Canine Classes
Skills, Socialization, and Confidence
Discover Harbor Humane’s canine classes that provide training and enrichment for puppies and dogs of all ages, led by our Behavior Manager Sarah Rapisarda. From puppy preschool to advanced cue work, we offer opportunities for all skill levels to help you and your dog succeed together.
Meet Our Trainer
Expert Guidance You Can Trust
I have worked in my current position as Behavior Manager at HH since January 2017. I have my bachelor’s degree in Psychology, am a Shelter Affiliate member of the IAABC and have achieved my CPDT-KA. Additionally, I have been a certified Canine Good Citizen Evaluator since 2018. I am dedicated forever student to further my general and applied knowledge of animal behavior and behavior modification. My aim is to solidify the bond between pet and pet parent by forming a communication built on trust and understanding.
I have a special passion for working with reactive dogs. My heart dog, Max, was an XL fear-reactive dog who helped me become the trainer I am today. Together, we built a toolbox to help dogs and their handlers within our community; focusing on subthreshold training, addressing the underlying emotional state, and training new behaviors.
Why Take a Canine Class?
More Than Just Obedience
Whether you’re welcoming a new puppy or helping your adult dog navigate social environments, our classes support behavior change, confidence building, and owner education. Learning together promotes better relationships, reduces stress during public outings, and helps keep pets happy and healthy.
Class Offerings
General Classes
Saturdays 9:00–10:00am (If there is no slot on the “Individual Saturday Sign-Up,” then no playtime is available for that date)
Participants will receive a punch card with 6-session attendances.
Early socialization is a crucial part of your puppy’s development. This drop-in playtime is an easy opportunity for your puppy to learn social skills in a safe and supervised environment. Puppies will have the opportunity to play with other puppies along with interacting with other people and unique play environments. You will receive your punch card at your first Playtime session. Please remember to bring it to class as we will mark it upon entry. Please note: Playtime is a socialization session rather than a structured class. If you are looking for basic skills training, check out Puppy Preschool!
To register for the class, click “ALL CLASS ONLINE REGISTRATION”. Once we have received the registration form, you will receive an email with class details and the individual sign up code. Then, use your sign up code to schedule an Individual Saturday Sign Up.
**Please use the “Individual Saturday Sign Up” so that we can ensure we do not have too many puppies attending a single session of Playtime. Note that if you do not sign up for a Saturday session, you may be turned away. You will receive an email with the code and class details within 72hrs of signing up for the class.
Ages: 8 weeks to 6 months
Cost: $55 (email any questions to [email protected])
Saturdays 10:30–11:30am (5-week session)
November 7 – December 12 (**No class on Dec 5 but come check out Harbor’s Holiday Market instead!)
This class is dedicated to the pups and parents that struggle when out on walks. Reactive behavior is generally defined as barking, growling, and lunging when behind a barrier (usually a leash or behind a fence). We focus on subthreshold training to decrease stress/arousal and increase the confidence and comfort of both pup and parent. The class’s goal is to form new associations and behaviors to make life more pleasant for everyone!
The first day of class is orientation and will not include any dogs. Orientation will run from 9:30-11:30am.
Please note that class will be held outside, weather permitting! Dress appropriately. Water will be provided for the dogs.
Cost: $140 ($10 discount for HH alum. Email [email protected] for a discount code); $50 audit (attendance without dog)
Please contact Sarah at 616-399-2119 x113 or [email protected] to ensure that your dog is a good fit for this class!
Saturdays 12:00–1:00pm (5-week session)
November 7 – December 12 (**No class on Dec 5 but come check out Harbor’s Holiday Market instead!)
Puppy Preschool is for puppies 12 weeks to 6 months. This class is designed to set your puppy up for future success! We will work on basic skills like attention to handler, impulse control, and comfort with equipment. We will discuss ways to safely socialize your pup until they are fully vaccinated and ready to be exposed to more of the world. In addition to class time, puppies will spend half of the class socializing with other puppies and people. The class has a lot of good information for first time pet parents and enough skills practice for experienced puppy parents who want to get some safe exposure for their puppy.
Cost: $115 ($10 discount for HH alum. Email [email protected] for a discount code)
Saturdays 1:15–2:15pm (5-week session)
TBD (Likely Jan/Feb 2027)
No matter the age, your dog can learn new tricks and improve his or her manners! This beginners class is designed for dogs of all ages and covers some standard cues like Sit and Stay, but we focus on overall manners and some cooperative care behaviors. This class is a must for pup and parents who are looking for a starting point.
This class is rotated every other session with Skills 201.
Please note that class will be held outside, weather permitting! Dress appropriately. Water will be provided for the dogs.
Cost: $115 ($10 discount for HH alum. Email [email protected] for a discount code)
Saturdays 1:15–2:15pm (5-week session)
November 7 – December 12 (**No class on Dec 5 but come check out Harbor’s Holiday Market instead!)
This is the next step after Manners 101 or for handler-dog pairs who have a basic cue set already. We will work on handler focus around distractions and proofing basic cues and manners work. If you are new to the Harbor training program and aren’t sure if you are ready for this class, email Sarah at [email protected].
This class is rotated every other session with Manners 101 and is open to dogs of all ages.
Cost: $115 ($10 discount for HH alum. Email [email protected] for a discount code)
AKC Classes
Tuesdays 5:30–6:30pm (4-week session)
November 10 – December 1
AKC Trick Dog is for those pup and parent (or sibling) teams that are looking for something a bit more challenging. Learning tricks gives you and your pup yet another way to communicate. Why not collect a Trick Title or two along the way? This class explores cues like Spin, Roll-over, Crawl, and much, much more! A basic cue base is not required, but it is encouraged. This is a four-week class. Open to dogs of all ages, but a general cue base is highly encouraged.
Cost: $100 ($10 discount for HH alum. Email [email protected] for a discount code)
Tuesdays 6:45–7:45pm (5-week session)
November 10 – December 8
This class is designed to be a preparatory class for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test. That said, the test pieces are fantastic skills for all dogs navigating the world in public. If a “patio pup” is your goal, this is a great step in that journey. The first four classes are prep. Depending upon class majority, the fifth class can be extra practice or test day. The test can be taken on a later day if you and your pup need some extra practice. View AKC CGC test items.
Cost: $140 ($10 discount for HH alum. Email [email protected] for a discount code)
By Appointment Only
If you believe your dog is ready to take the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test without the additional training offered in the five-week CGC course, you can schedule a CGC test by contacting Sarah at behavior@ harborhumane.org or 616.399.2119 x113.
Ages: All ages welcome
Cost: $25
By Appointment Only
If you believe your dog is ready to take the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test without the additional training offered in the five-week CGC course, you can schedule a CGC test by contacting Sarah at [email protected] or 616.399.2119 x113.
Ages: All ages welcome
Cost: $25
Visiting Trainer Classes
Dogs have always been in my life, though I wasn’t as invested in training until a fluffy, sassy Australian Shepherd puppy, Maverick, stole my heart and my shoes. He was my sidekick throughout college while I completed degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice. Maverick started displaying behavioral sensitivities toward dogs, guests, and moving objects and this threw a wrench into my understanding of dogs and their behavior patterns. So, my journey began with enlisting the help of some dog training professionals that quickly became friends and mentors.
With their encouragement, hundreds of hours of working hands on with a variety of dogs, and their support, I received my Certificate for Certified Professional Dog Trainer- Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA). Learning the “why” behind animals’ behavior, seeking creative solutions to address behavior patterns, learning how we can communicate more effectively with our four legged friends, and striving to continue educating myself has been a theme throughout my journey. I am thankful for the wonderful opportunities I have received to deepen my knowledge to connect with my clients, support other professionals in their journey, and collaborate to enrich our training community. I love sharing my passion for positive, reward based methods with fellow dog lovers.
When not working with my clients, you can find me lounging in my hammock with a good book, playing with my pets, or trying out a new recipe!
Class Logistics and Requirements
Registration is exclusively online and classes fill quickly! To prepare for your first day of class, please take a moment to review our list of requirements below.
Class Requirements
Owners are required to provide proof of current vaccinations including Distemper combo, Bordetella, and Rabies. Puppies must have at least two Distemper shots for entry. Payment and vaccine documentation must be submitted together to hold your spot. Class fees are non-refundable.
What To Bring
- Leash (5-7 foot)
- Martingale or other flat collar, body or head harness
- Rewards: Bring something your dog loves best! We recommend bringing treats that are small, tasty, and easy-to-eat (the smellier the better for food motivators) such as hot dogs, cheese, lunch meat, or freeze-dried treats.
- Favorite dog toy, bone, or Kong
Please do not bring retractable leashes or prong, choke, or e-collars. The use of an e-collar for punitive means at Harbor Humane is strictly prohibited. The use of e-collars for tone/vibrate for conditioned communication with special-needs dogs can be approved via emailing [email protected].
Behavior Consultation Services
Need One-on-One Support?
If group classes aren’t the right fit, our behavior consultation offers tailored support. Options include email ($25), phone ($35), or in-person sessions at the shelter ($45). Harbor Humane adopters receive two free consults within a year of adoption. Consults can address reactive behavior, fear, separation anxiety, resource guarding, and more.
