Dog Obedience Classes

All classes are currently full for the year 2020.
​Please stay tuned for our class schedule starting in January 2021!
A well-mannered, socialized dog is a joy to live with. Teaching helps you and your dog communicate, ensuring that he/she becomes a well-behaved family member. Our classes address not just basic cues but socializing, house training, chewing, barking, play biting and other behavior concerns.

Our teaching method is based on kindness and respect. We use positive reinforcement such as praise, toys, playtime or treats to motivate, reward and correct behaviors.

Here at the Humane Society we offer a wide variety of canine courses for you and your dog's needs. To learn about each of these unique opportunities read the descriptions below.
Location: All classes will be held in Humane Society of West Michigan's Training Center: - 3077 Wilson Dr. NW

Cost (Fees are Non-Refundable):
  • $99/dog
  • $85/dog (if adopted from HSWM)
  • *Rebate available for Argus Alliance qualifying dogs. Click HERE to see if your dog is an Argus dog. 

Enrollment Requirements:
  • Owners are required to send proof of vaccinations for Distemper, Bordetella, and Rabies.

Please Bring the Following to Class:
  • Leash: 4 to 6 foot leather, nylon or cotton leash. Do NOT use chain as it is too hard on your hands during training and is harder to give clear signals to your dog. Please NO retractable leashes. 
  • Collar: Nylon collars or martingale collars.
  • Desirable treats! 

Important:
  • For the protection of your pet and others do not bring your dog to class if he has recently been sick (coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, mange, etc.). This is also true for female dogs in heat. Please leave the dogs at home, but you are encouraged to attend class so you can have the information to practice during the week. Children and young adults are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult.


Questions? Email obedienceclass@hswestmi.org. ​

For the Safety of Our Guests, Volunteers, and Staff 

- Due to current health considerations, each session will be
capped at 8 dogs and 8 handlers (High School Jocks is limited to 4 dogs & 2 handlers per dog).

- Unless otherwise instructed by HSWM staff, social distancing and wearing masks will be required. 
​If you do not have one HSWM will provide one for you. This mask needs to be returned after class. 


​After you have completed the sign up an HSWM representative
​ will be reaching out to you for payment & vaccination records. 

Meet the Trainers

Theresa Nolan​​
Canine Obedience Trainer
CPDT-KA & CGC Evaluator
​Kate Johnivan
​Canine Obedience Trainer
CPDT-KA & CGC Evaluator,
Fear Free Certified
​Lyndsey Sturgeon
​Canine Obedience Trainer
 Puppy Kindergarten 
Get your pup off to a good start with this puppy class! Learn to safely socialize your puppy and enjoy the playtime! Your puppy will not only learn basic skills, but how to be calm and relax. You and your puppy will learn how to play properly to avoid inappropriate mouthing and chewing. Puppy class is a great way to prevent some behavior issues from happening while learning effective ways to teach your puppy! 

Puppy Kindergarten Group A
Thursday ​5:30 PM - 6:00 PM

​Designed For Puppy Ages/Sizes:
Small breed puppies 8-16 weeks
Medium and large puppies 8-11 weeks

​Please note that we have limitations on puppy ages to protect the rest of the group. Therefore, after a SMALL breed puppy reaches 16 weeks or a MEDIUM or LARGE breed puppy reaches 11 weeks they are unable to participate in further classes with the group. Please see our other obedience classes.
​
SIGN UP CLOSED - October 29th - December 3rd  

​This class is 5 consecutive weeks with a limit of 8 puppies and 8 handlers.
​Therefore, signups will be posted weekly to not go over class size limitations. 
​Please check back weekly if classes are full. 
Puppy Kindergarten Group B
Thursday 6:15 PM - 6:45 PM
​Designed For Puppy Ages/Sizes:
Medium and large puppies 12-16 weeks

Please note that we have limitations on puppy ages to protect the rest of the group. Therefore, once a MEDIUM or LARGE breed puppy reaches 16 weeks they are unable to participate in further classes with the group. Please see our other obedience classes.
​
SIGN UP CLOSED - October 29th - December 3rd (No Class 11/26) 
This class is 5 consecutive weeks with a limit of 8 puppies and 8 handlers.
​Therefore, signups will be posted weekly to not go over class size limitations. 
​Please check back weekly if classes are full. 
AKC S.T.A.R. ® Puppy

Get your pup off to a good start with this new program designed by the American Kennel Club. You'll learn how to effectively communicate with your dog and your pup will be able to socialize with other dogs. Upon completion of the course your puppy will be eligible for the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Medal along with various recognition through the American Kennel Club. Designed for puppies aged: 4 months - 1 year old. 
Group A
​​Tuesday 6:00 - 7:00 PM
SIGN UP CLOSED - August 4th - September 1st 
SIGN UP CLOSED - September 15th - October 13th 
Group B
​Thursday 7:00 - 8:00 PM
SSIGN UP CLOSED - August 6th - September 3rd 
SIGN UP CLOSED - September 17th - October 15th 
SIGN UP CLOSED - October 29th - December 3rd (No class 11/26)
Elementary School: Manners Matter

This class is designed for dogs 5 months and older who have never had a previous training class and for those who will benefit by taking the class again. The focus of the class is on good doggy manners and the basic cues of sit, stay, down, come, "leave it," and walking on a loose leash.
Group A
​​Tuesday 7:15 - 8:15 PM
SIGN UP CLOSED - August 4th - September 1st 
SIGN UP CLOSED - September 15th - October 13th
SIGN UP CLOSED - October 27th - December 1st (No class 11/24)
Group B
​​Wednesday 6:00 - 7:00 PM
SIGN UP CLOSED - August 5th - September 2nd 
SIGN UP CLOSED - September 16th - October 14th
SIGN UP CLOSED - October 28th - December 2nd (No class 11/25) 
High School Jocks: Reactive Dog Class

This unique class is designed to help you better understand your dog's reactivity and how to best manage their impulses. The basic manners focus, sit, polite walking, recall, down, stay, and leave it are emphasized. You will learn how to recognize and reward behaviors you want to keep as well as develop skills to change your K9's undesirable behaviors. 
Group A​​
Wednesday 7:15 - 8:15 PM
(First Night Without Dogs)
SIGN UP CLOSED - August 5th - September 2nd 
 SIGN UP CLOSED - September 16th - October 14th
SIGN UP CLOSED October 28th - December 2nd (No class 11/25) ​

Group B
​Tuesday 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
​(First Night Without Dogs)
SIGN UP CLOSED - October 27th - December 1st (No class 11/24) 

High School Jocks is limited to 4 dogs & 2 handlers per dog.