Training Tips & Tricks
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!
AllThank YouUpcoming EventsPet Facts & FunCommunity Veterinary ClinicCommunity ResourcesPet of the WeekTraining Tips & TricksAWS News & UpdatesVolunteer & Foster SpotlightUncategorized
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…
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…
Socializing Your Puppy
So, maybe you’ve recently adopted a puppy and are introducing them to their new life. You want them to become comfortable and acclimated to the environment they will be living in, from inside the home to regular trips you plan…
Teaching Your Dog the “Touch” Cue
Looking for a fun and simple learning exercise with your dog that will strengthen the bond between you and your pup? The “touch” cue is a great place to start. “Touch” is a cue for your dog to touch their…
How to Introduce a Cue to Your Dog
Teaching your dog cues are very useful ways to signal to your dog to perform a specific task or behavior. You may already be doing them without realizing them, like holding your hand up for a sit or pointing to…
The Foundations of Teaching Your Dog Recall
Recall, or having your dog come when called, is a useful skill to teach your dog to come to you in any situation. If your dog is often off-leash, a reliable recall is important ensure their safety. Even on-leash, a…
Why Canine Good Citizen Training Is Good for You and Your Dog
If you’re looking for the right class to strengthen your bond with your dog, as well as learn important everyday manners and skills, then Canine Good Citizen Prep at AWS is the right class for you! The foundational class builds…
Establishing a Visitor Routine with Your Dog
You’ve probably heard this one before: a friend comes over and rings the doorbell, and your dog shares their excitement of their presence by jumping up on them! While your friend may not mind, establishing a visitor routine with your…
Where to Train Your Dog in Southern Maine
There’s lots of things to consider when searching for a place to train your dog: methods, preferences (both yours and your pups), schedule, cost, location and so much more. However, training is tremendously beneficial for dogs and their families. No…
Work Your Dog’s Nose: How to Play the ‘Find It’ Game
You may already know that your dog’s nose is stronger than yours. But did you know that working your dog’s nose is one of best ways to work their brain as well? So, why not use a very fun and…
Trick Training: No Magic Needed
Learning fun tricks with your pup doesn’t take magic. Like any other training, trick training takes practice, communication and of course, treats. It is a great way to strengthen the bond between you and your dog in fun and exciting…
The Three Types of Dog Walks
Learning how to walk on and off leash can be very challenging for our dogs and frustrating for both parties! Walks are one of the enjoyable ways to share and grow the bond with your canine companion, but sometimes they…
Join Duke on a Pack Walk
Hey everyone, my name is Duke and it’s so nice to meet you. As a resident dog here at AWS, it’s so great when we can join Canine Training for fun programs and classes like a Pack Walk! This week…
You Know You’re a Dog Person When…
At AWS’s Canine Training program, you learn fast that there are people who like dogs, and then there are dog people. Dog people know the difference between a snuffle mat and a flirt pole, wear treat pouches like fashion accessories…
Teaching Your Puppy to Use Their Mouth Appropriately
So you brought an adorable puppy home and are all excited to bond with your new friend! The only thing is that your new puppy is learning to explore their new world with… their mouth. While we don’t want to…
Why Bother with Mealtime Training?
Teaching your dog to remain calm and out of the way while you are in your kitchen cooking or preparing meals is important. Mealtime or kitchen training is often assumed as one of those annoying dog behaviors. So why bother…
Buckle Up, Pup! Making Car Rides Fun For Your Dog
For some dogs, the sound of car keys jingling is the most exciting thing in the world. For others, car rides bring anxiety or even carsickness. Either way, there’s a lot to learn when it comes to making car rides…
If Fetch is a Game, Why Does My Dog Make Me Do All the Work?
Fetch can be a great form of exercise and is an easy way to get your dog moving, especially if your time or mobility is limited. But what if your dog isn’t a natural retriever and prefers to turn the…
