Does your canine need a coach?

We offer six-week training courses to help prepare your pooch for a paw-some lifetime at your side. Classes are open to the public.

Our Classes

We have a course for every dog of every age!

Canine Manners

Have you ever wondered why your dog pulls on a leash, jumps up to greet people, and won’t do as you ask? This course will teach you how to communicate with your dog effectively. You will learn the skills necessary to teach your dog basic manners using reward-based training methods. We will build reliable behaviors such as sit, down, stay, wait, come, leave it, tug, and much more!

The class is limited to 8 dogs, 16 weeks old or over when the course begins.

Puppy Kindergarten

Your goal as a puppy parent is to give your pup the best possible start in life. Puppies learn more between 5 and 16 weeks of age than they will in their entire lifetime! Laying a positive foundation during this time is critical for puppies to grow into behaviorally healthy dogs. This course focuses on proper socialization, bite inhibition, house training, manners, and more! 

The class is limited to 12 puppies who are 8 to 16 weeks old when the course begins.

Beyond Basic Manners

Does your dog have selective hearing? Do you have to repeat yourself when your dog is near distractions? We will expand upon basic training to help you get reliability anywhere, anytime, and at any distance. Your dog will learn how to stop forward movement when running towards a distraction, sitting at a distance, and more!

The Prerequisites for Beyond Basic Manners are:
  • Graduated from the AHS Canine Manners Course OR Successful completion of equivalent training including sit, down, stay, wait and come
  • Dogs MUST be able to work effectively near other dogs and handlers without interfering with other participants

If you have any questions about your dog’s eligibility for the course, please get in touch with our trainers at psilvani@ashevillehumane.org

Upcoming Classes

FAQs

What vaccines are required for class?

All puppies must have started their puppy vaccine series (distemper and parvo) at least one week before the first class. Puppies are not required to be fully vaccinated to attend.

All adult dogs must be current on the following vaccines: distemper, parvo, Bordetella, and rabies to participate in courses.

  • A 6-foot clip leash (no Flexi or other retractable leashes)
  • A treat pouch
  • A LARGE supply of “high-value” treats to be used for training. Some great options are cheese, hotdogs, chicken breast, lean luncheon meats, and freeze-dried chicken or liver.
  • A long, soft, plush or tug toy

Adult classes are non-strenuous and the dogs do not interact with each other. If you walk your dog for potty breaks, your dog can attend class. Females in season must wear a sanitary pad and diaper. Please consult your vet with any specific restrictions they may have.

Yes! If the class that you are interested in is full, please add yourself to the Waitlist using this form. Adding yourself to this list does not guarantee you a spot in the class. You will be notified should a spot open up. It is recommended that you sign up for another class.

Refunds or class transfers can be processed up to 7 days before the first class. Please email aaustin@ashevillehumane.org with any refund/transfer requests.

The classroom setting is not the right place for dogs who are exhibiting aggressive behaviors on lead towards people and/or dogs. Friendly, high energy dogs are welcome. If you have concerns about how your dog is reacting on a leash to other dogs or people, reach out to psilvani@ashevillehumane.org before signing up.

Our training facility is at 800 Fairview Rd, Suite C-1 Asheville NC 28803. The entrance is located on the backside of the building. All participants will receive a map in the confirmation email.

Our trainers

Pia Silvani, CPDT-KA, CCBC

Pia Silvani is an internationally-recognized dog trainer and lecturer with over 30 years of experience. As VP of Training and Behavior at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison, NJ, she developed numerous courses focused on positive, reward-based techniques. In 2013, Pia began working for the ASPCA, eventually becoming the Director of Behavioral Rehabilitation. She led programs to educate shelter professionals in effective behavior rehabilitation techniques and specialized in socialization, enrichment, and shelter protocols. This cutting-edge program is featured in the award-winning Netflix documentary, “Second Chance Dogs.” Pia now has a consulting business in Asheville, offering in-home behavioral consultations, and is the Director of Behavior and Training at Asheville Humane. Pia is one of Bark’s 100 picks of the best and brightest people that changed the world of dogs. Her goal has always been to combine her love of dogs with respect and affection for people. She enriches the lives of both through humane relationship work and training.

piasilvani.com

Marz Barberio, CPDT-KA

Marz has lived in Raleigh, North Carolina for a majority of her life. After going to college at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC she decided she loved the mountains too much to leave and moved to Asheville! While working towards her degree in Communications Electronic Media/Broadcasting and Photography she found her passion in dog training and has pursued a full-time career training ever since.

She has been training dogs for over five years now and worked with thousands of dogs in the shelter environment and private dog training. Her goal is to help dog’s and their owners live a happy, balanced life together and teach people how to properly communicate with their dog to form a strong relationship with them.

Marz currently has one rescued border collie that she competes in agility with and when they are not doing agility you will find them exploring all of the hiking trails! Her dream is to open up her own agility facility one day to teach her community all about the sport to help build people’s relationship with their dogs in a fun, positive way. 

Alex Austin, CPDT-KA 

Alex has a deep passion for understanding behavior – both human and animal – and uses that knowledge to help people and their pets build stronger, more fulfilling relationships. Before becoming a professional dog trainer, she spent several years working in mental health and as an Adoption Counselor at Asheville Humane Society, experiences that deepened her understanding of how behavior, environment, and communication intersect. For the past two years, she has worked as a Behavior Assistant, guiding dogs and their families through behavioral challenges using positive, science-based training methods.
 
A lifelong animal lover with an insatiable curiosity for why animals behave the way they do, Alex takes a thoughtful, inquisitive approach to training. She believes that when we truly take the time to understand our dogs, we can teach more effectively, build stronger bonds, and create lasting change. In September of 2024, she earned her CPDT certification, a testament to her commitment to ongoing education and professional standards in the field of dog training.
 
A longtime Asheville resident with deep family roots in the area, Alex shares her home with a beloved dog and two quirky cats. Whether working through behavior concerns or helping new pet owners build a strong foundation, her mission remains the same: to help pets and their people better understand each other and enjoy the best possible life – together.
Alex Austin

Do you have a specific behavior challenge?

We can help! Check out our behavior resources page for more information.

Ask a trainer

We understand that sometimes your pet may need some additional guidance when it comes to training and behavior. Tell our behavior specialists what problems you are having and we will get back with you as soon as possible!