Canine Training

Train, socialize and bond with your dog with AWS Certified Professional Dog Trainers.

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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. Most programs are held in our dedicated Training Classroom, located adjacent to the AWS Adoption Center.

Whether your puppy is just starting out on their training journey or your adult dog is ready to try more intermediate skills, we have a class for you! If you want some time to socialize your pup, or you’d like a private lesson on a particular behavior or topic, we’re here to help.

Most importantly, we welcome pups of all ages, breeds and abilities to participate in our Canine Training program. We have something for everyone!

Thank you for training with AWS!

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group of people posing with dogs in training classroom

Group Classes

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a brown and white dog looks up expectantly at their trainer

One-on-One Training

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group of people and their dogs on leash prepare for a walk

Pack Walks

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a golden retriever dog and a puppy sit next to each other in a grass field

Learn & Play

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three small young dogs run around and play in a grassy field

Puppy Playgroup

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a woman holds up a training certificate while her dog sits politely

Workshops

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a small dog takes a treat after performing a training cue

Training Resources

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Pop-Up Puppy Playgroup

Meet other puppies and enjoy playtime and enrichment time together!

Foster positive associations with other dogs while having fun. 

What does ‘Pop-Up’ mean? It means these play sessions aren’t scheduled regularly but rather spontaneously as time is available.

Activities include play time with enrichment toys, puppy obstacle courses, and supervised free play with other puppies to explore and interact under the watchful eyes of experienced trainers. Owners will also gain valuable insight to understanding their puppy’s body language and social cues.

Free play with other puppies will depend on the dynamic of the class each session and is not guaranteed. It is at the trainer’s discretion. Puppies need to have had their first round of shots and a negative fecal sample in order to start the class.

Pop-Up Pack Walks

Stroll AWS’ beautiful property and trails alongside other training students and their dogs!

Meet fellow dog-lovers and give your pup new sights, sounds and socialization opportunities, while getting in some exercise.

What does ‘Pop-Up’ mean? It means these walks won’t be scheduled regularly but rather spontaneously as long as the warm weather lasts.

These group walks are more casual than our typical group class structure, but they are still organized and led by one of our experienced trainers who will be there to offer tips and advice.

  • Close up of a dog targeting a woman's hand during training.
  • A group of people walk their dogs on the road alongside a trainer.

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!

  • People pose with their dogs in front of a Christmas tree with graduation ribbons.
  • A dog wearing a Santa hat and harness smiles up at the camera
  • black and white dog sits obediently in a box surrounded by Christmas decorations
  • A dog walks through a tunnel after a treat during a training class.
  • A dog sits on a red blanket in front of a decorated Christmas tree.
  • A young dog sniffs Christmas wrapping paper on the floor during training class.
  • Two dogs sit on stands and get fed treats during a training class.
  • A small dog jumps through a Christmas wreathe hoop during training class.
  • A mother and her child sit next to their dog in front of a Christmas tree and smile.
  • Close-up of a small, scruffy dog standing inside a Christmas wreathe.
  • Two dogs walk through an obstacle course during training class.

The Circus is Back in Town

This tail-wagging class comes only once a year!

Join us under the big top for Circus Dog where you and your pup will work together to learn new tricks and skills meant to dazzle and entertain!

Perform our special versions of walking the tightrope, jumping through hoops of fire, and sometimes just plain clowning around. Your ring leader will prepare you through 5 weeks of training for the big show held on week 6. You’ll be amazed at the feats your dog can do!

  • Close up a dog wearing a fake mane and oversized bowtie.
  • Close-up of woman hugging her small dog who is wearing an elephant costume.
  • A small dog with front paws balanced on a ball during Circus Dog Class.
  • A woman guides her dog through a hoop during Circus Dog Class.
  • Close up of a dog wearing a sweatshirt with a frilly collar in front of a circus backdrop.
  • A dog with front paws down on a mat during Circus Dog class.
  • A line of dogs during Circus Class sitting on stands with hoops in the background.
  • Close-up of two people wearing clown wigs and bowties hug a small dog.
  • Dog standing on a platform in front of a circus backdrop.
  • A stand with two paws up on a stand in front of a circus backdrop.
  • Two people wearing funny outfits posing with a clown doll during Circus Dog Class.
  • A dog jumps through a curtain during Circus Dog Class
  • Small dog sits on a colorful stand in front of a circus background.
  • A class of dogs walk through hoops during Circus Dog class

Canine Training Tips & Tricks Blog

Looking for canine training advice? You’ve come to the right place! The AWS Canine Training Team maintains a blog with regular posts, all related to your dog’s behavior and training. 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!

  • Pop-Up Puppy Playgroup

    Pop-Up Puppy Playgroup

    Do you have a young puppy eager to get out and play? Are you looking to socialize them with other puppies and their people? Perhaps you want to enroll them […]

    Read More

  • The Three D’s of Dog Training

    The Three D’s of Dog Training

    Does your dog ‘sit’ well in your home, but struggles in the backyard? Can your pup ‘stay’ when asked, but only for a short time? By practicing the three D’s […]

    Read More

  • Pop-Up PackWalks

    Pop-Up PackWalks

    Are you looking for a more leisurely training opportunity to do with your dog? Are you hoping to get outside more with your pup? Perhaps you just want a simple, […]

    Read More

  • The Great Game of Tug

    The Great Game of Tug

    Need a training game that your dog will both love and learn from? What about an activity that will tire them out physically and mentally? If so, the great game […]

    Read More

View All Blog Posts

Meet Our Certified Trainers

Meet the Team

Canine 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

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

Good Pup: Online Dog Training

Train your dog at home over video chat through GoodPup. 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 Good Pup: Online Dog Training

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. It 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

Training Mailing List

Join our training mailing list by filling out the below form. Get class schedules, special event announcements, discount offers, Tips & Tricks and more delivered right to your inbox.

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Questions?

For more information, please contact our Behavior and Canine Training Manager via email or telephone at (207) 985-3244 ext. 111.

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Adoptable Daisy loooooves butt scritches!!!!#adoptme #asmr

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Adoptable Daisy loooooves butt scritches!!!!#adoptme #asmr

As @fema`s Disaster Preparedness Month comes to a close, we remind everyone to prepare not only themselves, but their pets as well. As you put together your disaster preparedness kit, remember that no matter the type of emergency, it’s always important to have updated and accurate contact information for:

☎️ Your local first responders (911 and non-emergency contact information)
☎️ Your local animal shelters (like AWS if you live in York County)
☎️ Animal control officers (usually reached through the police or sheriff non-emergency number)

Bookmarking their websites and following them on social media is a great way to keep in touch during an emergency. These points of contact could help in a multitude of ways by providing information, safety, or resources for you and your pet during a disaster. Your County Animal Response Team (CART), part of your county’s emergency management agency may also offer resources. In times of great emergency, AWS partners with local emergency organizations to provide a safe haven for pets when their people must evacuate and enter a local emergency shelter.

For more information on disaster preparedness for your pet, visit our website: https://animalwelfaresociety.org/helpful-resources/disaster-preparedness/

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As @fema's Disaster Preparedness Month comes to a close, we remind everyone to prepare not only themselves, but their pets as well. As you put together your disaster preparedness kit, remember that no matter the type of emergency, it’s always important to have updated and accurate contact information for: ☎️ Your local first responders (911 and non-emergency contact information) ☎️ Your local animal shelters (like AWS if you live in York County) ☎️ Animal control officers (usually reached through the police or sheriff non-emergency number) Bookmarking their websites and following them on social media is a great way to keep in touch during an emergency. These points of contact could help in a multitude of ways by providing information, safety, or resources for you and your pet during a disaster. Your County Animal Response Team (CART), part of your county’s emergency management agency may also offer resources. In times of great emergency, AWS partners with local emergency organizations to provide a safe haven for pets when their people must evacuate and enter a local emergency shelter. For more information on disaster preparedness for your pet, visit our website: https://animalwelfaresociety.org/helpful-resources/disaster-preparedness/

It`s time for Sam`s first daily walk!!!! 🙌🙌

Sam is a handsome young fellow looking for a new family to love. The way to Sam`s heart - snacks. he will never say no to a treat! He loves to take walk and explore the neighborhood with his nose. There isn`t a scent he doesn`t want to investigate further. Looking for a hiking buddy? A beach buddy? A walk around the block buddy? Sam`s the man!
Stop by this weekend to learn more about Sam!!

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It's time for Sam's first daily walk!!!! 🙌🙌 Sam is a handsome young fellow looking for a new family to love. The way to Sam's heart - snacks. he will never say no to a treat! He loves to take walk and explore the neighborhood with his nose. There isn't a scent he doesn't want to investigate further. Looking for a hiking buddy? A beach buddy? A walk around the block buddy? Sam's the man! Stop by this weekend to learn more about Sam!!

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