Why attend obedience 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.
What to bring to class:
• Leash: 4-6 foot leather, nylon, or cotton leash. Please no retractable leashes or chain or choke collars.
• Collar: Martingale or nylon collars are acceptable.
• Treats: Small, tasty, and easy to eat! Cut up hot dogs, cheese, or lunch meat can be a great motivator!
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 2 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. Punch cards are valid for 12 weeks from the date of purchase.
Canine Good Citizen
Monday’s 7:15-8:15pm (Dates are TBD)
Started in 1989, the Canine Good Citizen Program (CGC) is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The CGC Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club as well as their owner having bragging rights that their dog is a Good Citizen! Owner and dog must attend all six classes in order to be eligible.
Ages: All ages welcome but general cue base is required
Cost: $125 ($10 discount for HHS alumni)
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 six-week CGC course provides.
Ages: All ages welcome
Cost: $25
S.T.A.R. Puppy
Monday’s 6:00-7:00pm (Dates are TBD)
The American Kennel Club S.T.A.R. (Socialization, Training, Activity, Responsibility). This class will teach you how to best communicate with your puppy. Organized training classes also provide an opportunity for your dog to socialize with other dogs. You’ll be able to get information on all of your puppy-raising questions including house-training, chewing, and the most effective way to teach practical skills such as coming when called. Upon completion of the course, your puppy will be eligible for the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Medal along with other recognition incentives. Owner and puppy must attend all six classes to be eligible.
Ages: 12 weeks to 1 year
Cost: $125 ($10 discount for HHS alumni)
Manners Class
Saturday’s 11:30 am – 12:30 pm (October 26th-November 30th)
No matter the age, your dog can learn new tricks and improve his or her manners! This beginners class covers the basics like sit, stay, down, come, leave it, walking on a loose leash and much more. This class is a must for the dog and owner who have not attended an obedience class before.
Ages: 5 months and up
Cost: $99 ($10 discount for HHS alumni)
Puppy Preschool
Saturday’s 10:15 – 11:15 am (October 26th-November 30th)
This is an introductory course to basic puppy obedience. We will start to build your puppy’s command set and expose puppies to a variety of new adventures. In addition to class time, puppies will have the second half of the class to socialize with other puppies in supervised and safe playgroups.
Ages: 12 weeks to 1 year
Cost: $99 ($10 discount for HHS alumni)
Puppy Playtime
Saturday’s 9:00 – 10:00 am
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. We create compatible puppy playgroups to ensure that everyone has a positive experience. Puppies will have the opportunity to play with other puppies along with breaks specifically intended to socialize puppies with other people as well. Through tailored play areas, we will also expose your puppy to new objects and experiences.
Ages: 8 weeks to 10 months
Cost: $55 ($5 discount for HHS alumni)
Speciality Canine Classes
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. Paula is a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, Muskegon Lakeshore Obedience Training Club, and PAWS in Grand Rapids. 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, 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.
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
Introduction to Nosework
Wednesday 5:00-5:45pm
Dates: November 6th – December 18th *Class will not be held November 27th*
6 Week Class
Description: Nosework is one of fastest growing dog sports and utilizes the dogs’ instinctive ability to smell things. Learn how this sport got started, what the differences are in the different venues that offer trials, and how you can play the game with your dogs and enjoy watching them use their number one sense. This is a great sport for dogs and people of all levels, age, and physical ability. It is fun to play in the house, at a park, or go to a trial with friends
Ages: 6 months and up
Cost: $125 ($5 discount for HHS alumni)
Shy Dog Class
Wednesday 6:00-6:45pm
Dates: November 6th – December 18th *Class will not be held November 27th*
6 Week Class
Description: Shy Dog Class is designed for dogs that are fearful of other people, noises, etc. We will teach you how to use desensitization and counter conditioning to things they fear. We will also use positive reinforcement techniques to increase their confidence and teach you how to communicate better with them.
Ages: 6 months and up
Cost: $125 ($5 discount for HHS alumni)
Reactive Dog Class
Wednesday 7:00-7:45pm OR 8:00-8:45pm
Dates: November 6th – December 18th *Class will not be held November 27th*
6 Week Class
Description: Are you embarrassed to bring your dog in public? Does your dog lunge and bark at people? Does your dog go nuts on a leash when he sees another dog? Then this class is for you! We know that this can be a frustrating problem and difficult for the person at the other end of the leash. You may not understand why your dog does this or why you can’t get them to stop it. Through the class, we teach handlers why this happens and how best to deal with it. We then work to teach dogs alternative behaviors to being reactive. This is the perfect class to help you make those evening strolls enjoyable and not stressful!
Ages: 6 months and up
Cost: $125 ($5 discount for HHS alumni)