Business Details
Premier Dog Training & Agility Classes in North Kansas City
At The Dogs' Spot, we are dedicated to empowering dog owners through science-based, positive reinforcement training methods. With over a decade of experience, our mission is to foster strong bonds between pets and their people while addressing behavioral challenges and promoting lifelong learning. Our team of certified professionals offers personalized instruction in small-class settings, ensuring individualized attention for every dog. From puppy socialization to advanced agility training, we provide comprehensive programs tailored to each dog's unique needs. Our state-of-the-art facility combines functionality with comfort, featuring climate-controlled spaces and specialized equipment for diverse training activities.We maintain rigorous standards of excellence, continuously updating our techniques through ongoing education and industry research. Our commitment extends beyond training to include community building, creating connections among local dog lovers through events and educational opportunities. The Dogs Spot is recognized for its ethical approach, prioritizing animal welfare in all aspects of our operations while delivering measurable results for our clients.
Services
Puppy Socialization
Agility Training
Reactive Dog Classes
Private Training
K9 Nose Work
Family Manners
Canine Good Citizen
Therapy Dog Prep
Flyball Training
Specialty Workshops
Highlights and features
- We offer small class sizes with certified, experienced instructors
- Our training methods use science-based positive reinforcement techniques
- We provide specialized programs for reactive dogs and agility training
- Our team offers personalized instruction tailored to each dog's needs
- We maintain a state-of-the-art facility designed for comprehensive training
What people say
Fantastic trainers
Amazing results
Top notch agility
Personalized instruction
Positive reinforcement
Services
Agility Training
Our agility training program develops coordination and confidence through structured obstacle courses. Dogs learn to navigate jumps, tunnels, weave poles, and contact equipment under expert supervision. This high-energy activity strengthens physical abilities while reinforcing obedience commands. Classes cater to all skill levels from beginners to competition-ready teams, with specialized instruction for advanced handling techniques. The program also improves handler-dog communication through consistent positive reinforcement methods.
Puppy Socialization
This foundational program introduces puppies to essential social experiences in controlled environments. Structured play sessions develop proper canine communication while preventing fear-based behaviors. Instructors guide owners through developmental milestones and house-training strategies. Age-specific curriculum addresses critical learning periods for puppies aged 8-16 weeks. The program establishes positive associations with new environments, people, and other dogs. Early intervention helps prevent future behavioral issues through positive reinforcement techniques.
Reactive Dog Classes
Specialized program addressing reactivity through systematic desensitization and counter-conditioning. Certified trainers develop individualized plans for dogs displaying leash reactivity or fear-based behaviors. The curriculum teaches impulse control and alternative responses to triggers. Private consultations complement group classes for comprehensive behavior modification. Program success is demonstrated through measurable progress in controlled exposure scenarios. Ongoing support helps maintain progress in real-world environments.
Private Training
Customized training addressing specific behavioral goals and household requirements. Sessions focus on personalized instruction for basic obedience or complex behavior modification. Trainers develop tailored solutions for unique living situations and dog characteristics. The program accommodates special needs including in-home training options. Instruction emphasizes practical application of training techniques in daily routines. Follow-up sessions ensure consistent progress and technique refinement.
K9 Nose Work
This activity harnesses dogs' natural scenting abilities through structured detection exercises. Dogs learn to identify and locate specific odors in various environments. The program builds confidence and mental stimulation through progressive challenges. Classes accommodate all experience levels from beginner to advanced competitors. Training develops focus and problem-solving skills while strengthening handler-dog partnerships. The activity provides physical and mental enrichment for dogs of all ages.
People
Laura Hills
Owner/Trainer
Laura has over 15 years of experience in positive reinforcement training and founded The Dogs Spot to create a science-based training community. She specializes in agility instruction and puppy development, maintaining advanced certifications in canine behavior. Her approach combines professional expertise with compassionate understanding of dog-owner relationships. Laura regularly contributes to dog training literature and industry education programs.
Karen Dicostanzo
Senior Trainer
Karen brings 12 years of specialized experience working with reactive dogs and behavior modification. She holds advanced certifications in canine anxiety management and has developed successful programs for fearful dogs. Her patient, methodical approach has transformed numerous challenging cases. Karen also provides mentorship to aspiring trainers and frequently consults with local veterinary practices on behavioral matters.
LeAnn Hiserote
Agility Instructor
LeAnn is a competition-level agility trainer with multiple national titles in handling and course design. She has developed The Dogs Spot's advanced agility curriculum and trains dogs and handlers for competition readiness. Her expertise includes injury prevention and performance optimization. LeAnn's energetic teaching style makes complex techniques accessible to all skill levels.
Tracy Martin
Behavior Specialist
Tracy has 18 years of experience in canine behavior and therapy dog preparation. She co-authored 'Your Puppy and You' and specializes in early socialization programs. Her work focuses on building confidence and appropriate social behaviors in young dogs. Tracy also conducts workshops on canine communication and learning theory for professional trainers.
Grace Pinnick
Agility Coach
Grace is a certified agility coach with extensive competition experience at regional and national levels. She focuses on handler mechanics and dog movement efficiency in her instruction. Her systematic approach helps teams develop precision and fluidity in course navigation. Grace also assists with facility design and training equipment optimization.
Questions
What types of dog training classes do you offer?
We offer puppy socialization, family manners, agility training, K9 nose work, reactive dog classes, therapy dog preparation, and flyball training for dogs of all ages and skill levels.
Do you use positive reinforcement training methods?
Yes, we exclusively use science-based positive reinforcement techniques that focus on rewarding desired behaviors while avoiding aversive training tools or methods.
Can you help with reactive dog behavior?
Our specialized reactive dog program includes both group classes and private sessions with certified trainers who develop individualized behavior modification plans using systematic desensitization techniques.
Do you offer private dog training sessions?
Yes, we provide customized private training for specific behavioral goals with options for in-home sessions and follow-up consultations to ensure lasting results.
What is your puppy training program like?
Our puppy program focuses on early socialization, basic obedience, and developmental milestones through age-appropriate activities that build confidence and establish foundational skills in a positive learning environment.
Are your trainers certified professionals?
All our lead trainers hold advanced certifications from recognized organizations and maintain ongoing education in canine behavior science and training methodologies.
Reviews (6)
Madison Bates
Oct 18, 2021
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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
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
Jane Jackson
Aug 08, 2021
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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!
Jordan Wandfluh
May 10, 2021
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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.
Aubrey Anderson
May 03, 2021
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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.
Becky K.
Feb 03, 2021
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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.
Theresa Patton
Jan 07, 2021
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After trying to set up an evaluation from their recommended vet which I had to make several calls to because they didn't answer I finally got that done Which I don't know what they were supposed to evaluate but it was just sitting in a room talking about what my dog did, there was no physical evaluation. This place never responded back to me about confirming a training session. even directly texting the trainer there was zero response. s
