When you walk into a training class at Animal Humane Society, you’re stepping into a space designed for growth – not just for your dog, but for you as a pet parent. From the friendly greeting at check-in to the celebratory moments when your dog masters a new skill, every part of the experience is focused on building a strong and lasting bond between you and your furry companion. 

If you’ve been curious about training classes but not sure if they were right for you, here’s what you can expect.  

Signing up for a training class

The journey begins with finding the right training class for your dog. All dogs are different and not every training class is right for every dog. Luckily, AHS offers a variety of training classes, including: 

• Group training classes for puppies and older dogs 
• Private training with one-on-one attention from our expert trainers 
• Reactive Rovers program for dogs that need help feeling more comfortable around other dogs while on leash 
• Specialty classes to work on specific skills 

Once you’ve decided on the type of training that’s right for your dog, it’s time to get signed up! 

For those interested in our basic skills and puppy training classes, our convenient two-month and four-month passes give you unlimited access at the time and frequency that’s most convenient for you – all at one affordable price. Once you’ve purchased a training pass, you can reserve your spot for your first session using our online scheduling platform.

Specialty classes, puppy playgroups, and private training are individually priced and not available through our Training Pass. Learn more about our specialty classes and webinars.

Preparing for your first class 

It’s important to come to your first class with all of the necessary tools to set you and your dog up for success. For your first basic skills class, we recommend coming to class with:

• A hungry dog. A dog that’s motivated to earn treats typically has an easier time learning new behavior cues, overcoming anxiety or shyness, and focusing when they’re excited.
• 100-200 small, high-value treats. Dogs are more likely to engage if they’re getting something soft, smelly, and scrumptious! Some examples: pea-sized pieces of hot dog, cheese, carrots, chicken, or frozen blueberries. 
• Standard 6- or 4-foot flat leash. 
• A flat collar, limited-slip martingale collar, front or back clip harness, or Gentle Leader. 

Your dog also needs to be up to date on all of their vaccinations to attend a training class at AHS, so make sure to visit your vet prior. 

Participating in class activities 

Each training class is led by one of our expert trainers who will guide you through exercises and offer feedback as you practice. 

For group classes, you’ll arrive at our Golden Valley location where the room will be set up to provide appropriate space for each dog and their parent to practice the skills they learn. 

If you’re starting out in the Level 1 Basic Skills class, you’ll cover foundational skills like:

• Watch me
• Sit
• Loose leash walking
• Polite greetings 

Each training class is focused on developing the relationship between the dog and their guardian. That means you learn right along with your pup – with the help of our expert trainers, of course. A trainer, along with training volunteers, will be there to help coach you through each new skill so you can feel prepared to practice with your pup at home. 

Practicing at home

Training doesn’t end when you leave the classroom. To truly master the skill, you’ll need to practice at home as well. Luckily, our trainers will provide you with all the necessary tools, including practice guides to reference that guide you through practicing the skills you learned in class. 

Practicing with your dog at home helps to reinforce the learned behaviors and continue to strengthen your relationship. 

Celebrating your dog’s progress

One of the most exciting parts of the training journey is seeing your dog learn new skills and knowing you helped to make that possible. Training takes patience and dedication, and every small victory deserves to be celebrated. 

Once your dog has mastered the skills in their particular class level, it’s time for them to graduate to the next class! Every dog is different, and their training timeline will also differ based on their learning style, how often you attend classes, and how consistent you are with training at home.

With an AHS training pass, you get unlimited access to our basic skills and puppy training classes at the time and frequency that’s most convenient for you, so you can work on your dog’s timeline and move to the next level when you’re ready.