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!

How to Tame Alert Barking

We all get excited when we hear the delivery truck pull up to the curb. But do you have a dog who gets a little too excited? Is there a lot of barking, frantic window watching, or jumping up on…

Two dogs play tug over a toy outside.

Canine Fitness and Nutrition

Dogs feel their best when they have a healthy lifestyle that balances diet and exercise. Same as us humans! It can be hard to make sure that your furry friend stays active and eats right. We’ve gathered some helpful tips…

‘Find It’ Game

Looking for an easy, helpful, and resourceful training game to play with your pup? Look no further than ‘find it’! The ‘find it’ game is a low maintenance training activity for you and your dog. It help your pup focus…

Small dog unrolls a red carpet during training class.

Roll Out the Red Carpet

With our Circus Dog Class only a week away and everyone getting excited for the big event under the big top, we thought it the perfect time to introduce a simple but fun trick. Rolling out the red carpet is…

Headshot of a Boston Terrier out in a field of wildflowers.

Dog First-Aid Kit Essentials

Having a first-aid kit assembled and ready for your dog is an important part of being a pet parent. Emergencies can strike at any time, and it’s always best to be prepared when they do. To help, we’ve assembled a…

Dog chews on a bone while lying on the floor at home.

Why Bother with Mealtime Training?

Mealtime or kitchen training is the act of training your dog to remain calm and out of the way while you are in your kitchen cooking or preparing meals. Many pet parents don’t bother with mealtime training and assume it’s…

Small dog sits on a colorful stand with a circus backdrop.

The Circus is Back in Town!

You heard that right, folks. Our Circus Dog class is back in town and only comes once a year! If you and your dog are graduates of AWS Basic Training (or an equivalent obedience group class), are looking for unique,…

Two small dogs sit in a garden during summertime.

How to Stop Doggy Digging

Do you have a dog who is digging up your yard or garden? We understand that this is a frustrating and destructive behavior that can lead to problems for you and your dog. As such, we want to provide some…

5 Minute Dog Training

We’re sure you’ve heard it before: “you only need to do five minutes of exercise four times a day to stay healthy!” Well, the same is true for dog training! Sometimes dedicating the time to actually working with your dog…

A small dog jumps through an agility hoop outside during training class.

Advance Your Dog’s Training!

Your dog knows basic cues like ‘sit’, ‘stay’, ‘come’, and ‘down.’ They walk well on a leash and know how to alert you when they need to go outside. They can focus well and look to you for direction and…

dog trainer works with a terrier dog

Benefits of Working With a Professional Trainer

January is National Train Your Dog Month, as designated by the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. Did you know AWS has a professional training program? AWS’ team of certified trainers love helping our community of dogs and dog-loving families! Together…

Close up a tan dog sitting outside and smiling at camera.

Trick: Make Focusing Fun

Do you have a dog who loves to pull? What about a dog who easily finds distractions? Or perhaps your pup feels overwhelmed by various stimuli? If so, we have a fun trick for you to learn: making focusing fun!…

Man and son hold a dog training certificate while puppy sits obediently beside them

Dog Training with Kids

Tip: Get the Kids Involved in Training! 𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗶𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼, 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀! You’ve been working hard to train the dog, but don’t forget the kids! From a young age, you…

A small, brown dog sits on a red blanket in front of Christmas backdrop.

TIP: A Fear-Free Holiday

Amidst the festive cheer, good food, and hustle and bustle that the holiday season brings, your dog might be secretly wishing for a quiet and fear-free holiday at home. Even the most social dog can find a surge of people,…

A small dog looks up at the camera from his bed on the floor of his home.

Treat Retreat for Fearful Dogs

Do you have a fearful or shy dog? Many pups experience fear when introduced to new people, places, or situations, and it can be frustrating for pet parents. No matter how frustrated we get, however, it’s always worse for our…

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Working with both children and pets takes a special and compassionate person, and that’s exactly how we would describe our Youth Programs volunteers! Alongside our Youth Programs Coordinator, volunteers help children visiting with AWS both inside and outside the classroom with fun games, tasks, education and, of course, animals. With programs like Rescue Readers, Furry Tales, and After School Club, there’s a lot to do around here regarding humane education! We’re grateful for the hard work and dedication of our Youth Programs volunteers who assist in teaching compassion, kindness, and care for all creatures!