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.
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.
We offer several ways to work together:
Private training sessions
– In your home
– At What A Good Dog
– Via ZoomGroup classes at What A Good Dog
Group classes in the community
Personalized Virtual Video Feedback
Virtual Video Service
Our Video Behavior Feedback Service
Whether you're near or far, we're here to help.
Submit a 1–2 minute video of your dog displaying a challenging behavior, and our experienced team will review it and provide expert feedback with personalized suggestions.
Your first video submission is free. We'll offer guidance on how the behavior may progress and what steps to take next. In many cases, addressing the issue effectively will require ongoing support. For continued feedback and progress tracking, we offer a paid service that includes regular video submissions and expert responses.
A great place to start is by uploading a short 1-2 minute video of your dog performing a behavior that you find challenging. For pricing details and video upload instructions, click on the “Upload Your Video Here” link.
Upload Your Video Here
Our Classes
Our classes offer something for everyone: Socialization for puppies, Manners, Cooperative Care, 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.
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.
MORE LEARNING, MORE FUN, MORE CLASSES
Ready to take your training to the next level? We offer an exciting variety of advanced and specialty classes. If you don’t see a class that fits your interest on our schedule, reach out to Joyce, our Training Administrator, at 610-620-5751 or email training@whatagooddoginc.com. We’d love to hear from you!
CGC (CANINE GOOD CITIZEN) & TDI (THERAPY DOG INTERNATIONAL) PREPARATORY CLASS
Pre-requisite: Middle School or ML2 Graduate
You'll work through the 10 essential CGC skills that promote polite behavior at home and in public. The class offers a great opportunity to help build your dog’s confidence and strengthen your bond. We’ll prepare you for the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test, which will be offered near the end of the session. If you pass, you will receive a certificate from the AKC with the official AKC CGC title after your dog’s name.
Bonus: This class also lays the groundwork for Therapy Dog International (TDI) testing and participation in agility, rally, and more.
Private CGC testing sessions available. For full requirements, visit the AKC website. Suitable for all ages.
MANNERS ON THE ROAD
Pre-req: Middle School or ML2 Graduate
Adventure awaits! Whether you're walking through town or heading out on the trails, this class focuses on building real-world skills, so your dog remains attentive, responsive, and well-mannered in a variety of environments. It’s a great opportunity to deepen your connection while gaining confidence as a team—wherever the road takes you.
RELIABLE RECALLS – COMING WHEN CALLED!
Pre-req: Middle School or ML1 Graduate
This one’s a game-changer. A solid recall can literally save your dog’s life — and give them the freedom to explore safely. We’ll use high-value rewards and exciting games to teach your dog that coming when called is the best decision they’ll ever make.
We'll start indoors with few distractions, then move outdoors to level up the challenge.
Required: 20-foot lead line.
POLITE GREETINGS AND STAYS!
Pre-req: Middle School or ML1 Graduate
Is your pup a little too enthusiastic when meeting guests? Learn how to teach polite greetings, reduce jumping, and build calm behavior when people come calling. We’ll introduce practical management tools, reward placement strategies, and strengthen your dog’s mat behavior (“go to your place”) for a peaceful, guest-friendly home.
Loose Leash Walking
Pre-req: Middle School or ML1 Graduate
Tired of tug-of-war walks? Let’s turn leash time into quality bonding time. Through engagement games, positive reinforcement, and focus-building techniques, you’ll teach your dog how to walk calmly by your side.
Classes held indoors with possible outdoor field trips — weather permitting!
TRICKS CLASS – LEVEL ONE
Pre-req: Middle School or ML2 Graduate
Unleash your dog’s inner performer! In this upbeat class, you’ll teach your dog a variety of fun tricks — and even work toward an official AKC Tricks Title. Learn shaping, luring, capturing, and targeting techniques while building your dog’s confidence and playing with your dog.
Rally INTRO CLASS
Pre-req: Middle School or ML2 Graduate
Rally combines obedience with a playful twist! Navigate a course of signs that cue you and your dog to perform fun, structured moves like sits, downs, pivots, turns, figure 8’s, recalls, and more. It’s a great way to build teamwork, polish obedience skills, and have a great time together.
Learn more about Rally here: https://www.akc.org/sports/rally/get-started
SPORTS FUNDAMENTALS CLASS
Pre-req: Middle School or ML2 Graduate (or equivalent). Dog-friendly and people-friendly dogs only.
Thinking about getting into dog sports like Agility, Rally, or Obedience? This class is your entry point! We’ll use games and exercises to build the foundations of focus, body awareness, confidence, and distraction management — everything you need to prep for a sporty future.
FUN-gility
Pre-req: Middle School or ML2 Graduate
This isn’t competitive agility — it’s FUN-gility! Perfect for pet parents who want a playful, enriching experience. Your dog will learn to zoom through tunnels, race around barrels, and hop through hoops — all while strengthening cues and having a blast. As your dog learns to follow your cues, you will progress to guiding your dog through a short sequence of obstacles.
FUN-gility is a great way to strengthen your connection with your dog while engaging both their mind and body.
Note: This class is intended as a low-impact, recreational activity and is not designed as a foundation for competitive agility training.
CIRCUS DOGS CLASS
Pre-req: Middle School or ML2 Graduate
Roll up, roll up — it’s time for the Great Dog Show! This whimsical class combines trick and obedience training in a creative “circus” environment. It’s not just about tricks — it’s about building confidence, focus, and performance skills in a lively group setting.
Dogs will start with basic tricks in their own space, then progress to working near and with other dogs in a fun, structured environment. It’s organized chaos — and your dog will love it!