated that they were willing to tell us what we were doing wrong and always willing to compliment us when we were doing something right. As far as I’m concerned they have a well-rounded program and they’re adding new things all the time.”

“Loved that each dog/handler was accepted at their own level! The class was fun and moved quickly! We were introduced to a lot of concepts and given ample time to practice! Excited to practice the new skills at home with Chelsea!”

“I brought my dog to the dogs spot for their family manners and tranquil treks classes. Our first few classes I was so nervous because my dog gets very excited when meeting new people or dogs. But the instructors were so nice and welcoming to us both! They answered any and all questions I had and taught us so much. My dog still gets so excited if we go to the boutique to get some ice cream! I would HIGHLY recommend coming here for training!”

“Excellent training, staff and environment. This is 2nd home.”

“We love going here for training. It’s very organized and they really care about your dogs needs.”

“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.”

“Best training in town. The front desk person Holly is very professional and helpful. Highly recommend!!!”

“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!!!”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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! ”

“Been going to The Dog Spot for a year and a half now for agility. Our dogs start going crazy as soon as we turn on the street. We love LeAnn and Grace as agility instructors. Recently we started trieball and soon scent work.”

“What a wonderful team at The Dog 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.”

“Great classes! Extremely knowledgeable in current techniques. Very helpful with problem behaviors. Can’t recommend them highly enough!”

“Trainers and Staff are exceptional, your “people training” is outstanding and recommended! From Rocco and family, thank you!”

“Bodhi LOVES going to training and we’re both learning so much! Very thankful they were recommended to me and highly recommend!!”

“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!”

“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.”

“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 Canine Conditioning 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.”

“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.”

“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!”

“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!!”

“What a great place to take my Jack Russell to get rid of some excess energy at flyball classes. Stephanie is good with leading these dogs thru the training they need and the drills practiced are well planned to ensure success in competition down the road. Thank you Dogs’ Spot and Stephanie!!”

“I have learned so much about how to live with and train my dog. All the trainers I have worked with were patient and knowledgeable. I cannot recommend them enough. My only complaint is that they don’t offer a wider variety and greater frequency of classes. My pup needs a lot of ongoing socialization and the dog enjoys going so much. I wish they offered more on an ongoing basis.”

“We have been to a few classes so far and it has been top notch. The trainers are so personable and really work with you to help you learn how to work with your dog. The small classes are great so that you get a lot of one on one training. I look forward to more classes!”

“We have two pups and have been through the puppy and “Surviving Adolescence” classes. Tracy has taught most of our classes. She’s great, and all of the staff is very knowledgeable. They’ve helped us a lot with training our new pups, keeping them busy, and helping us understand how they think.”

“Great Dog Training Facility. I first used The Dogs Spot 12 years ago to train my Labradoodle. We just got a baby goldendoodle and went straight back to The Dogs Spot.They only use positive reinforcement training methods. After only a couple of weeks of classes and following instructions my puppy recognizes her name, Sits, Downs, and is learning to walk on a leash. The Dogs Spot offers training from puppy kindergarten through advanced training. The staff are really knowledgeable and want to help you succeed.”

“Just completed the puppy training with Tracy and LeAnn. Greatly enjoyed the class. My puppy was so excited to go to class every week and she learned a lot!”

“Having been in the Animal Welfare industry for 18 years I cannot imagine a better place to go for help in dog training. They were even willing to work with my house Pig! I would never go anywhere else for my training needs!”

“Laura Devine Hills and The Dogs’ Spot Training Center is the place to be if you want to introduce your dog to positive, supportive training in a fun environment. Dogs can try their paw at agility equipment, Noseworks, and clicker training. Pet families will learn what their dogs are saying and how to communicate to them to create a home life that is good for all. The Dogs’ Spot is the best facility for dog training in the Northland!”

“Love the class and I really like the instructor, she takes her time and she uses positive reinforcement.. can’t wait to have some free time to go again.”

“Great classes! Extremely knowledgeable in current techniques. Very helpful with problem behaviors. Can’t recommend them highly enough!”

“Fantastic training group. Reasonable pricing, great trainers, and huge facility!”

“Great training facility with super trainers. My dogs and I love the classes!”

“Laura is so knowledgeable, patient, and fun! We love coming here for training our four legged friend!”

“This new location makes the great dog training even better, and I love the new class opportunities!”

“Great positive Trainer! My dog loved going to classes here!”

“Great training program willing to work with specific needs for each dog”

“The new facility is fantastic for lots of different dog training opportunities”

“Great human trainers teaching us the way of the dog.”

“First time at the fun run and had a great time.”

“This place is great! They are so patient and always give great feedback”

“This is a caring effective dog training experience”

“Great place for puppy training.”

“Great classes!!!”

“Couldn’t imagine taking our baby anywhere else!!!! We love the staff!”

“I will be the first to admit that after the first week I NEVER thought Finnegan would graduate his Surviving Adolescence class. The trainers at The Dog Spot are SO encouraging, extremely knowledgeable and beyond patient. I cannot thank Laura, Meredith, and our puppy para extraordinaire, Emily, enough!! Our co-graduates were so patient and several commented on Finn’s progress. If you’re in need of some pup training, please check these guys out. I highly recommend The Dogs’ Spot!!”

“The best place to take your dog to learn lifelong skills and commands. The ladies there were so kind, patient and knowledgable! Our Chief appreciates you all!”

“Laura really knows how to teach dogs with any sort of temperament to enjoy agility.”

“I have a reactive dog. she loses her mind every time we come across another dog. Greg at the dog spot has made major breakthroughs with her. I give the training center a 10 star rating out of 5!!!”

“Lots of fun and very nice instructors.”

“Tracy was so amazing and sweet. My corgi learned a lot. I highly recommend this place to everyone!”

“The owners and staff of The Dog’s Spot hosted a seminar I attended, and could not have been more welcoming and helpful. They have knowledgeable trainers and a climate-controlled facility stocked with everything you need to enjoy training your dog. Thank you for your hospitality!”

“The trainers are very well educated and provide a safe place for the dogs. They offer great ideas specific to your dog and needs. I never felt out of place or judged. My dog Rabbit absolutely LOVES Tracy and LeAnn.”

“Stopped in for agility practice. Great people all around. From other dog owners to the trainers. Everyone was super supportive and offered advice. Been twice and both times have been educational and a lot of fun! What more could you ask for?! Check them out.”

“The trainers at The Dogs’ Spot are wonderful. They have been great with my kids and our puppies. We have all really enjoyed learning together there.”

“I recently asked the Dogs’ Spot to help me with our pet pot-bellied pig Ziggy. We have been having trouble with him loading on a ramp into our vehicles and trailers. With Laura’s expert help he has gotten the hang of it and absolutely no time! I’m so so glad I reached out to them for the help I needed! I would recommend them for anyone who needs help with their pets whether they be pigs or dogs!”

“Best place around. Everyone is so nice and helpful. I have only been here twice but plan to make it a lifelong place to go.”

“My pup and I love this place. Owner/trainer is very knowledgeable, and the other trainers are also very knowledgeable and work to train the handler correctly to set you and your partner up for success! So happy with the recommendation I got for them.”

“Laura is an amazing trainer with the patience of a Saint. My dogs have thrived under her training.”

“My dogs and I love training at The Dogs’ Spot. The new facility is a big, bright, and comfortable space to work with the dogs. The padding on the floor is very comfortable for the dogs and their owners. Lots of fun activities to participate in every week!”

“We are traveling with our Irish Setter Mavis. We have received so many compliments on her behavior. She has been in many stores and is well behaved at the different campsites. I was wondering if you could thank Cameron and Meredith for us for their excellent teaching. We get as many compliments on her behavior as her looks. Thank you so much.”

“I recently attended the orientation presentation you gave before I registered my dog for his Surviving Adolescence class and I just wanted to send a message of gratitude to you. This is my first experience with training a puppy from 8 weeks old and I had been mentally and emotionally exhausted trying to work with my now 5-month-old. Before meeting with you I had been working with a trainer that had me stop giving treats and start using the E-collar exclusively during all waking hours and I felt so conflicted and exhausted training that way because it wasn’t working for me or my dog. We were both unhappy, but I didn’t want to go against the advice of the trainer I was working with since I didn’t have any other experience and they did. After attending the orientation I realized how different the training I had been doing was from what you were talking about so I got the treats back out and put the e-collar away to see if your methods worked better for us. It feels silly to say but it really was a lightbulb moment when you talked about how building a strong relationship is the best thing I can do for training. I can’t tell you how much it has changed our daily routine and both of our attitudes toward training since then. I no longer feel the negativity and dread I had toward training being a chore and not an opportunity to bond. My relationship with my dog has improved GREATLY since I started hand feeding him in the mornings, spending time on long lead walks with him, and engaging with him in fun ways instead of the militant type training I had been doing that was frustrating for us both. After I started attending classes and had the chance to listen to the instructors our training has improved even more now that I understand what is age-appropriate dog behavior and how to work with it instead of getting frustrated by it. I really can’t express how much your presentation and the instructors in our class have changed my attitude toward training, and we are both so grateful to you all. ”

“Laura offered a private lesson but was willing to let me attend a class to see how we could handle the other dogs. We attended the first class with 5 other dogs and we barely survived. Laura saw improvement and encouraged me to stick with it. Well from that point on, we were able to see improvement every week. We saw such improvement that we signed up for more classes and we continue to gain confidence. It has been great watching my dog accept other dogs and to initiate play with a few. I also have scheduled private lessons with Laura to help with my dogs resource guarding and also helping her to play with other dogs. We have been able to attend agility and tracking classes, as well. The approach that Laura uses is great and the dogs respond to the reward-based training.”

“Last year, I had 3 new dogs and all of them were in the classes doing different things. They have all been in the obedience training too. She does it all. Her prices are very reasonable. The thing about training the dog is she is really training the people who own them as well. She was just wonderful. The way she conveyed the message did not make you feel defensive. She is very patient person. She always holds the welfare of the animal as the most important thing.”