Spot On Dogs

Classes are organized by dog age and skill level: S.T.A.R. Puppy Kindergarten (socialization and basic skills), Elementary Puppy (building on kindergarten), Adolescent Dog Manners, Canine Good Citizen (CGC), CGC Advanced/Urban, Rally Obedience, Tricks, Nose Work (levels 1–3), and Competition Nose Work (by invitation). Therapy Dog Preparation is offered by appointment. Each class meets weekly, with multiple time slots available on weekdays and weekends.

Pricing Summary

All group classes are priced at $120 per session. Classes run for multiple weeks with no package discounts mentioned. Payment is required to register, and policies are outlined on the website.

Policies

Class policies and procedures are detailed on the website, including a Coronavirus/COVID-19 Liability Waiver. Registration requires payment, and availability is listed per session. No specific cancellation or rescheduling policy is stated, but contact via text or email is recommended for inquiries.

Loretta Swanson, M.A., M.F.A., is a certified professional dog trainer with over 35 years of experience training dogs and horses, dedicating herself full-time to dog training since 2010. She uses science-based, positive reinforcement (+R) methods and holds certifications from the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA-CTP), National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW), and Do More With Your Dog (DMWYD), where she was named Trainer of the Year in 2020. She offers group classes in a fully matted, climate-controlled studio in Belvidere, Illinois, covering puppy socialization, adolescent manners, Canine Good Citizen (CGC), rally obedience, trick training, nose work (from beginner to competition level), and therapy dog preparation. Her students regularly compete and win in multiple organizations including NACSW, UKC, C-WAGS, CPE, and AKC, and she coaches teams in the U.S. and Europe. Loretta stays current through ongoing education and is also an AKC CGC evaluator and Alliance of Therapy Dogs Tester/Observer.

Classes are small, structured, and designed for progressive skill-building, with options for puppies, adolescents, and adult dogs. Nose work and rally obedience are standout specialties, and therapy dog preparation is available by appointment. Indoor crating is provided, and all classes emphasize fun, bonding, and evidence-based techniques.

Accomplishments

Loretta Swanson is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer with KPA-CTP, NACSW, and DMWYD certifications; named DMWYD Trainer of the Year in 2020. She is an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator and Alliance of Therapy Dogs Tester/Observer. Over 30 of her students compete in nose work across multiple organizations, and she coaches international teams. Her own dog competes in nose work, rally, tricks, and drafting.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients can review class schedules on the website and register directly online. For therapy dog preparation, contact via text or email to receive a schedule. No formal initial consultation is advertised, but classes are structured to accommodate dogs at various skill levels.