Woofs of Wisdom

Woofs of Wisdom offers private and group training options, including virtual sessions. Private instruction is custom-tailored to individual needs, covering everything from puppy training to aggression issues, held at the client’s home or a neutral location.

Specific private session types include Behavior Modification Consultations for issues like barking, jumping, housebreaking, aggression, and socialization. Puppy training covers basics, theory, mouthing, jumping, leash pulling, grooming, socialization, and playtime. Basic obedience uses motivational methods and positive reinforcement for commands like sit, down, stay, come, and heel, addressing common behavior problems. Advanced training builds on basic obedience, introducing off-lead and distance commands, and reinforcing behaviors with visual, auditory, and food/toy distractions.

Group classes include Obedience & Puppy Classes, Manners & Socialization Classes, Sports and Trick Classes, and Fit Dog Pack Walks. They also offer Seminars and Workshops. For aspiring trainers, the WOW Trainer Academy provides both in-person and virtual courses with payment plans available.

Pricing Summary

Private Session/Training/Behavior Modification: Each session is 1 hour. Pricing is based on distance from the Collegeville facility. Training at the Woofs of Wisdom facility in Collegeville is $120. Sessions within a 15-mile radius are $150, between 15.1-20 miles are $160, and between 20.1-25 miles are $170. An additional $10 is charged for every additional 5-mile radius.

Payment can be pre-paid by credit card using “Pay Now” buttons, or made at the time of session using Venmo (@woofsofwisdom), cash, or check. Payment plans are available for the Trainer Academy.

Policies

Any private sessions cancelled by the client with less than 48 hours notice are assessed the full session fee, unless serious illness or weather related.

Woofs of Wisdom Dog Training has been working professionally with animals since 1992, with training beginning in 1995. The business was officially opened in 2002 by Nicole McBride, who also created the WOW Trainer Academy and Trainer Certification. They offer all levels of training from puppy to advanced, therapy work, and dog sports.

Their approach emphasizes communication, initiative, and consistency, teaching owners how to effectively use these with their dogs. They work closely with both the owner and the pet on any issue, regardless of size, and have experience with a variety of breeds and behavior issues, utilizing various methods and training aids.

Classes are held at Collegeville Station, and they strive to create a constructive and easy-going environment using humor. Their techniques incorporate verbal cues and body language, positive reinforcement, and the Volhard Motivational Method. They believe dogs need rules, boundaries, and expectations, aligning rewards with corrective feedback when appropriate to create a custom blend of methods that work for each dog and owner. They are also available for public speaking, demonstrations, and seminars.

Accomplishments

Nicole McBride, the owner, is one of only 350 trainers in the US currently certified by The National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (NADOI 1083) and is the creator of the WOW Trainer Academy and Trainer Certification (WOW-CDT 001). She has a certificate in Animal Science. Nicole was named “Best of Philly Dog Trainer” by Philadelphia Magazine and “Best of Montco” by readers of The Times Herald. Her previous service dog was featured on local cable, NBC 10, and Fox 29’s Good Day. Her current dog, Dozer, has achieved Canine Good Citizen Advanced, Trick Dog Novice, Therapy Dog Novice, and Rally Dog Novice titles despite suffering from Narcolepsy.

Debbie Tecce is an AKC approved evaluator, certified Fit Dog Instructor, and an official Fetch Dog Judge (#115803), also certified through Woofs of Wisdom (WOW-CDT 003). Jenny Garten is an AKC Canine Good Citizen and Trick Dog Evaluator, and a Therapy Dogs International Evaluator, certified through Woofs of Wisdom (WOW-CDT 002). Jenny’s dog, Basil, is a Canine Good Citizen and certified therapy dog, holding Rally Novice, Trick Dog Advanced, Cynosport Rally Levels 1, 2 & 3, Level 1 Champion, and ARCH titles, and has completed the Do More With Your Dog Animal Actor Level 2.

How to Get Started!

Clients can choose which trainer they’d like to work with or choose no preference on the registration form. For private sessions, clients can register and indicate their preference. Virtual training options are also available.