Classes for dogs and their humans.
Pawsitively Puppies Classes
(For puppies under five months)
Start out on the right paw with a puppy class that focuses on the puppy/parent relationship. Pawsitively Puppies classes are stress free and make learning fun. You will use games and positive reinforcement to help your pup develop into the great companion you know he or she can be.
DETAILS:
- Cost: $125
- Series length: 4 weeks, 45 minutes/class
- Prerequisites: Puppy Webinar (will be provided to registered students prior to the start of class)
DESCRIPTION: A safe and fun learning environment for you and your puppy. Through games and easy exercises, you will develop basic skills such as sit, come, go-to-mat, and beginning leash-walking. Your pup will also learn to coexist with other pups and their humans which is an important socialization skill.
REQUIREMENTS: Puppies should be 5 month old or younger when starting the class. Proof of at least one distemper/parvo combination vaccine at least seven days prior to start of class.
- Proof of current rabies vaccination if puppy is over four months.
- Proof of current bordetella vaccination.
- Photo proof of vaccinations must be emailed two days prior to the start of in-person classes or your dog will not be able to attend class.
DETAILS:
- Cost: $125
- Series length: 4 weeks, 45 minutes/class
- Prerequisites: Puppy Webinar (will be provided to registered students prior to the start of class)
DESCRIPTION: Since early socialization is key to your dog’s well-being, the HSSC has devised this special class. Drop off your pup for supervised play with other dogs, go do an errand or get a cup of coffee, and then come back forty-five minutes later to pick up your tired, happy pup.
REQUIREMENTS: Puppies should be 5 month old or younger when starting the class. Proof of at least one distemper/parvo combination vaccine at least seven days prior to start of class.
- Proof of current rabies vaccination if puppy is over four months.
- Proof of current bordetella vaccination.
- Photo proof of vaccinations must be emailed two days prior to the start of in-person classes or your dog will not be able to attend class.
DETAILS:
- Cost: $125.00
- Series Length: 4 week class, 60 minutes/class
- Prerequisites: Kinderpuppy. At the start of this class, your puppy should be 6 months or younger.
DESCRIPTION: Unlock a world of fun and teamwork with your puppy! In this introductory class, you’ll explore how to enhance your dog’s natural problem-solving abilities through nose work.
- Teach your puppy to develop a search pattern for finding reinforcements efficiently.
- Strengthen your bond through engaging teamwork.
- Build your puppy’s confidence and problem-solving skills in a fun and supportive environment.
REQUIREMENTS: Dogs should be 6 month old or younger when starting the class. Photo proof of vaccinations must be emailed two days prior to the start of in-person classes or your dog will not be able to attend class.
- Proof of at least one distemper/parvo combination vaccine at least seven days prior to start of class.
- Proof of current rabies vaccination if dog is over four months.
- Proof of current bordetella vaccination.
“Thank you for a great class today! We are already looking forward to next week. I didn’t know how much Ollie would love scenting and can’t wait to incorporate it into his routine. I’m really happy that more classes are being offered for puppies, as I feel like it really gives Ollie variety while getting to continue to learn! Thank you! -Caitlin and Ollie
– Review for Scenting for Puppies
School of Pawsitive Rewards Classes
(For dogs five months and older)
Want to take your best friend out to coffee or stroll around in public places with ease? Enroll in the School of Pawsitive Rewards classes, in which you and your dog will learn new skills, fine-tune already learned behaviors, and use these lessons in real life situations to further strengthen confidence, trust and bonding.
DETAILS:
- Cost: $125
- Series length: 4 weeks, 60 minutes/class
- Prerequisites: SOPR Orientation Webinar (will be provided to registered students prior to the start of class)
DESCRIPTION: A safe and fun learning environment for you and your puppy. Your pup will develop important socialization skills with other pups and their humans. Through games and easy exercises, you will develop basic skills such as sit, come, go-to-mat, and beginning leash-walking. We request that you sign up for both levels to ensure that you and your pup complete a full It’s Elementary experience. You will join It’s Elementary Level 1 first. Once you complete that course, you will continue on to It’s Elementary Level 2. The classes are designed to build on each other. PLEASE NOTE: The first week of class is a MANDATORY orientation. (bring your dog)
REQUIREMENTS: Dogs should be over 5 months old when starting the class. Photo proof of the following vaccines are required to be emailed at least two days prior to the start of in-person classes:
- distemper/parvo combination vaccination
- current rabies vaccination
- current bordetella vaccination
DETAILS:
- Cost: $125
- Series length: 4 weeks, 60 minutes/class
- Prerequisites: SOPR Orientation Webinar and It’s Elementary Level 1
DESCRIPTION: Continue on with the great work you did in It’s Elementary Level 1, adding distance, duration, and distraction to the lessons.
REQUIREMENTS: Dogs should be over 5 months old when starting class. Photo proof of the following vaccines are required to be emailed at least two days prior to the start of in-person classes:
- distemper/parvo combination vaccination
- current rabies vaccination
- current bordetella vaccination
DETAILS:
- Cost: $125
- Series length: 4 weeks, 60 minutes/class
- Prerequisites: SOPR Orientation Webinar and It’s Elementary Level 2
DESCRIPTION: Train as you live! Take the lessons you learned in previous classes out into the world. Practicing settling in new environments, reading your dog’s body language in new contexts, practice polite greetings while passing dogs and other pedestrians, and much more. You will practice in a variety of interesting places throughout the Barlow, and you and your dog will experience the kinds of distractions that occur in everyday life.
REQUIREMENTS: Dogs should be 5 months old or older when starting the class. Photo proof of the following vaccines are required to be emailed at least two days prior to the start of in-person classes:
- distemper/parvo combination vaccination
- current rabies vaccination
- current bordetella vaccination
DETAILS:
- Cost: $125
- Series length: 4 weeks, 45 minutes/class
- Prerequisites: It’s Elementary Level 2 and Junior Varsity Level 1
DESCRIPTION: Build on the skills you learned at the Barlow in several new locations. Learn to continue to connect with your dog through long line work and pattern exercises, learn to read their body language, and practically apply what you have learned so far. Each class will take place in a different location with unique challenges including parks, neighborhoods, cafe settings, and more!
REQUIREMENTS: Dogs should be 5 months old or older when starting the class. Photo proof of the following vaccines are required to be emailed at least two days prior to the start of in-person classes:
- distemper/parvo combination vaccination
- current rabies vaccination
- current bordetella vaccination
“This class was great, made wonderful by Jack. He was kind, fun and informative.”
“We are already using what we learned in Jack’s class in daily training games at home. The class was great fun for us and for our dog and valuable in terms of learning to navigate the world with her and to improve our two-way communication. Best class we’ve taken, and we’ve taken a lot.”
“This class helped my nervous dog be more comfortable in busier environments and gave me good pointers for ongoing training!”
– Reviews for Junior Varsity Level 1 with Jack
School of Pawsitive Electives Classes
(For dogs five months and older)
Our School of Pawsitive Electives also offers alternative and elective classes for the sensitive or advanced pup. Receive science-based, positive reinforcement training for challenging situations from our training professionals to guide you to a healthy, happy relationship with your dog!
DETAILS:
- Cost: $400
- Series length: 8 weeks, 75 minutes/class
- Prerequisites: None
DESCRIPTION: Does your dog bark, pull, jump and lunge at other dogs? If you are nodding your head, then Reactive Rover is the class for you and your pup. Reactive Rover covers important foundation skills for handling a reactive dog that are essential to helping your dog live their best life.
You will learn skills in evasive maneuvers, focus and attention, leash management plus how to help your dog make better choices. After you are confident and experienced in dog handling skills, then it is time for the next step. Our instructors will teach you innovative tactics and games that are designed to help your dog be confident in uncomfortable and/or difficult situations. The goal is for your dog to be neutral when triggers appear in the environment.
*This class is not appropriate for dogs who display aggressive behavior towards humans. Please email dogtraining@humanesocietysoco.org for additional assistance.
REQUIREMENTS: Dogs should be 5 months old or older when starting the class. Photo proof of the following vaccines are required to be emailed at least two days prior to the start of in-person classes:
- distemper/parvo combination vaccination
- current rabies vaccination
- current bordetella vaccination