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. We are also able to cater to reactive dogs. If you have a reactive dog, please note that on your sign up sheet to ensure that we create a positive environment for you and your pooch!
What to bring to class:
• Leash: 4-6 foot leather, nylon, or cotton leash.
• Collar: Martingale or nylon collars are acceptable. Body and head harnesses are also acceptable.
• Treats: Small, tasty, and easy to eat! Cut up hot dogs, cheese, or lunch meat can be a great motivator!
• 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.
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 Instructor 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.
Canine Good Citizen
Tuesday’s 6:30-7:30 pm (July 13-August 10)
5-week class
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 five classes in order to be eligible.
Ages: All ages welcome but general cue base is highly encouraged
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 six-week CGC course provides.
Ages: All ages welcome
Cost: $25
Trick Dog
Tuesday’s 5:15-6:15 pm (July 13-August 3)
4-week class
AKC Trick Dog is our newest class! It 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: 12 weeks to 1 year
Cost: $90 ($10 discount for HHS alum, email Behavior@harborhumane.org for code)
Saturday’s 1:00-2:00 pm (July 10-August 7)
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). We focus on desensitizing and counter-conditioning techniques to decrease stress and increase the confidence and comfort of both pup and parent. 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!
Manners Class
Saturday’s 11:30 am-12:30 pm (July 10-August 7)
5-week class
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, Leave It, Place, walking on a loose leash, and recall. This class is a must for pup and parents who have not attended an obedience class before.
Ages: 6 months and up
Cost: $99 ($10 discount for HHS alum, email Behavior@harborhumane.org for code)
Puppy Preschool
Saturday’s 10:15-11:15 am (July 10-August 7)
5-week class
This is an introductory course to basic puppy obedience. We will start to build your puppy’s cue set and expose puppies to a variety of new adventures. In addition to class time, puppies will spend half of the class socializing with other puppies and people.
Ages: 12 weeks to 6 months
Cost: $99 ($10 discount for HHS alum, email Behavior@harborhumane.org for code)
Puppy Playtime
Saturday’s 9:00 – 10:00 am (Please keep an eye on Facebook for cancellations)
6-week punch card
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.
**Due to space constraints we are now limiting it to two handlers per puppy. We are also utilizing a sign up link to avoiding turning puppy and parent pairs when we reach capacity. The Saturday session sign up button is below**
Ages: 8 weeks to 6 months
Cost: $55 ($10 discount for HHS alum, email Behavior@harborhumane.org for code)
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. 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.
One-on-one Training
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