Canine Training
Train, socialize and bond with your dog with AWS Certified Professional Dog Trainers.
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!
Pop-Up Puppy Playgroup
Meet other puppies and enjoy playtime and enrichment time together!
Foster positive associations with other dogs while having fun.
What does ‘Pop-Up’ mean? It means these play sessions aren’t scheduled regularly but rather spontaneously as time is available.
Activities include play time with enrichment toys, puppy obstacle courses, and supervised free play with other puppies to explore and interact under the watchful eyes of experienced trainers. Owners will also gain valuable insight to understanding their puppy’s body language and social cues.
Free play with other puppies will depend on the dynamic of the class each session 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.
Pop-Up Pack Walks
Stroll AWS’ beautiful property and trails alongside other training students and their dogs!
Meet fellow dog-lovers and give your pup new sights, sounds and socialization opportunities, while getting in some exercise.
What does ‘Pop-Up’ mean? It means these walks won’t be scheduled regularly but rather spontaneously as long as the warm weather lasts.
These group walks are more casual than our typical group class structure, but they are still organized and led by one of our experienced trainers who will be there to offer tips and advice.
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!
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 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. Suddenly, your half-baked, tasty treat is gone! You glance down […]
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How Stomper Overcame Challenges to Ace his CGC Test
At AWS, we celebrate every victory, big and small, but some milestones stand out. We are excited to announce that Stomper, one of our most resilient and close to heart […]
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Pop-Up Puppy Playgroup
Do you have a young puppy eager to get out and play? Are you looking to socialize them with other puppies and their people? Perhaps you want to enroll them […]
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The Three D’s of Dog Training
Does your dog ‘sit’ well in your home, but struggles in the backyard? Can your pup ‘stay’ when asked, but only for a short time? By practicing the three D’s […]
Meet Our Certified Trainers
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Roberta Guertin, CPDT-KA
Behavior & Training Manager -
Laura DesMarais, CPDT-KA
Canine Trainer -
Brenda Horowitz, CPDT-KA
Canine Trainer -
Melissa McCue-McGrath
Canine Trainer -
Kim VanSickle, CPDT-KA
Canine Trainer -
Karen Casey, CPDT-KA
Canine Trainer
Canine Training Resources
Alliance of Therapy Dogs
An international registry of certified therapy dog teams that provides testing, certification, registration and support for members who volunteer with their dogs in animal-assisted activities.
Cat to Dog Introductions
While “fighting like cats and dogs” may be a common phrase, it doesn’t have to be! Introducing your new cat or dog to your resident cat or dog can be successful with a strategic plan and a bit of patience.
Dog to Dog Introductions
Many dogs enjoy having a canine friend at home. However, bringing a new dog into your home to meet your resident dogs can be a tense time. Use the following
guide for initial introductions to your dogs, and any new friends’ and family members’ dogs your dogs will
be spending time with.
Dogs & Babies
Introducing a dog to a baby can be a difficult task when you are already tired and
emotionally drained. The key is preparation. You need to decide well ahead of time how your
dog’s routines will change—one of the biggest concerns will be who will be in charge of what
tasks, including exercise. Babies and dogs can and do live in harmony, but it takes some
training.
Good Pup: Online Dog Training
Train your dog at home over video chat through GoodPup. GoodPup uses positive reinforcement training and even has Veterinary Technicians on staff. You can work with a certified trainer on basic skills or with a behavior specialist for more complex issues. Free first week and then 10% off for life!
How to Curb Puppy Biting & Chewing
One of the best things about puppies is how curious they are. We love watching them
encountering new situations each day and helping them navigate through them. However, the
downside is that puppies explore the world through their mouths! This can lead to some less
than desirable bites to your hands, clothes, and household items. While we do not want to
discourage a puppy’s inclination to try new things, we do want to let them know the best way
to go about it. Let’s explore ways to help our puppies use their mouths appropriately and
encourage time to settle.
Puppy Housetraining Guide
There are two important steps to housetrain a puppy (or dog): prevent accidents and provide rewards for going outside. This guide explains how to get started.
Puppy Socialization Tips
Socialization is the process of exposing your puppy gently and positively to new experiences, as well as learning to give and take social cues from dogs and people. It is so much more than just exposure or having your puppy play with other puppies! We want to socialize our puppies to new sights, smells, sounds, terrain, people, dogs, cats, squirrels, weather, body handling, and coping with stress.
Understanding Fearful Dogs
Whether you have a new furry addition to your family, or a pet who has been with you for some time, it’s important to be able to recognize signals that your dog is fearful of someone or something.
What is a service dog?
A guide to everything you need to know.
What is a therapy dog?
Find out if your dog is a good fit.
What is an emotional support animal?
Learn what the benefits are to having one.
Your Dog’s Teen Years
A dog’s adolescence (also known as the teen years) lasts from about 6 months to about 2 years. It is a period of significant growth and development. Learn how to best support your dog through this life stage.
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.
Questions?
For more information, please contact our Behavior and Canine Training Manager via email or telephone at (207) 985-3244 ext. 111.
Follow Us!
Today, World Kindness Day, we want to give a special shout out to our amazing volunteers and foster families. The kindness and love you show our animals each and every day means the world to them – and to us!
Want to get involved? Learn more at the link in our bio.
Hi everyone. My name is Lady, and I am very glad to meet you! I am a lovable three-year-old German Shepherd who can’t wait to find my new home. When I found out that I was chosen to be the next Pet of the Week by the AWS staff I could not have been happier! Check out the link in our bio to read my blog post!
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.
