Business Details
Expert Dog Training Services in Emmaus, PA
South Mountain Dog Training Center has been dedicated to fostering responsible pet ownership through comprehensive dog training programs since 1995. Our experienced team of certified trainers specializes in puppy preschool, beginner and advanced obedience, agility, and rally obedience classes designed to strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners. With over 17 years of hands-on experience, we emphasize positive reinforcement techniques to address behavioral challenges and promote lifelong learning.Our state-certified facility in Emmaus, Pennsylvania, offers structured curricula aligned with AKC standards, preparing dogs for Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog certifications. We prioritize individualized attention in small classes, ensuring both novice and experienced dog owners gain practical skills to manage their pets effectively in diverse environments.
Services
Puppy Preschool
Beginner Obedience
Advanced Training
Agility Classes
Rally Obedience
Private Lessons
In-Home Training
Therapy Dog Prep
Canine Good Citizen
Dog Daycare
Highlights and features
- We offer 17+ years of experience in certified dog training programs.
- Our small classes ensure personalized attention for every dog-owner pair.
- We specialize in AKC-certified obedience and therapy dog preparation.
- Our trainers use proven positive reinforcement techniques exclusively.
- We provide flexible payment options including PayPal cash transfers.
Associations and certifications
- AKC Star Puppy Certifications
What people say
Patient instructors
Structured programs
Visible results
All skill levels
Therapy prep
Services
Puppy Preschool
Puppy Preschool develops foundational skills for 8-20 week old puppies through socialization and basic obedience. Our program teaches heeling, sit-stay, and housebreaking while addressing early behavioral development. Classes focus on building confidence and establishing leadership roles for owners.
Beginner Obedience
Beginner Obedience classes correct common issues like leash pulling and command repetition for dogs over 5 months. We teach reliable recall, distraction-resistant stays, and household etiquette through consistent repetition techniques. This prepares dogs for Canine Good Citizen certification.
Advanced Training
Advanced Training builds on basic commands with off-leash exercises and increased distance control. Our curriculum develops reliability in complex environments while preparing dogs for Therapy Dog certification. Classes emphasize precision in distraction-heavy scenarios.
Agility Classes
Agility programs develop physical coordination through obstacle courses featuring jumps, tunnels, and weave poles. We offer progressive levels from foundation skills to competition preparation. Training focuses on handler-dog teamwork and mental stimulation.
Rally Obedience
Rally Obedience combines verbal guidance with structured obedience patterns across three difficulty levels. Our program teaches sign-based routines and advanced handling techniques for competition readiness. Classes emphasize handler-dog synchronization and precision.
People
Pat Wotring
Head Trainer
Certified trainer with 17+ years experience, specializing in obedience and agility. Holds multiple AKC titles and has trained therapy dogs for post-9/11 support missions. Current owner of two German Shepherds with extensive competition background.
Jackie Woerle
Head Trainer
Over 25 years training experience with expertise in obedience, rally, and herding. Former therapy dog evaluator who served post-9/11 families. Specializes in Belgian Tervuren breed training and competition preparation.
Krista Stayer
Head Trainer
Rally competition expert with multiple titled dogs. Teaches advanced rally classes and assists in various training programs. Professional animal handler with 20+ years experience across multiple species.
Lauren Shultz
Assistant Trainer
AKC-certified evaluator with specialized training in rally obedience and scent work. Trained Labrador Retriever to multiple titles including Canine Good Citizen and Trick Dog Intermediate. Member of Association of Professional Dog Trainers.
Regina Conti
Assistant Trainer
Agility competition specialist with CPE and USDAA titles. Trains dogs for national-level events while assisting in beginner classes. Focuses on confidence-building techniques for shy or nervous dogs.
Questions
What age requirements exist for puppy classes?
Puppy Preschool accepts 8-20 week old small breeds and large breeds under 16 weeks. Shy puppies up to 20+ weeks may also qualify for special consideration.
Do you offer payment plan options?
Full payment is required upfront via check or PayPal cash transfer. We do not accept credit cards but offer repeat class discounts for returning students.
Can older dogs benefit from training?
Our Beginner Classes accept dogs over 5 months with no upper age limit. Many owners successfully train senior dogs using our adaptable techniques and experienced instructors.
What certifications do you prepare dogs for?
We prepare dogs for AKC Canine Good Citizen certification and Therapy Dog International evaluations. Our advanced programs also support competition titles in rally and agility.
Are private training sessions available?
Yes, we offer private lessons and in-home training services for personalized instruction. Contact us directly to schedule sessions with our certified trainers.
What training methods do you use?
Our trainers exclusively use positive reinforcement techniques. We focus on reward-based learning and avoid punitive methods to build trust and effective communication.
Reviews (4)
Amy Sunnergren
Jun 07, 2022
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Training area was too small for the number of puppies accepted into their puppy training program. I was disappointed because I attended in part for puppy socialization which really was never addressed or discussed. I dropped out after 5 weeks because my dog just could not focus on their training methods. They were knowledgeable but their training methods did not work for my puppy. One of their comments was that if the dog ahead of you was not moving fast enough go around them.
That would cause my dog to want to greet the overcoming dog and/or the dog ahead of us, and lose even more focus on walking at the end of a leash. If you needed to step aside to work with your dog there wasn't enough room
That would cause my dog to want to greet the overcoming dog and/or the dog ahead of us, and lose even more focus on walking at the end of a leash. If you needed to step aside to work with your dog there wasn't enough room
Pat Gergar
Apr 09, 2022
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Our puppy, Percy, graduated last night from puppy kindergarten. This is our 5th dog and hands down the best program we have attended to get started with a new puppy. Krista and Lauren were sooo good at explaining, reinforcing, educating, and making it fun. Some basics were learned but more importantly was building that foundation between you and your puppy so that he learns to listen and for his safety to obey. Thanks One note is that the classroom is up a short flight of stairs. I am mobile challenged so it was a little tough climbing stairs.
Sarvesh Senguttuvan
May 10, 2021
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Critical: Professionalism I took my 4 month Cavalier Mix to the puppy pre-school and the owners made fun of him for not being a pure-bred cavalier. We stopped going after the one class.
Mazey W.
May 22, 2020
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I sure miss Karen & her way of doing things. She is the reason my dogs listen, behave and love each other. Sure the current trainers are ok but advanced class was at 1 time replaced with a ridiculous class "Rally" needing to turn, sit, wait, turn around twice and such which was not what I paid for but oh well. Karen's advanced class was a dream! God speed Karen.
