PAWSitive Connection – Dog Training Courses
PAWS for People is happy to offer obedience, therapy dog, and target training through experienced PAWS dog trainers. Whether you are just getting started or you need to work on specific behaviors, we have the perfect class for you! And we now have three locations – Newark & Millsboro, DE and Jennersville, PA
Locations (class schedules for each location are below):
PAWS Office – 703 Dawson Drive, Newark, DE 19713
Jennersville Pets & Friends – 51 Jenners Village Ctr, West Grove, PA 19390
Concord Pet Foods – 26209 John J Williams Highway. Millsboro , DE 19966
Please note:
- Aggressive Behaviors: In order to ensure that our facility is a safe environment for dogs and their handlers, we do not accept aggressive dogs. We recommend you seek the advice of a behaviorist if your dog is has aggressive behaviors directed toward other dogs or people.
- Excessive Barking & Other Extreme Behaviors: Although we understand that some dogs can become overstimulated and need time to acclimate in a classroom environment, dogs who continue to demonstrate excessive barking, lunging, and/or other extreme behaviors disruptive to teaching/the learning of others will be asked to leave. Private training and/or seeking the advice of a certified behaviorist will be recommended.
- Dogs in Heat: Intact animals are permitted provided their temperament is appropriate to PAWS culture. Females in heat cannot attend any training sessions for safety reasons and should not visit at that time.
- Vaccinations: Proof of current rabies, distemper and Bordetella vaccines must be provided prior to attending the first session for all participants. All vaccines must be administered by a certified vet.
- Fees: All fees are based on one person and one dog. If you would like to bring an additional family member or friend to training, there will be an additional charge:
- Additional adult – 50% of the original fee
- Additional child (8-12 years) – $20
- PAWS Puppy is a basic obedience class for puppies 10 weeks – 6 months of age;
(OR)
PAWS Obedience 1 is a basic obedience class for dogs 6 months of age – adult.Note: both of these Basic Obedience classes cover the same content, but are divided into two classes by age only. These classes cover basic foundation skills such as sit, down, come, stay, name, attention games, Leave It, Off – no jumping, leash walking and more. Clear communication using Marker Words is emphasized, as well as incorporating play to teach your pup the basics in a fun, motivational way, to build your partnership into one with greater focus despite distractions.
Attention and Focus is for dogs who have completed a basic obedience course (with PAWS or another provider). This class will extensively cover attention and focus on the handler around distractions, people and other dogs. The dogs will learn how to remain calm and sit politely for greetings and petting. All previously learned behaviors will be brought to a higher level and we will start to “chain” the behaviors together. Your pup will learn to settle/place with increased distractions, duration and distance with all exercises.
PAWS Obedience 2 is for dogs ready for the next level of obedience training. We will be randomizing food, raising criteria, mastering our heeling skills and communication, greetings with people and other dogs, increasing distractions, walking politely through doorways, supervised separation, settle/place, and proofing previously learned behaviors. Most dogs will be ready for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test upon completion of this course.
Therapy Dog Prep is for dogs who have a solid training foundation and are preparing to take the Standards of Excellence Evaluation (“STEX Test”) for PAWS therapy pet certification and/or AKC Canine Good Citizen test (optional). This class will finely tune all previously learned skills to prepare the teams for a confident performance! (Note: this is not the training class to become certified for pet therapy.)
Advanced Skills for Visiting (for certified PAWS Members Only) This class will offer unique interactive skills to help enhance your therapy visits. Exercises will include learning chin rest, paws on lap w/chin rest, hand signals, target touch, and spin & twist. We will also introduce some fun tricks such as bow, ring a bell, push, and squish.
AKC Accredited Courses:
- AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy follows the AKC S.T.A.R program providing fun, socialization and basic training for puppies 8 weeks – 6 months Star puppy testing and certification is included in the program.
- Canine Good Citizen teaches the basics of good manners and obedience, instills the values of responsible ownership, and strengthens the bond between you and your dog. Certification, testing and title is offered at the end of the 6 weeks.
Private Training provides one-on-one sessions to help develop and hone in on specific skills you want to work on without added distractions of a classroom environment. Private training is by appointment only. Please contact Aileen Murray at AMurray@PAWSforPeople.org for details.
Classes at the PAWS Office, Newark, DE
| Day | # of Sessions | Start Date | Time | Class | Note | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 5 weekly sessions (no classes Thanksgiving Week) | 11.12.2024 | 5:00 PM | PAWS Puppy | Open to the public | 160 |
| Tuesday | 5 weekly sessions (no classes Thanksgiving Week) | 11.12.2024 | 6:15 PM | PAWS Obedience 2 | Open to the public | 160 |
| Tuesday | 5 weekly sessions (no classes Thanksgiving Week) | 11.12.2024 | 7:30 PM | PAWS Obedience 1 | Open to the public | 160 |
| Thursday | 6 weekly sessions (no classes Thanksgiving Week) | 11.14.2024 | 5:00 PM | Canine Good Citizen | Open to the public | 160 |
| Thursday | 5 weekly sessions (no classes Thanksgiving Week) | 11.14.2024 | 6:15 PM | Attention & Focus | Open to the public | 160 |
| Thursday | 5 weekly sessions (no classes Thanksgiving Week) | 11.14.2024 | 7:30 PM | Therapy Dog Prep | Open to the public | 180 |
| Friday | 5 weekly sessions (no classes Thanksgiving Week) | 11.15.2024 | 9:30 AM | PAWS Puppy | Open to the public | 160 |
| Friday | 5 weekly sessions (no classes Thanksgiving Week) | 11.15.2024 | 10:45 AM | PAWS Obedience 1 | Open to the public | 160 |
| Friday | 5 weekly sessions (no classes Thanksgiving Week) | 11.15.2024 | noon | Attention & Focus | Open to the public | 160 |
Classes at Pets and Friends, Jennersville, PA
| Day | # of Sessions | Start Date | Time | Class | Note | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 5 weekly sessions (no class on 12/23 or 12/30) | 12.2.2024 | 5:00 PM | PAWS Therapy Prep | Open to the public | $180 |
| Monday | 5 weekly sessions (no class on 12/23 or 12/30) | 12.2.2024 | 6:00 PM | Attention & Focus | Open to the public | $160 |
| Monday | 5 weekly sessions (no class on 12/23 or 12/30) | 12.2.2024 | 7:00 PM | PAWS Obedience 2 | Open to the public | $160 |
| Monday | 5 weekly sessions (no class on 12/23 or 12/30) | 12.2.2024 | 8:00 PM | PAWS Obedience 1 | Open to the public | $160 |
Course Descriptions
PAWS Puppy (puppies 10 weeks - 6 months)
Do you have a new puppy? Want to get a good start with its training and have fun at the same time? This 5-week course will focus on helping you and your pup build a partnership by teaching the basics in a fun, motivational way. We’ll also teach you how to incorporate play into training and how to keep your pup’s focus on you around distractions.
Instructors
Karen Powell – (Newark, DE & Jennersville, PA)
Colleen Hruska – (Millsboro, DE)
- Clear Communication w/ Marker Words
- Shaping Behavior
- Hand Touch
- Name Game
- Sit
- Down
- Come
- Heel Position
- Loose Leash Walking
- Engagement/ How to play with your dog
- Out – release toy or object
- Gentle Jaws
- Leave It
- Stay
- Accept Handling
Requirements:
- Open to puppies 10 weeks to 6 months of age.
- This course is open to everyone (PAWS members and greater community).
- Proof of current rabies, distemper and Bordetella vaccines must be provided prior to attending the first session for all participants.
Cost: $160 (5 week course)
Location: PAWS for People Office & Training Center
703 Dawson Drive, Newark, DE 19713
Google Maps
You will need to bring:
- A variety of soft treats
- Non-squeaking tug type toy
- Flat, straight leash and approved collar: flat, buckled collar; Martingale; harness
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy
The Puppy Star class follows the AKC S.T.A.R program providing fun, socialization and basic training for puppies 8 weeks – 6 months Star puppy testing and certification is included in the program.
20 STEPS To Success: The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Test
S ocialization
T raining
A ctivity
R esponsibility
OWNER BEHAVIORS:
1. Maintains puppy’s health (vaccines, exams, appears healthy)
2. Owner receives Responsible Dog Owner’s Pledge
3. Owner describes adequate daily play and exercise plan
4. Owner and puppy attend at least 6 classes by an AKC Approved CGC Evaluator
5. Owner brings bags to classes for cleaning up after puppy
6. Owner has obtained some form of ID for puppy-collar tag, etc.
PUPPY BEHAVIORS:
7. Free of aggression toward people during at least 6 weeks of class
8. Free of aggression toward other puppies in class
9. Tolerates collar or body harness of owner’s choice
10. Owner can hug or hold puppy (depending on size)
11. Puppy allows owner to take away a treat or toy
PRE-CANINE GOOD CITIZEN® TEST BEHAVIORS:
12. Allows (in any position) petting by a person other than the owner
13. Grooming-Allows owner handling and brief exam (ears, feet)
14. Walks on a Leash-Follows owner on lead in a straight line (15 steps)
15. Walks by other people-Walks on leash past other people 5-ft away
16. Sits on command-Owner may use a food lure
17. Down on command-Owner may use a food lure
18. Comes to owner from 5-ft when name is called
19. Reaction to Distractions-distractions are presented 15-ft away
20. Stay on leash with another person (owner walks 10 steps and returns)
Instructor
Karen Powell (Jennersville, PA)
Requirements:
- Open to puppies 8 weeks to 6 months of age.
- This course is open to everyone (PAWS members and greater community).
- Proof of current rabies, distemper and Bordetella vaccines must be provided prior to attending the first session for all participants.
Cost: $180 (6 week course)
Location:
PAWS for People Office & Training Center
AND
Jennersville Pets & Friends
PAWS Obedience 1 (dogs 6 months and older)
Instructor
Karen Powell – (Newark, DE & Jennersville, PA)
Colleen Hruska – (Millsboro, DE)
We will cover the following:
- Clear Communication w/ Marker Words
- Shaping Behavior
- Hand Touch
- Name Game
- Sit
- Down
- Come
- Heel Position
- Loose Leash Walking
- Engagement/ How to play with your dog
- Out – release toy or object
- Gentle Jaws
- Leave It
- Stay
- Accept Handling
Requirements:
- Open to dogs 6 months and older.
- This course is open to everyone (PAWS members and greater community).
- Proof of current rabies, distemper and Bordetella vaccines must be provided prior to attending the first session for all participants.
Cost: $160 (5 week course)
Location: PAWS for People Office & Training Center
703 Dawson Drive, Newark, DE 19713
Google Maps
You will need to bring:
- A variety of soft treats
- Non-squeaking tug type toy
- Flat, straight leash and approved collar: flat, buckled collar; Martingale; harness
Attention & Focus
The emphasis of this course is to improve and build a reliable therapy team through mastering attention skills and focus on the handler around distractions. We will cover a variety of exercises and games as well as loose-lead handling skills in order to help you and your pup become a more well-rounded team and increase reliable performance. The lessons learned can also be carried over to help your pup become a well-mannered family pet.
Skills Addressed:
- Attention and Focus games
- Attention on Handler- “Watch”
- Off – No jumping
- Meeting and Greeting a Friendly Stranger
- Automatic Sit
- Stay
- Come when called
- Settle
- Sit/Down
- Leave It
- Clear communication using Marker Words
- Fading treats and lures
Instructors:
Karen Powell – (Newark, DE & Jennersville, PA)
Colleen Hruska – (Millsboro, DE)
Requirements:
- This course is open to everyone (PAWS members and greater community).
- Proof of current rabies, distemper and Bordetella vaccines must be provided prior to attending the first session for all participants.
Cost: $160 (5 week course)
Location: PAWS for People Office & Training Center
703 Dawson Drive, Newark, DE 19713
Google Maps
You will need to bring:
- Treats: We recommend bringing 3 levels of treats for variety and motivation
- Flat, straight leash and approved collar: flat, buckled collar; Martingale; harness
PAWS Obedience 2
Instructors:
Karen Powell – (Newark, DE & Jennersville, PA)
Colleen Hruska – (Millsboro, DE)
We will cover the following:
-
Heeling with Distractions
-
Improved Attention and Focus on the Handler
-
Leave It
-
Entering/Exiting Doorways
-
Sit/Down Stay
-
Come when Called
-
Supervised Separation
-
Polite Greetings
-
Settle with Distractions
-
Accept Handling
-
Clear Communication
-
Fading Treats and Lures
Requirements:
- This course is open to everyone (PAWS members and greater community).
- Proof of current rabies, distemper and Bordetella vaccines must be provided prior to attending the first session for all participants.
Cost: $160 (5 week course)
Location: PAWS for People Office & Training Center
703 Dawson Drive, Newark, DE 19713
Google Maps
You will need to bring:
- A variety of soft treats
- Non-squeaking tug type toy
- Flat, straight leash and approved collar: flat, buckled collar; Martingale; harness
Therapy Dog Prep: Targeted Training for the Prospective Therapy Dog Team
Want to become a PAWSome team? This class is for you! Throughout this 5-week course, handlers will have the opportunity to review and practice the basic skills necessary for their dogs to become therapy pets. We do lots of fun exercises to help you and your pup get ready for real pet therapy work. In addition, handlers can work toward passing PAWS’ Standards of Excellence Test (STEX), which is required for all PAWS Therapy teams, and/or the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test. CGC testing done at the last class. Please note: Additional PAWS Training is needed prior to PAWS Therapy Pet Certification.
Requirements:
- This course is open to everyone (PAWS members and greater community).
- Proof of current rabies, distemper and Bordetella vaccines must be provided prior to attending the first session for all participants.
Instructors:
Karen Powell – (Newark, DE & Jennersville, PA)
Colleen Hruska – (Millsboro, DE)
Cost: $180 (5 week course)
Location: PAWS for People Office & Training Center
703 Dawson Drive, Newark, DE 19713
Google Maps
You will need to bring:
- Treats: We recommend bringing 3 levels of treats for variety and motivation
- Your dog’s favorite or highly motivating toys
- Flat, straight leash and approved collar: flat, buckled collar; Martingale; harness
Canine Good Citizen Training Class
Canine Good Citizen teaches the basics of good manners and obedience, instills the values of responsible ownership, and strengthens the bond between you and your dog.
Certification, testing and title is offered at the end of the 6 weeks.
Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger
Test 2: Sitting politely for petting
Test 3: Appearance and grooming
Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)
Test 5: Walking through a crowd
Test 6: Sit and down on command and Staying in place
Test 7: Coming when called
Test 8: Reaction to another dog
Test 9: Reaction to distraction
Test 10: Supervised separation
Instructor
Karen Powell (Jennersville, PA)
Requirements:
- This course is open to everyone (PAWS members and greater community).
- Proof of current rabies, distemper and Bordetella vaccines must be provided prior to attending the first session for all participants.
Cost: $180 (6 week course)
Location: PAWS for People Office & Training Center
703 Dawson Drive, Newark, DE 19713
Google Maps
Advanced Skills For Visiting (PAWS Members Only)
PAWS therapy teams know that the more the person you are visiting is engaged with our pets, the better the visit and the deeper the therapeutic effect. This new course is designed to teach YOU how to teach your DOG some very significant engagement behaviors – actions and tricks that your dog can do to encourage greater involvement and interaction between your pet and the recipient of your visits.
Instructor: Karen Powell (Newark)
We will cover:
- Retrieve & Release – teach “Bring” & “Out”
- Push – dog will push small objects such as small car, stroller, ball with nose
- Head Rest – dog rests head on persons lap
- Paws on Lap – dog rests paws and head on persons lap
- Touch – dog gives nose touch to hand, book, wheelchair, bed
- Spin & Twist – dog spins in circle to the left & right
- Squish – dog sitting in-between handlers legs
- Puppy Push Ups – Sit & Down with hand signals
- Find It – dog finds treat and indicates
- Shake – shake paw
- Go Touch & Stay – send dog to another person/bed/chair & Sit
- Settle – Down & Standby
- Back Up – dog back up with handler
Requirements:
This course is open to PAWS members only
Cost: $180 (5 week course)
Location: PAWS for People Office & Training Center
703 Dawson Drive, Newark, DE 19713
Google Maps
You will need to bring:
- Treats: We recommend bringing 3 levels of treats for variety and motivation
- Several assorted small objects for dog to retrieve (such as NON-SQUEAKY stuffed toys)
- 2 tennis balls (sized appropriate for your dog)
- hand towel to place in your lap and to use as a target
Private Training
One on one sessions to help develop and hone in on specific skills you want to work on without added distractions of a classroom environment.Requirements:
- This course is open to everyone (PAWS members and greater community).
- Proof of current rabies and distemper vaccines must be provided prior to attending the 1st session for all participants.
Cost: $60.00 per session
You will need to bring:
- Treats: We recommend bringing 3 levels of treats for variety and motivation
- Flat, straight leash and approved collar: flat, buckled collar; Martingale; harness