Woof Works Training

Woof Works Training offers Private Lessons (1-on-1 Training) with customized plans for individual dog challenges, including strategic socialization. These can be conducted at their facility or offsite, focusing on handling skills, communication, and positive behaviors for adult dogs. Puppy classes guide owners on house manners, crate/pen training, play, socialization, and basic behaviors like sit, down, impulse control, eye contact, and recall.

Their Stay & Train program is an immersive 2 to 6-week experience where dogs receive customized, hands-on training. For obedience, the focus is on core commands (Sit, Down, Come, Heel, Place) both on and off-leash. For behavior modification, specific commands are used to address underlying problem behaviors. All programs emphasize physical exercise and mental enrichment. Requirements include being crate trained, current on vaccinations (rabies, kennel cough, heartworm), and spayed/neutered for at least 2 months.

Agility Training sessions are designed to sharpen a dog’s cognitive skills, build motivation, and strengthen the bond between dog and owner. A minimum requirement is the completion of basic obedience training with Woof Works. Training Walks are structured sessions for busy owners to maintain their dog’s leash skills. A trainer picks up the dog to practice movement exercises, reinforce learned behaviors, and ensure proper manners around distractions. Completion of their leash handling and/or reactivity classes is required.

Pricing Summary

Private Lessons (1-on-1 Training) are $95 per 1-hour class, with package discounts available. Puppy Classes are $76 per 1-hour class, also with package discounts.

Stay & Train programs range from 14 days for $4,950 (including 5 follow-up 1-hour classes) to 15 weekdays for $4,400 (including 5 follow-up 1-hour classes). A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to secure dates, with the remaining 50% due at least 2 weeks prior to the stay.

Agility Training sessions are $60 per 30 minutes. Training Walks are $45 within a 15-mile radius from York, ME, with additional charges for travel beyond this distance.

Daily pricing for longer stays/day training is $190 for the first 2 hours of formal training, and $20 per hour for hours 3-8 (including crate time, play, and walks), totaling $310 for an 8-hour day. Weekly pricing for longer stays/day training is $175 for the first 2 hours of each day, and $15 per hour for hours 3-8 per day, totaling $1,855 for 7-8 hour days.

Policies

Gift certificates expire after 1 year of purchase. Multi-session packages must be redeemed within 6 months of the first scheduled session. All in-person sessions take place at their facility, and additional charges may apply for travel to a client’s location. For Stay & Train programs, a 50% non-refundable deposit is required to secure dates, with the remaining 50% due at least 2 weeks prior to the stay. Their full cancellation policy is available on their website.

Woof Works Training focuses on building a relationship with you and your dog based on trust, respect, and clear communication. They prioritize understanding what motivates your dog before working on behavior changes, emphasizing that dogs learn best when relaxed, engaged, and rewarded for good behavior.

The business offers a variety of services including 1-on-1 training, immersive Stay & Train programs, Agility Training, and Training Walks. They aim to maximize learning and safety for all furry friends, serving Southern Maine and the New Hampshire Seacoast.

Woof Works Training also provides recommended products such as food, treats, toys, and equipment through their online shop. They were voted a winner in the best pet service business category by the 3 towns-1 Community Chamber of Commerce in 2024.

Accomplishments

Woof Works Training was voted a winner in the “Best Pet Service Business” category in 2024 by the 3 towns-1 Community Chamber of Commerce. Mike Armstrong, the Lead Trainer/Owner, is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) with certification number 1227946. He has studied under world-renowned trainers such as Michael Ellis and Tyler Muto, completing courses like “Principles of Dog Training Advanced,” “Principles of Dog Training,” and “Leash Reactivity Certification” from both Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers and Leerburg.

How to Get Started!

To get started, clients can fill out a contact form on the website to tell Woof Works Training about themselves and their dog(s), and the business will respond promptly. Clients can also email or call directly. For the Stay & Train program, the process involves completing and emailing a pre-boarding questionnaire, followed by an in-home visit to assess the dog’s suitability. Once approved, the stay is scheduled, and a 50% non-refundable deposit is paid, with the remaining balance due 2 weeks prior to the stay.