Black and white dog with tongue sticking out during behavior training at Animal Welfare Association.

AWA Pet Behavior & Training

Affordable, Effective Dog Training

Animal Welfare Association offers group and private dog training lessons that have helped pet owners in South Jersey, Philadelphia and beyond.

Our Certified instructor will give you and your pet the tools to successfully learn new skills or work on correcting old behaviors.

Obedience

Our experts will teach you and your dog the foundational skills, including sit, stay, heel, and more.

Walking

Work on loose-leash walking, including tips and tricks for successful daily walks.

Social

Our Well-Mannered Dog and Pub-Ready Pooch classes will ensure your pup behaves in pet-friendly public spaces.

Recall

Our Certified Instructors give you and your dog the tools and confidence to develop a reliable recall command.

And More

Come in for a consultation and we can help with any issue you're having with your pet, and set them on the path to success!

Group Classes

Our group classes are offered in a 4-week series or single sessions. 

Each series allows you to create, observe and sustain positive behaviors in your pet and make progress at home before coming back to learn more.

Single-session classes work on improving specific behaviors and getting your pet ready and trained to excel in scenarios that are common issues.

Private Lessons

Have a behavior issue with your dog that’s been difficult to crack? Does your dog have trouble focusing or behaving when other dogs are around? Just want hands-on, 1-1 training?

Our private behavior and training lessons are for you!

Private lessons are appropriate to address issues big and small, or just teach your dog new behaviors that can last a lifetime.

These lessons are available for either 30 minutes or 1 hour.

Lessons cost $60 for half an hour and $120 for an hour.

*Note: to book 1-hour lessons, please add 2 consecutive 30-minute lessons to your cart. Subject to availability.

Meet the Instructors

caucasian man in a wide-brimmed hat, offering treats to a dog sitting on a training platform

Josh Simons

I am the Behavior Team Lead here at the AWA, where I lead and oversee the behavior department and support staff, volunteers, and animals in creating positive outcomes while at the shelter and home. I'm proud to also be an adopter at the AWA. 

I hold a certificate in the Aggression in Dogs Masterclass Series by Michael Shikashio CDBC, and I am currently preparing to get my CPDT-KA professional certification. I provide support for post adoption concerns and teach the public how to face common issues in regards to caring for shelter animals.

I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to continue learning while helping animals find lasting, successful homes.

Animal Welfare Association Behavior Assistant Abby Pukenas petting dog.

Abby Gee

Hi! My name is Abby and I am the Behavior Assistant here at the Animal Welfare Association.

I’m a lover of all animals! I have been working primarily with dogs in a professional training setting for over 4 years and I am currently studying at CATCH Trainers Academy to further my education.

I am always curious and eager to learn everything I can about animals to help better understand them. Learning about and helping animals is my passion!