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!
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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Why Use a Crate and How to Crate Train
Crate training is a great training and management tool for your dog. Training your dog can benefit all stages of life from being a puppy, adult dog or a senior […]
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Why Loose Leash Walking is Beneficial and How to Achieve It
Teaching your dog to walk with you comfortably is an all-important step if you want to take your dog with you anywhere. Whether it’s a walk on a hiking trail […]
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Canine Training Resources
As January is Train Your Dog month, we wanted to reintroduce you to our training program and share with you the canine training resources we offer to help dogs and […]
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Simple Games to Play with Your Dog in the Snow
We’re still waiting for more snow on the ground, but we know that in a Maine winter there could be a snow at any point! While many dogs love to […]
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!
Crate training is a great training and management tool for your dog. Training your dog can benefit all stages of life from being a puppy, adult dog or a senior dog. Not only giving yourself more peace of mind, but crate training can also give dogs a sense of security and comfort.
Visit our profile to learn more about crate training!
As January is Train Your Dog month, we wanted to reintroduce you to our training program and share with you the canine training resources we offer to help dogs and their people bond, communicate and engage with each other.
Visit our profile to learn more about our Canine Training resources and sign up for our mailing list!
As the saying goes, “good things come in pairs,” and we have a lot of bonded pairs here at AWS! What’s a bonded pair? It’s two pets that came in together (from the same home) and enjoy being together. Thus, we adopt them out together so they can continue their relationship and bring each other joy and comfort.
OJ & Blossom are one of these bonded pairs that are looking to find their new home together! These sweet guinea pigs love to be around each other and share a leaf of lettuce. They are certainly happier together!
Visit our profile to learn more!
Boo & Noel are sweet white kittens with mirrored eyes looking to find their new home! They can’t stay out of each other’s personal space - or yours 🐱
Hello everyone! My name is Nala and I’m here with my friend Leo. We are friends and would like to find a home together! We were so happy when the AWS staff chose us to be the Pets of the Week this week to talk about why we’ll be double the fun if you bring us home!
Visit our profile to learn why bonded pairs are double the fun!
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