What are Reindeer Games?

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! We love the holiday season for its 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 sure to keep your pup on Santa’s nice list while also teaching them valuable skills and life lessons. Plus, they’re tons of festive fun!

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 thats designed for you! So, what exactly are these all about? Well, we’re here to share a short sampling of each class to let you know what you and your little reindeer are going to learn for each session. If any one of the following classes sounds like the one for your pup, sign them up to be a part of Santa’s sleigh team!

Santa’s Holiday Manners*
Primarily, this class is all about applying your pup’s Basic Training skills to real life situations. Certified canine training instructor Melissa McCue-McGrath will help your dog tackle topics like counter surfing, jumping up on guests, and management skills. After all, good manners means your furry friend is sure to make Santa’s nice list!

Frosty’s Focus Games for Beginners
Is your dog on their way to the naughty list by ignoring you or not paying attention to cues? If so, this Reindeer Game is for you! Taught by certified canine trainer Laura DesMarais, this class will teach you and your furry friend the art of handler engagement and the secrets to a relaxed, focused, and festive partnership in any environment. Through fun games and pattern exercises, you’ll become the shining star in your dog’s holiday season. Therefore, making you the cherished apple of their eye! Good dog!

Dancer’s Tricks and Fun*
This crowd-pleasing class is all about tricks, tails, and tinsel! Certified canine trainer Brenda Horowitz will teach your dog tricks such as jumping through a wreathe, rolling out the red carpet for Santa, and decorating the Christmas tree. These tricks are sure to delight your friends and family this holiday season!

Blitzen’s Brain Teasers*
This holiday class is sure to be a good time! Certified canine trainer Laura DesMarais will help you and your dog work through training skills by playing fun, holiday games. These include Tic-Tac-Toe, a spoon race relay, and delivering holiday presents. Despite the fun, all games use agility, obedience, and critical thinking skills. There are always games, giggles, and holiday jingles!

Dasher’s Agility and Obstacles*
This merry class is all about jingle bells and jumps. Taught by certified canine trainer Kim VanSickle, she will teach your canine how to conquer agility challenges like jumps, cavalettis, hoops, tables, and more. Naturally, these obstacles are all festively decorated! Dash through the holiday season with this captivating class!

For a more comprehensive schedule of our Reindeer Games, check out our full Reindeer Games training page. Sign up for a Reindeer Game and unquestionably, your pup will end on Santa’s nice list this holiday season!

*Open to graduates of AWS Basic Training, an equivalent obedience/manners group class, or permission from the instructor