Group Classes, Private Sessions, Behavior Modification and AKC's Canine Good Citizen Program
Basic Group Obedience Class
Our basic group obedience class is 6 weeks in duration and focuses on the basics of dog obedience in a group setting. We will meet one day per week for 6 weeks and each session is an hour long. We will focus on one key task per week (i.e. sit-stay, down,stay, heeling and leash manners, and recall). Each task serves a building block for improving obedience and enhancing your relationship with your pet. Owners and dogs alike will learn to work through distractions during this class as it is conducted in a group session. This class is great for everyone from first time pet owners to experienced pet owners. If you are interested in enhancing your dog's obedience and your relationship with them, please apply! You can apply for our next session by filling out and submitting the below application. Our trainers will be in touch with further details after your submission.
ANNA Alum - $125
Other - $150
Individual Dog Obedience Sessions
These sessions are designed for owners and dogs that would like to learn the basics of dog obedience in a private setting. Each session is 1-1.5 hours and is customized to the needs of the dog and owner. You and your dog will get one-on-one attention from one of our trainers. If you do not think you and your dog are ready for a group class, this is a great place to start!
ANNA Alum - $75
Other - $95
Individual Behavior Modification Sessions
These sessions are designed for dogs and owners that are experiencing behavioral issues that they would like to address in a private session. We will help you with addressing numerous issues to include but not limited to aggression, resource guarding, fear, uncontrolled barking, etc. You will get the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a trainer and discuss any issues or difficulties you may be having with your dog. The trainer will assist you in coming up with solutions and tactics to deal with whatever you may be encountering. These sessions are from 1-1.5 hours in duration.
ANNA Alum - First session within 6 months of adoption is free - $75 for sessions after 6 months of adoption or additional sessions
Other - $95
In-Home Behavior Modification Sessions - We will travel to you if need be! These sessions are designed to address behavior issues that are specific to the home.
All - $100 within 5 miles of the shelter ($3 extra for every mile over 5)
Canine Good Citizen (CGC) (Coming January 2027 - sign up today!)
Canine Good Citizen is a program and test offered through the American Kennel Club. The test can be evaluated and conducted by a CGC Evaluator certified by the AKC, and Matt is certified! CGC is the base prerequisite for any certification through the AKC to include Therapy Dog. The test consists of 10 tasks that evaluate your dog’s sociability, obedience, and general manners. These tasks are accepting a friendly stranger, sitting politely for petting, appearance and grooming, out for a walk, walking through a crowd, sit and down on command/staying in place, coming when called, reaction to another dog, reaction to distractions, and supervised separation. Join us for our 6 week prep course or simply come for test day! Our 6 week prep course consists of 5 preparation sessions (1 day per week) that will focus on preparing for the tests and practicing the necessary skills. Each prep session is one hour long. The 6th and final session will be test day. If you have been practicing and preparing for the tests at home and are confident that your dog will pass, you can simply come to test day, but we encourage you to attend our prep course and practice all the tests in a group setting and gain confidence in your dog prior to test day. Sign up for our prep course today and work towards your dog becoming a Canine Good Citizen!
6 week prep course and test:
ANNA Alum - $125
Other - $150
Standalone test:
ANNA Alum - $25
Other - $35
Matt Lesnett
Meet our Trainers
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Matt is a compassionate trainer at The ANNA Shelter who takes pride in helping dogs and their families build strong and harmonious relationships. He first volunteered at the shelter while in college and began volunteering heavily with us about five years ago. As a U.S. Army veteran and current law enforcement officer, he brings patience, dedication, and clear communication to every training session and class. He approaches every session and every dog and owner from a calm, thoughtful, analytical angle. Matt believes in personalized care and the power of trust and understanding between canine and human. He applies this to help transform the relationship between dogs and their owners. He is dedicated to bringing out the best in every dog and helping them and their humans to live full and fulfilling lives side by side. He enjoys working with dogs of all breeds but has a passion for protection bred working lines and livestock guardians. Matt currently has an Anatolian Shepherd, a German Shephard, and a Dutch Shephard at home. All three are rescues that are now living their best lives as country dogs. In his free time Matt enjoys spending time with his girlfriend and family, volunteering at the shelter, spending time with his dogs and horses, gardening, reading, hunting, and enjoying all that the great outdoors has to offer. Matt is also an AKC Certified CGC Evaluator.
Tony has deep passion and love for all animals, but dogs are his favorite. He believes in helping dog owners build a happy home for their dog and themselves in any way that he can. Tony’s initial employment was in the public safety field. He has served with a volunteer fire department, EMS, Police Communications, EMS Communications and the Erie City Police Department. He is a 25-year veteran of the Erie Police Department. For 21 years he was a police K-9 handler and trainer for the K-9 unit. In addition to certifying his police K-9 every year, Tony has attended numerous training courses related to police dog training and general obedience and behavior over the years. Prior to his employment with Erie Police, he was active in dog training with his own dogs, consisting primarily of German Shepherds. In addition, he and his partner were involved in the breeding of German Shepherds for 15 years. He commends all those that rescue dogs in an attempt to give them a good home. Tony has a passion for rescued pets and believes that while some may require extra care, there is also a chance for them to have a happy life while they are still here with loving humans that are willing to put in the necessary time and dedication. Tony currently has two German Shepherds that are both rescues. He enjoys spending time taking care of his dogs and his home.
Tony DeBacco
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