See Spot Grin

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470 Ski Ln, Millersville, MD 21108

Service area: Based in Millersville, Maryland; serves clients in the greater Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area. Currently offering online services nationwide.

Service Overview

Types of Dog Training

Family Dog
Therapy Dog
Competition / Agility
Behavior Modification

Specialty Focus Areas

Basic Obedience
Puppy Training
Leash Pulling
Reactivity / Aggression
Jumping on People
Barking Excessively
Separation Anxiety
Recall
Fearfulness

Training Formats Offered

Group Classes
Video Calls

Program Formats

Ongoing Weekly
Intensive Program

Types of Dogs

Small
Medium
Large
Giant
Herding
Sporting
Working
Hounds
Terriers
Doodles
Brachycephalic

Age of Dogs Trained

Puppy (<1 year)
Adolescent (1-2 years)
Adult (2-8 years)
Senior (8+ years)

Dog Training Methodology

Methods:

✓ Positive Reinforcement Only

Equipment:

✓ Clickers
✓ Food Rewards
✓ Harnesses
✓ Obstacle Courses

See Spot Grin offers Connection, Cooperation & Control™ (CCC) as a foundational group program that builds communication and cooperation between dogs and handlers. Treat/Retreat is a specialized program for managing reactivity and fear-based behaviors. Both programs are rooted in Suzanne Clothier’s Relationship Centered Training philosophy. CARAT and Relationship Assessments are used to tailor training plans to the individual dog’s temperament. Online CCC courses are available through The Connection Puzzle website for remote learners.

Pricing & Policies

Pricing Summary

Pricing details for CARAT assessments and CCC online courses are available on the website. In-person group classes and assessments are not currently being offered to new clients. Online courses through The Connection Puzzle have separate pricing.

Policies

See Spot Grin is not currently accepting new in-person clients. For behavioral concerns, clients are referred to the CCPDT trainer directory. No cancellation or rescheduling policies are listed for current services since in-person sessions are paused.

Testimonials

For me, the best thing about See Spot Grin is not that Cindy is one of the best trainers in the area, or that the classes and other events are well organized and user friendly, although she is and they are. The best thing is Cindy’s genuine appreciation of both people and dogs (warts and all) and what they can accomplish together. See Spot Grin is a great place to learn to how to be a better teammate to your dog and have fun doing it.
-Sharon, Washington, DC

See Spot Grin provides consistent, positive training experiences for dogs AND their humans. We really appreciate that! Although I understand completely why it can be harder for trainers to be positive with the human side of the team, it makes a world of difference to receive positive, helpful feedback when you’re trying to learn something new and convey it to your canine partner.
-Lynda, Upper Marlboro, MD

Cindy is a great instructor, all positive reinforcement… something I had to get used to, having learned obedience training in the ’70’s, but find I am getting MUCH better results without corrections and simply shaping behavior and reinforcing. This has been a wonderful learning experience not only for my “Spoo”, but for me as well! Thank You, Cindy, for having See Spot Grin for us to come to!! Chelsea and I are both “Grinners”!!
-Jacky, Catonsville, MD

About the Trainer

See Spot Grin is a dog training business led by Cindy Knowlton, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and CARAT Certified Assessor, specializing in humane, relationship-centered training grounded in positive reinforcement. Cindy offers personalized evaluations including the CARAT Temperament Assessment and Relationship Assessment to help dog owners understand their dog’s unique behavioral traits and needs. She provides group classes such as Connection, Cooperation & Control™ (CCC) and Treat/Retreat, designed to build trust and communication between dogs and their humans. Cindy has over 20 years of experience training dogs under the mentorship of Suzanne Clothier and brings expertise in nose work, agility, obedience, and therapy dog preparation. She is a co-founder of the CCC program and a certified judge for multiple dog sports. See Spot Grin focuses on creating joyful, effective training experiences that honor the dog’s individuality and strengthen the human-dog bond.

Note: See Spot Grin is not currently accepting new in-person clients. However, Cindy offers online CCC courses through The Connection Puzzle and provides resources, assessments, and educational content for dog owners seeking guidance. For in-person services, clients are directed to the CCPDT trainer directory.

Cindy also offers specialized resources on nose work, behavior, lost dog recovery, dogs and kids, enrichment, and choosing a dog, making her a comprehensive source of evidence-based, compassionate training knowledge.

Accomplishments

Cindy Knowlton is a co-founder of the Connection, Cooperation & Control™ program, a CARAT Certified Assessor, Treat/Retreat Certified Trainer, and Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI). She is a Master Instructor and Judge for Wag It! Games, C-WAGS Scent Detectives, Performance Scent Dogs, and NACSW ORT. She is an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and has held leadership roles with National Capital Therapy Dogs and Howard County’s Animal Matters Hearing Board. She has over 20 years of experience training dogs and teaching humans.

How to Get Started!

Interested clients can schedule a CARAT Temperament Assessment or Relationship Assessment via the website. For training, clients may enroll in online CCC courses through The Connection Puzzle. New in-person clients are not being accepted at this time.

Book Now Contact

21+ Years Experience
Free Consultation

Availability

Weekdays
Weekends
Morning
Afternoon
Evening

Certifications

CPDT-KA
CARAT
CNWI

Associations

Languages

English

wheelchair accessible parking

Other Services Offered

Pet trainer

Location