Aloha Dog Academy

Group classes run for 5–6 consecutive weeks, one hour per session, with set start dates. Classes include Basic Obedience, Puppy, Trick, and Canine Good Citizen. Puppy socials and social hours are drop-in events. Private lessons are available by appointment. Workshops are offered monthly at no cost. All programs use positive reinforcement and focus on real-life skills.

Pricing Summary

Group classes are $140+tax for 5 weeks (basic obedience, puppy, trick), $150+tax for 6-week Canine Good Citizen. One-hour drop-in classes like Canine Fun and Fitness, Sip and Train, and socials are $15. Puppy socials are free (30 minutes). Facility rental pricing varies by request.

Policies

Pre-registration is required for all classes and events. Classes are non-refundable and non-transferable. Puppy socials require proof of vaccines. Facility rentals require direct contact for arrangements and pricing.

Aloha Dog Academy is a dog training business in Hilo, Hawaii, founded by Dawn Goehring, a certified dog behavior consultant and certified Fear Free Professional with over 30 years of experience. They offer indoor group classes and private lessons using modern, force-free, positive reinforcement methods designed to build trust and strengthen the human-dog bond. Classes focus on real-life scenarios like manners at the kitchen table, leash walking, and socialization, rather than show obedience. They provide puppy classes, basic obedience, trick training, Canine Good Citizen preparation, and socialization events like puppy socials and small dog playgroups. The facility is family-friendly, encouraging all family members—including children—to participate. They also offer facility rentals for dog parties, playdates, and community events.

Dawn’s background includes training wildlife and rescue dogs for TV and theater, and she is a pioneer in Hawaii as the first Certified Dog Behavior Consultant through the International Association of Behavior Consultants. Her approach emphasizes emotional well-being, continuing education, and understanding dog communication to help dogs listen because they want to, not out of fear.

Accomplishments

Dawn Goehring is Hawaii’s first Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (IAABC-CDBC) and one of the first Certified Fear Free Professionals. She trained rescue dogs for a 12-year family theater show, appeared on Animal Planet’s Pet Star, David Letterman, and Dogs 101. She holds a degree from Moorpark College’s Exotic Animal Training and Management program (1991) and has trained animals for commercials and films.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients can contact the academy via phone or email to inquire about class schedules, register for upcoming sessions, or arrange private lessons. Pre-registration is mandatory for all group classes and events.