Academy of Dog Training and Agility

Training follows a three-level structure: Basics (Level 1) for foundational obedience, Focus (Level 2) for specialized skills like tricks or therapy dog preparation, and Advanced/Competition for Rally, Agility, and Show Handling. All group classes are 8 weeks long, one hour per week. Private and family lessons are available in 4-lesson packages. Agility is offered in six progressive levels from fundamentals to competition. Therapy Dog and Canine Good Citizen preparation are integrated into focused classes. Swimming Paws is a separate, evaluation-based program.

Pricing Summary

Pricing details are not publicly listed; classes are structured as 8-week sessions with registration available online. Private and family lessons are offered at affordable rates. Swimming Paws requires a prior evaluation. No package pricing or discounts are specified.

Policies

Do not bring dogs to the first class session for Basic Manners and Puppy Head Start. Classes require attendance at the first session. No specific cancellation or rescheduling policy is stated on the website.

The Academy of Dog Training and Agility is a positive reinforcement-based dog training facility located in Newark, Delaware, offering structured 8-week group classes for dogs of all ages and skill levels. Their philosophy centers on strengthening the bond between dog and handler through fun, clear communication and reward-based methods—never punitive. They provide a progressive curriculum starting with Basic Puppy Head Start and Basic Manners/Obedience, then advancing to Focus on Tricks, Therapy Dog, Rally Obedience, Agility, and Canine Good Citizen certification. They also offer private, family, and semi-private lessons, as well as specialized programs like Swimming Paws in an indoor K9 pool. All classes are taught by certified instructors who emphasize individual attention in small groups (1 instructor to 3 students). Their unique advantage is the breadth of specialized programs—from therapy dog preparation to agility competition—and their commitment to real-world application, helping dogs succeed in cafes, parks, and homes.

They serve dogs from puppies to seniors, with classes tailored to specific needs including leash pulling, recall, reactivity, and separation anxiety. Their facility-based training environment includes dedicated training cubicles to minimize distractions, and they offer year-round sessions with frequent start dates.

Additional services include nose work, fitness training, painting with dogs, and seminars. They are not a boarding, grooming, or daycare facility, but do provide a swimming program as a complementary activity to enhance physical and mental well-being.

Accomplishments

Trainers are certified professionals. The Academy supports AKC Canine Good Citizen certification and offers structured pathways to Rally Obedience and Agility competition. They have successfully trained multiple therapy dog teams through PAWS for People. The founder, Donald Brown, leads the philosophy and instruction.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients can view the class schedule online and register for upcoming 8-week sessions. New students must attend the first class without their dog for Basic Manners and Puppy Head Start. Private and family lessons can be arranged through the website. Swimming Paws requires a swim evaluation before participation.