Seminars

Humane Society of West Michigan Behavior department is excited to offer a variety of one-time seminar sessions to help our community and their pets! Join us to learn more about how to have a happy, healthy life with your pet!

*Please NO pets in attendance at our seminars*
We will teach you, so that you can teach your pet! 

To register for a seminar please click the button below - seminar sessions cost $20 each and you may sign up for as many as you are interested in. Individual consults are available for a $35 fee and are first come, first serve for registrations as there is only 1 dog per consult. 
Unwanted Behaviors
Does your dog steal food from the counter, dig in the rose bushes, or demand bark? These are a few of the solvable dog behaviors discussed in this new seminar!

Join us for an information packed evening to better the connection between you and your furry friend! 

​Upcoming Seminar Dates Coming Soon!
Home Enrichment
Snuffle Mats, Kongs, etc.

​Upcoming Seminar Dates Coming Soon!
Intro to Dog Reactivity
Why does my dog lunge and bark when he sees another dog?
Is he protecting me? Can I change his behavior?

Join us to learn what reactivity is, best practices for handling it, and how to help your dog live more comfortably! 

Please no dogs in attendance at the seminar!

​Upcoming Seminar Dates Coming Soon!
Fun with Dogs
Games, Sports, Toys, etc.

​Upcoming Seminar Dates Coming Soon!
Human to Dog Body Language
Our dogs communicate with each other and us by using body language. Can we use our body to better the communication between our canine companions and ourselves? 

Learn how to open this line of communication and strengthen the bond you have! 

Please no dogs in attendance at the seminar!

​Upcoming Seminar Dates Coming Soon!
Animal First Aid
Learn how to help your dog or cat with minor medical issues! 
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​Upcoming Seminar Dates Coming Soon!
Dog to Dog Introductions
Dog to Dog introductions can be tricky and some dog interactions can go poorly simply because we didn't set them up for success. Learn some different techniques for dog introductions that may help your dog make friends! 
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Upcoming Seminar Dates Coming Soon!
Cat to Dog Introductions
Getting cats and dogs to coexist harmoniously can seem difficult at times. At our seminar, we will discuss techniques to introduce or reintroduce your cat and dog to each other that may assist in creating a peaceful relationship. 


​Upcoming Seminar Dates Coming Soon!
Cat Communication
Cats are famously known to be thought of as mysterious animals. However, they are usually communicating with us when they exhibit behaviors like seemingly unprovoked aggression and house soiling.

​Join us to learn how cats communicate with us and to understand what the message is that they are trying to relay. 


​Upcoming Seminar Dates Coming Soon!
Baby Ready Pets - Children & Animals
A common reason animals are surrendered to a shelter is due to them not adjusting well to a new baby in the household. Be sure to start your pet off on the right foot by preparing him/her for the new arrival! For families who already have kids, learn about ways to successfully integrate a pet into your home or existing more harmoniously. 


Can't make it to our Baby Ready seminar? Check out the resources here: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dogs-and-babies - ASPCA


​Upcoming Seminar Dates Coming Soon!
One on One Consults
Is there an ongoing or specific issue you are having with your pet that our staff can help with? Many behaviors can be alleviated or modified through altering the environment, teaching the animals alternative options, and by educating the owners.

Sign up for a one-on-one behavior consult to discuss the issues you are experiencing and receive tips to help keep your pet successfully living in your home with a member of our Behavior staff! 

​Questions? Email: behavior@hswestmi.org