Canine College

Group Dog Obedience Training Classes for people and their pets are offered every six weeks. Eleven different courses are offered, but not all courses are offered each term. All classes utilize methods approved by the American Humane Association and Humane Society of the United States.

Puppy Socialization

Designed for puppies up to 20 weeks of age. Emphasis is on socialization to other puppies, dogs and people. This training lays a foundation for a great relationship with your dog. Sit, down, stay and loose leash walking are covered.

Advanced Puppy

Designed for puppies over 20 weeks of age. This class is for puppies and owners who have completed Puppy Socialization and want to continue developing obedience skills.

Household Manners Level I

Great for ANY age, from young puppy to adult. Prevent problem behaviors before they start. Off, leave-it, come, sit, down, stay and loose lead walking are some of the many topics that will be worked on in class.

Household Manners Level II

Designed for dogs or puppies that have completed either a Household Manners Level One or a Puppy Socialization Class. Continues work on basic skills and introduces formal heeling and hand signals. At the end of the term students can take the Canine Good Citizen Test.

Tricks Class and Introduction to Agility

Designed for puppies and dogs 12 weeks or older. Focus is on learning basic tricks such as roll over, wave, bow, crawl, touch and more advanced behaviors. This class will also introduce basic agility obstacles such as jumps, tunnel, etc. Be prepared to have fun!!

Fun and Games

Designed for puppies and dogs 20 weeks of age and older that are comfortable around other dogs. Includes individual and team games and activities.

Intro to Agility

Designed for dogs of any age, size or breed. Non-impact obstacles like tunnel, table, closed chute, off-centered weaves and low jumps are used. The purpose of this class is for you to have fun with your dog by introducing it to agility obstacles with a clicker. All dogs must be people and dog friendly.

Accelerated Class

Busy household? Take our 3 week accelerated household manners class. This class meets for 2 hour sessions for 3 weeks. All the same topics will be covered that are covered in the 6 week class.

Come When Called

Designed to improve the consistency of your dog coming to you when faced with distractions. Class will concentrate on control at parks and off leash control techniques.

Shy Dogs

Designed for dogs that are shy around strangers. Focus is on remedial socialization and confidence building exercises. No previous training required. Mild fear aggression issues allowed. If you are concerned about your dog's appropriateness for this class, call (517) 626-6821, ext. 24. Please do not bring dogs on the first day of class.

Intermediate Distraction /Pet Therapy Class

This class is for dogs/puppies that have completed an introductory obedience class. This class is great for those who want to improve their dog's obedience skills or for those interested in competing in obedience as well as prepare you and your dog to work as pet therapy partners.  Certification for TDI (Therapy Dog International) is offered quarterly at the Capital Area Humane Society. Heeling, off leash heeling, down, come, stay and stand for examination will be covered. This class will also introduce lots of distractions that people and their dog's will encounter on walks or when competing.

Introduction to Clicker Training

For puppies and dogs 12 weeks or older. This class will teach the fundamentals of clicker training and how to teach transferable skills, not just specific behaviors. This class is designed for those who want to teach basic obedience, tricks, agility and/or competitive obedience. This class will also introduce basic agility obstacles such as jumps, tunnel, etc.

Please Note:

Proof of vaccination is required to participate in any class.