Green Acres Kennel

Listen to a podcast about our classes

 Read an article on our holistic approach to training

Green Acres Kennel Shop is a pet friendly, force-free, fear-free, pain-free facility and we meet or exceed the standards set in the Position Statements of The Pet Professional Guild (PPG) and the behavior guidelines of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).

Listen to a podcast about our classes

Read an article on our holistic approach to training

We Make Training Fun for You and Your Dog!

• Dog-Friendly! – NO pain, intimidation, dominance, alpha rolls, scruff shakes, prong, choke or

Our Refining Rover class is for those that have completed a Basic Manners or higher level class at Green Acres.

Classes are currently held indoors at Green Acres Kennel Shop and on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM.

This class is ideal for:

• Those that need some extra practice on basic skills in a more structured environment.
• People that

 Level 2 Classes: Out and About & Glad to See You

What Our Students Say

“Relaxed pace, positive upbeat approach.” J.M.

“The trainers are so good at recognizing each dog’s personality and tailoring their suggestions individually.” P.F.

Level 3 Classes

We bring dogs into our families as companions to share our lives. How much of our lives they can fully and happily share is ultimately determined by their level of training and their habituation to different situations and environments.

Level 3 Classes

Prerequisites for Level 3 Classes: Completion of GAKS Basic Manners course and Level 2 courses, and/or Completion of GAKS Intro to Dog Behavior and Clicker Training Seminar and pre-approval of GAKS training staff.

This six-week class brings it all back together and focuses on fine tuning the behaviors

Listen to a podcast about our classes

 Read an article on our holistic approach to training

We Make Training Fun for You and Your Dog!

• Dog-Friendly! – NO pain, intimidation, dominance, alpha rolls, scruff shakes, prong, choke or shock collars.
• Small class sizes – Dogs (and people) learn best with individual attention and small

Which Pet for Me/Our Family?

 This is an opportunity for an individual or a family that is contemplating getting a dog or cat to talk to objectively to professionals with 20+ years of experience with thousands of dogs and cats of various breeds and types. We will meet with you to discuss your lifestyle; current and future, and what you are looking for in a pet. Unlike a breeder, pet store, shelter or rescue we will not be trying to get you to purchase or adopt a pet from us. We do not sell pets. We will provide you with objective advice and help you answer several questions. Should I get a dog or cat? Would I be better off with and adult pet or a puppy/kitten? What breed, size, and coat type would be best? Should I get a purebred or a mix? Should I look for a reputable breeder or shelter/rescue? How do I know if a breeder or shelter is reputable?  We will also be able to discuss the level of

"These trainers are awesome!!! You can tell they love dogs just as much as we do." M.F.

"The small number of students

Selecting a dog training instructor and class is an important decision. The wrong decision could traumatize you or your dog and set learning back extensively. We recommend you use the following criteria for selecting a dog training instructor.

1. Select a trainer and class that is Dog-Friendly. A Dog-Friendly instructor will NOT use or recommend any methods or tools that work on the principal of intimidation or coercion or that have been designed to cause the dog physical, mental or emotional pain. That means they will NEVER use or recommend shock collars, choke collars, prong collars, squirt bottles, scruff shakes, alpha rollovers or other inhumane tools and techniques.
2. Select a trainer who complies with the American Humane Association's Guide to Humane Dog Training. Such trainers will rely on teaching methods that use positive reinforcement for good behavior rather than punishment for unacceptable behavior.
3. Verify the trainer's

Download Registration Form (PDF)

Please fill out and sign registration form.  Submit to:

Mailing Address

Green Acres Kennel Shop
ATTN: Class Registration
1653 Union Street
Bangor, ME 04401-2204

Phone Number

207-945-6841

Fax Number

207-942-6768