Dog and Puppy Training
Flexible dog training programs and services in the Twin Cities that fit your schedule and skill level
Animal Humane Society’s positive reinforcement training classes taught by our team of expert trainers at our Golden Valley location empower your dog to thrive in real-world situations.
- Flexible program: We provide flexible training options at our Golden Valley location for your schedule and skill level.
- Positive reinforcement: We only use reward-based, scientifically-proven training methods.
- Training expertise: Our trainers offer a combined 70+ years of training experience along with CCPDT certification.
- Practical training: Our training classes focus on real-life situations to make sure what you learn is useful.
- Support our mission: All training fees go directly towards supporting our mission of creating a more humane world for animals.
Looking to brush up on your dog’s manners or teach them a solid foundation of good behaviors? Basic skills classes give your dog practical skills for navigating real-world situations, so they can co-exist peacefully in your household.
- 5 levels of training from beginning to expert
- Unlimited classes at flexible times with your training pass
- Kids welcome
Are you looking for a more specialized class for your dog? We offer fun classes like scent detection and brain games, as well as classes that teach specific skills like managing your dog’s jumpy, mouthy behavior.
- Wide variety of skills to choose from
- Challenge your dog’s brain with mental stimulation
- Convenient times to fit your schedule
- Special class offered for dogs who bark and lunge at other dogs on-leash
Puppy Kindergarten helps your newest family member gain confidence and learn new skills that will set them up for success as they get older. Our in-person puppy classes focus on critical socialization training, and our All About Puppies virtual seminar helps your puppy build important skills like potty training and minimizing mouthy behaviors.
- Open to dogs 18 weeks old and younger
- Focus on puppy-specific skills
- Unlimited classes at flexible times with your training pass
- Kids welcome
Socialization is key to helping a puppy grow into a well-adjusted, happy dog. Our weekly puppy playgroups offer designated dog-to-dog socialization time in a controlled environment to help your puppy learn social skills, experience new situations, and have fun with new puppy friends.
- Weekly playgroups at Golden Valley location
- Playgroups categorized by age and size
- Available for puppies up to 6 months old
Not sure which training option is your perfect fit? Learn more about the different types of training we offer and which one is right for your dog.
Meet the expert trainers at AHS
Our team is committed to creating harmonious relationships between humans and their furry family members.
Learn more about our dog trainers, their expertise, and which trainer is the best fit for you and your best friend.
Training passes at AHS
Watch the video
Purchase a training pass
Register for classes
Frequently Asked Questions
You can purchase a 2-month or 4-month training pass that grants you access to unlimited basic skills and puppy training classes within that time period, similar to a gym membership. You can register for up to one class per day, but we recommend capping classes to three per week to avoid overworking your dog.
Students can register for classes up to three weeks in advance, and passes start the first day your dog is registered for class.
Students are able to register for classes that are at or below their current skill level, and they graduate from level to level once they can perform each level’s skill set. There is no set amount of time spent at each level, so you and your dog can work at your own pace.
The class that’s right for your dog will depend on their age, skill level, and overall personality.
If your puppy is 18 weeks old or younger, you will start in one of our puppy training classes.
If your dog is over 18 weeks, they will start with level 1 obedience classes
Some dogs don’t do well in group environments, and that’s okay. If your dog is shy or fearful, we recommend trying our virtual classes or a private training session. If your dog is reactive on-leash towards other dogs, they would be better suited for Reactive Rovers.
Yes! You’re able to attend up to one training class per day, as your schedule and availability allows. Students who have purchased our membership receive unlimited classes within their timeframe, so we encourage you to take more than one class per week.
Dogs benefit the most when they have rest days in between training, so we recommend no more than 3 classes per week. This also gives you plenty of time to practice the skills you’ve learned at home.
All pets should be kept current on vaccinations in accordance with your pet's licensed veterinarian's recommendations.
At a minimum, puppies attending classes or playgroups should have started their distemper/parvo series, and all dogs ages 4 months old or older should be current on their rabies and bordetella vaccinations as well.
By attending training classes or playgroups, students agree to the above terms and assume responsibility for maintaining their pet's vaccinations while participating in AHS training programs.
Your dog needs to be free of signs of communicable diseases to attend classes. Even if your vaccinations are current, it's possible to pass minor illnesses among other dogs. Please watch for signs of coughing, sneezing, discharge from the eyes or nose, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever and do not bring a dog with these symptoms to class.
The class size varies from class to class but typically top out at 8 dogs or puppies.
- A hungry dog! (Don’t feed adult dogs at least 6 hours before class, and puppies at least 3-4 hours before class.)
- A generous supply (100+) of small, tasty, soft treats. We recommend bits of meat, cheese, small and soft prepared dog treats, or anything else your pet really wants. Dry kibble or treats are best used only at home.
- A collar or harness. Buckle collar, Gentle Leader™ head collar, or front-clasp harness typically work best. No chain collars.
- A 4' or 6' long leash. No retractable leashes please.
Yes! Our classes are family friendly. We encourage children to be involved in all parts of training classes, but for everyone's safety an adult must be present and maintain control of the dog at all times.
Small children may become bored, tired, or disruptive, so we recommend you bring an extra adult who can tend to their needs. For safety reasons, we may ask that your child remain outside the classroom, particularly during playgroups.
Please be aware other dogs in class may not be accustomed to children so we ask children to refrain from approaching other dogs, particularly without explicit permission from their pet parents.
Class fees are due at time of registration and are nonrefundable. Exceptions apply only in cases of emergency or illness.
We are also unable to extend training passes for vacations or planned veterinary procedures, such as spay/neuter surgery.
If you have any questions about our training methods or wish to observe a class prior to registering, call 763-489-2217 or send us a message.
Ready to get started?
Simply sign up for your training pass and then choose the classes that work best for your pup. Still have questions? Contact us at 763-489-2217 or send us a message.