Social Tailwaggers Dog Training & Behavior Consultation

Programs include 5-session puppy socialization classes, 7-week basic manners and therapy dog classes, 8-week recall-building classes, and one-on-one in-home sessions. Classes are structured with progressive skill-building using positive reinforcement and games. Therapy Dog classes require completion of Basic Manners first. All classes emphasize confidence-building, real-world exposure, and owner education. Specialized offerings include Sniffer Class, Parkour, and Tricks. A field trip to a nursing home is included for therapy dog certification.

Pricing Summary

Puppy Socialization (5 sessions): $125 (increasing to $130 on Jan 1, 2026). Other classes have TBD pricing. One-on-one in-home training rates available upon request. Additional AKC CGC test fee of $10–$20 applies for therapy dog certification. Vaccination records required upon registration.

Policies

Must provide up-to-date vaccination records before attending class. Dogs with illness symptoms (coughing, vomiting, fleas, etc.) may not attend. Classes require a minimum of 3 dogs; if canceled due to low enrollment, full refund issued. Cancellations must be made within 2 weeks of class start date for full refund. No refunds after that period. Pit Bull breed dogs are not accepted due to local legislation in Prince George’s County.

Social Tailwaggers Dog Training & Behavior Consultation is a dog training business led by Jody Broughton, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Behavior Consultant. They offer positive reinforcement-based training for puppies and adult dogs, focusing on building a fun, loving, and humane bond between dogs and their owners. Services include puppy socialization classes, group training sessions, and one-on-one in-home training tailored to individual needs. Their programs cover basic manners, recall, leash walking, fearfulness, resource guarding, therapy dog preparation, parkour, sniffing games, and tricks. They emphasize science-backed methods, avoid aversive tools like choke, prong, or shock collars, and prioritize dog confidence and emotional well-being. They also offer specialized classes like Healing Paw Courteous Canines for therapy dog certification and a unique “Barkour” (dog parkour) class for active dogs.

Their puppy socialization program targets the critical 8–16 week window, helping puppies develop confidence and proper social skills. They provide detailed health policies requiring up-to-date vaccinations and exclude dogs showing signs of illness. They are committed to ethical training and have received glowing testimonials from clients who have seen dramatic improvements in anxious, fearful, or reactive dogs.

They operate out of a facility in Laurel, Maryland, and offer in-home training for personalized support. They also host special events like the Christmas Canine Escape Room and provide educational resources to help owners understand dog behavior better.

Accomplishments

Jody Broughton is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Behavior Consultant. She has helped numerous dogs overcome fear, reactivity, and behavioral issues. Clients credit her with transforming anxious dogs into confident companions. Her Healing Paw Courteous Canines class prepares dogs for AKC Canine Good Citizen certification and therapy work. She has developed unique, engaging class formats like “Barkour” and “Sniffer Class.”

How to Get Started!

Begin with a no-charge telephone consultation to discuss goals and dog needs. Register for classes by contacting Jody directly via phone or email. Submit vaccination records via email after registration. For in-home training, schedule a consultation to assess the dog’s behavior and create a customized plan.