At Down Home Dog Training, LLC, we believe in building better behavior through stronger bonds.

Our relationship-based training approach is designed to deepen the connection between dogs and their people by focusing on trust, communication, and mutual understanding. Rather than simply correcting unwanted behaviors, we emphasize teaching dogs what to do—encouraging calm, confident choices and attentiveness to their handler, even in distracting environments.

By understanding the why behind a dog’s behavior, we tailor training to each unique partnership, helping both dog and human grow together. Our methods build confidence in dogs and empower owners, creating a positive, respectful, and lasting relationship.

Every program we offer is designed with real-life success in mind—so whether you're training for everyday manners or new adventures, you'll be prepared for whatever life brings.

PROFESSIONAL.
As a member of multiple professional organizations, you can feel comfortable and confident choosing Down Home Dog Training, LLC for your dog training needs. We aren't your typical "run-of-the-mill" training company. We have spent years expanding our education, upgrading our services, and revamping our one-of-a-kind programs.

PERSONAL.
At Down Home Dog Training, LLC, you aren't just a "name in the book". Each and every dog is viewed individually. No two dogs are the same, and no two dogs will learn exactly the same way. That's why, we strive to provide exemplary customer service to help provide you with the recipes for success.

PASSIONATE.
Providing affordable training for the Northwest Pennsylvania area isn't all that Down Home Dog Training, LLC is know for. We also donate hundreds of training packages each year to dogs in need. We feel that ALL dogs deserve the chance to receive a positive education.

Founded in early 2014, Down Home Dog Training, LLC has proudly served Northwest Pennsylvania and beyond with high-quality, relationship-based dog training. What began as a small dream has grown into a trusted and respected resource for dog owners seeking real results with a compassionate, practical approach.

We are an all-breed training company, welcoming dogs of all breeds, backgrounds, skill levels, temperaments, and training goals. Whether you're raising a puppy, fine-tuning obedience skills, addressing behavior challenges, or preparing for dog sports or therapy work—our programs are designed to meet you where you are and help you grow from there.

Our founder and head trainer, Hannah Adams, built this business from the ground up with a deep understanding of what it’s like to live with a dog who’s struggling. That empathy fuels everything we do. Hannah shares:

“For me, dog training isn’t just a profession—it’s a passion. I started by training just one or two dogs a month. As word spread and more families reached out, I expanded into group classes, added private sessions, and eventually opened our Meadville location to accommodate the growing demand and provide more services. As of 2025, we have expanded training services to Erie as well, and are very excited tp help more dogs and owners. I’ve seen firsthand how many owners feel forced to give up their dogs due to behavioral challenges or financial stress. That’s why I committed to keeping our prices affordable and our programs accessible—because every dog deserves a chance, and every owner deserves support.”

Hannah brings extensive experience to the table, with a background that includes work in veterinary hospitals, boarding kennels, dog daycare, a pet store, and even managing a county humane society. She holds a Dog Obedience Training certificate from Penn Foster Career School, is an Approved Evaluator for the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen and Trick Dog title programs and is a K9 Evaluator for Therapy Dogs United. In 2018, she was honored as the National Dog Trainer of the Year by GreatMats. Dedicated to continuing her education and expanding her offerings,

Hannah is actively pursuing additional certifications to better serve her clients and community. Her mission remains the same: to build stronger bonds between dogs and their people, and to help keep more dogs in loving homes—where they belong.

At Down Home Dog Training, LLC, we specialize in real-world training for real-life results.

Our programs are uniquely designed to go beyond the basics, preparing you and your dog for success in everyday environments—not just at home or in a quiet training space. We believe that true training happens where life happens: at parks, downtown areas, ballfields, and everywhere in between.

We challenge our clients and their dogs with purpose, helping to build confidence, focus, and reliability no matter the setting. Because let’s face it—just because Fido can sit politely in your living room doesn’t mean he’s ready for the excitement of a busy sidewalk or a family outing.

That’s where we come in.

We don’t just train in the real world—we train for it.

Group Classes are structured, adaptable, and designed for success.

Each group class runs for a set number of weekly sessions, held on the same day and time each week. For example, if your class begins on a Tuesday at 6:00 PM, it will meet every Tuesday at 6:00 PM for the duration of the program—typically 6 to 8 weeks.

We’re proud to offer a wide variety of group training programs to fit your goals and your dog’s needs. Whether you're looking to build a solid foundation in our Puppy or Beginner classes, explore fun canine sports, prepare for therapy dog work, address behavioral concerns, or even work on canine fitness—we have something for everyone and tend to customize each course to fit the needs of the dogs enrolled within it.

Most of our group classes include 6 to 8 dogs, creating an engaging yet manageable learning environment. Some classes may have slightly more or fewer participants depending on the specific focus and structure of the program.

Private Training: Personalized Support, Rooted in Relationship

Our private training sessions offer a one-on-one experience tailored to you and your dog’s unique needs. This format is ideal for refining skills introduced in group classes, accommodating busy schedules, or supporting dogs who may need time to build confidence before working around other dogs or people.

Because every dog-human team is different, private training allows us to dive deeper into your specific goals, focusing on strengthening communication, building trust, and addressing challenges in a calm, personalized setting. Whether you're working through behavioral concerns or simply want to enhance your dog’s focus and reliability, we meet you where you are and grow from there—together.

Private training rates vary based on the type and complexity of training needed. To ensure the best path forward, we begin with a comprehensive consultation to assess your dog’s behavior, understand your goals, and recommend the most effective program for long-term success.

No matter where you're starting, we're here to help you and your dog thrive.

At Down Home Dog Training, we often recommend group classes as a valuable foundation for most dogs. Group training offers the opportunity to work on essential real-life skills like socialization, desensitization, focus around distractions, and the ability to generalize commands with other dogs and people present. It’s a fun and enriching environment that helps set dogs up for success in everyday situations.

However, we understand that not every dog is ready to jump into a group setting right away. If your dog is experiencing challenges such as reactivity or aggression toward dogs or people, we may recommend beginning with private training. This allows us to build confidence, address specific concerns, and create a safe and productive learning experience. When your dog is ready, we’ll help transition into group classes to continue progressing in a more dynamic environment.

Group classes can be a big adjustment — and that's okay! Some dogs may start off barking, pulling, pacing, or acting shy or overly excited. That’s all part of the process, and we’re here to guide you through it. The only way to help your dog improve in those situations is to gently and consistently work through them—and you won’t be doing it alone. We’re with you every step of the way.