Obedience Classes
Join us for a fun session of training and socializing your dog. It's a short time commitment for long-term results! Scroll down to find out more. Please note that because of insurance restrictions, all dog handlers must be 18 years of age or older. Young adults and children are welcome in class to learn and ask questions, so long as they are old enough to benefit from the lesson.
Our current classes are listed on this page (see below). We update this page regularly. There is space available in these classes, unless the class is marked "full". Classes do fill up in advance, so register ASAP!
New North Location! We now offer select classes in two locations. Most of our classes take place at our shelter - 4455 - 110 Ave SE. Select classes may be available at our new class location in North Calgary, Dogaholics - Bay D, 2020 - 32 Ave N.E. See class descriptions for more details.
Please Note: There will be no classes the weekend of Sept. 4 - 6 in recognition of Labour Day. Please note that weekend classes may experience interruptions in schedule due to holidays, seminars, etc.. Please consult our department calendar for more information.
If you are interested in registering for one of our courses:
- review our obedience class terms
- choose the start date and time you prefer
- download the appropriate registration forms
- complete the forms, indicating your prefered start date and time
- click "submit". Your form will be e-mailed to us. You may also send the form by fax at 403-723-6050 or visit us at the shelter.
- call 403-723-6019 or visit us to make a payment. Payment may be made by VISA, MasterCard, debit, cash or cheque.
Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Your space in a class can only be reserved once we have payment.. All fees are non-refundable. Once we have your payment, you will receive an e-mail confirmation of registration. Please allow two full business days for processing.
Discounts: CHS members, seniors (aged 65+) and animals adopted from shelters or other rescue organizations (e.g., Animal Services, ARF, etc.) qualify for a discounted rate on all obedience classes.
If you can't find a class that addresses your specific behaviour concern, or if you aren't sure which class would be best for your needs, contact one of our trainers at behaviour@calgaryhumane.ca or call our behaviour helpline at 403-723-6057.
Skip to: Puppy Socialization | Basic Adult Obedience | Reactive Dogs | Fearful Dogs | Agility | Recall | TERMS
Precocious Puppies
Puppies form and solidify their impression of the world in their first 20 weeks of life. We call this the “critical socialization window”. What they experience in this period determines how adaptable, calm and confident they’ll be as adults.
We’ll help you to socialize your puppy to new people, dogs, sights and sounds in a safe and positive environment. Learn how to encourage appropriate behaviour and set boundaries. Get a solid start on the most important skills a dog needs, such as bite inhibition, recall, down, house training, appropriate dog-dog skills and more. Build a strong relationship with your puppy based on mutual trust and respect!
Requirements: for puppies ages 8 - 20 weeks of age who have had their second set of vaccinations
Classes are 45 minutes long and run continuously. Start the first week your dog is vaccinated and keep coming back till your dog graduates at 20 weeks of age.
$205 for non-members
$184 for CHS members, seniors and dogs rescued from shelters or other rescue organizations (including CHS, Animal Services, ARF, etc.)
Fees are non-refundable.
| Upcoming Sessions: |
| South Location - 4455 - 110 Ave SE |
North Location - Bay D, 2020 32nd Avenue N.E. |
Tuesdays at 7:15 p.m. - start this week!
Thursdays at 7:15 p.m - start this week!
Saturdays at 10 a.m. - start this week! |
Wednesdays at 7 p.m. starting Sept. 22*
* Puppies attending class at Dogaholics must be born ON or AFTER June 2, 2010. If your dog was born before this date, his socialization window is drawing to a close, and we urge you to register in our south location classes, which have immediate start dates, to take full advantage of your dog's puppyhood. |
To register: complete a registration form, submit it, then call 403-723-6019 to make a payment..
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Polite Pooches - Basic Adult Dog Obedience
This course is a great first step in developing a lifelong friendship with your four-legged best friend. Learn positive, gentle methods to help communicate how you want your dog to behave. Basic obedience skills are covered along with Tellington Touch, and leading and teaching your dog self control. In addition to Calgary Humane Society handouts, all students receive a copy of How to be the Leader of the Pack by Patricia McConnell.
Requirements: Dogs must be spayed or neutered, older than 5 months (20 weeks) and must have up-to-date vaccinations. Your dog must be calm and sociable around other dogs; not reactive. Examples of reactive behaviors: raised hackles, barking, lunging, growling, cowering, etc. (Skip to reactive dog classes)
Classes are one hour long and run for six consecutive weeks.
$180 for non-members
$162 for CHS members, seniors and dogs rescued from shelters or other rescue organizations (including CHS, Animal Services, ARF, etc.)
Fees are non-refundable.
| Upcoming Sessions: |
| South Location - 4455 - 110 Ave SE |
North Location - Bay D, 2020 32nd Avenue N.E. |
|
Saturdays at 11 a.m. starting Sept. 11 - full
Tuesdays at 6 or 8:15 p.m. starting Sept. 28
Thursdays at 6 p.m. starting Sept. 30
Saturdays at 1 or 2 p.m. starting Oct. 2
Sundays at 1 or 2 p.m. starting Oct. 3
Thursdays at 8:15 p.m. starting Oct. 7
Mondays at 6, 7 or 8 p.m. starting Oct. 18
|
Wednesdays at 8 p.m. starting Sept. 22
|
To register: complete a registration form, submit it, then call 403-723-6019 to make a payment..
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Reactive Dogs
Reactive Rover
This course is for dogs over six months of age with known reactivity (e.g., raised hackles, increased arousal, barking, lunging, or growling, etc.). The root of your dog's reactivity can come from any number of causes such as leash frustration, over-excitement, or even fear of other dogs. For example, your dog may "just want to say hi" but his barking and otherwise inappropriate behaviour puts you and other dogs on-edge. We can help you teach him alternative behaviours to diminish his reactivity.
Reactive Rover is designed primarily for dog-to-dog reactivity, but the same techniques can be used with other reactivity issues (i.e., reactivity to strangers, bikes, skateboards, etc.) Participants will learn how dogs communicate through body language and examine their relationships with their dogs. They will learn how to teach and reward appropriate behaviour in their dogs. The small class size (maximum of five dogs) provides encouragement and a positive learning environment. We set you and your dog up for success! The classroom and individual dogs are carefully managed so as to prevent interaction between the reactive dogs. The Tellington Touch method is integrated in to all the classes to add increased ability to handle and lead, along with relationship growth. In addition to Calgary Humane Society handouts, all students receive a copy of Calming Signals; What Your Dog Tells You by Turid Rugaas (DVD), How to be the Leader of the Pack by Patricia McConnell, and Feisty Fido, by Patricia McConnell and Karen London.
Requirements: Dog must be neutered/spayed and over 6 months of age. Dogs also must be up to date on vaccinations.
Classes are one hour long and run for six consecutive weeks.
$300 for non-members
$275 for CHS members, senior citizens and dogs rescued from shelters or other rescue organizations (including CHS, Animal Services, ARF, etc.)
Fees are non-refundable.
Upcoming Sessions (South location only):
Wednesdays at 8:15 p.m. starting Sept. 15 - full - STUDENTS PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE
Sundays at 6, 7:15 or 8:30 p.m. starting Oct. 3
Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. starting Oct. 27
To register: complete a registration form, submit it, then call 403-723-6019 to make a payment.
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RR Recall in the Park
We are pleased to announce a new addition to our reactive dog program! Reactive Rover graduates - why not join us for a five-week session of outdoor fun in our newly-built private dog park? Barbara Walmer, department head of behaviour will work with you and your dog to gain a more reliable recall for those heart-pounding moments when your dog gets away from you. Participants will build on skills learned in Reactive Rover and work on recall in a safe, controlled environment. The outdoor class environment exposes dogs to “real world” scenarios and helps to build confidence in both handlers and dogs. The Tellington Touch method is further integrated into all the classes to add increased ability to handle and lead, along with relationship growth. All students receive a copy of Bringing Light to Shadow a book by Pamela Dennison.
Requirements: Dog must be neutered/spayed and over 6 months of age. Your dog must be a graduate of Reactive Rover classes at CHS. He must also must be up to date on vaccinations.
Classes are one hour long and run for five consecutive weeks.
$275 for non-members
$250 for CHS members, senior citizens and dogs rescued from shelters or other rescue organizations (including CHS, Animal Services, ARF, etc.)
Fees are non-refundable.
Upcoming Sessions (South location only):
To be announced
To register: complete a registration form, submit it, then call 403-723-6019 to make a payment.
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Fearful Fido
Is your dog a shrinking violet? Does she cower or hide at the smallest provocation? If your dog would choose "flight" over "fight" in every situation, this course is for you. Students will learn how dogs communicate, examine their relationships with their dogs and learn to encourage and reward their dogs using gentle, positive techniques. The small class size (maximum of six dogs) provides encouragement and a positive learning environment for the dogs and handlers. The Tellington Touch method is integrated in to all the classes to add increased ability to handle and lead along with relationship growth. In addition to Calgary Humane Society handouts, all students receive a copy of Fearful Dog by Nicole Wilde.
Requirements: Dog must be neutered/spayed and over 6 months of age. Dogs must NOT be reactive (i.e., if your dog barks at people or other dogs, he is reactive. See above.) Dogs also must be up to date on vaccinations.
Classes are one hour long and run for six consecutive weeks.
$275 for non-members
$250 for CHS members, senior citizens and dogs rescued from shelters or other rescue organizations (including CHS, Animal Services, ARF, etc.)
Fees are non-refundable.
Upcoming Sessions (South location only):
Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m. starting Sept. 22
To register: complete a registration form, submit it, then call 403-723-6019 to make a payment.
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Agility
Level 1 Agility - Hop, Skip & a Jump
This level one agility class focuses on building confidence and teamwork while learning the agility equipment foundations. Dogs will learn to perform jumps, tunnels, six-weave poles, tires, table, A-frame, dog walk and teeter at a low beginner height.
Requirements: Dog must be neutered/spayed and over 8 months of age. Dogs must have completed a basic obedience class (preferably Polite Pooches). Dogs also must be up to date on vaccinations. Your dog must be sociable with other dogs (not reactive or fearful - e.g., barking, growling, cowering, trembling, etc.). If your dog is reactive please call Kirsty at 403-723-6018 for additional agility options for reactive dogs.
Classes are one hour long and run for six consecutive weeks.
$180 for non-members
$162 for CHS members, seniors and dogs rescued from shelters or other rescue organizations (including CHS, Animal Services, ARF, etc.)
Fees are non-refundable.
Upcoming Sessions (South location only):
Wednesdays at 6 p.m. starting Sept. 29 - STUDENTS PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE
To register: complete a registration form, submit it, then call 403-723-6019 to make a payment.
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Level 2 Agility - Movin' Right Along
Movin' Right Along continues to build on the foundations started in Hop Skip & a Jump. Dogs will begin to learn contact equipment (A-frame and dog walk) at full height along with the beginning of short sequences.
Requirements: Dog must be neutered/spayed and over 8 months of age. Dogs must have completed a basic obedience class (preferably Polite Pooches) along with Hop, Skip & a Jump. Dogs also must be up to date on vaccinations. Your dog must be sociable with other dogs (not reactive - e.g., barking, growling, etc.) If your dog is reactive please call Kirsty at 403-723-6018 for additional agility options for reactive dogs.
Classes are one hour long and run for six consecutive weeks.
$180 for non-members
$162 for CHS members, seniors and dogs rescued from shelters or other rescue organizations (including CHS, Animal Services, ARF, etc.)
Fees are non-refundable.
Upcoming Sessions (South location only):
Watch for upcoming dates
To register: complete a registration form, submit it, then call 403-723-6019 to make a payment.
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Level 3 Agility - Agile Addicts
Agile Addicts introduces dogs to direction cues and handlers to sequence running. You and your dog will develop a new level of understanding about the body language that you communicate with! Requirements: Dog must be neutered/spayed and over 8 months of age. Dogs must have completed a basic obedience class (preferably Polite Pooches) along with Movin' Right Along. Dogs also must be up to date on vaccinations. Your dog must be sociable with other dogs (not reactive - e.g., barking, growling, etc.). If your dog is reactive please call Kirsty at 403-723-6018 for additional agility options for reactive dogs.
Classes are one hour long and run for six consecutive weeks.
$180 for non-members
$162 for CHS members, seniors and dogs rescued from shelters or other rescue organizations (including CHS, Animal Services, ARF, etc.)
Fees are non-refundable.
Upcoming Sessions (South location only):
Watch for upcoming dates
To register: complete a registration form, submit it, then call 403-723-6019 to make a payment.
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Toto Recall and Retrieve
Toto Recall and Retrieve is a course designed to develop a stronger relationship with your dog. You will work on your dog’s recall and get you and your dog playing fetch. These skills have many practical applications and will improve your bond with your dog. Your dog will get the benefit of both physical and mental exercise. A reliable recall will be developed through consistency and motivation and by rewarding good behaviour. Leslie Nelson’s Really Reliable Recall process and games will be used to increase your dog's understanding of these skills. Sessions run for six consecutive weeks, one hour each week at the Calgary Humane Society. In addition to Calgary Humane Society handouts, all students receive a long line/training rope, tug toy and fetching pouch. Requirements: Dog must be neutered/spayed and over 8 months of age. Dogs must have completed a basic obedience class (preferably Polite Pooches). Dogs also must be up to date on vaccinations. Your dog must be sociable with other dogs and not reactive (e.g., barking, growling, etc.)
$200 for non-members
$180 for CHS members, seniors and dogs rescued from shelters or other rescue organizations (including CHS, Animal Services, ARF, etc.)
Fees are non-refundable.
Upcoming Sessions (South location only):
To be announced
To register: complete a registration form, submit it, then call 403-723-6019 to make a payment.
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TERMS
- Fees are non-refundable.
- Spaces are limited and must be booked in advance. Your space will only be reserved with payment.
- Classes are subject to minimum enrollment and may be cancelled or rescheduled if the minimum number of students is not met. In such a case, the student may be transferred to a different session.
- CHS will provide each student with a schedule of classes on the first lesson. Enrollment fees entitle the student to lessons on that schedule. If a student elects to miss a class, that class cannot be made up at a different time. Students may not transfer to a different session once their session has begun.
- From time to time, CHS may reschedule classes due to instructor availability, severe weather or very dangerous road conditions. In such a case, students will be advised by e-mail and telephone. A make-up class will be rescheduled.
- If a dog is found to be reactive or fearful (e.g., barking, lunging, growling, cowering, etc.) to the point of disruption, instructors will make every effort to alter the lesson or the classroom to help the dog remain calm. In the event this cannot be done, the student may be asked to discontinue coming to that class. CHS will work with the student to provide suitable training to meet the student’s and the dog’s specific needs.
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