Spot On Dog Training treats your dogs as the conscious, emotional beings that they are. While training is at the core of what we do, our goal is for you to leave with a better understanding of your dog and their motivations, feeling empowered and confident in training your dog. We promise to extend the same compassion and support to you as we do to your dogs. Spot On Dog Training is dedicated to being an inclusive and anti-racist organization.

a white dog sits next to a black dog

Lily Ware (she/they)

Owner & Trainer

a dog stands between a woman's legs

I began my career teaching middle school students, but after adopting my shy dog, Randall, I discovered that my true passion is teaching dog guardians. My degrees in Elementary and Special Education have proven valuable in my work as a dog trainer. I led group classes in Madison, WI for two years before relocating to Minnesota. I have personally experienced the power of force-free dog training in both the classes I teach and the ones I take. I love connecting with new dog guardians and watching them learn to communicate with and advocate for their dogs. Randall ignited a passion within me for helping dogs and their people better understand each other through science-based, compassionate training.

Meet the Team

  • a white dog

    Randall

    CHIEF SAFETY OFFICER

    “Are you sure that’s safe?”

  • a black dog

    Bertie

    MISCHIEF SPECIALIST

    “I’m going for it.”

  • a puppy rests on a woman's shoulder

    Lily

    TRAINER

    “Yeah, that’s definitely not safe.”

Continuing Education

I am continuously learning and committed to staying up to date on best practices in the industry.

To date I have completed:

Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Professional Program

by Karen Pryor Academy, faculty member Kiki Yablon MA, KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA

What’s the Function? Pilot Course

by The Dog Behavior Institute

Control Is An Illusion: Rethinking How We Teach for “Impulse Control”

by Sarah Owings, KPA-CTP

Kick Back and Relax

by Ali Sutch, KPA-CTP CCUI

Pattern Games in Urban Environments

by Leslie McDevitt, MLA, CDBC, CPDT

FURst Aid: Preventing, identifying & treating common dog injuries on the trail

by Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine

Play It Cool! An introduction to healthy & safe dog-dog play

by Ali Sutch, KPA-CTP CCUI

Stress and the Social Brain

by Dr. Kathy Murphy

LAT Game - A Revolutionary Conversation

by Leslie McDevitt, MLA, CDBC, CPDT

LIMA - How does “Least” and “Minimally” fit into behavior modification?

by Mara Velez, MA, CPDT-KA

Social Justice: Cultivating Equity for All Dog Professionals

by Dr. Katherina Alvarez

Neurological Versus Behavioral

by Dr. Karen Overall

Don’t Eat That! - Force Free Food-Avoidance Training

by Simone Mueller

Empower Your Dog

by Jenny Efimova, KPA-CTP

Control Unleashed

by The Dog Behavior Institute

Cooperative Care Unleashed

by Dr. Linlin Cao, PhD, CPDT-KA, CCUI

Play the SPA (Shelter Playgroup Alliance) Way

by Mara Velez, MA, CPDT-KA

HDTA Webinar - Dog Body Language

by Mara Velez, MA, CPDT-KA

Chat with me

Still have questions about which service is right for you and your dog? Schedule a free 20 minute chat.