Whether your pet needs to learn the basics, brush up on some "forgotten" skills or modify an existing behavior, we can help! We have a variety of training options available including small group classes and private lesson packages that can be tailored to meet both your training goals and your budget. Call or email Mariah at outreach@myhswm.org to discuss the best option for you and your pet. Or read on to learn about our group class levels, day training and private lessons and our free Behavior Helpline.
The Humane Society offers a variety of reward based training classes for puppies and dogs of all ages. Whether you have a new puppy or are looking to teach your old dog new tricks, we have a class for everyone. Our class fees are kept low, encouraging everyone to enroll in a class using the most current, humane and effective training methods.
Group classes run for six weeks and are held one hour per week, typically on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday evenings. Learn about our different class options and next available start dates below or email Mariah if you need help deciding which class would be the best fit.
Group Class Prices:
| Dogs from any shelter, rescue organization, or return students | $75 through 2013- $85 beginning Jan. 1 |
| All other dogs that do not fit into above category | $90 through 2013- $100 beginning Jan. 1 |
Basic Manners
Next class starts December 14- 1 spot left!
- Monday class beginning 11/18 is full!
- Enrolling now for Sat. class beginning 12/14, noon-1pm- 1 spot left
- Enrolling now for Mon. class beginning 1/6/14, 6:30-7:30 pm- 2 spots left
Your dog is a member of your family and we want to help them act like one! Our Basic Manners class will show you and your dog how to work effectively as a team and communicate with each other. This six week session is designed to help owners teach their dogs behaviors- such as sit, down, come, stay and walking on a loose leash- that will result in a safe, happy and enjoyable relationship. This is a very popular class and tends to fill up quickly, please register in advance if possible.
Maximum of six dogs per class allows for one-on-one instruction.
Please email Mariah for more information.
Puppy Kindergarten
Open enrollment class, you can start anytime!
No class 12/25 or 1/1
- For puppies up to 4 1/2 months old
- $40 for package of four classes
Socializing your puppy with other dogs is one of the most important things you can do for her! Socialization with new people, dogs and places is crucial from 8-16 weeks of age and can set the stage for a great future for your pup! This fun class focuses on socialization, start-up training and preventing problem behaviors like house soiling and inappropriate chewing. Beginning behaviors like name recognition, sit and coming when called will also be addressed in this class. Most importantly, your puppy will have the opportunity to meet and play with other dogs and meet new friends, both two and four legged!
This class is ongoing and meets Wednesday evenings from 5:30-6:15 pm. Beginning December 4, this class will meet from 6-6:45 pm.
Puppies must have at least one distemper vaccine given at least 10 days prior to first class, a bordatella vaccine and be current on booster vaccinations as is age appropriate.
Please email Mariah for more information or drop off the registration form to
Advanced/CGC Prep
Next class starts 1/7/14, 6-7 pm
- Enrolling now for Tue. class beginning Jan. 7
- For dogs who have completed Basic Manners or another adult obedience class
Help your dog become an AKC Canine Good Citizen! We'll prepare students and their dogs to take the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test, a program designed to certify dogs who demonstrate good manners at home and in the community. This course is designed to practice all of the skills required to pass the CGC test including sitting politely for petting, accepting a friendly stranger and coming when called. We'll review all ten of the test items and help you resolve any specific issues you may be having with your dog. Week six of this course will be the optional CGC Exam.
Members of the public who do not enroll in this class are also welcome to take the CGC Exam for a nominal fee.
Please email Mariah for more information or to learn about upcoming start dates.
Beginner Agility
Outdoor Agility class starts again in Spring, 2014
- For dogs who have completed Basic Manners or a similar class
- Must have basic recall and be good with other dogs off leash
Lean the basics of agility and see how much fun dog sports can be for both you and your dog! In this class you will get an introduction to basic equipment including hoops, jumps, weave poles and more. You will also learn how to direct your dog from a distance and teach rock-solid stays! All breeds and sizes of dogs are welcome, but dogs must be good with other dogs off-leash and have completed a Basic Manners or similar class. Our trainer has over 15 years of experience competing in NADAC agility trials with many breeds including an Irish Wolfhound, Golden retriever and a Border Collie. Email outreach@myhswm.org or call 549-3934 to sign up.
If your schedule does not allow for the commitment of a weekly group class or if you have specific behavior issues you need to work on, Private Lessons or Day Training are great options. We have Certified Professional Dog Trainers on staff to help with everything from puppy training, teaching basic manners and solving common behavior problems.
