Open Veterans Day: Monday, November 11
Closed Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 28

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!

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!…

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…

A small dog jumps through a Christmas wreathe hoop during training class.

What are Reindeer Games?

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! We love the holiday season for it’s festivities, fun, and good feelings, but there’s another reason as well. We’re talking, of course, about AWS’ annual Reindeer Games! These holiday-themed training classes are…

A puppy puts their paws on the counter with their tongue out.

How to Control Counter Surfing

We’ve all been there; you’re right in the middle of cooking and you turn your back for just a moment and suddenly, your half-baked, tasty treat is gone! You glance down and see that Fido has nabbed your masterpiece right…

Shelter Dog Learning

Whether they are ready for adoption or still working on their manners, we make sure that the eligible canines in our care (shelter dogs) get the proper exercise and stimulation by working their body and brain. They are regular visitors…

brown dog in blue harness sits in car

Hiking With Dogs

When’s the best time to go hiking with dogs? How about now! The weather is cooling down and there’s a crispness in the air. Say goodbye to muggy heat and mosquitos and hello to more opportunities for hiking with your…

fluffy red puppy wears a gentle leader during training lesson

Gentle Leader

If you’re a pet parent, odds are you’ve probably heard the term ‘gentle leader’ before. But what exactly is this training tool? How does it differ from other dog leashes or harnesses? Simply put, a gentle leader is an inexpensive…

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@aws.maine

This week is Animal Shelter Appreciation Week. Our staff and volunteers work tirelessly each day to care for hundreds of pets. We couldn’t do what we do without their dedication. We also couldn’t do what we do without the support of our community. As we celebrate Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, we share some of our favorite “happy homes” stories. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

"Three years ago today I adopted BUDDY2, and he has brought so much love and joy! Here he is with his “celebration” cake and a happy face! Thank you to the Staff at AWS for the love and care you give to the shelter pets.
Much love!"

We encourage you to take a moment to submit a story update on your pet at the link in our bio.
This week is Animal Shelter Appreciation Week. Our staff and volunteers work tirelessly each day to care for hundreds of pets. We couldn’t do what we do without their dedication. We also couldn’t do what we do without the support of our community. As we celebrate Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, we share some of our favorite “happy homes” stories. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

"I went to AWS in search of a bird or two and fell in love with these parakeets! They are such a wonderful addition to our family. Thank you guys for helping me find them 😊"

We encourage you to take a moment to submit a story update on your pet! Submit your story here: https://animalwelfaresociety.org/adoption/adoption-stories/#stories
This week is Animal Shelter Appreciation Week. Our staff and volunteers work tirelessly each day to care for hundreds of pets. We couldn’t do what we do without their dedication. We also couldn’t do what we do without the support of our community. As we celebrate Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, we share some of our favorite “happy homes” stories. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

"Hi there! My partner and I adopted Copper on Friday, August 9 and he’s totally awesome. It was love at first sight! We and he have been enjoying each other immensely. Fortunately, I’m self employed and have been able to take the last week off allowing me to bond with and take Copper on countless adventures in the Bath Maine area. I’m so happy that our paths crossed. 
It was so nice and pleasant dealing with you all at Animal Welfare Society. You have a great, well-run facility there. The staff are so friendly and kind.
Thank you so much, keep up the great work!"

We encourage you to take a moment to submit a story update on your pet at the link in our bio.
Where is Willow’s date taking her? Check out our stories to find out!

#dogdate #dogsofthekennebunks #outandabout #adoptme
Hi everybody. My name is Jag and it is great to meet you! I’ve been here at AWS for over three weeks looking for my new home, and that could be where you come in. It was a delightful surprise to be picked as the Pet of the Week by the AWS staff! You may be wondering what I’m all about, so why don’t I tell you! Check out the link in bio to read my blog post!