Why attend canine class?
Whether it be a puppy or an adult dog, obedience class is 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! Learn different ways of training and what works best for you and your dog! Learning new skills and teaching new behaviors will build your confidence and make training 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 aversive 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.
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
Trick Dog
Thursdays 5:15-6:15 pm (August 1 – August 22)
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: $90 ($10 discount for HHS alum, email behavior@harborhumane.org for code)
Canine Good Citizen
Thursdays 6:30-7:30pm (July 11 – August 15) **NO CLASS JULY 18**
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: $125 ($10 discount for HHS alum, email behavior@harborhumane.org for code)
Canine Good Citizen (Test Only)
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
Puppy Preschool
Saturdays 10:15-11:15 am (June 29 – August 3) **NO CLASS JULY 6**
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: $99 ($10 discount for HHS alum, email behavior@harborhumane.org for code)
Manners 101
Saturdays 11:30 am-12:30 pm (TBD)
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: $99 ($10 discount for HHS alum, email behavior@harborhumane.org for code)
Skills 201
Saturdays 11:30 am-12:30 pm (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: $99 ($10 discount for HHS alum, email behavior@harborhumane.org for code)
Reactive Dog Class (FULL)
Saturdays 1:00-2:00 pm (FULL- email behavior@harborhumane.org to be added to the contact list for next session dates)
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.
Ages: 6 months and up
Cost: $125 ($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!
Socialization
Puppy Playtime
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)
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!
Visiting Trainer Classes
One-on-one Training with Dog Blessed, LLC
Sometimes you just need to cut out the distractions and learn one-on-one with the trainer! Paula Smith also offers one-on-one training sessions here at Harbor Humane Society or in your home based on your needs. Paula will work with you to help you communicate better with your dog and help both of you grow your bond! Paula donates part of her fee to HHS to help us continue our efforts. She is a certified dog trainer through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.
To schedule, email Paula at dogblessedllc@gmail.com or call at 616.430.0297
Meet the Trainer!
Paula Smith is a certified professional dog trainer through the Certified Council for Professional Dog Trainers and is the owner of Dog Blessed, LLC. Paula strives to enhance the lives of dogs and teach others about dog behavior and humane science based training techniques. In her spare time, she likes to spend time training her own dogs and trialing in Agility and Nosework. Her dogs hold titles in CPE agility, AKC agility, UKC, AKC, CPE, and NACSW Nosework, Therapy Work, Advance Canine Good Citizenship, Tricks, Rally, and are always trying new things. Her goal is to strengthen the relationship between humans and canines in the home by focusing on enhancing cross species communication. She uses scientific based training focused on positive reinforcement and classical conditioning.
