Forward Pawgress Dog Training LLC

Group Basic Obedience is a six-week course where dogs learn six fundamental commands: sit, stay, heel, down, focus, and place. This course also addresses behavioral modification for issues like jumping on people and leash pulling. Daily practice is highly recommended for retention.

Socialization classes meet once a week, weather permitting, to help dogs familiarize themselves with other dogs, reduce dog-on-dog aggression, and adapt to new environments while expending energy. Private Lessons are tailored one-on-one sessions designed for dogs not yet confident enough for group settings, aiming to build a stronger bond between the dog and owner.

Advanced Obedience teaches the same six fundamentals but off-leash. Group Basic Obedience is a required prerequisite for this course, and daily practice is also highly recommended. All participating dogs must be twelve weeks or older.

Forward Pawgress Dog Training LLC is a dog training business co-owned by George Whitfield and Mike Musso. Their mission is to educate owners on dog training, execute taught commands, and excel with obedience.

They offer a variety of services including Group Basic Obedience, Socialization classes, Private Lessons, and Advanced Obedience. These programs aim to help dogs learn fundamental commands, socialize with other dogs, adapt to new environments, and address behavioral issues like jumping and leash pulling.

George and Mike are described as patient, knowledgeable, and caring trainers who use multiple training methods tailored to each dog’s needs. They conduct classes at K9 Kountry Klub in Pedricktown, NJ, and Glenolden, PA.

Accomplishments

George Whitfield, a co-owner, began his training in 2012 under the guidance of K-9 Officers, including Atlantic County’s K-9 Instructor and Head Trainer for New Castle County’s K-9 unit. In 2014, he started teaching group and private lessons independently. His certifications include Basic and Advanced Obedience Dog Training, the Foundations Course, Behavioral Modification, and Canine First Aid, all completed through Trikos Dog Online Training Program. He is also certified in e-collar training and is currently enrolled in Leerburg Online University, taking courses on Basic Dog Obedience and dealing with Dominant and Aggressive Dogs. Since 2017, George has volunteered at the Pennsville Animal Shelter, hosting social skills and obedience classes to help dogs become more adoptable, with every trained dog successfully finding a forever home.

Mike Musso, also a co-owner, served 27 years as a police officer, with 17 years as a canine handler where he trained three different dogs. He completed 26-week canine academies with the Philadelphia Police Department (2003) and Wilmington Police Department (2010, 2017). Mike attended monthly training and annual certifications through the National Police Canine Association and worked with the United States Secret Service providing canine bomb detection services. After retirement, he continued to expand his knowledge by completing Trikos Team Dog Training’s Foundations Course, Teaching Basic Obedience, and Behavioral Modification Course. He is currently enrolled in Leerburg Online University for Basic Dog Obedience and Dealing with Dominant and Aggressive Dogs courses, and also takes courses at Catch Canine.

How to Get Started!

Clients can start by sending a message describing their situation to help the trainers find the best class. They can also message to inquire about class availability.