The Best Behavior Starts With a Deeper Connection.
Premium Dog Training Classes, Private Leash Reactivity Guidance, and Owner-Trained Service Dog Coaching Located in College Park, MD
What I Do
I provide force-free, nonviolent dog training that builds real-life skills without fear, pain, or intimidation.
At The Force Free Way Dog Training, the guiding concept is that a well-behaved dog is not created through force or strict control- it’s built on teamwork. We don’t just train your dog; we give you the tools, confidence and skills to communicate clearly with them. By incorporating mindfulness and nervous system regulation in to your training, we teach you and your dog to shift from a state of stress to a state of calming connection.
Whether you are navigating the intricate journey of owner-trained service dog coaching, learning to transform stressful walks with our private leash reactivity training, or building a lifetime of focus in beginning through advanced manners classes, you can bridge the communication gap between you and your canine companion.
When you learn to truly connect and communicate with your dog, better behavior that fits the real world naturally follows.
Dog Training Formats:
Private sessions, group classes and workshops are available, each tailored to your and your dog’s needs and learning style.
How I Do It
What is “Force-Free”?
Force-free, or nonviolent, dog training honors your dog’s choice to participate and builds learning experiences based on trust, respect, and connection. Using positive reinforcement and a deep understanding of how dogs learn, this approach transforms everyday interactions into opportunities for growth, confidence, and joy for you both.
When unwanted behaviors arise, force-free training does not punish or intimidate. Instead, your dog is taught better choices through management and customized nonviolent training techniques. By teaching alternatives, setting dogs up for success, and reinforcing improvements, every small step leads to lasting, reliable behaviors.
What is “Mindfulness”?
Just like people, dogs can go through life on autopilot, reacting automatically to sights, sounds, and situations. Mindfulness for dogs helps them slow down, notice their surroundings, and make conscious choices rather than reacting out of habit or stress.
Techniques like deep breathing, intentional pauses, and guided Mindfulness Walks help overstimulated dogs reduce pulling, ease leash reactivity, and manage anxiety. Fearful dogs gain confidence, and energetic dogs develop self-control. With consistent practice, dogs learn to settle calmly, focus on their owners, and navigate daily life with less stress.
Reserve your free, 15 minute phone or video consultation
We are located in the
College Park, MD area & serve nearby parts of Maryland & Washington, DC
No painful shock collars
No prong or choke collars
No forceful techniques
Kindness and compassion
Happy Dogs and Their Humans!
Kristin Cole & Finn
“We went into Joanne's Loose Leash workshop hoping to gain some tools to better walk our dog, Finn, on a leash in a busy city (coming from a rural area). After our four sessions together, we came out with much more than we could have wished for, and even a perspective shift about relating to our dog and his own needs. Joanne uses a very gentle and kind approach with your pup, prioritizing the animal and its ability to thrive.”
Tina Shrader
“Joanne has given us so many good tools and techniques to deal with Peanut’s high energy and prey drive around the cats and has also helped us work on his alert barking and greetings with new people. He’s made so much progress over the course of our four sessions with Joanne and I couldn’t be more pleased….I highly recommend Joanne as a kind, thoughtful, creative trainer who will meet you and your dog where you are and find good solutions for behavior problems.”
Lisa Lewis
“Our 2-year-old Golden Retriever is a bundle of love. An overwhelming, barking, pulling bundle of love, who wants to greet everyone in the neighborhood. Nothing we tried seemed to impact his behavior, and a relative who trains dogs told us we needed to get a prong collar and start "teaching him who is in charge". In search of a trainer who uses positive reinforcement, we found Joanne and we are so happy that we did! She is kind, compassionate, non-judgmental and has seemingly endless ideas for techniques to use with our dog to improve his behavior.”
