Canine Training
Train, socialize and bond with your dog with AWS Certified Professional Dog Trainers.
Announcement
2025 Reindeer Games schedule is posted!
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!
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!
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!
Prerequisite: Circus Dog is open to graduates of AWS Basic Training, an equivalent obedience/manners group class or permission from the instructor.
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!
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How to Stop Dog Counter Surfing: Tips, Training & Prevention
Counter surfing is one of the most common and frustrating behaviors dog parents deal with. One minute you’re prepping food in the kitchen, and the next, your dog has stolen a snack right off the counter. While it may seem mischievous, counter surfing is a learned behavior that can be managed and prevented with the right training and setup. Here’s how to stop it effectively and keep your kitchen (and your food) safe. What is Dog Counter Surfing? Counter surfing is when a dog jumps up or places their paws on counters, tables or other elevated surfaces to steal food…
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Playing Fetch With Your Dog
Fetch is one of the most popular ways to play with your dog. It’s great exercise for your pup, and a tired dog makes for a better behaved and happier dog! Fetch is also a fantastic way to exercise your dog if your time or personal mobility is limited. Think of it as a lawn-chair game: it can be done sitting down. But, what if your dog isn’t a natural retriever and gives you the “you expect me to chase that?” look? How to Train Fetch: Not all dogs naturally know how to play fetch. The key is beginning at…
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Teaching Your Dog to Sit
Every dog should have one cue that she can do anywhere at any time. “Sit” is a great contender for that job! It may seem silly at first to have to teach “sit” to your dog, but it’s an essential part of training. It gives your dog a way to say “please,” and can become their default greeting, which stops them from jumping on people. Step 1: Show How to Sit The first step to teaching your dog sit is to show them how to do it! Lure your dog into sitting by putting a treat up to their nose…
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What are Reindeer Games?
We are thrilled to announce that the seventh annual Reindeer Games are coming soon, and enrollment is now open! Led by our team of professional trainers, these three week holiday-themed training classes are sure to keep your pup on the nice list while also teaching them valuable skills and lessons. Plus, they’re tons of festive fun! Whether your dog is the littlest elf or has been pulling the sleigh for years, we have a class that’s designed for you! Don’t miss it! We’re here to tell you what each class offers, and what your little reindeer are going to learn…
Meet Our Certified Trainers
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Laura DesMarais, CPDT-KA
Canine Trainer -
Brenda Horowitz, CPDT-KA
Canine Trainer -
Kim VanSickle
Canine Trainer
Training Testimonials
Have you and your dog benefited from taking a class or lesson from AWS’ Canine Training team. We’d love to hear about it! Please submit your Happy Homes story?
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Archie
The training with Melissa was so incredibly helpful and informative for me. She was able to identify, that in addition to hearing loss, he is also experiencing a reduction in peripheral vision – which appears to be causing additional stress for him. She was able to demonstrate several techniques and protocols for working/training with Archie as well as guidelines for not putting him in situations where he gets startled and could lead to a fearful snap. Plus the document she sent outlining the summary of her observations, training techniques, tools and tips is so helpful and will allow me to…
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Clyde
Clyde successfully completed all his basic training at AWS in 2021, and from there, he put his keen hound nose to work in scent work classes—which he absolutely loves! Fun fact: Clyde has a heart shaped nose ❤️ Together, we’ve been learning so much. The trainers are incredibly creative, making each week a unique and engaging learning experience. It’s been such a joy to watch Clyde grow and transform into a confident and skilled sniffer! He also has a silly side that he likes to show at the beginning of most classes and that brings smiles and even giggles at…
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Larry Bird
Oh, where to begin? Our journey with our pup, Larry Bird (dog) as they call him at the pharmacy ; ) , has been both complex and rewarding. I can say with certainty that without the support of AWS, Larry Bird’s life would not be what it is today. It all started with the kindness and compassion we experienced in our very first class—a shy dog class. Larry Bird had faced past trauma, and even getting him to attend was a significant challenge. The trainer collaborated with us ahead of time, developing a plan to help us get him to…
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Lucy
Lucy began taking classes at AWS in 2017 when she was just three years old. Together, we have explored nearly every class they offer. We've dabbled in Rally, various Reindeer games and sampler classes, Waggit games, agility and obstacle training, canine core fitness, and CGC. Canine core fitness has become her favorite—we lovingly call her our little gym rat. Lucy can be vocal and overly enthusiastic at times. While I occasionally felt overwhelmed or even embarrassed by this, the trainers at AWS always embraced her spirited personality with patience and understanding. Over the years, we've both learned and grown so…
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Frankie
The dog training classes have been instrumental in helping me to train and bond with my dog Frankie. All of the classes have been fun and insightful while learning about Frankie’s personality. I highly recommend the Canine Good Citizen and agility classes. We also like the pop up classes to add extra fun in our lives!
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.
Canine Training Resources
Alliance of Therapy Dogs
Cat to Dog Introductions
Dog to Dog Introductions
Dogs & Babies
Family Paws
How to Curb Puppy Biting & Chewing
Puppy Housetraining Guide
Puppy Socialization Tips
Understanding Fearful Dogs
What is a service dog?
What is a therapy dog?
What is an emotional support animal?
Your Dog’s Teen Years
Questions?
For more information, please contact our Canine Training Program via email or telephone at (207) 985-3244 ext. 111.
