Canine Training

Train, socialize and bond with your dog at AWS.

Home | Canine Training

Classes & Programs

Led by an experienced team of certified professional dog trainers, AWS’ Canine Training program offers a variety of exciting and progressive group classes, individualized consultations, programs and social hours for pups of all ages, breeds and abilities.

Thank you for training with AWS!

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Join the Reindeer Games, holiday-themed training classes to keep your pup on Santa’s nice list this holiday season.

Whether your dog is the littlest elf in Santa’s workshop or if they have been pulling the sleigh for years, we have a class for you! Join us for holiday fun this December, only at AWS!

Click on the class titles for more information and to register. Reindeer Games classes sell out fast so don’t delay getting you and your pup signed up!

Tips & Tricks Blog

Looking for canine training advice? You’ve come to the right place! The AWS Training Team has made a series of videos and blog posts about a variety of training topics. Learn tips to train your dog at home, get ideas on curbing unwanted behaviors, and watch videos on fun “party tricks” you and your dog can use to impress all your friends!

  • How to Control Counter Surfing

    How to Control Counter Surfing

    We’ve all been there; you’re right in the middle of cooking and you turn your back for just a moment and suddenly, your half-baked, tasty treat is gone! You glance […]

    Read More

  • Join the Reindeer Games!

    Join the Reindeer Games!

    The Reindeer Games are festive group training classes to keep your pup on Santa’s nice list this holiday season. Whether your dog is the littlest elf in Santa’s workshop or […]

    Read More

  • Shelter Dog Learning

    Shelter Dog Learning

    Whether they are ready for adoption or still working on their manners, we make sure that the eligible canines in our care get the proper exercise and stimulation by working […]

    Read More

  • Tip: Hiking with Your Pup

    Tip: Hiking with Your Pup

    featuring Cha Cha! The weather is cooling down and there’s a crispness in the air. Say goodbye to muggy heat and mosquitos and hello to more opportunities for hiking with […]

    Read More

Meet Our Trainers

Training Resources

Dog to Dog Introductions

Many dogs enjoy having a canine friend at home. However, bringing a new dog into your home to meet your resident dogs can be a tense time. Use the following guide for initial introductions to your dogs, and any new friends’ and family members’ dogs your dogs will be spending time with.
Learn More Dog to Dog Introductions

Dog Training Online

Train your dog at home over video chat. GoodPup uses positive reinforcement training and even has Veterinary Technicians on staff. You can work with a certified trainer on basic skills or with a behavior specialist for more complex issues. Free first week and then 10% off for life!
Learn More Dog Training Online

Dogs & Babies

Introducing a dog to a baby can be a difficult task when you are already tired and emotionally drained. The key is preparation. You need to decide well ahead of time how your dog’s routines will change—one of the biggest concerns will be who will be in charge of what tasks, including exercise. Babies and dogs can and do live in harmony, but it takes some training.
Learn More Dogs & Babies

How to Curb Puppy Biting & Chewing

One of the best things about puppies is how curious they are. We love watching them encountering new situations each day and helping them navigate through them. However, the downside is that puppies explore the world through their mouths! This can lead to some less than desirable bites to your hands, clothes, and household items. While we do not want to discourage a puppy’s inclination to try new things, we do want to let them know the best way to go about it. Let’s explore ways to help our puppies use their mouths appropriately and encourage time to settle.
Learn More How to Curb Puppy Biting & Chewing

Puppy Socialization Tips

Socialization is the process of exposing your puppy gently and positively to new experiences, as well as learning to give and take social cues from dogs and people. Socialization is so much more than just exposure or having your puppy play with other puppies! We want to socialize our puppies to new sights, smells, sounds, terrain, people, dogs, cats, squirrels, weather, body handling, and coping with stress.
Learn More Puppy Socialization Tips

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@aws.maine

And the winner is... 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 #𝗔𝗪𝗦𝗖𝗔𝗧! Our feline friends are celebrating with catnip as we speak and of course, they've received bragging rights over the dogs. Maybe next year Team #awsdog can win back the crown but for now, all hail the cats! 

We want to thank our community for their incredible support this Giving Tuesday. Yesterday's friendly competition between dog lovers and cat lovers has brought in an incredible $𝟏𝟏,𝟕𝟐𝟖 in funds to support the health and wellbeing of the pets in our care. We have been blown away by the kindness and generosity of our community of supporters this year and every year. 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮!!!
Sheena was expecting another victory for the dogs today, but so far Team #awscat has remained ahead of the game this Giving Tuesday! However, the night’s not over yet! If you think canines are more cuddly than cats (just look at how cozy Sheena is!), donate to Team #awsdog now and help your favorite species win the crown! 👑 #givingtuesday #dogsrule
Sweet Citrus wants you to know that the cats are still ahead in the Giving Tuesday competition, and that if they win he will wear his cone like a crown! 👑 Donate now to vote for Team #awscat and help Citrus be the kitty king!
Hi folks! My name is Zeus and I'm here to tell you that currently, Team #awsdog is down by almost $1000 in this year's Giving Tuesday competition. Geesh! That doesn't make sense to me because the theme is which species is the Coziest Companion: Cats or Canines? I mean, obviously it's dogs! We love to snuggle on the couch with you, in your bed, on the floor, and even in the car. We're snuggly machines! I mean, just look me right now all cozy in my winter jacket as I go for a hike. Don't you just want to hug me?!

Anyway, what I guess I'm saying is that I would love your help getting Team #awsdog to the top so we can keep our crown for two years in a row. I'll never hear the end of it if I let those pesky felines win! Donate right now and I promise to give you a big sloppy kiss if you come to visit. GO TEAM #AWSDOG!!!
The competition is neck and neck! Currently the cats remain on top, but only by about $200!  Miss Amanda and our resident snake Toast are definitely Team #awscat and they need your help to keep the felines on top! Help us maintain their vicotry and steal the crown from those drooly dogs!