240-528-8005

Dog Training in Frederick, MD

Dogs Love Our Training.
Their Owners Do Too.

By Appointment Only

 

Enjoy Walks. Bring Your Dog Anywhere. Give Your Dog Freedom

Imagine a walk without pulling and barking, having guests over without being embarrassed about your dog jumping on them, and even trusting your dog to stay with you offleash! We’ll teach you how to get better behavior from your dog than you ever thought possible.

puppy training

Start Your Puppy Off on the Right Paw

A puppy is a blank slate, ready to learn to love learning. We are pros at proper socialization and fun, confidence-building training games.

Be proactive about training to avoid behavior issues in the future.

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“We started when Cooper (a bouncy Labrador retriever) was only a few months old, have been able to train him to walk well on a leash and are almost ready to feel confident having him off leash…Carla is always available to help and really knows how to work on the behaviors that are specific to that individual dog. Her tips and hints are always so good. And since Cooper just loves her, training sessions are his favorite activity!!!” - C. Kruger
5/5
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“The most impressive quality of hers is that she doesn't give up...Her videos online are real and she works hard to get results.” J. Savelson
5/5
Yorkie puppy sleeping on a blanked

Teach Your Dog to ENJOY Being Calm

Feel guilty about leaving your anxious dog alone? Stop the vicious cycle of stress. Every dog and owner can benefit from our methods. We give dogs the fulfillment they need so they WANT to rest.

Is Your Dog Walking You?

A majority of the dogs we work with are reactive to dogs or people on leash.. So we have A LOT of tricks up our sleeves for working with even the most difficult dogs. Of our 300+ clients so far, we have taught every single one to walk nicely on leash.

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“After a particularly bad experience walking him (and being left unsatisfied with our first trainer) I called around and got phone consultations from just about every local dog trainer I could find. After talking to Carla and seeing what she has to offer she was the clear choice…She equipped me with the knowledge and tools I needed to have the confidence to walk my dog through my busy neighborhood with no fear for his safety or my own. ” –K. Berry
5/5

We Know Your Dog is an Individual.

 

Our training solutions are not one-size-fits-all. Training a fearful rescue dog is very different from training a happy-go-lucky Lab or a scent-motivated hound dog.

The pro trainer at FluentDog has studied the theory and practice of animal behavior to give you a training game plan that is as unique as your dog.

We’re proud to say we have exclusively 5-star reviews on Google and Facebook. 

We work with you until your problems are solved! 

Alexis Albright
Alexis Albright
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Carla is extremely talented in her work with dogs. I tried three different types of training for my one year old pittie mix and was at my wits end for getting him to stop pulling at his leash and getting overly excited when he sees another dog. He spent two weeks with Carla and improved so much. We now go to her weekly Sunday group sessions and continue to see improvement in our puppy. Carla didn't just train him, she has been training us on how to recognize his behavior, how to intervene before he gets too excited and how to regain control when he does get overly enthusiastic. She taught us simple things that we hadn't thought of trying and encourages us to continue to work with our pup. The more consistent we are, the better his behavior is. Carla uses a mix of methods for teaching and recognizes that each dog is unique and may require different training techniques. It is clear she loves what she does and I would highly recommend her to anyone struggling with training their dog!!!
Emily Willis
Emily Willis
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My dog, Cheddar, has always struggled with pulling on the leash, running out the door, jumping up on people coming inside, and a few more small things. This made it really difficult to have family members or friends come visit because Cheddar can easily knock someone over not paying attention, he is all muscle! After hearing about Carla and FluentDog Training I decided it was the best thing to do. Cheddar is pretty much a whole new dog! He learned commands to help calm him down, he doesn’t pull on the leash anymore when walking, and he is just a better behaved dog overall! I highly recommend bringing your dog here, Carla not only understands your dog but she understands you too!
N Peña
N Peña
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Great place for dog training. Lots of space and Carla truly has a love for our four legged friends.
Claire Kruger
Claire Kruger
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Training with Carla has been the best thing we could have done for our dog! We started when Cooper (a bouncy Labrador retriever) was only a few months old, have been able to train him to walk well on a leash and are almost ready to feel confident having him off leash. Since he will become a 70 pound animal and I'm a small person, knowing I can control him without having to pull and struggle with the leash makes our time together so much more fun and rewarding. Carla is always available to help and really knows how to work on the behaviors that are specific to that individual dog. Her tips and hints are always so good. And since Cooper just loves her, training sessions are his favorite activity!!!
Julie Ehrlich
Julie Ehrlich
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We had a wonderful experience working with Carla from FluentDog Training. She is truly a dog whisperer. There are many training options available and an online booking calendar to help create a seamless process. We worked with Carla in our home and she was punctual, informative and patient with us and our dog. I would highly recommend Carla with FluentDog Training for any of your training needs.
Raphael Canchola
Raphael Canchola
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We reached out to Carla when we first got a puppy. We had basic puppy issues with a very energetic, nippy, jumpy puppy. Carla gave us clear guidance through the early puppy phase. Her advice was critical for us to maintain control and also keep our three young kids safe around the puppy. We also have had issues with him barking at new things and people. Carla made us realize this was due to his being over excited and fearful of new objects and sounds. She did a board and train with him where she worked to de-sensitize him and this has had a big impact. She also worked to have him walk properly on leash walks. He is still only 8 months old, but he is a joy to be around now. He can safely interact and play with our kids, walk nicely without pulling us, and is easier to distract when he's fearful. We are much more confident that he's going to be a great family pet and we can't wait to see what else we can teach him with Carla's help! Carla's is always available and flexible and even has come to our house for training sessions. We highly recommend her services.
Jose DelaCruz
Jose DelaCruz
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We got Storm, a Siberian Husky at 5 months old, I found Carla online after struggling with Storm not being able to behave around the house, biting everything, jumping at people and unable to be calmed, there was no way to find peace when Storm was out of his crate. I found Carla online, after he got out of her boarding program, just 2 weeks, Storm is a totally different dog, it's nice to be able to sit with him and just watch TV without worrying he's going to tear the house down. Walking him outside is relaxing now, there is no pulling and jumping at other dogs or people. Some online blogs say Huskies cannot be trained; thanks to Carla I can say that is not true. We are so much happier with our dog thanks to her. I don't do much of public reviews, but I have to say FluentDog has definitely my highest recommendation.
Niki Sehmi
Niki Sehmi
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Reliability, Responsiveness, Value
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We recently started training our boxer Peanut at 10 months old, with the help of Carla from FluentDog Training. It’s only been one month of training so far, and we can already see a massive difference in Peanut. I can now walk with Peanut by my side, she’s no longer walking me, lol!! It’s amazing!! Peanut is also now a lot more calm around people and other dogs. Peanut knows place and to stay there when we’re having dinner. All these little things have made a huge difference in our lives already. My husband came home the other day, and he said whatever training you’re doing with Carla is definitely working. I can see a big difference. We took Peanut to an Autocross event with us last Sunday, and she behaved the whole day around other people and from 8am-5pm. It was a long day. Everyone was talking about how well behaved she is for a puppy that is a boxer. They couldn’t believe how she was so calm and well behaved. It was so nice to hear. I couldn’t have got there without the help of Carla. Carla is extremely passionate about what she does and she really understands dog behavior on another level and easy ways to get them to comply with what you want. I can’t rave on about her enough !!
Greg Christensen
Greg Christensen
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Reliability, Responsiveness, Value
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We recently started training our boxer Peanut at 10 months old, with the help of Carla from FluentDog Training. It’s only been one month of training so far, and we can already see a massive difference in Peanut. I can now walk with Peanut by my side, she’s no longer walking me, lol!! It’s amazing!! Peanut is also now a lot more calm around people and other dogs. Peanut knows place and to stay there when we’re having dinner. All these little things have made a huge difference in our lives already. My husband came home the other day, and he said whatever training you’re doing with Carla is definitely working. I can see a big difference. We took Peanut to an Autocross event with us last Sunday, and she behaved the whole day around other people and from 8am-5pm. It was a long day. Everyone was talking about how well behaved she is for a puppy that is a boxer. They couldn’t believe how she was so calm and well behaved. It was so nice to hear. I couldn’t have got there without the help of Carla. Carla is extremely passionate about what she does and she really understands dog behavior on another level and easy ways to get them to comply with what you want. I can’t rave on about her enough !!
Pablo Flores
Pablo Flores
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Reliability, Responsiveness, Value
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After searching for recommendations from friends, family, and neighbors we found FluentDog to help our dog. We are not nearly finished with the sessions yet but we are already seeing dramatic results. Carla is very knowledgeable and knows how to read dog and owners language. We spent an extensive amount of time doing research and reading online about dogs before getting our dogs but We have learnt so much more in such a short time with Carla. We highly recommend.
Maral Gazarian
Maral Gazarian
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We took our 9 month old puppy to Carla for the accelerated sleep over training. He had some issues following commands and was a little anxious when meeting new people and dogs. Since completing the training he has become so much calmer and well behaved.We now look forward to walks and have been better able to socialize him. Carla has been extremely helpful throughout the process including updates and answering questions along the way. We are so grateful for Carla's knowledge and expertise and would recommend her hands down!
Jay S
Jay S
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Carla is amazing. Scotty was kicked out of his original school with his first trainer due to his behavioral issues. Carla took him on without hesitation and immediately made me feel comfortable that we would have success. After consistently having negative experiences walking and at the house with guests we are having more relaxed walks and the guests are not harassed like they were in the past. He is much more patient and waits to be invited into your space, huge difference. We are now introducing Scotty to other dogs again and he is excited to interact which was not the case in the past. The most impressive quality of hers is that she doesn't give up. I don't have to call her, she contacts me to continue the work. Her videos online are real and she works hard to get results. Carla will train all of my dogs in the future and I look forward to her continued guidance with Scotty! Since completing the training he has become so much calmer and well behaved.We now look forward to walks and have been better able to socialize him. Carla has been extremely helpful throughout the process including updates and answering questions along the way. We are so grateful for Carla's knowledge and expertise and would recommend her hands down!
Veronica Puente-Duany
Veronica Puente-Duany
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I was referred to Carla on a Facebook post and contacted her after I read many positive reviews about her. Our 9 month old puppy, Bentley, was way too rambunctious and had starting acting a little scared and aggressive when he was frightened. He was also horrible on walks, when people came into the house, etc. After Bentley stayed with Carla over one weekend he came back much better behaved (not perfect but we are still working on it). He is so much better during walks and has calmed down in the house during the day. He now willingly goes into his crate to relax, and is much better at following instructions. We are still in the training process, so while Bentley is not completely trained yet, I am surprised at how much advancement he's made in such a short time. I will update this review once we are a little farther into the process.
Trish Taylor
Trish Taylor
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Fluent Dog is incredible. here's the email I recently sent Carla after our dog trained with her for two weeks: Who is this dog you gave us and where is Jersey? He doesn’t bark at people or dogs on walks. He doesn’t pull on the leash. He is affectionate and underfoot but not into pulling things off counters or going into the bathroom to wreak havoc. He listens and stays calm. Miracle worker! Thank you
Noreen Kilby
Noreen Kilby
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I am a first time dog-owner and thus have no experience training a dog. Our Corgi puppy was soooo cute, but unruly. She howled when in the crate, didn't like the family being on different floors in the house and wouldn't settle down. She was reactive on the leash when cars and trucks went by and was too excited when people walked by. Carla helped Brie tolerate cars and trucks with the transitional leash. Now she walks without pulling (or I remind her and she listens), finds her "place" in the house (an elevated cot) and will settle down when asked or even on her own. She likes her crate and sleeps there every night now! The crate training and the leash training has changed my life. And Brie is far more respectful of us - she settles down when we ask, or she goes in the crate.
Elizabeth Church
Elizabeth Church
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We are ecstatic with Harley's (9 mo old GSD) behavior after working with Carla @ FluentDog training. FluentDog allowed for my husband, me, and Harley to be trained simultaneously at a location of our choosing. Carla's methods calm our dog and improve our communication which has greatly improved Harley's behavior. We had FluentDog come to our home so Harley's behavior can be corrected in the environment it is occurring. We had previously traveled to a different company's training facility to learn basic manners but as soon as we were home Harley reverted to his mischief. With FluentDog, Harley knows how to behave at home now. Carla went above and beyond and also helped us with other dogs in our pack so Harley can get integrated. Our doggies are better because of Carla at FluentDog training.
Barbara Deyhle
Barbara Deyhle
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We got our German Shepherd puppy, Annie, about the time Covid restrictions began which limited our options for participating in formal puppy training classes. At 15 months of age she was becoming strong willed & difficult to walk. She started showing aggression towards other dogs and had the bad habit of nipping ankles & jumping up on folks to get attention. Her world was beginning to get smaller as we tried to avoid situations that brought about poor interactions. It was time to seek professional help! After some research & knowing we wanted a program that included positive reinforcement & someone who would incorporate Annie into their home life, we found Carla & her Fluentdog training! We dropped Annie off for a two week session & watched Carla work miracles overnight. Wow! The daily YouTube videos of her work with Annie kept us plugged in to the techniques she was using & the progress Annie was making. We looked forward to these daily briefings & were blown away at the success Annie was having. Annie has been back home with us for a week now & we can not stress how much we appreciate Carla, her training methods & the tools she has given us to live in harmony with our sweet Annie.
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What Are You Waiting For?

Experiencing Any Of These Issues? We Can Help!

  • Lack of obedience
  • Lunging
  • Pulling on the leash
  • Barking or growling
  • Mouthing or nipping

  • Behavioral issues
  • Anxiety
  • Chewing
  • Jumping or counter surfing
  • Potty training
  • Not coming when called
  • Digging
  • Begging
  • Barking at the door
  • Chasing

What We Offer

Give us a call to discuss which program is best for you and your dog!

Private Training

Meet one-on-one with Carla to achieve the goals that are most important to you. We will work with you to implement the necessary training to be successful and teach you how to continue and maintain your training at home.  

Lesson programs are great for owners who want to learn all the nitty gritty details of dog training, as well as puppy owners – since most of training puppies is actually training owners.

 

Boarding & Training

Board-and-train programs are like an “immersion program” where your dog lives with us on our idyllic 6-acre dog paradise, learning all day long. 

Board-and-trains are perfect if you’re going on vacation and want your dog to learn some new skills while you’re out of town. They’re also a great fit for busy families and individuals who need help with their dog ASAP.

Phone call

Lifetime Support

We have programs that include training support for the life of your dog! We also have a private client Facebook group where you’re welcome to ask for help in between lessons. We want to make sure your investment in training pays off with the desired result: a happy and obedient dog.

Our free consultations fill up fast, make sure to book today!

Our Location

For the best dog training in the Frederick area, FluentDog Training is the only option. We have the knowledge and experience to tackle behavior issues, leash control, obedience training and puppy raising. 

Conveniently located off I-70 and close to I-270 for easy access from Frederick, Montgomery, and Howard County, Maryland.

  • Frederick
  • Urbana
  • Ijamsville
  • Spring Ridge
  • Clarksburg
  • Mount Airy
  • Germantown
  • Jefferson
  • Adamstown
  • Middletown

Why FluentDog Training?

 Call: (240) 528-8005

Our training is not just about teaching tricks. We teach dogs to be CALM companions who perform commands reliably and happily. No robot dogs here.

At FluentDog we proudly practice the NePoPo® training system. Carla LaFleur is a graduate of the NePoPo® Gold School. In this program, she passed a rigorous animal behavior theory course with a 99% final grade, and in the practicum portion, learned how to train dogs to perform reliably on cue from world-renowned trainers Bart and Michael Bellon. 

The day will come in your dog’s training when he decides not to do as you ask. What do you do in that moment? In NePoPo®, we prepare for that moment with animal welfare in mind every step of the way. A dog trained in NePoPo® is not demotivated by a correction–instead, he goes into the correct behavior with heart and soul. NePoPo® is all about helping the dog to find his advantage in the behaviors we want, and learn to love his work. The behavior itself eventually becomes the reward.

FAQs

Yes! We train giant dogs, toy dogs, rescue dogs–any dog! The principles of animal behavior still apply, though some dogs are more naturally talented in one area than another. (For example, most retrievers love fetch…Great Danes, usually not so much!) ALL dogs benefit from clear communication from their family and that’s what training is all about.

Our day starts at 7:30am, letting out the dogs for a quick potty. We prepare breakfast for the dogs (we accept up to 8 at a time). Board-and-train dogs earn their meals throughout the day as part of their training.

  • 8-10am: group socialization and training sessions
  • 10am-12pm: rest in crate or other exercises to promote calmness during “down time” in the home
  • 12-1:00pm: lunch for humans (and some dogs)
  • 1:00-3pm: Training sessions and walks
  • (We can teach dogs to walk on the treadmill if it’s too hot for a long walk outside!)
  • 3-5pm: Rest time for dogs, office time for humans. This is important “soak time” for them to process what they’ve just learned!
  • 5pm: Dinner for dogs and time off for humans
  • 10pm: Last call for potty and good night!

If you are new to dog training, a board and train makes the learning curve easier when you get home, because the dog already has some knowledge of the commands, and we will teach you how to maintain them for life. Board and trains cost more than private lessons because you are paying for me to treat your dog like my own–3+ walks a day, and several short training sessions per day. I also video my training sessions and provide frequent updates to owners via the private client Facebook group.

The key is to continue using the tools and techniques the trainer recommends. The goal is not for the dog to perform commands without any tools as quickly as possible. The goal is for your dog to perform commands happily and reliably. You must be consistent for your dog to be consistent.

Do not be in a rush to get rid of the tools that allow clear communication with your dog. It is much better to have a training tool and not need it, than need it and not have it. That said, the eventual goal is for you to say a command and the dog to do it without additional prompting.

Sorry to break it to you but…nope! Dogs live in the moment and we keep them busy! However, we know YOU will miss your pup, so we post daily updates in our private client Facebook group, and we recommend coming for a weekly lesson during our board and train programs if possible.

Did learning good table manners change your personality?

We have 6 acres in peaceful Ijamsville, Maryland, with plentiful indoor and outdoor training areas, including one that is climate controlled and video monitored overnight. Trainer Carla LaFleur lives on the property. 

Yeah, it is a little bit of a trick, but we don’t publish our prices online because it forces you to call to find out! We want to speak to you to make sure we are a good fit for you, and you are a good fit for us. Our programs are geared toward normal dogs without severe behavioral issues. We may need to adapt our programs for aggressive or fearful dogs. Some dogs may require an in person consultation.

We “train the dog in front of us” rather than limit ourselves based on ideology. We use the full spectrum of motivation for dogs. When you’re at work, both a deadline and a bonus will motivate you! We are not 100% positive reinforcement and we’re not 100% compulsive. We take the middle road (leaning toward mostly positive) to find the most effective style for YOUR dog. It doesn’t make sense to expect all dogs to fit into one training style so we are flexible.

We use whatever tool is going to be the most effective for communicating with your individual dog. That could be a head halter, prong collar, ecollar, slip collar…and of course food and rewards! We don’t use harnesses because they ENCOURAGE pulling.

Absolutely not. Anti-ecollar information you find online is based in emotion, not fact. All you have to do is use your eyes and see our happy dogs enjoying offleash freedom to see that good ecollar training doesn’t cause “fallout” as some would have you believe. 

Ecollars have saved lives in many cases, allowing owners to keep a dog that previously showed dangerous behavior.

A tool does not have to be painful in order to work and the ecollar is the best tool for offleash control. (And think about it: your dog is offleash 99% of the time in the house!)

We introduce the ecollar once the dog understands its commands on leash and use the lowest level detectable to the dog. There is no reason to go higher since dogs are very sensitive. 

The ecollar also makes it super easy to transfer training from the trainer to the owner because it feels exactly the same to the dog.

Both are effective. It just depends how much one-on-one time you want your dog to spend with the trainer, and how you prefer to learn. Lessons will require more of a time commitment from you than the board and train.

Contact Us

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