The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) is expanding its community outreach efforts with the launch of its summer Alexandria Animal Academy, a comprehensive dog training program designed to help pet owners build stronger relationships with their four-legged companions.
The seven-week virtual training program, which begins Sunday, July 6, offers three specialized learning tracks targeting common behavioral challenges that dog owners face. At $200 per track, the courses aim to make professional dog training accessible to families throughout the region.
“These courses have been crafted to teach dogs and people to live better – more harmoniously – together,” according to AWLA’s announcement. The program is open to all pet owners, regardless of where they live, breaking down geographical barriers to quality training resources.
The academy addresses three key areas of canine behavior through its specialized tracks:
- Confidence Building targets shy, fearful, or nervous dogs who may display aggressive behaviors like growling, snapping, or barking when encountering new people, places, or situations. This track is particularly beneficial for newly adopted dogs adjusting to their homes or pets who panic during social interactions.
- Chill Out focuses on high-energy dogs lacking impulse control and manners. The program helps owners manage pets who struggle to calm down, become overly excited, or exhibit exhausting energy levels throughout the day.
- Leash Reactivity addresses dogs with intense reactions during walks, whether they’re pulling aggressively toward other dogs and strangers or displaying snarling and snapping behaviors on leash.
- Find the full course description for each here.
The program is led by Beth Tumlin, CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed), who serves as AWLA’s on-staff behavior and training coordinator. Participants can enroll in one, multiple, or all three tracks depending on their pet’s needs.
Recognizing that cost can be a barrier to accessing training services, AWLA offers course auditing options and scholarships for families who need financial assistance.
The virtual format allows the program to reach pet owners across Northern Virginia and beyond, supporting AWLA’s broader mission of promoting responsible pet care throughout the region. As an organization that operates Alexandria’s open-admission Vola Lawson Animal Shelter and provides animal care and control services for the city, AWLA has positioned itself as a comprehensive resource for pet owners facing behavioral challenges.
Pet owners interested in enrolling can find detailed course descriptions and registration information on AWLA’s website. The organization encourages early registration as the program builds on individualized training plans tailored to each dog’s specific needs.
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