Sjabo Dog Training
Service area: Serves Lancaster County, PA, and surrounding areas including Willow Street, PA, within a 20-mile radius.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Working Dog
- Behavior Modification
Specialty Focus Areas
- Basic Obedience
- Leash Pulling
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Barking Excessively
- Separation Anxiety
- Biting / Nipping
- Resource Guarding
- Fearfulness
- Recall
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Private Facility
- Board and Train
- Day Training
Program Formats
- One-Time Consultation
- Sessions Package
- Intensive Program
Types of Dogs
- Large
- Working
- Herding
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Positive Reinforcement Only
Equipment:
- ✓ Clickers
- ✓ Food Rewards
- ✓ Harnesses
- ✓ Flat Collars
- ✓ Obstacle Courses
Sjabo Dog Training offers structured programs including Basic Obedience, Advanced Obedience, K9 Protection Training, Scent Work & Agility, and Behavior Modification. Programs are tailored to each dog’s temperament and goals. Board and train programs include daily training, weekly owner updates via video and text, and one-on-one coaching sessions for owners during visits. Protection training begins with a temperament assessment, followed by a customized plan using positive reinforcement. All programs emphasize owner education and long-term consistency.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Pricing is not publicly listed; clients must schedule a consultation to receive a customized quote based on training needs, program length, and service type (e.g., board and train, private sessions). Protection training requires a consultation fee prior to enrollment.
Policies
Training is by appointment only. A consultation is required before scheduling protection training or board-and-train services. No cancellation or rescheduling policies are explicitly stated on the website.
Testimonials
We are currently 2 weeks into a board and train with our reactive pitbull, Doug. We’ve had our dog trained before on an e-collar with another trainer and Doug would listen great when using this tool but his underlying behavioral issues were still very much present. Dog doesn’t listen? Turn up the e-collar until he does. This was the mindset of our old trainer and unfortunately many trainers in our area. There was no discussion of the relationship with our dog outside of “just play with him sometimes”, this led Doug to still be the same dog who only listened out of fear of being shocked.
We went with John for a board and train because he was the only trainer I contacted who was genuinely willing and enthusiastic to train our dog without any tools. No e-collar, no prong-collar, no ramming treats down his throat to bribe him into listening, just working on the fundamental obedience and relationship that our dog has with John and us. We receive regular video and text updates on Doug’s training. I will stop out once a week when I have time to meet up with my dog and John during which John takes me through a 1 on 1 training session and clearly explains all the nuances and details of working with your dog. Any questions I have, he answers and explains in great detail.
I’m looking forward to getting our boy back from board and train at the end of the month and continuing with weekly classes at John’s. If you’re looking for a trainer that is worth his salt AND genuinely cares about your relationship with your dog then this is the place for you.
– Client
I highly recommend Sjabo Dog Training! John and Ariel are amazing people and wonderful trainers. John helped us with recall for our 2 year old German Shepherd, and he also brought out our dog’s unknown passion for bite work! John is an intuitive trainer, assessing the unique needs of each dog and using the most effective tools to meet that dog’s specific needs. I’ve recommended Sjabo to many people and will continue to do so. Sjabo is truly a diamond find in Lancaster County!
– Client
John with Sjabo Dog Training has been a godsend for my newly adopted Shepherd! From basics to protection work (and even boarding!) John is the real deal- his knowledge and techniques are helping us to reach all of Veda’s goals and then some. He’s always responsive and helpful with tips and tricks when practicing at home!
– The Vaders
About the Trainer
Sjabo Dog Training is a professional dog training business founded by John and Ariel Spero, offering tailored training solutions for dogs of all breeds and behavioral needs. They specialize in basic and advanced obedience, K9 protection training, scent work, agility, and behavior modification, with a strong emphasis on building trust and a deep bond between owners and their dogs. Their approach is rooted in positive reinforcement and avoids tools like e-collars, prong collars, or force-based methods, focusing instead on understanding the root causes of behavior. They also offer boarding and board-and-train programs, allowing dogs to receive intensive training while staying at their facility. Their unique story—transforming trauma from an aggressive dog attack into a passion for helping owners of working breeds—drives their mission to make dog owners great, not just good. They serve clients in Lancaster County, PA, and surrounding areas, with training by appointment only.
John Spero, the master trainer, brings over a decade of experience in law enforcement, military service, and martial arts instruction, applying discipline and precision to dog training. Ariel Spero supports marketing and training efforts. Clients consistently praise their personalized attention, transparency, and commitment to ethical, relationship-based training.
Sjabo Dog Training is known for helping owners of reactive, stubborn, or high-energy dogs—including Belgian Malinois, German Shepherds, and Border Collies—achieve lasting behavioral change and confidence in their pets.
Accomplishments
John Spero is an internationally recognized Sensei in the Chinese Goju system and former TSA officer and USMC Reserve member with experience training law enforcement and civilians in firearms. He transitioned to professional dog training in 2023 after adopting and training Belgian Malinois, which inspired the founding of Sjabo Dog Training. Over 100 dogs have been trained through the program.
How to Get Started!
Prospective clients must book a consultation through the Client Portal to assess their dog’s temperament, discuss goals, and determine the appropriate training program. Consultations are required for protection training and board-and-train services.
Contact Information
Availability
- Weekdays
- Weekends
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
Hours
Monday: 9am-6:30pm
Tuesday: 9am-8pm
Wednesday: 9am-6:30pm
Thursday: 9am-8pm
Friday: 9am-8pm
Saturday: 11am-4pm
Sunday: Closed
Languages
- English
Other Services Offered
- Pet boarding service
Location
380 Millwood Rd, Willow Street, PA 17584Listing Tools for Trainers
For Sjabo Dog Training Only
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