At Direction for Dogs, LLC, the goal is for dog training to be both educational and fun, while learning practical skills that you can apply in the real world. These sessions are time-efficient, affordable, and offered in small class sizes so you can receive personalized attention in a supportive environment. Our diverse classes were created to keep training engaging and to promote lifelong learning. When dogs learn more than just the commands, their lives become enriched, and their bond and communication with you grow stronger. The result? You will have a happy and well-behaved family pet. For a quick glance at our class schedule, simply scroll down to view our monthly calendars at the bottom of this page.
HOW TO REGISTER - If you already have a registration form and vaccine records on file with us, then simply email us at info@directionfordogs.com to let us know what classes you want to take. If you are a new client, then please register at www.DirectionForDogs.com/register
Step 1 - Home Manners - Teach your dog the skills most needed in and around the house.
Course Goals:
Polite greetings
Loose-leash walking
Sit and down on cue
Stay in place
Come when called
Comfort with grooming and handling
Confidence during brief separations
Course Description: Build a strong foundation of practical skills that will make everyday life with your dog more enjoyable and rewarding. This course focuses on the behaviors that matter most from polite greetings with strangers to enjoyable walks. Whether you're navigating a trip to the vet or simply enjoying time together at home, these essential skills will strengthen the bond and communication between you and your pet.
Note: This course follows the AKC Canine Good Citizen program. A CGC test is included for everyone during the last class, but each student has the option as to whether or not to officially register it with the AKC.
Location: Dawg Day Afternoon, 1571 Horseshoe Pike, Glenmoore, PA 19343
Ages: 6 months & older
Prerequisites: None
Class Size: Limited to 5 dogs
Sessions: 6 total classes, 1x per week, 50 minutes each, includes detailed class notes and homework
Cost: $195
Dates:
Option A: - Jan. 14 to Feb. 18 on Wednesdays from 6:30-7:20 p.m. (2 spots open)
Option B - Jan. 14 to Feb. 18 on Wednesdays from 7:30-8:20 p.m. (5 spots open)
Step 2 - Neighborhood Areas - Practice expanding those skills and also transition to outdoor environments.
Course Goals:
Remaining neutral around strangers carrying objects
Loose-leash walking at varied paces
Passing other dogs calmly without pulling
"Leave it" skills around food temptations
Waiting politely for durations while you're occupied
Distance stays and recalls with distractions present
Course Description: Take your training to the next level with challenges that prepare you and your dog for life outside of your home. This intermediate course focuses on reliability and control in everyday community settings from sidewalk traffic to park activity. You'll practice distance and duration skills that allow your dog to confidently accompany you around town while remaining calm, focused, and responsive. We will also partake in two field trips to a nearby neighborhood and park to make sure the skills are transferable outside of the classroom.
Note: This course follows the AKC Advanced Community Canine program. A CGCA test is included for everyone during the last class, but each student has the option as to whether or not to officially register it with the AKC.
Location: Four classes will be held at Dawg Day Afternoon, 1571 Horseshoe Pike, Glenmoore, PA 19343 and two classes will be held outside in a nearby neighborhood and local park.
Ages: 6 months & older
Prerequisites: Completion of Essential Skills
Class Size: Limited to 5 dogs
Sessions: 6 total classes, 1x per week, 50 minutes each, includes detailed class notes and homework
Cost: $195
Dates: This course will be offered in the Spring.
Step 3 - Public Spaces - Challenge those skills at busy locations and inside public buildings.
Course Goals:
Entering and exiting public building doorways without pulling
Navigating stairs or elevators under control
Heel walking through crowds
Calm around urban distractions (horns, bikes, trucks)
Confident on varied surfaces (concrete, grass, grates)
Controlled street crossings with proper waiting at corners
Ignoring dropped food and trash on sidewalks
Extended down-stays in busy public areas
Course Description: Tackle the challenges of city and town living with your dog. This advanced course prepares you and your dog to navigate the constant activity of urban settings. It will take you out in the real-world to show you first-hand how to successfully navigate inside and around crowded public buildings and settings. You will also build confidence handling fast-paced distractions including noises, moving objects, and various surfaces.
Note: This course follows the AKC Urban CGC program. A CGCU test is included for everyone during the last class, but each student has the option as to whether or not to officially register it with the AKC.
Location: The first class will be held at Dawg Day Afternoon, 1571 Horseshoe Pike, Glenmoore, PA 19343 and the remaining three classes will be held at different local stores.
Ages: 6 months & older
Prerequisites: Completion of Essential Skills and Neighborhood Prep
Class Size: Limited to 4 dogs
Sessions: 4 total classes, 1x per week, 50 minutes each, includes detailed class notes and homework
Cost: $135
Dates: This course will be offered in the Spring.
Course Goals:
Foundation for effective communication and bonding with your puppy
Socialization with people and other puppies in a supervised setting
Start command basics like sit, down, and name recognition
Tolerating petting and gentle handling by strangers
Insights on how to handle leash walking, distractions, and new environments
Solutions to common puppy challenges like house training and chewing
Learn about puppy developmental stages and how to manage their fears
Responsible ownership habits including health care and safety
Course Description: Give your puppy the best possible start with this comprehensive 6-week course designed specifically for young dogs and their families. You'll learn how to communicate clearly with your puppy while building core skills that make daily life easier and more enjoyable. This class provides a safe, structured environment where your puppy can socialize with other dogs, people, and objects, to grow into a confident, well-mannered companion. You will get guidance on everything from enrichment games to solutions for typical puppy behaviors.
Note: This course follows the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program. Upon course completion, each student has the option as to whether or not to officially register it with the AKC.
Location: Dawg Day Afternoon, 1571 Horseshoe Pike, Glenmoore, PA 19343
Ages: 5 months & younger
Prerequisites: None
Class Size: Limited to 5 dogs
Sessions: 6 total classes, 1x per week, 50 minutes each, includes detailed class notes and homework
Cost: $195
Dates: Jan. 13 to Feb. 17 on Tuesdays from 6:30-7:20 p.m. (5 spots open)
Course Goals:
Stop jumping on visitors and arriving guests
Eliminate counter surfing and barking
Practice loose-leash walking without pulling
Teach a “Place” command for calm waiting
Build impulse control and settling behaviors
Course Description: If your dog has been displaying some unwanted behaviors, this practical course tackles the most common challenges dog owners face. You will learn effective techniques to teach your dog impulse control and calm behaviors, including a "Place" command for managing doorways, mealtimes, and visitors. This class gives you the tools to work through issues and build a well-mannered pup.
Location: Dawg Day Afternoon, 1571 Horseshoe Pike, Glenmoore, PA 19343
Ages: 6 months & older
Prerequisites: None
Class Size: Limited to 5 dogs
Sessions: 4 total classes, 1x per week, 50 minutes each, includes detailed class notes and homework
Cost: $135
Dates: Jan. 27 to Feb. 17 on Tuesdays from 7:30-8:20 p.m. (4 spots open)
Course Goals:
Learn impressive tricks like high-five, wave, roll over, and play dead
Strengthen communication and teamwork with your dog
Practice shaping and luring techniques for teaching new behaviors
Boost your dog's confidence through fun mental challenges
Course Description: This engaging course teaches you how to train impressive tricks that strengthen your bond and provide excellent mental stimulation. You'll learn methods for teaching everything from simple behaviors like a handshake to more complex tricks, all while building your training skills in a fun, low-pressure environment. This is a training experience that’s equal parts entertaining and enriching for dogs of all skill levels.
Note: This course follows the AKC Trick Dog program. Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced trick dogs tests can be included for everyone during the last class, and each student has the option as to whether or not to officially register it with the AKC.
Location: Dawg Day Afternoon, 1571 Horseshoe Pike, Glenmoore, PA 19343
Ages: 6 months & older
Prerequisites: None
Class Size: Limited to 5 dogs
Sessions: 4 total classes, 1x per week, 50 minutes each, includes detailed class notes and homework
Cost: $135
Dates: Jan. 29 to Feb. 19 on Thursdays from 7:30-8:20 p.m. (3 spots open)
Course Goals:
Inspire dog owners to engage in fitness-related activities with their dogs
Boost body awareness and improve coordination through movement
Minimizing the risk of injury through safe tips and proper form
Work on targeting different body parts such as the front limbs and rear limbs
Expose dogs to cardio, flexibility, balance/strength, mental fitness, and confidence building exercises
Some core skills learned: nose touch, tuck sit, kickback stand, and cookie stretches.
Course Description: Whether your goal is to have a fit dog or just engage in a fun activity with your pet, this canine fitness course teaches you enjoyable and safe exercises for your dog that builds their strength, flexibility, and confidence. It will engage your dog's body and mind through structured activities that can reduce boredom, eliminate problem behaviors, and promote overall wellness. Learn to progress thoughtfully through exercises using specialized equipment such as platforms, balance pads, and cavaletti poles, all while minimizing injury risk.
Note: This course follows the AKC Fit Dog Level 1 program. Upon course completion, each student has the option as to whether or not to officially register it with the AKC.
Location: Dawg Day Afternoon, 1571 Horseshoe Pike, Glenmoore, PA 19343
Ages: 6 months & older
Prerequisites: This course is only for healthy dogs with no significant prior injuries or ongoing conditions.
Class Size: Limited to 4 dogs
Sessions: 6 total classes, 1x per week, 50 minutes each, includes detailed class notes and homework
Cost: $195
Dates: Jan. 15 to Feb. 19 on Thursdays from 6:30-7:20 p.m. (3 spots open)