Dog Classes

The Humane Society of Chittenden County is pleased to offer the following positive reinforcement-based Training Classes for you and your dog(s). Whatever stage of life you & your dog are in, there is a class to help you enjoy life together even more!

Puppy Preparation for the Real World

Level I (Basic) $135.00

This is a 6 week class for you and your puppy. Dogs have a magical period of development from 3 to 18 weeks old during which people can practically bomb-proof their pup. Want your pup to grow up to be good around kids, the vet, boarding, other dogs, anyone, and everyone? This six week class will get you well on the road to having an easy-going, friendly dog. The class focuses on socializing, handling and bite inhibition, with some attention to impulse control and basic obedience. The cost includes a copy of Ian Dunbar's book After You Get your Puppy. (Limited to 8 puppies per session. Please no children under the age of 5. For puppies 10-20 weeks old.

Tuesday's, August 24th - October 5th from 6-7pm (no class 09/21)

Level II (Advanced) $80.00
Pre-requisite: Puppy Prep Level I (within past two months) In this 4 week class we will work on solidifying basic commands we worked on in Puppy 1. Since all puppies have known history and have been working on bite inhibition, we will continue to do off-leash play although it will be less of a focus of the class. (Note: since puppies from other sessions may be put together there is a possibility for some dog-dog conflict which will be assessed class by class). We will start to work on more challenging situations and distractions for stay, recall, leave-it, off. This class will also offer an outlet to help you stay focused on training through the start of your puppy's adolescence.

TBA

Thoughtful Owner-Gracious Dog

Level 1.a & 1.B combined (Basic) $125.00
With this 3 week class you will learn how to be your dog's trainer by focusing on teaching with consistency and patience. By using positive reinforcement for good behaviors you will increase your dogs trust and bond. This class focuses on position changes, recall, leave it and loose leash walking. Class size is limited to 6 dog/owner pairs and two handlers per dog. (For dogs 4 months+)

Tuesday's, August 24th - October 5th from 7:15 - 8:15pm (no class 09/21)

Level II (Advanced) $80.00

re-requisite: TOGD Level I. In this 4 week class we will work on solidifying the basic commands we worked on in TOGD I as well as increasing level of distraction and difficulty. This class will also focus on honing your timing, how to asses your progress and recognizing when you need to slow down to remain successful. We will hold class both in the classroom and outside in the "real world." If the class dynamics allow, and there is interest, we may also be able to do some dog play.