Training/Behavior

We take the fostering of the connection between humans and their canine family members seriously.

Training is bond-building and relationship-cementing. A well-mannered dog is able to enjoy a fuller, richer, more experiential life. Training provides a foundation for communication and provides the human family with a way to connect with their dog to maximize their relationship potential.

Each dog breed has a purpose (i.e. hunting, herding, working, guarding, companionship). Those functions “breed” certain personality traits. Dogs have different learning styles based on their genetic and environmental makeup; for instance, sporting dogs have a different learning style than terriers, and the toy breeds are different from hounds, and so on. Your dog’s behavior is driven by approximately 35 percent genetic (innate) influence and 65 percent environmental (learned) factors. Our trainers use proven relationship-building and positive-reinforcement techniques (environmental) in combination with our knowledge of the behavioral nuances of each breed and mix (genetic) to set your dog up for success. 

Our classes offer something for everyone: Socialization Training for puppies; Manners, Performance Sport Skills, and Trick Training for adolescent and older dogs; and FUN for YOU!

Classes are held at our WAGD location in Malvern. If you prefer to keep it private, our behavioral experts will assess your dog’s needs, abilities, and challenges and form a customized game plan for one-on-one training. Private training can occur at WAGD or in your own home. (Yes, we make house calls!). We also can schedule a phone consult or zoom meeting.

Sometimes dog behavior can be challenging to understand. We’re here to help! Using the proven principals of operant conditioning, our breed-based knowledge, and Mary Remer’s uncanny communication instincts and experience, we can change even the most frustrating behaviors and teach you how to resolve issues before they become problems. At the core of all WAGD learning is providing a foundation for communication, developing mutual respect, and supporting the opportunity for the human family to understand their dogs’ needs, thereby connecting in a way that maximizes the relationship potential. At What A Good Dog, we believe our results speak for themselves.

Our Classes

Puppy PROGRAM: Establishing A Relationship FOR LIFE

Over the past two decades, we’ve gained invaluable insights into the development of our canine companions. Key to this understanding is recognizing that their first year features several critical developmental periods for learning essential skills to ensure they thrive as our lifelong friends. Each developmental stage presents unique challenges to foster more sophisticated interactions with the human world. Our program, "Relationship for Life" (RFL), leverages these optimal “learning windows” to equip you and your puppy with knowledge and skills tailored to your dog’s developmental timeline.

Manners:

NOTE: Our Manners classes are for older puppies/dogs who have not started as a young puppy in our Relationship For Life Program.

Good manners are about more than just getting a pet to do what we want; the right training can keep your dog safe, and makes for more harmonious relationships. We teach dogs and families all the skills they need to build better relationships and ensure a safe and happy home.

Level 1: Ages 6 months and up.

Level 2: Prerequisite: Manners Level 1.

Level 3: Prerequisite: Manners Level 1 & 2.

MORE LEARNING, MORE FUN, MORE CLASSES

We offer a variety of advanced and fun classes as well as AKC titling Prep classes. If you do not see a class you are interested in on the scheduling page, contact Joyce, our Training Administrator, at 610-620-5751, or email training@whatagooddoginc.com for information.

CGC (CANINE GOOD CITIZEN) & TDI (THERAPY DOG INTERNATIONAL) PREPARATORY CLASS

The Canine Good Citizen class teaches responsible pet ownership, builds trust and confidence in your relationship with your dog and covers 10 basic skills, the mastery of which result in a dog with good manners in your home and out in the community.  This class prepares you and your dog to take the AKC CGC test, which will be offered by What A Good Dog proximate to the end of the class session.  If passed, you will receive a certificate from the AKC with the official AKC CGC title after your dog’s name.  This training also lays the foundation for Therapy Dog International testing and participation in sports such as agility, rally and other sports

We can arrange to test any dog in a private session. To learn more about the requirements for the CGC, visit the AKC website. (All ages.)

Rally:

Rally is a fun, fast-growing sport in which canine/handler team teams navigate a course at their own pace and compete for points. The competition levels are Novice, Advanced and Excellent. It's a great first step towards Agility Obedience competition. Visit the AKC website for more information about Rally. (Ages one year and up. Prerequisite: Manners Level 1 and CGC.)

agility:

Agility is an exciting sport for dogs and handlers in which off-leash dogs are directed through fun obstacle courses while handlers use body language and verbal cues to guide the dog. We start dogs off in a safe environment and gradually work up to more challenging moves. Puppy Foundation classes for agility are available. Learn more about agility at the AKC website. (Ages one year and up; Manners Level 1 and CGC required.)

Obedience:

Obedience training builds a strong bond between you and your dog and prepares the two of you to compete in Obedience Trials, competitions where dogs show their knowledge and training of commands. Learn more about Obedience Training at the AKC website. (Ages one year and up; Manners Level 1 and CGC required.)

FOCUSED HEELING GAMES – THE STARTING POINT OF DANCING WITH YOUR DOGS!

This 6-week class is designed to develop your dog’s focus through teaching proper position for leash walking in a fun and joyful atmosphere!  This is the foundation for competition-type heeling used in Obedience, Rally and Heelwork to Music (Canine Freestyle).  The bonus is that, once learned, your daily walks with your dog will be more enjoyable for both of you!

TRICKS

In this class you can have fun learning a variety of new tricks with your dog and go so far as to earn an American Kennel Club (AKC) tricks title (tricks submitted to the AKC by video).  In the process, you will learn how to use a variety of techniques, such as shaping, luring, capturing, and targeting. It’s a great class to build your dog’s confidence and enjoy time playing and learning with your dog.

TUNNELS, HOOPS AND PLATFORMS, OH MY!

This FUN Obedience/Agility hybrid 4-week class is geared for the pet owner who wants to continue training and having fun with their companion dog. Dogs will learn to go through tunnels and hoops, jump over low poles and hop onto platforms. The class is a great way to build focus and practice “obedience/manner” skills in the presence of other dogs working in motion. What A Good Dog’s reward-based approach builds your dog’s desire to connect and play with you.

DOG PARKOUR, ALSO KNOWN AS URBAN AGILITY

This class offers a fun and challenging fusion of agility, obedience, and fitness. In this class, your dog will learn to climb, crawl under, jump over, balance atop, and go around different obstacles. You will be able to play with your dog at home with what’s accessible — step stool, laundry basket, chairs, etc. You will also learn how to safely transfer the skills outdoors, to objects like tree stumps, logs, and park benches. This training will boost your dog’s confidence, trust, and strengthen your relationship. Turn the world around you into an Adventureland for your dog!

Canine Sports Class

Have you heard about sports for dogs? In this class, you and your dog will be exposed to Competition, Obedience, Rally, Tricks and Agility. These sports are fun, interesting, and sometimes challenging. This class is a great way to discover your dog’s natural abilities and strengthen your relationship through play and learning.