Dog Training
Professional Dog Training at our PA Facilities
We believe that good dogs aren’t born, they’re trained. At Playtime Pet Resort, we use positive reinforcement-based methods with an emphasis on clear expectations and motivation that promotes longer-lasting results. Our trainers, who are experts in dog behavior, can help you build a better understanding of your dog and foster positive communication between you and your furry friend. Our team will get your dog working with you in no time!
Dog training not currently available at our New England facilities.
| Training School Program | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Primary School Program | 2 days per week | 8 weeks |
| Puppy Primary School + Field Trips Program | 3 days per week | 8 weeks |
| Secondary School Program | 3 days per week | 4 weeks |
| Secondary School + Prep School Study Week Program | 3 days per week | 5 weeks |
| Graduate School Program | 3 days per week | 4 weeks |
Puppy Training & Socialization Programs
Foundational training and socialization are the most important, impactful things you can do for your puppy or new dog. Our training programs offer a comprehensive approach to learning for your pup, while we keep you involved and educated every step of the way. We tailor our programs to meet your dog’s needs and help them develop into confident, stable (and happier!) dogs.
We have several different programs that provide structure, flexibility and consistency. Our training courses are offered in 4-week, 5-week & 8-week options.
With our Certified Trainers, your dog will learn:
- Primary obedience commands with verbal & hand cues: sit, down, wait, leave it, and more!
- Loose leash walking skills
- Name recognition & recall response
- Crate training
- Appropriate play & social skills
- Training to discourage jumping, barking, nipping & biting
- Familiarization & confidence building with noises, objects, surfaces and much more!
So how does it work? Easy! You’ll drop your dog off at school in the morning. They’ll participate in training, socialization, playtime, and engagement exercises throughout the day. At the end of each week, you’ll receive detailed homework assignments, as well as report cards with pictures and videos showing your pup’s progress! Call us today for more details or to get started! (215) 910-4991 (option 1 = King of Prussia, option 2 = Downingtown)
Meet Our Trainers
Alicia Gautille
Alicia Gautille is Playtime Pet Resort’s Director of Training Services and has been working with dogs for over 20 years. Alicia is a Penn State University alum and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science in 2009. She joins us from her previous endeavor as Training Director at another facility where she earned individual acknowledgment as Best of Main Line Dog Trainer in 2024. Alicia is the resident dog trainer at our Playtime Pet Resort Downingtown location.
Alicia recognized her love for volunteer opportunities during college when she began raising service dogs from puppies, which then led her to pursue a professional training career in the service dog field. She has years of experience training diabetic alert dogs, mobility assistance dogs and other types of support dogs who greatly help those in need.
Alicia is a Certified Dog Trainer and achieved her CPDT-KA certification in 2014 from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. Alicia’s training methodology is based on utilizing positive reinforcement and motivational methods of dog training to prioritize clear communication through the leash. She specializes in puppy and young dog socialization and behavior, and she loves helping them develop lifelong skills.
In her free time, Alicia enjoys participating in Rally-O competitions with her Labrador, Spartacus. Her own dogs have even been featured in television commercials!
Vanessa Moctezuma
Vanessa Moctezuma is the resident Professional Dog Trainer at our King of Prussia location. She has several years of dog training experience that has provided her a wealth of knowledge in different aspects of the industry. She also plans to obtain her official CPDT-KA certification in 2025.
As a young child, Vanessa always had a passion for animals. During her school career, she spent a few years volunteering at a horse stable, working closely with therapy horses that provided children with disabilities the opportunity to learn how to ride. She currently has a handful of different animals of her own, including dogs, cats, reptiles and chickens.
Vanessa has experience with balanced dog training methods, although she resonates with positive reinforcement methods and uses those skills at the forefront of her training. Some of her experience includes teaching group classes, private lessons, agility, and advanced obedience, as well as a focus on relationship-based training and puppy socialization.
In her free time, Vanessa enjoys hiking, agility and running cani-cross with her two Huskies, Kody and Ghost. She also considers herself quite the “foodie”!
Ryan believes in building the relationship between a dog and it’s owner. Dogs don’t just need walks, they need mental enrichment and emotional engagement. Leaning on the teachings of Nina Ottossson that “the dog has four legs and one head, and all five need activity in different ways – both physical and mental.” If you are seeing any unwanted behaviors at home it could be due to your pup needing some extra enrichment.Training Classes
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| Service | Description | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Training Consultation | A training consultation may be required before confirming certain training services | ||
| Day Training | Day Training dogs receive customized training throughout their day as well as enrichment activities and a complimentary report card. Day Training also includes access to our Social Training groups when ready! | Custom training tailored to you and your dog's needs | Add-on service |
| Stay & Train | This program offers weeks of high-level training and enriching activities during your dog’s stay. Training is customized to your specific needs. Report cards and private coaching are provided. | Custom training tailored to you and your dog's needs starting |
Payment is due upon booking for a training service.