Dog Training

**Description:** Join us for trivia at Lost Dog Cafe in McLean, Virginia located at 1690 Anderson Rd every Tuesday evening in October. Trivia begins at 7pm, but please consider joining earlier, around 6:30, since seating’s first-come-first-served. Speaking of seating, per Lost Dog’s regulations, a team needs to have at least five members in order to participate in trivia. So please make sure you RSVP so we can secure a spot to play in trivia. The nearest metro is McLean. **Donation:** Neurodivergent District strives to compensate Neurodivergent District members that volunteer to host our events. Please consider a donation to @katewoodwardcm for hosting. Please specify "donation to trivia host" in the description of your payment. Questions? Text 202-930-2881.

Learn practical self-defense skills in Herndon, VA using Gracie Combatives, with beginner-friendly instruction focused on real-world positions and submissions. **Drop-in fee** for non-members is **$20** and can be **paid on-site**. This class is designed for **adults** who want a clear, structured introduction to self-defense through [Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu) (BJJ). Training emphasizes foundational [Gracie Combatives](https://www.gracieuniversity.com/pages/public/information?enc=k2dks7HD7VuvFKqRuBqu3g%3d%3d) concepts, including **positional control**, **escapes**, and **high-percentage submissions**. *No prior experience is required.* Instruction is paced for **beginners**, with an emphasis on **safety**, **understanding**, and building **confidence** on the mat. Classes run **Tuesdays** and **Thursdays** from **6:00–7:00 PM** at [OSMA](https://www.virginiabjj.com/programs/bjj) in [Herndon, VA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herndon,_Virginia) serving students from nearby [Reston](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reston,_Virginia) and surrounding [Northern Virginia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Virginia) areas. Come ready to **learn**, **move**, and **train** in a supportive environment.

This **no gi class** focuses on **advanced [Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu) (BJJ) concepts**, including takedowns, positional drilling, submissions, transitions, situational sparring, strategy development, and live training. While the class is scheduled for **90 minutes**, it may run longer depending on content and participation. This class includes both instruction as well as [rolling](https://www.howbjjworks.com/bjj-blog/2018/7/29/how-rolling-works-in-bjj) (sparring). The **drop-in fee** for non-members is **$20**, payable on-site and note that we are in **suite #130**.

12:30 today (TUESDAY) at George Washington's Mount Vernon: on-leash walk with Tia's Apollo et. al. Meet front entrance or (best bet) 12-Acre Field. Or ask staff if they've seen a big, fluffy dog & find us. If coming, please PM Tia and/or RSVP at [Meetup](https://www.facebook.com/groups/916975895009304/user/100064559029084/?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZbSS3h0JaLCHdbBuEXIOac23sgCs9PQ7JQIuIxPR7jXaH2pfRm4E56Z7a0CW-jKU9PdPkp7x4S9noZZyFWUARlZQnZlrzu7Wi0ViFU-upa9S4-p5HvTRDBAZAzInnwVKbEMFrc-1cJExcdGy4VV62KeTQGu4-8OAHEQIxcpLtltUULOoqWUEO0zq7wmFlGyqMUH8oB_7QAq8C0SSudxjdtw&__tn__=-%5DK-R) once posted. Dates scheduled: Jan 6, 13, 20, and 27 plus Feb 3. Humans pay. Dogs free. Adult day tickets $28; annual pass $69. If you like, come for a "dry run" sans dog to preview entrance/exit. Tia sometimes has an extra guest pass (PM to ask). Dogs MUST remain on leash. Not a formal tour. We go where allowed. Walk at your own pace or with the group. We might visit river, farm, forest, and outbuildings. Staff and historians love the dogs and are always eager to answer questions or share information about George Washington and life at Mount Vernon. IMPORTANT: Apollo is making good progress on reactivity to unknown dogs & staying calm near livestock, but enjoys pack walks. We appreciate \*SPACE\* but do well once acquainted with new dog friends. If your dog is similar, we'll get it, and give you space, too. Apollo is a low-key, tri-color English Shepherd, long and lanky, like a stretched-out Aussie (the breeds are close cousins from historic UK herding roots). I'm a white lady who will probably have pink hair and a purple coat or jacket. If we know you're coming, I can tell Apollo your names and life will go more smoothly for us.

This popular and accomplished Toastmasters club (#4787) is open to everyone, with an average of 25 people per meeting, mainly business professionals from the Reston/Herndon area. Meetings are held on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesdays of the month from 6pm to 7pm at 2310 Colts Neck Rd, Reston, VA 20191. Some of the group's members are accomplished professional speakers, while others are just starting down their path of improved public speaking, including many non-native English speakers. Whether you're just starting out and looking to improve your speaking or overcome some nervousness...or looking to gain connections and sharpen your skills, you'll feel connected with the members of Reston Town Center Toastmasters. Stop by. Check us out! Chances are you'll like us so much that you'll be back! For more information: http://towncentertoastmasters.toastmastersclubs.org/

Come and join Northern Virginia porcelain artists. We will provide all the paints and materials needed. Just bring your smile and creativity. We paint from 10:00 am - 2:00pm every Tuesday & Wednesday. Please RSVP in advance if you like to join oir group. Text: 703-906-9150 We are located few minutes from Tyson’s corner in McLean.

This popular and accomplished Toastmasters club (#4787) is open to everyone, with an average of 25 people per meeting, mainly business professionals from the Reston/Herndon area. Meetings are held on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesdays of the month from 6pm to 7pm at Conference Room 1 on the ground floor of 1880 Campus Commons Dr, Reston, VA 20191 SOUTH ENTRANCE. Some of the group's members are accomplished professional speakers, while others are just starting down their path of improved public speaking, including many non-native English speakers. Whether you're just starting out and looking to improve your speaking or overcome some nervousness...or looking to gain connections and sharpen your skills, you'll feel connected with the members of Reston Town Center Toastmasters. Stop by. Check us out! Chances are you'll like us so much that you'll be back! For more information: http://towncentertoastmasters.toastmastersclubs.org/

Join us every Sunday at [One Spirit Martial Arts](https://www.virginiabjj.com/) in [Herndon, VA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herndon,_Virginia) for open training in [Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu): Research, Review, and Roll! 🥇 This is a **student-driven session** designed to help you explore what matters most to your BJJ development. Whether you want to **research techniques, review material from the week**, or **roll with different partners**, this open format gives you the flexibility to focus on your own goals. An **instructor will be present** to answer questions, offer feedback, and help troubleshoot positions, but the pace and flow of the session are entirely up to you. You can **drill, experiment**, or **get in some live rounds** in a relaxed and supportive environment. Open training is ideal for students who want to **refine their technique, test new ideas, and build confidence** through *consistent practice*. All skill levels are welcome -- come train, learn, and grow with the **[Northern Virginia Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community](https://www.meetup.com/northern-virginia-martial-arts-group/)**! **Note:** We are located in **Suite #130**. The **drop-in fee** for non-members is **$20**, payable on-site.

Our regular Sunday meetup at the Shirlington Dog Park -- members start arriving around 10:15 a.m. You'll always find an Aussie to play with. There are 3 entrances, so wander the park -- the dogs will find each other! For puppies, Shirlington has a small dog park within the larger dog park. It's the prefect place for your puppy to gain confidence and socialize with others. There is also plenty of room to run. Just a reminder, the Dog Park is under attack by the Arlington County Board of Commissioners. While early plans to decrease the size of the park by 50% has been tabled, it's important to remind Arlington County how important this park is to dogs and owners. Here are links to the change.org petition and the Facebook page where you can get updates. Shirlington Dog Park Page Petition: https://www.change.org/.../arlington-county-board-save... Arlington County Board: Save the Shirlington Dog Park! We love the Shirlington Dog Park -- it provides… change.org Shirlington Dog Park Page Shirlington Dog Park Page Save the Dog Park Facebook page; https://www.facebook.com/groups/696087663906890

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike. This is an enjoyable hike with shaded trails and a sandy beach to take our break on. The hike is \~7,3 miles with \~800 feet of elevation gain in Seneca Regional Park. We'll start by hiking through a beautiful full growth hardwood forest and will then connect to the Potomac Heritage Trail. We'll take our break on a sandy beach. Thanks to Bob G for the photo. We hike at a pace of 2.3 to 2.5 mph while moving. *You must have experience with hikes of this length and elevation gain.* Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyhttps://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolic](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Leader: Steve Frith cell 703-629-0174 Park Entry Fee: $0.00 Map for hike: https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=15.0/-77.3190/39.0474&pubLink=obOQ48o079O4P48KYoJBIMa9&trackId=b81b5829-efdf-4bad-bb66-9e9de4a74efd

Meeting point - https://maps.app.goo.gl/gRUpJqnoHYvAG66R7 Questions? Call 240-447-4796 https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/union-mill-and-bull-run-occoquan-trail 2.9mi Length 255ft Elevation gain 1–1.5hr Estimated time Loop Begin by hiking through the forest before heading downhill towards the river. You will hike along Bull Run before heading back up towards the trailhead. There are plenty of spots for kids to explore the river.

PawsUP for David and Brick for originally suggesting this awesome meetup and our dogs love it! -Dumbarton Oaks/Montrose Park in Georgetown -Meet at the entrance off of R st, on the East side (closer to the cemetery) -Plenty of street parking in the area -Bring water and a ball for your Aussie This park is a very large open field, that is very dog friendly. Tons of space to run and chase. Most if not all dogs are off leash. Occasional runners and kids (there is a playground), so keep that in mind. There is also a trail inside with a stream that the dogs love to play in.

Beginner-friendly morning [Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu) (BJJ) class [at OSMA in Herndon, VA](https://www.virginiabjj.com/): Learn escapes, submissions, and live strategy with expert instruction. **🔥** *No experience is required* -- **new students** and **first-timers** are genuinely welcome. Classes focus on **practical**, **real-world fundamentals** taught in a **safe**, **technical**, and **highly supportive environment**. You’ll learn how to **escape common holds**, **apply effective submissions**, and **understand live positional strategy** \-\- the same leverage\-based system used in modern BJJ and [Mixed Martial Arts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mixed_martial_arts) (MMA), adapted for everyday people. This **gi class** takes place every **Tuesday** and **Thursday** and includes **one hour of guided instruction** followed by **30 minutes of optional open training** (live rounds, drilling, review, and research). Gis are available if you need one. **The drop-in fee** for non-members is **$20** and can be **paid on-site**. We are located in **Suite #130** \-\- let us know when you arrive and we’ll take care of the rest\.

MindShift Gym has graciously offered to host our January meetup again! This event is technically free, but donations are strongly encouraged. MindShift has granted us access to their space at no cost to us, but at meaningful cost to *them*. Please consider helping them out a little, as you're able. For those of you who'd like to continue playing after this event is over, you'll have the option to stay for an additional (free) open gym session. To help MindShift get a sense of how many folks intend to come (and so that we can get your waiver taken care of ahead of time), please register for this event here: https://mindshiftgym.sites.zenplanner.com/event.cfm?eventId=260B7229-A645-43A9-BBE3-D768DEC17B16 We're looking forward to seeing you! This meetup is non-binary inclusive and open to all ability and skill levels. Whether it's your first time trying parkour or you've been training for years there will be fun challenges for everyone.

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/0/2/1/event_41792801.jpeg Washington DC Metro Shiba Inu Meetup.

Dogs are allowed on this trail however it may be difficult for them due to scrambles and creek crossing. Although relatively short, all of the challenging terrain earns this hike a hard rating. Questions? Call 240-447-4796 Meeting point - https://maps.app.goo.gl/vkctq5vm9bjtfgTg6 https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/turkey-run-and-potomac-heritage-trail 3.1mi Length 360ft Elevation gain Loop Directions to this trailhead can be misleading. After exit 43, and once on GW parkway, take the first exit once you see Turkey Run Park sign. This trail can get very washed out after significant rainfall and flooding. Dogs are allowed on this trail however it may be difficult for them due to scrambles and creek crossing. Although relatively short, all of the challenging terrain earns this hike a hard rating. The trail starts in the C1 parking area and heads down to the Potomac River. The markers are yellow until you reach the river where you follow blue markers of the Potomac Heritage trail to the northwest along the river. You cross over Turkey Run and continue to Dead Run. Cross over Dead Run and go up stream, following the yellow markers again. Just after passing under the GW parkway bridge, turn left, cross the run and follow the yellow markers southeast until you reach Turkey Run again. Turn left and at the bridge cross over the run and follow the yellow trail up the hill and back to the parking lot. The section of trail on the south side of the GW parkway is not well maintained. Downloading the map ahead of time is helpful for navigating.

Beginner-friendly morning [Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu) (BJJ) class [at OSMA in Herndon, VA](https://www.virginiabjj.com/): Learn escapes, submissions, and live strategy with expert instruction. **🔥** *No experience is required* -- **new students** and **first-timers** are genuinely welcome. Classes focus on **practical**, **real-world fundamentals** taught in a **safe**, **technical**, and **highly supportive environment**. You’ll learn how to **escape common holds**, **apply effective submissions**, and **understand live positional strategy** \-\- the same leverage\-based system used in modern BJJ and [Mixed Martial Arts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mixed_martial_arts) (MMA), adapted for everyday people. This **gi class** takes place every **Tuesday** and **Thursday** and includes **one hour of guided instruction** followed by **30 minutes of optional open training** (live rounds, drilling, review, and research). Gis are available if you need one. **The drop-in fee** for non-members is **$20** and can be **paid on-site**. We are located in **Suite #130** \-\- let us know when you arrive and we’ll take care of the rest\.

Join us for another session of our study group as we dive into the fascinating world of Large Language Models (LLMs) using the book **Build a Large Language Model from Scratch** from Manning. In this session, we will finish **Chapter 7: Fine-tuning to follow instructions**. In the last session, we talked about how to prepare the dataset for instruction fine-tuning and in this session we will perform the fine-tuning and evaluate the model afterwards. This isn't just a lecture! Come ready to ask questions, share insights, and code along. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this is the perfect opportunity to build a strong foundation together. If you plan to work with the code on your own laptop during the session, try and set-up the environment ahead of time (https://github.com/rasbt/LLMs-from-scratch/tree/main/setup). We will be meeting at the North County Governmental Center this time that is across from the Reston public library.

Join us for [Muay Thai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muay_Thai) kickboxing at [OSMA in Herndon, VA](https://www.virginiabjj.com/): an energetic morning class focused on striking technique, conditioning, and controlled sparring. 🔥 This adult (16+) class combines **technical instruction, pad work, partner drills**, and **cardio training** to build real-world skill and endurance in a safe, structured setting. Beginners and experienced students alike will learn how to apply the principles of **Muay Thai: *The Art Of Eight Limbs***, through precise **strikes**, **timing**, and **defense**. Classes take place every **Saturday** at **10:00 AM**. The **drop-in fee is $20**, payable on-site, and note that we are located in **suite #130**. Come train with us and see why so many in [Northern Virginia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Virginia) choose One Spirit Martial Arts for top-tier martial-arts instruction. **Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)** Q: Is this class suitable for someone interested in **boxing**? A: Yes! Muay Thai shares many of the same **striking fundamentals** as [boxing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxing), including **stance**, **timing**, and **defensive movement**. Students searching for boxing gyms in [Herndon, VA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herndon,_Virginia) or Northern Virginia train at OSMA to develop **solid punching technique** along with **kicks**, **knees**, and **elbows**.

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike. This is an 6.5 mile hike with 1000’ elevation gain to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia and is perfect for those that want to experience Maryland Heights without having to do a long hike. We will begin at the Harpers Ferry Train Station parking lot. We will hike the AT and then along the Shenandoah River and then at Appalachian Trail across the Potomac River on the footbridge. Taking a left we go briefly along the C&O Canal before taking the ***steep*** trails up to Maryland Heights for lunch. We hike at a pace of 2.0-2.5 mph when moving. [Rating: C](https://nvhc.com/hikeinfo/ratings/) (Upper level C hike, almost a B) Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920 (C) Park Entry Fee: $20 or free with National Park pass. Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Carpools: Arrive at the One Loudoun Park and Ride at 7:45am, carpools leav at 8:00am GPS Coordinates: 39.053141, -77.459133, [https://maps.app.goo.gl/MUJ2c9E1oVYRu5Rp7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/MUJ2c9E1oVYRu5Rp7) . Suggested carpool fee is $4. ***The leader will be at the carpool location.*** Driving time to the trailhead from the carpool location \~1 hour. If you are going to the trailhead, meet at the Harpers Ferry Train Station at 9:00am, hike starts at 9:15am. A national park pass (leave on car dashboard) or $20 payment upon arrival using a **smartphone and a credit or debit card** via a QR code system. GPS coordinates: 39.324540, -77.731047 [https://goo.gl/maps/yLmDLB9cx44Bkr4z7](https://goo.gl/maps/yLmDLB9cx44Bkr4z7) Neither the Club nor the hike leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk. AllTrails Map: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-4165db0?u=i&sh=7cs7ov](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-4165db0?u=i&sh=7cs7ov) ***You must be experienced in hikes of this distance and elevation gain.***

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike. This is a pleasant 7.3 mile/ 212 foot elevation gain hike around Beaverdam Reservoir with plenty of water views. For those of you who like numbers the reservoir is 350 acres and holds between 1.3 and 1.5 billion gallons of water. We will meet in front of the Visitors Center at 8:45. The Visitor Center, with the trailhead, is new and the GPS mapping apps are still updating. **The Reservoir Park Main entrance is located within the Brambleton Community Park West Baseball field complex, accessed from Belmont Ridge Road in Ashburn.** The address is 22211 Water Vista Drive Ashburn, Virginia. The GPS coordinates are: 39.00223 N, 77.53529W. We hike at a pace of \~ 2.5 mph while moving. You must have experience with hikes of this length and elevation gain. Meet in front of the Visitor Center at 8:45am for sign-in. Restrooms are available. Dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyhttps://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolic](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Leaders: Steve Frith cell 703-629-0174 Park Entry Fee: $0.00 Map for hike: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/reservoir-park-trail?sh=iypgzx&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality