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!
We 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.
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
- Submit the form (The PDF versions submit via e-mail automatically. The MS Word versions must be sent via e-mail or fax.)
- Call 403-723-6019 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 1-2 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
PLEASE NOTE:
There will be no dog training classes Saturday May 18th 2013 to Monday May 20th 2013 due to the Victoria Day Holiday.
Additionally, all classes are cancelled the week of May 20th 2013, resuming as normal the week of May 27th 2013. This includes Precocious Puppies classes on the Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Classes on Saturday May 25th 2013 will run outside, weather dependant. If you are currently registered in a Saturday class, your instructor will speak with you regarding the status of your class.
Precocious Puppies
Tots (10-15wks) and Tweeners (16-20wks)
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. This class is broken up into two different age groups to accommodate different developmental levels: Tots and Tweeners
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: Tots for puppies to start between 10 - 15 weeks of age who have had their second set of vaccinations. Tweeners for puppies to start between 16-20 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 for 6 weeks.
(There is one price for all)
$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: |
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South Location:
Tots: Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m.
Tweeners: Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. - Class will only run if there are 5 puppies in the class, if there are any less the puppy will be moved to the 6 p.m. class
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Tots: Thursdays at 6:00 p.m.
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To register: submit a registration form (below) then call 403-723-6019 to make a payment
Precocious Puppies Registration forms:
Tots Click Here
Tweeners Click Here
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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.
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. (If your dog demonstrates these behaviours, skip to reactive dog classes)
The Polite Pooches course focuses on instructing dog owners how to train their canine by applying the taught skills into everyday life with “marker-based” training. Polite Pooches will continue to offer the best certified Trainers instructing the basic adult dog obedience methods and skills in a humane way.
Polite Pooches 7-wk Curriculum Price:
$200 non-members, $180 for CHS members, seniors, dogs rescued from shelters/rescue organizations
(including CHS, Animal Services, ARF, etc.)
Fees are non-refundable.
Polite Pooches - South Location
(4455-110th Ave SE)
Upcoming Sessions Start Dates:
Thursday May 16th @ 8 p.m.
Saturday May 25th @ 11 a.m.
Sunday May 26th @ 1 p.m.
Monday May 27th @ 8 p.m.
Thursday June 6th @ 7 p.m.
Saturday June 8th @ 12:30 p.m.
Sunday June 16th @ 2:15 p.m.
Polite Pooches - North Location
(Bay D, 2020 32nd Avenue NE "Dogaholics")
Wednesday June 12th @ 6:45 p.m.
To register: submit a registration form (below) then call 403-723-6019 to make a payment
Polite Pooches Registration Form: Click Here
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Reactive Rover - for Reactive Dogs
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 into 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 eight consecutive weeks.
$440 for non-members, $400 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 - 4455 - 110 Ave SE |
North Location - Bay D, 2020 32nd Avenue NE Dogaholics |
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Eight-week session:
Sunday June 16, 2013 @ 7:15 p.m.
@ 8:30 p.m.
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Eight-week session:
TBA
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To register: submit a registration form (see below) then call 403-723-6019 to make a payment.
Reactive Rover Registration Forms: Click Here
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Reactive Rover II
It's back! We know it can be very difficult to take skills taught in a controlled classroom setting and apply them to everyday walks in "the real world". Reactive Rover II is for dogs with known aggression and/or reactivity concerns, which have completed the Calgary Humane Society’s Reactive Rover class, and would like to further develop their dog’s skills. Join us for one-hour in one of many different park locations around the city of Calgary. We will help you practice the Tellington TTouch concepts, techniques from Pam Dennison, Turid Rugaas, Brenda Aloff and Leslie McDevitt which were taught in Reactive Rover.
Requirements: Dog must be neutered/spayed and over 6 months of age. Dogs must have completed Reactive Rover I. Dogs also must be up to date on vaccinations.
The class is one hour long and runs on a drop in basis.
$30 for non-members, $27 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:
TBA
To register: submit a registration form (below) then call 403-723-6019 to make a payment
Reactive Rover II Registration form: Click Here
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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.
“We found the Fearful Fido class very insightful and helpful. I especially like the small class size. This gave us time
to ask specific questions to the animal behaviourist. The information we received (the book, handout and verbal)
all reinforced what we were learning in class. There was ample practice time, both on our own and with the trainer.
The explanations of why we were doing specific activities and the outcomes to expect helped us understand how to
recognize behaviours and work with them. The trainer demonstrated behaviours with our dogs as well as her own
dogs, which helped instil confidence in the trainer’s abilities and talents. I would recommend the Fearful Fido class
to anyone who is dealing with dogs and behaviour issues.” – Sue (Fearful Fido Class Graduate) Aug 2011
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):
Wednesday June 5th @ 7:15 p.m.
Monday June 24th @ 7 p.m.
To register: submit a registration form (below) then call 403-723-6019 to make a payment
Fearful Fido Registration form: Click Here
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Canine Challenge – An Adult Obedience Class
Have you completed a basic obedience class? Is your dog ready for a new challenge? The Canine Challenge class has been developed for dogs that are ready for the next step in their training. Along with obedience and tricks, dogs and handlers will be taught the skills necessary to test for a Canine Good Neighbour certification. The canine good neighbour certification identifies and rewards responsible, caring owners and their canine partners throughout Canada. Canine Good Neighbours can be counted on to present good manners at home, in public places and in the presence of other dogs. All dogs in the class will have the option of testing for their certification for an additional fee at the end of the course.
Requirements: Dogs must be spayed or neutered, older than 5 months (20 weeks) and must have up-to-date vaccinations. All dogs must have completed Polite Pooches or another equivalent basic obedience class. Your dog must be calm and sociable around other dogs; not reactive. Examples of reactive behaviors: raised hackles, barking, lunging, growling, cowering, etc. (If your dog demonstrates these behaviours, skip to reactive dog classes)
The Canine Challenge course focuses on instructing dog owners how to train their canine by applying the taught skills into everyday life with “marker-based” training. Canine Challenge offers the best certified Trainers instructing the basic adult dog obedience methods and skills in a humane way.
Classes are one hour long and run for six consecutive weeks.
$200 for non-members $180 for CHS members, senior citizens and dogs adopted from shelters or other rescue organizations (including CHS, Animal Services, ARF, etc.)
Fees are non-refundable.
Session Start Date:
Wednesday May 29th @ 8:30 pm
Canine Challenge registration form: Click Here
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Agility Level 1 - 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. There are six, one-hour classes per session.
Pre-requisites:
Dog must be neutered/spayed and over 8 months of age. Completed a basic obedience class (preferably Polite Pooches, Pup Camp, Precocious Puppies, etc.). Dogs also must be up to date on vaccinations. Your dog must be sociable with other dogs (not reactive), if your dog is reactive please call Kirsty @ 723-6018 for additional agility options for reactive dogs. Examples of reactive behaviors – hackling, barking, growling, etc.
Cost:
$180
$162 for CHS members, seniors and animals adopted from shelters or other rescue organizations
Terms:
Non-refundable
Session Start Date:
Wednesday May 15th @ 6 pm
Wednesday May 29th @ 7 pm
Location:
The Calgary Humane Society, 4455 110 Avenue SE
To register: Submit a registration form (below)
Agility Level 1 registration form: Click Here
Agility Level 2 - Move n' Right Along
This level two agility class continues to build on the foundation started in Hop, Skip & a Jump. Dogs will start to learn contact equipment (A-frame & dog walk) at full height along with the beginning of short sequences. There are six, one-hour classes per session.
Pre-requisites:
Dog must be neutered/spayed and over 8 months of age. Completed a basic obedience class (preferably Loose Leashes/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), if your dog is reactive please call Kirsty @ 723-6018 for additional agility options for reactive dogs. Examples of reactive behaviors – barking, growling etc.
Cost:
$150 For owners of dogs adopted from the Society and for Society Members.
$180 For all other dog owners.
Terms:
Non-refundable
Session Start Date:
To be announced
Location:
The Calgary Humane Society, 4455 110 Avenue SE
Class instructor is Kirsty Pearson. Kirsty has been teaching agility for ten years and is an approved NADAC (North American Dog Agility Council) judge. She remains current in the sport by attending many seminars and through trialing.
To register: Submit a registration form (below)
Agility Level 2 registration form: Click Here
Agility Level 3 - Agile Addicts
This level 3 agility class 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! There are six, one-hour sessions per class.
EFFECTIVE OCT. 8, 2009: CHS members, seniors (65+) and dogs rescued from shelters or other rescue organizations (including CHS) qualify for a 10 per cent discount off the cost of Agile Addicts agility.
Pre-requisites:
Dog must be neutered/spayed and over 8 months of age. Completed a basic obedience class (preferably Loose Leashes/Polite Pooches) along with Move n’ Right Along. Dogs also must be up to date on vaccinations. Your dog must be sociable with other dogs (not reactive), if your dogs is reactive please call Kirsty @ 723-6018 for additional agility options for reactive dogs. Examples of reactive behaviors – barking, growling, etc.
Cost:
$180
$162 for CHS members, seniors and animals adopted from shelters or other rescue organizations
Terms:
Non-refundable
Session Start Date:
To be announced
Location:
The Calgary Humane Society, 4455 110 Avenue SE
To register: Submit a registration form (below)
Agility Level 3 registration form: Click Here
Toto Recall
Toto Recall 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 clicker.
“Here is an update on our young beagle that attended a Toto Recall Class: We plucked up the courage to take him
to an off leash area on Saturday. We want to report that we were very pleased with him. He behaved extremely well with
the other dogs he met and the only time he didn’t come to us after we called him was when he was a little out of earshot.
Other than that he was very enthusiastic to come to us. Once again thanks so much for training us
to allow our beagleoff the leash.” – Paul (Toto Recall Class Graduate) Aug 2011
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 - CHS
Wednesday May 29th @ 7:15pm
To register: submit a registration form (below) then call 403-723-6019 to make a payment
Toto Recall Registration form: Click Here
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TERMS
Fees are non-refundable.
Spaces are limited and must be booked in advance. Your space will only be reserved once payment is received and you are notified with a confirmation email. 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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