Group Classes

Train, socialize, and bond with your dog in structured group classes here at AWS.

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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 and programs for pups of all ages, breeds and abilities.

Thank you for training with AWS!

Puppy Classes

For puppies 8-19 weeks old at the start of class. If your new puppy will be older than 19 weeks when the class is set to begin, please enroll in Basic Training instead.

Puppy Kindergarten

Puppy Kindergarten focuses on safe socialization, confidence building and positive reinforcement training. Learn how to manage and prevent problem puppy behaviors such as puppy biting and house training. Start building your puppy’s skills in loose leash walking, recall, sit, leave-it and more.

Note: Safe and appropriate play is important for young puppies to experience. Because of this, our in-class playtime will depend on the dynamic of the puppies in each class 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.

Puppy Kindergarten classes last 45 minutes and run for 4 weeks. For puppies 8-19 weeks old at the start of class.

Class Options

Click on the class titles for more information and registration.

Don’t see a session that works with your schedule? We offer Puppy Start Right private lessons.

Beginner Classes

For dogs 5 months and older, Basic Training builds the foundation for all future training.

Basic Training

Basic Training class is the place to start your training journey if you have an adolescent or adult dog. Through positive reinforcement, teams will learn and practice polite behaviors such as sit, down, stay and loose leash walking all while ignoring distractions. Even if your dog knows all the basic cues, there are still many reasons to begin with a Basic Training class. Not only will have a chance to practice around real world distractions, but you will strengthen your relationship with your dog and have fun doing it!

Basic Training classes last 45 minutes and run for 6 weeks. For dogs 5 months and older.

Class Options

Click on the class titles for more information and registration.

Focus & Fun

Focus & Fun classes are beginner classes for dogs 5 months and older. These classes are all about handler engagement and teaching your dog how to relax, focus, and work in different environments. You will learn fun games and pattern exercises to build the relationship with your dog and soon become the “apple of their eye.” This class can be taken before or after Basic Training.

Class Options

Click on the class titles for more information and registration.

Intermediate Classes

Continue to build your relationship and have fun with your dog!

After Basic Training

Throughout the year, we offer Intermediate level classes such as Agility, AKC Canine Good Citizen, Conditioning, Scent Work, Rally, Tricks and more. Fun and learning all in one!

Prerequisite: These classes are open to either graduates of AWS Basic Training, an equivalent beginners obedience/manners group class or permission from the instructor.

Intermediate classes are 45 minutes long and run for 4 weeks or 6 weeks. Please take note of the duration when you register.

Class Options

Click on the class titles for more information and registration.

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Seasonal & Special Topic Classes

We offer many other fun and interesting courses for you and your dog!

Seasonal Fun and Specialty Courses

Specialty group classes can be just about anything – from clicker training or reliable recall to puppy preschool or basic training specifically for shy or for reactive dogs. Sometimes we even offer a senior-dog only class. Old dogs CAN learn new tricks!

Seasonal classes include wintertime favorites such as Reindeer Games (December) and Circus Tricks (February). Other seasonal classes pop up from time to time. You don’t want to miss them!

Courses will be labeled as puppy, beginner, or intermediate. Intermediate classes are open to either graduates of AWS Basic Training, an equivalent beginners obedience/manners group class or permission from the instructor.

Class Options

Click on the class titles for more information and registration.

Questions?

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

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And the winner is.... 🥁

You told us - Dogs are the Best Buddies and GivingTuesday champs! Our canine companions have won the eighth annual AWS GivingTuesday competition by a landslide. Team #awsdog brought in more than $4,000 more than Team #awscat! Wow!

While team #awsdog is celebrating their big win (after losing to team #awscat last year), all of us here at AWS is celebrating the support from our community. Amazingly, you all raised $17,904 in one day! This incredible sum will go provide for the dogs, cats and small animals in AWS’ care this time of year. We can’t thank our community enough for their kindness and generosity, not just on GivingTuesday but throughout the season of giving.If you gave to either team on GivingTuesday, we greatly appreciate your support! 

If you missed out on the fun or want to continue to stay involved then visit our profile! We are always grateful for your donations.
Team #awsdog needs your help to take home the win this GivingTuesday! The cats won last year, but the dogs are back and ready to contend in the eighth annual GivingTuesday competition at AWS.
 
This year’s competition centers around which species makes the Best Buddy. Together the two species aim to raise $20,000 on Tuesday, funds that will directly help all the animals that rely on AWS for care, comfort and safety.
 
Do you think team #awsdog makes the Best Buddy? Then visit our profile and support them with a gift today!

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It’s time for you to help team #awscat retain the crown on GivingTuesday! The cats had an incredible comeback last year and need your help in the eighth annual GivingTuesday competition at AWS.
 
This year’s competition centers around which species makes the Best Buddy. Together the two species aim to raise $20,000 on Tuesday, funds that will directly help all the animals that rely on AWS for care, comfort and safety.
 
Do you think team #awscat makes the Best Buddy? Then visit our profile to support them with a gift today!

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Hi everyone! Kodie here. I’m here to tell you that AWS’ GivingTuesday competition is anyone’s game. Only $54 separates Team #awsdog and Team #awscat!! Which species will come out on top? That’s up to YOU!

Who do you think makes the Best Buddy? Support team #awscat or team #awsdog with a gift today!

Visit our profile to learn more and support your team!
Team #awsdog needs your help to take home the win this GivingTuesday! The cats won last year, but the dogs are back and ready to contend in the eighth annual GivingTuesday competition at AWS.
 
This year’s competition centers around which species makes the Best Buddy. Together the two species aim to raise $20,000 on Tuesday, funds that will directly help all the animals that rely on AWS for care, comfort and safety.
 
Do you think team #awsdog makes the Best Buddy? Then support them with a gift today!