Class Descriptions
Willamette Humane Society offers a variety of dog obedience courses. All classes are held at WHS, located at 4246 Turner Road SE in Salem. Register in person at Davenport’s Den, the retail pet supply store located inside the Willamette Humane Society, or download a registration form (PDF) and mail it in with payment. Class size is limited. Classes may fill prior to your registration and check arriving in the mail, so to ensure your place, it is recommended you register in person as soon as possible.
Download the current class schedule (Summer 2008).
Understanding Your Dog – (Held every Tuesday & Saturday)
This 90-minute seminar will help you better understand your dog and improve your relationship. Topics include: why dogs do what they do, leadership, solving common behavior problems, crate training and more. Held Tuesday evenings from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. Please do not bring dog to seminar.
Pre-requisite: None.
Cost: $10 per household. Class is free to adopters of shelter dogs or if taken as a pre-requisite to other WHS training classes.
Puppy Kindergarten (Four sessions. Open enrollment, every Saturday, 10:30 – 11:30 am)
The class covers basic socialization, parenting skills and beginning behaviors required to develop a long lasting, happy relationship with your dog. This is a continuous enrollment format allowing enrollees six weeks from enrollment date to finish four sessions.
Pre-requisites: Puppies must be fully vaccinated (proof required). Owners must attend “Understanding Your Dog” prior to first class.
Cost: $65 or $55 for puppies adopted from an animal shelter (proof of adoption required).
Dog 101 (Six week course)
Basic obedience training and manners for dogs.
Pre-requisites: Owners must attend “Understanding Your Dog” prior to first class.
Cost: $75 per dog or $60 for dog adopted from a shelter (proof required).
Dog 201 (6 week course)
Strengthens basic skills and improves on real-world situations. Some classes will be held off-site. This class meets once a week for 6 weeks.
Pre-requisite: Dog 101 or instructor approval.
Cost: $75 or $60 if dog was adopted from a shelter (proof required).
Introduction to Agility (5 week course)
Have you ever wondered if your dog could do agility? This five-week class will introduce you and your dog to the skills necessary to do agility. Several obstacles will also be introduced
Prerequisite: Dog 101 or instructor approval.
Cost: $100 or $90 if dog was adopted from a shelter (proof required).
Tricks & Games (4 week course)
Teach your dog tricks for fun and entertainment. This four-week class is packed with fun for both dogs and handlers. Learn several tricks and reinforce your dog’s obedience skills with games.
Pre-requisites: Owners must attend “Understanding Your Dog” prior to first class.
Cost: $50 or $40 if dog was adopted from a shelter (proof required).