SPCA Dog Training Programs for a Happy and Healthy Pet

SPCA dog training programs are designed to help you and your furry friend build a strong bond and overcome common behavioral issues. By enrolling in these programs, you'll learn effective techniques to improve your dog's obedience, socialization, and overall well-being.

One of the key benefits of SPCA dog training is that it's tailored to your dog's specific needs and personality. This is achieved through a combination of positive reinforcement techniques and expert guidance from experienced trainers.

Whether you're a seasoned dog owner or a first-time pet parent, SPCA dog training programs are accessible and engaging, making it easy to learn and apply new skills.

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Basic training is essential for your dog's development and your relationship with them. You can enroll your dog in a Canine Manners class to teach them basic skills like sit, down, come, stay, and leave it.

The class covers common behavior challenges such as jumping up and is suitable for dogs 6 months and older. You can choose from various class schedules, including Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. with Instructor Julie Fields, or Mondays at 6:00 p.m. with Instructor Emma Bailey.

If your dog is still in the "teenage" stage of development, you can consider the Surviving Adolescence class. This seven-week, one-hour class covers basic skills like sit, down, come, stay, and leave it, and is designed for dogs 4-18 months old.

Additional reading: Master Class Dog Training

If you're looking for a basic obedience course, you have a few options to choose from.

One course that's specifically designed for small dogs is the Small Dog Basic Obedience Course, which is a great option if your furry friend weighs under 10kg.

In this course, you'll learn the fundamentals of obedience training, and your dog will get to practice their skills in a fun and engaging environment.

The course is similar to the large dog obedience course, but with a few tweaks to accommodate the unique needs of smaller dogs.

If you're not sure which course is right for you, don't worry – the trainers at the dog training facility are happy to help you choose the best option for your dog.

Here's a comparison of the Small Dog Basic Obedience Course and the other basic obedience courses:

Keep in mind that each course has its own unique focus and requirements, so be sure to check the details before signing up.

The Canine Good Citizen Prep & Test – In Person class is a great way to prepare your dog for the 10 test items needed to receive the AKC CGC certificate. This class is designed to practice the skills your dog needs to pass the test.

To be successful in this class, your dog should have already taken an intro level class, such as Skill Builders or Mind Your Manners Part 1. This will provide a solid foundation for your dog to learn and build on in the CGC class.

The class is 5 weeks long, and the cost is $225 for the first dog and $200 for adopted animals. If your dog is 6 months or older by the first day of class, they're eligible to join.

On the last day of class, a certified AKC CGC evaluator will conduct the test and determine whether your dog has passed.

For another approach, see: Akc Dog Training Certification

Agility classes at the SPCA are a great way to challenge your dog physically and mentally.

You can start with Agility A, an introduction to agility and equipment for new dogs and handlers. This class is perfect for dogs that know basic commands like sit and down and are generally under control on and off leash.

Agility A meets on Sundays at 4:30 p.m. from January 12 to March 9.

If you've already completed Agility A, you can move on to Agility B, which refines your performance on all agility equipment.

Agility B, Agility C, Agility C/D, and Agility D are all more advanced classes that help you and your dog improve your skills and get ready for competition.

Here's a breakdown of the classes:

If you're looking to improve specific skills needed to run agility courses, consider Agility Skills and Drills, a class for dogs and handlers who have completed Agility B.

Discover more: Agility Class for Dogs

If you're looking to take your dog's training to the next level, Specialty Behavior Classes at the SPCA are a great place to start.

You can build a stronger bond with your dog in the Best Buddies class, which helps with focus, recall, and leash walking. This seven-week, one-hour class is a fun and active way to strengthen your relationship with your dog.

Building Canine Confidence is another great option, teaching your dog to be more confident in the world around them. This seven-week, one-hour class includes skills, games, and team-building activities for dogs and handlers.

If your dog is young and overly energetic, the Creating a Calm Dog class is a great choice. This intermediate-level class covers skills like settle, place, exercise, and enrichment.

Managing a Reactive Dog is a crucial class for dogs who growl, bark, or lunge at other dogs or people. This one-hour class helps you identify your dog's triggers and teaches them to be less reactive.

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Puppy training is a crucial step in shaping your furry friend's behavior and ensuring a strong bond between you and your pup.

Puppies should be between 8 and 16 weeks old to participate in the Puppy Stars in-person class. This class covers essential skills like relaxation on a mat, sit, recall, leash walking, and targeting, as well as puppy-specific topics like resource guarding prevention and crate training.

The class is designed to provide positive exposure to people, dogs, and novel stimuli, helping you prepare your pup for grooming, vet care, and other handling. You'll learn foundation training skills and focus on puppy-specific topics, making this class everything you need to know to raise a puppy.

To join the Puppy Stars class, your dog must be at least 4 months old and comfortable being in a room with other dogs and people. They must also have current Rabies and DH2PP vaccines.

Here are some of the skills you'll learn in the Puppy Stars class:

The price for the 6-week class is $200, but adopters from non-profit welfare organizations can get it for $175.

Nose Work is a fantastic way to engage your dog's natural sense of smell. Dogs have a strong sense of smell, draining energy around 5 times more than physical exercises.

You can start with the Intro to Nose Work class, which is an easy-to-learn activity that builds confidence and focus in your dog. This game is a safe way to provide mental and physical exercise to all types of dogs.

In the Intro to Nose Work class, you'll learn about dog body language and how to motivate your dog, which are great tools for developing your relationship with your pet. Dogs must be crate trained and able to handle confinement in a crate between turns.

A different take: Crate Training Schedule for Working Owners

If you're looking for a fun and mentally stimulating activity for your dog, consider enrolling them in a Scent Games Course.

Dogs have a strong sense of smell, and scent work can drain their energy around 5 times more than physical exercises.

A unique perspective: Pheasant Scent Dog Training

In a Scent Games Course, your dog will be challenged to use their nose to find hidden scents, which can be a great way to mentally stimulate them and provide a fun workout.

The course will provide a variety of scents and hiding spots, keeping your dog engaged and active throughout the session.

By signing up for a Scent Games Course, you can help your dog build their problem-solving skills and confidence, all while having a blast together.

Here's an interesting read: Dog Scent Training

Nose Work is an amazing activity that taps into your dog's natural hunting instincts. It's a great way to provide mental and physical exercise for your furry friend.

You can start with the Intro to Nosework class, which is an easy-to-learn activity that uses your dog's sense of smell to find hidden treats or toys. This game builds confidence and focus in your dog.

Dogs work one at a time in this class, making it perfect for dogs that aren't comfortable around other dogs. They must also be crate trained and able to handle confinement in a crate between turns.

The Intro to Nosework class is a 6-week course that costs $200, or $175 if you've adopted your dog. This is a safe and fun way to develop your relationship with your pet.

Scent work is actually a great way to drain energy in dogs, using their sense of smell 5 times more than physical exercises. This makes it an excellent activity for high-energy breeds or dogs that need to burn off steam.

If you've already completed the Intro to Nosework class, you can move on to more advanced classes like Introducing Odor. In this class, you'll learn search techniques and how to read your dog's body language during the search.

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