Training
PAWS AT PLAY DOG TRAINING
Training for Real Life.
THE PAWS AT PLAY TRAINING DIFFERENCE
Training Should Build Trust — Not Fear.
We believe how your dog learns matters just as much as what they learn.
That's why all Paws At Play training programs use positive, reward-based training methods.
NO E-COLLARS.
NO PRONG COLLARS.
NO FEAR-BASED TRAINING.
Instead, our trainers use reinforcement, repetition, clear communication, thoughtful environmental management, and progressive challenges to help dogs understand what we're asking of them.
We don't want a dog who simply performs because they're trying to avoid discomfort.
We want a dog who understands, engages, learns, and wants to work with you.
Our philosophy is simple:
Reward what you want.
Prevent rehearsal of what you don't want.
Increase difficulty when the dog is ready.
A well-trained dog isn't just a dog who knows commands.
It's a dog who can communicate with you, navigate the world with confidence, make better choices when life gets distracting, and become an even better part of your family.
At Paws At Play, our training programs are designed to grow with your dog — from their very first puppy experiences to advanced real-world obedience.
Our professional trainers use positive, reward-based training methods to build communication, confidence, practical skills, and lasting behaviors.
POSITIVE TRAINING. PRACTICAL SKILLS. BETTER COMMUNICATION.
Puppy Preschool • K9 Kindergarten • Play School • Board & Train
TRAINING THAT GROWS WITH YOUR DOG
One Training Philosophy. Multiple Ways to Learn.
Dogs don't stop learning when puppy class ends.
We've created a progressive training system so owners always have somewhere to go next.
PUPPY PRESCHOOL
Build the foundation.
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AKC S.T.A.R. PUPPY®
Celebrate your puppy's first training milestone.
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K9 KINDERGARTEN
Turn puppy skills into real-world manners.
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AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN®
Work toward nationally recognized good-dog manners.
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KEEP LEARNING
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PLAY SCHOOL
Combining structured play, positive training, enrichment, socialization, CGC skills, and individualized goals.
For dogs and families looking for a more immersive training experience, we also offer:
BOARD & TRAIN
Professional daily training, individualized goals, structured experiences, and real-world skill development.
WHICH TRAINING PROGRAM IS RIGHT FOR MY DOG?
Have a Puppy?
START WITH → PUPPY PRESCHOOL
Build socialization, confidence, foundational training, and work toward AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy®.
Graduated Puppy Preschool?
CONTINUE WITH → K9 KINDERGARTEN
Turn puppy skills into real-world manners while working toward AKC Canine Good Citizen®.
Is Your Dog 1+ and You Want Training Built Into Their Day?
EXPLORE → PLAY SCHOOL
Start with a Trainer Meet & Greet, followed by a five-day induction and four weeks combining structured play, positive training, enrichment, socialization, CGC skills, and individualized goals.
Looking for an Immersive Training Experience?
EXPLORE → BOARD & TRAIN
Start with a Trainer Meet & Greet to discuss your dog's behaviors and your goals, followed by a required five-day induction.
From there, we'll recommend the appropriate 14-, 21-, or 28-Day Board & Train experience.
OUR TRAINING PROMISE
Positive Methods. Practical Skills. Better Communication.
Every dog who walks through our doors is an individual.
Training isn't about forcing every dog through the exact same process.
It's about understanding the dog in front of us, finding what motivates them, teaching them how to succeed, and progressively building skills they can use in everyday life.
POSITIVE, REWARD-BASED TRAINING
We reinforce the behaviors we want and teach dogs how to make better choices.
NO E-COLLARS OR PRONG COLLARS
Our training philosophy does not rely on these tools.
INDIVIDUALIZED TRAINING
Every dog learns differently. Our trainers adjust the process to the dog in front of them.
REAL-WORLD SKILLS
Training should work outside the classroom — at home, on walks, around distractions, and throughout everyday life.
PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE
Our trainers don't just train dogs. We help owners understand how to continue the process.
AKC MILESTONES
With an AKC Approved CGC Evaluator on our training team, eligible dogs can work toward nationally recognized AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy® and AKC Canine Good Citizen® achievements.
A CLEAR NEXT STEP
Training doesn't end at graduation.
We'll help you decide where to go next.
