Why attend canine class?

Whether it be a puppy or an adult dog, training classes are a great way to build the bond between you and your dog and help you to have a happy and healthy relationship with your favorite furry friend! Learning new skills and teaching new behaviors will build your confidence and make life more enjoyable for both you and your dog. We are also able to cater to reactive dogs. If you have a reactive dog, please note that on your sign up form to ensure that we create a positive environment for you and your pooch!

What to bring to class:

• Leash: 4-6 foot leash
• Collar: Martingale or flat collars are acceptable. Body and head harnesses are also acceptable.
• Rewards: Small, tasty, and easy to eat! Cut up hot dogs, cheese, or lunch meat can be a great motivator! Generally, the smellier the better for food motivators. Your dog’s favorite toy can also be a great motivator though!
• It also isn’t a bad idea to bring your pup’s favorite toy, bone or Kong to provide a distraction when necessary!
*Please no retractable leashes or prong, choke, or e-collars (use of e-collar for punitive means at Harbor is prohibited; the use of e-collars for tone/vibrate for conditioned communication with special-needs dogs can be approved via emailing behavior@harborhumane.org).

Requirements:

Owners are required to send proof of vaccinations for Distemper combo vaccine. Bordetella and Rabies vaccines are also required for appropriately aged dogs. Puppies must have at least two Distemper combo vaccines to attend class. Places in class can only be held if both payment and proof of vaccinations is received. Fees are non-refundable.

ALL CLASS ONLINE REGISTRATION

MEET HARBOR’S TRAINER!

Sarah Rapisarda has worked in her current position as Behavior Manager at HHS since January 2017. She has bachelor’s degree in Psychology and has achieved her CPDT-KA through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. CPDT-KA certification recognizes the knowledge and experience of professional dog trainers. Additionally, she has been a certified Canine Good Citizen Evaluator since 2018. She is an IAABC Affiliate Member of the Shelter Division and has attended many conferences on animal behavior as well as taken continuing education credits to further her general and applied knowledge of animal behavior and behavioral modification. Following the Humane Hierarchy and LIMA guidelines, her training techniques work to solidify the bond between pet and pet parent by forming a communication built on trust and understanding.

AKC Classes

Tuesdays 5:15-6:15 pm (TBD)

4-week class

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.

Ages: All ages welcome but general cue base is highly encouraged

Cost: $100 ($10 discount for HHS alum, email behavior@harborhumane.org for code)

Tuesdays 6:15-7:15pm (April 1 – April 29)

5-week class

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. Dependent 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.

To see the AKC CGC test items, click here.

Ages: All ages welcome but general skill base is required

Cost: $140 ($10 discount for HHS alum, email behavior@harborhumane.org for code)

By appointment only: Contact Sarah at behavior@harborhumane.org or 616.399.2119 x113

Just the Canine Good Citizen test. This is for those who feel their dog does not need the extra training the five-week CGC course provides.

Ages: All ages welcome

Cost: $25

General Classes

Saturdays 10:30-11:30 am (May 3 – June 7) *NO CLASS MAY 24*

5-week class

This class is dedicated to the pups and parents that struggle when out on walks. Reactive behavior is generally defined as barking, growling, 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 classes 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.

Ages: 6 months and up

Cost: $140 ($10 discount for HHS alum, email behavior@harborhumane.org for code)
$50 audit (attendance without dog)

**Please call or email Sarah at 616-399-2119 x113 or behavior@harborhumane.org to ensure that your dog is a good fit for this class!

Saturdays 12:00-1:00 pm (May 3 – June 7) *NO CLASS MAY 24*

5-week class

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.

Ages: 12 weeks to 6 months

Cost: $115 ($10 discount for HHS alum, email behavior@harborhumane.org for code)

Saturdays 1:15-2:15pm (May 3 – June 7) *NO CLASS MAY 24*

5-week class

No matter the age, your dog can learn new tricks and improve his or her manners! This beginners class 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.

Ages: All ages welcome

Cost: $115 ($10 discount for HHS alum, email behavior@harborhumane.org for code)

Saturdays 1:15-2:15pm (TBD)

5-week class

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 behavior@harborhumane.org.

This class is rotated every other session with Manners 101.

Ages: All ages welcome

Cost: $115 ($10 discount for HHS alum, email behavior@harborhumane.org for code)

Visiting Trainer Classes

Thursdays 5:00-5:45pm (March 27 – May 8) *NO CLASS APRIL 10*

6-week class

This course is structured to provide an introduction to dog training for puppies, new handlers, or beginner level dogs. This course works on foundation skill building, socialization, and navigating distractions. Some topics to be covered will be leash skills, coming when called, handler focus, drop it, leave it, confidence building, recall, and more! 

Ages: 8 weeks and up

Cost: $125 ($10 discount for HHS alum, email behavior@harborhumane.org for code)

Thursdays 6:00-6:45pm (March 27 – May 8) *NO CLASS APRIL 10*

6-week class

This course is structured to provide an introduction to several sports including tricks, nosework, parkour, rally,! We will be building foundation skills for these particular sports, these skills are advantageous for a multitude of other sports as well! Strengthen your bond with your dog, learn something new, and try out some options before committing to longer sport specific courses. Sports are a great way for dogs to engage their minds and bodies, find something fun for you and your pup!

Ages: 8 weeks and up

Cost: $125 ($10 discount for HHS alum, email behavior@harborhumane.org for code)

Thursdays 7:30-8:15pm (March 27 – May 8) *NO CLASS APRIL 10*

6-week class

This course focuses on helping dogs with big feelings develop new coping skills to navigate their world with the power of nosework. We focus on providing a structured environment that empowers handlers and dogs to have fun together strengthening their bond. Nosework is a great way to build resilience and boost confidence. Nosework also provides an outlet for energy when the weather is not ideal, if your pup gets overwhelmed or overstimulated easily, or for pups with mobility challenges. 

Ages: 8 weeks and up

Cost: $125 ($10 discount for HHS alum, email behavior@harborhumane.org for code)

Socialization

Saturdays 9:00 – 10:00 am (If there is no slot on the “Individual Saturday Sign Up” then there is no Playtime that date)

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.

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.

**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 behavior@harborhumane.org)

Puppy Playtime Individual Saturday Sign Up

Behavior Consultation

For information on behavior consultations, please click here.

Workshops and Seminars

Workshops

A mixture of instructor led and self-directed practice on a variety of topics. Beginner and experienced handler/dog pairs welcome!

Seminars

Round table discussion and instruction on topics best discussed without canines present! Some seminars will be virtual; see each seminar description for full information.

ALL CLASS ONLINE REGISTRATION

Visiting Trainers

MEET TARA WITH TWO PAWS FORWARD

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!

Looking for a private trainer or group classes in your area?

Check out our Recommended Trainers in West Michigan list! If you’re looking for literature on dog training/behavior, our Canine Behavior/Training Reading List is what you’re looking for instead. Have a recommendation to improve our documents? Email behavior@harborhumane.org!

ALL CLASS ONLINE REGISTRATION