Dog Obedience Classes
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.
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.
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Important Class Information
Location:
Cost (Fees are Non-Refundable):
Enrollment Requirements:
Please Bring the Following to Class:
Important:
*ATTENTION*
Questions? Email obedienceclass@hswestmi.org. |
Did you adopt from HSWM?
Puppy Kindergarten is free subject to availability and only for puppies up to 16 weeks. This is not included in the adoption fee; it is an added incentive for our puppy adoptions. We do offer a discount for our other classes if you have adopted the dog from us. Classes are $100 with a coupon code that is listed on the signup. Meet the Trainers
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2022 Class Schedule
Class Descriptions & Sign Up Forms
Monday's Puppy Preschool: Starting Off on the Right Paw
Lead Trainer - Ashley Dahl
Lead Trainer - Ashley Dahl
Course Pre-Requisites: None.
Age Requirements: 8 to 16 weeks.
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 Preschool is for puppies aged 8 weeks to 16 weeks.
Please note that we have limitations on puppy ages to protect the rest of the group. Therefore, once a puppy reaches 16 weeks they are unable to participate in further classes with the group. However, a HSWM ambassador dog may be present in class for socialization purposes.
This open enrollment program is 6 weeks with a limit of 8 puppies and 8 handlers. Class dates will be removed if classes become full.
Age Requirements: 8 to 16 weeks.
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 Preschool is for puppies aged 8 weeks to 16 weeks.
Please note that we have limitations on puppy ages to protect the rest of the group. Therefore, once a puppy reaches 16 weeks they are unable to participate in further classes with the group. However, a HSWM ambassador dog may be present in class for socialization purposes.
This open enrollment program is 6 weeks with a limit of 8 puppies and 8 handlers. Class dates will be removed if classes become full.
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Dates & Times:
January - 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th & 31st February - 7th, 21st, & 28th March - 7th,14th, 21st, & 28th April - 11th, 18th & 25th May - 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd June - 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th |
July - 11th, 18th & 25th August - 1st, 8th, 15th, & 22nd September - 12th, 19th, & 26th October - 3rd, 10th, 17th, & 24th November - 7th, 14th, & 28th December - 5th, & 12th |
This class will be held on Monday's from 6:30 pm - 7:15 pm until February 21st then classes will be held 6:00 pm - 6:45 pm.
To help clear any confusion we are closed on Mondays to the public but will still be having our obedience classes at this location (3077 Wilson Dr. NW). When you arrive please head towards the main adoption doors - you will see a sidewalk to the right follow that and there will be another set up double doors that say "Obedience Classes". That is where you will want to enter the building.
Sign up HERE.
Tuesday's & Thursday's Kindergarten: Boosting Good Behaviors
Lead Trainer - Theresa Nolan
Lead Trainer - Theresa Nolan
Course Pre-Requisites: None.
Age Requirements: 4 months to 1 year.
Build a solid relationship with your puppy by learning how to effectively communicate with them. Enjoy teaching your puppy basic skills that can help prevent unwanted behaviors.
Kindergarten is designed for puppies from 4 months to 1 year old. At the end of the session, The AKC Star Puppy Evaluation is available to teams attending all 6 weeks.
This class is 6 consecutive weeks with a limit of 8 dogs and 8 handlers.
Age Requirements: 4 months to 1 year.
Build a solid relationship with your puppy by learning how to effectively communicate with them. Enjoy teaching your puppy basic skills that can help prevent unwanted behaviors.
Kindergarten is designed for puppies from 4 months to 1 year old. At the end of the session, The AKC Star Puppy Evaluation is available to teams attending all 6 weeks.
This class is 6 consecutive weeks with a limit of 8 dogs and 8 handlers.
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Tuesday's Classes
Dates & Times:
Week starting January 4th & ending February 8th Week starting February 22nd & ending March 29th Week starting April 12th & ending May 17th Week starting May 31st & ending July 5th Week starting July 19th & ending August 23rd - Registration opens June 1st! Week starting September 6th & ending October 11th - Registration opens August 1st! Week starting October 25th & ending December 6th - Registration opens August 1st! Tuesday's classes will be held from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Sign up HERE. |
Thursday's Classes
Dates & Times:
Week starting January 6th & ending February 10th Week starting February 24th & ending March31st Week starting April 14th & ending May 19th Week starting June 2nd & ending July 7th Week starting July 21st & ending August 25th- Registration opens June 1st! Week starting September 8th & ending October 13th - Registration opens August 1st! Week starting October 27th & ending December 8th - Registration opens August 1st! Thursday's classes will be held from 7:15 pm - 8:15 pm Sign up HERE. |
Wednesday's & Thursday's Elementary School: Manners Matter
Wednesday's Lead Trainer - Kate Johnivan
Thursday's Lead Trainer - Theresa Nolan
Wednesday's Lead Trainer - Kate Johnivan
Thursday's Lead Trainer - Theresa Nolan
Course Pre-Requisites: None.
Age Requirements: 5 months and older.
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.
This class is 6 consecutive weeks with a limit of 8 dogs and 8 handlers.
Age Requirements: 5 months and older.
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.
This class is 6 consecutive weeks with a limit of 8 dogs and 8 handlers.
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Wednesday's Classes
(please note time differences) Week starting January 5th & ending February 9th - 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Week starting February 23rd & ending March 30th - 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm Week starting April 13th & ending May 18th - 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm Week starting June 1st & ending July 6th - 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm Week starting July 20th & ending August 24th - 7:15 pm to 8:15 pm - Registration opens June 1st! Week starting September 7th & ending October 11th - 7:15 pm to 8:15 pm - Registration opens August 1st! Week starting October 26th & ending December 7th - 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm - Registration opens August 1st! Sign up HERE. |
Thursday's Classes
Week starting January 6th and ending February 10th
Week starting February 24th and ending March 31st Week starting April 14th and ending May 19th Week starting June 2nd and ending July 7th Week starting July 21st and ending August 25th - Registration opens June 1st! Week starting September 8th and ending October 13th - Registration opens August 1st! Week starting October 27th and ending December 8th - Registration opens August 1st! All Elementary School: Manners Matters on Thursdays will be held from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm Sign up HERE. |
Wednesday's Middle School: Manners Refined
Lead Trainer - Kate Johnivan
Lead Trainer - Kate Johnivan
Course Pre-Requisites: Attended Manners Matter held by HSWM or an equivalent course.
Age Requirements: 5 months and older.
A prep course for the intermediate AKC Good Citizen Course ® A new 6-week course for those wishing to continue training their dog, bridging the gap between Manners Matter and the Intermediate Course (AKC’s CGC Evaluation). This course is designed for those who have taken Manner’s Matter or equivalent course. Let’s sharpen skills already acquired by adding distractions and increasing difficulty. The CGC certification will be offered at the end of the class to those dogs who qualify.
This class is 6 consecutive weeks with a limit of 8 dogs and 8 handlers.
Age Requirements: 5 months and older.
A prep course for the intermediate AKC Good Citizen Course ® A new 6-week course for those wishing to continue training their dog, bridging the gap between Manners Matter and the Intermediate Course (AKC’s CGC Evaluation). This course is designed for those who have taken Manner’s Matter or equivalent course. Let’s sharpen skills already acquired by adding distractions and increasing difficulty. The CGC certification will be offered at the end of the class to those dogs who qualify.
This class is 6 consecutive weeks with a limit of 8 dogs and 8 handlers.
Dates & Times (please note time differences):
Week starting January 5th & ending February 9th - 7:15 pm to 8:15 pm
Week starting April 13th & ending May 18th - 7:15 pm to 8:15 pm
Week starting July 20th & ending August 24th - 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm - Registration opens June 1st!
Sign up HERE.
Week starting April 13th & ending May 18th - 7:15 pm to 8:15 pm
Week starting July 20th & ending August 24th - 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm - Registration opens June 1st!
Sign up HERE.
Wednesday's High School: Wallflower/Fearful Dog
Lead Trainer - Kate Johnivan
Lead Trainer - Kate Johnivan
Course Pre-Requisites: Invite from an instructor.
Age Requirements: 5 months and older.
Is your dog shy around new people and dogs or easily frightened by new things? This class is designed to teach basic manners and cues while building your dog's confidence through acquiring new skills. Dogs and people alike benefit from building new skills and learning that they can have control over their environment. This class will help you teach your dog to blossom.
The first night of class is WITHOUT dogs.
This class is 6 consecutive weeks with a limit of 8 dogs and 8 handlers.
Age Requirements: 5 months and older.
Is your dog shy around new people and dogs or easily frightened by new things? This class is designed to teach basic manners and cues while building your dog's confidence through acquiring new skills. Dogs and people alike benefit from building new skills and learning that they can have control over their environment. This class will help you teach your dog to blossom.
The first night of class is WITHOUT dogs.
This class is 6 consecutive weeks with a limit of 8 dogs and 8 handlers.
Dates & Times (please note time differences):
Week starting February 23rd & ending March 30th - 7:15 pm to 8:15 pm
Week starting October 26th & ending December 7th - 7:15 pm to 8:15 pm - Registration opens August 1st!
Sign up HERE.
Week starting February 23rd & ending March 30th - 7:15 pm to 8:15 pm
Week starting October 26th & ending December 7th - 7:15 pm to 8:15 pm - Registration opens August 1st!
Sign up HERE.
Wednesday's High School: Courteous Canine/Polite Leash Walking
Lead Trainer - Kate Johnivan
Lead Trainer - Kate Johnivan
Course Pre-Requisites: Attended an obedience class at Humane Society of West Michigan in the last 24 months: includes S.T.A.R. Puppy, Kindergarten, Manners Matter, and Manners Refined or permission of instructor.
Age Requirements: 5 months and older.
Is your dog pulling and too excited to settle into a good walk? This might be a class for you. We will build on skills introduced in previous classes to help our dogs walk nicely with a loose leash. We will also build on more formal walking exercises increasing our dog's ability to walk in a "heel" position, increasing reliability of automatic sits, changing pace, and making turns. We will use the AKC Canine Good Citizen and Obedience Heeling patterns as a model for improving walking on-leash behavior.
This is NOT a class for dogs that are reactive when they see other dogs or people. Much of the class will be held outside with a lot of walking involved.
Equipment that might help with walking on leash problems will be discussed in class. Harnesses and head halters will be allowed however harnesses should have the ability to clip a leash on the front of the harness as well as the back.
This class is 6 consecutive weeks with a limit of 8 dogs and 8 handlers.
Age Requirements: 5 months and older.
Is your dog pulling and too excited to settle into a good walk? This might be a class for you. We will build on skills introduced in previous classes to help our dogs walk nicely with a loose leash. We will also build on more formal walking exercises increasing our dog's ability to walk in a "heel" position, increasing reliability of automatic sits, changing pace, and making turns. We will use the AKC Canine Good Citizen and Obedience Heeling patterns as a model for improving walking on-leash behavior.
This is NOT a class for dogs that are reactive when they see other dogs or people. Much of the class will be held outside with a lot of walking involved.
Equipment that might help with walking on leash problems will be discussed in class. Harnesses and head halters will be allowed however harnesses should have the ability to clip a leash on the front of the harness as well as the back.
This class is 6 consecutive weeks with a limit of 8 dogs and 8 handlers.
Dates & Times (please note time differences):
Week starting June 1st & ending July 6th - 7:15 pm to 8:15 pm
Week starting September 7th & ending October 11th - 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm - Registration opens August 1st!
Sign up HERE.
Week starting June 1st & ending July 6th - 7:15 pm to 8:15 pm
Week starting September 7th & ending October 11th - 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm - Registration opens August 1st!
Sign up HERE.
Tuesday's High School: Jocks Finding the Beauty in Your Beast
Lead Trainer - Theresa Nolan
Lead Trainer - Theresa Nolan
Course Pre-Requisites: None.
Age Requirements: 4 months and older.
This unique class is designed to help you better understand your dog's reactivity towards other dogs and how to best manage their impulses. The basic manners focus, sit, down, focus, recall, stay, polite walking and leave it are reviewed in this course. 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.
Dog to human reactivity is not addressed in this class. Please contact our behavior staff if your dog is experiencing this type of reactivity.
The first night is WITHOUT dogs.
This class is 6 consecutive weeks with a limit of 4 dogs and 2 handlers per dog.
Age Requirements: 4 months and older.
This unique class is designed to help you better understand your dog's reactivity towards other dogs and how to best manage their impulses. The basic manners focus, sit, down, focus, recall, stay, polite walking and leave it are reviewed in this course. 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.
Dog to human reactivity is not addressed in this class. Please contact our behavior staff if your dog is experiencing this type of reactivity.
The first night is WITHOUT dogs.
This class is 6 consecutive weeks with a limit of 4 dogs and 2 handlers per dog.
Dates & Times:
Week starting January 4th & ending February 8th
Week starting February 22nd & ending March 29th
Week starting April 12th & ending May 17th
Week starting May 31st & ending July 5th
Week starting July 19th & ending August 23rd - Registration opens June 1st!
Week starting September 6th & ending October 11th - Registration opens August 1st!
Week starting October 25th & ending December 6th - Registration opens August 1st!
This class will be held on Tuesday's from 7:15 pm - 8:15 pm
Sign up HERE.