Class Descriptions

Puppy Classes

WHS puppy classes are designed to get you and your pup off to the right start with the information, tools, and training you need to raise a happy, well-mannered pup. Using modern, positive-reinforcement methods, our classes will ensure that your pup will gain confidence and skills in a gentle, fun class environment. To maximize class time, socialization skills, knowledge and value, register for the Full Puppy Package!

Puppy Kindergarten

Start your pup off right with a class specially designed for your baby canine!  This four-week course will teach your pup basic commands and provide a solid foundation for further training.  Class time will also include socialization exercises to help your dog be comfortable around strangers, unusual objects and other puppies. This class is designed to be taken simultaneously with Lil’ Rompers to maximize positive socialization experiences during this crucial time of development.  Pre-requisite:  Must have attended Intro to Dog Training class prior to start date. Continuous enrollment; start date begins after completion of Intro to Training class. All sessions are 4 weeks. Cost is $65 or $60 if your pup was adopted from a shelter. Saturdays, 10-11 AM. See schedule for specific dates.

Lil’ Rompers

Providing your pup with positive interactions with other dogs during puppyhood is one of the most important responsibilities of a puppy owner. In Rompers, puppies will be introduced to each other, learn important dog-to-dog social skills, and have lots of time to play. Come and be entertained as you watch your pup interact and play with other puppies!  All interactions are closely supervised, and classes are structured to ensure the safety and well-being of your pup.  Pre-requisite:  Must have attended Intro to Dog Training class prior to start date. Continuous enrollment; start date begins after completion of Intro to Training class. All sessions are 4 weeks.
Half-hour class:  Saturdays, 11:15-11:45 AM.  $35 or $30 if your pup was adopted from a shelter.

Puppy Package

Give yourself and your pup a 4-star education with a complete Puppy Package!  This package includes all 3 puppy classes:  Surviving Puppyhood, Puppy Kindergarten, and Lil’ Rompers. By enrolling in the Puppy Package, you will ensure that your pup gets the necessary education and skill-building to grow into a happy, polite, confident dog!  Full Puppy Package includes:  Surviving Puppyhood, Intro to Training, Puppy Kindergarten,
Full Puppy Package Includes: Surviving Puppyhood, Intro to Training, Puppy Kindergarten and both Lil’ Rompers sessions (Friday evenings for one hour and Saturday mornings for a half-hour). Cost is $150 or $140 if your pup was adopted from a shelter.

Educational Series

Intro to Training

    **FREE!**
Come and learn the latest in a field that is ever-expanding! This informative class covers how dogs learn, how best to teach them, types of equipment (and which to use), and much more. Take this class and give yourself the knowledge and understanding to train your dog gently and effectively!  This class is open to anyone, and is a pre-requisite for all other training classes offered at WHS.  This is a one-time class for humans only. Cost is FREE!
Held most Saturdays, 1-2 PM. 
And most Wednesdays, 5-6 PM.
See schedule for specific dates.

Easy Livin’

Get off on the right paw and avoid the most common problems dog owners face in the home. Many issues are addressed in this class, such as housetraining, separation anxiety, leadership, routines, and more!  Come and learn how to prevent the development of problem behaviors, or get solutions to the problems you are currently having. Class includes Q & A time with the instructor. This is a one-time class for humans only. Cost is $20 or $15 if your dog was adopted from a shelter. See schedule for specific dates.

Surviving Puppyhood

Don’t let puppyhood get you down! This informative class will help you ensure that raising a puppy is a smooth, stress-free process. Raising a new pup in your home can be a fun and rewarding experience when owners are knowledgeable and prepared!  This class covers many topics such as housetraining, crate-training, destructive chewing, developmental periods, and establishing leadership. Q & A time with the instructor will also be provided. This is a one-time class for humans only. Cost is $20 or $15 if your pup was adopted from a shelter. See schedule for specific dates.

Starter Series

All students registering for a class in the Starter Series must have attended the free class, Intro to Training prior to the Starter class start date.

Check In & Chill Out

This starter class will teach your dog to focus on you, tune out distractions, and settle down. All while in the presence of other dogs and people! Many other important lessons are also taught, such as sit, down, wait at the door, sit for leashing, and more! This class will give you and your dog a solid foundation for all further training. This class is open to puppies. Class is 4 weeks. Pre-requisite:  Must have attended Intro to Dog Training class prior to start date. Cost is $65 or $60 if your dog was adopted from a shelter. Limit 7 dogs. See schedule for start dates.

Petite Pooch

A class designed just for you and your little pal!  Come and enjoy a class that will address the specific needs of small dogs and their owners! Your little dog will learn important basics such as attention skills, sit, down and settling. Owners will learn tips that make training small dogs easier, and will get help with issues common to small dog ownership.  Class is 4 weeks.  Pre-requisite:  Must have attended Intro to Dog Training class prior to start date. Cost is $65 or $60 if your dog was adopted from a shelter. Limit 7 dogs. See schedule for start dates.

Shy Dog

Finally, a class for you and your shy dog!  This class is designed specifically to help shy or nervous dogs become more comfortable and confident in their surroundings. Owners will learn about shy dog behavior and how best to help their dog. This class focuses on socialization, desensitization, and confidence building, but will also teach foundation skills for manners training. Class is 4 weeks. Pre-requisite: Must have attended Intro to Dog Training class prior to start date.  Cost is $75 or $70 if your dog was adopted from a shelter. Limit 5 dogs. See schedule for start dates.

Canine Playgroup

A controlled, supervised environment to help your dog to improve his social skills. Held outside, in large fenced yard with trained playgroup supervisors.  Excellent way to evaluate your dog before going to an off-leash park, or to improve his skills for future social interactions. Must receive prior approval to attend. Contact instructor at (503) 585-5900 ext. 326 for more info and approval. Cost is $25 per play session.
Fridays, 11:30 AM-1:00 PM
Tuesdays, 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Working Series

To register for a class in the Working Series, you and your dog must have attended at least one Starter Series class.

Leash Manners & Greetings

Looking for leash manners? This class focuses on improving your dog’s behavior when walking on leash and greeting people. Students will learn techniques and teach thier dog to walk politely without pulling, sit quietly when greeting people, and remain calm when outside. Class is 4 weeks. Pre-requisite:  Must have attended at least one Starter Series class. Cost is $65 or $60 if your dog was adopted from a shelter. Limit 7 dogs. See schedule for start dates.

Come When Called

Teaching a reliable “Come” command is crucial for your dog’s safety, as well as your sanity! This class will build a strong foundation of “Come”, then strengthen it and build reliability. This class also strengthens and advances the “Leave-It” and “Stay” commands. Class is 4 weeks. Pre-requisite:  Must have attended at least one Starter Series class. Cost is $65 or $60 if your dog was adopted from a shelter. Limit 7 dogs. See schedule for start dates.

Dog-To-Dog Intros

Learn the proper way to introduce your dog to other dogs. This class will teach you how to read canine body language and signals, how to know when you should allow your dog to meet other dogs, and how to ensure that the meet is done safely and smoothly. This class is for dog-friendly dogs only; aggressive or reactive dogs may not attend. Class is 2 weeks. Pre-requisite:  Must have attended at least one Starter Series class. Cost is $40 or $35 if your dog was adopted from a shelter.  Limit 7 dogs. See schedule for start dates.

Master Series

To register for a class in the Master Series, you and your dog must have attended at least one Working Series class.

Steppin’ Out

Strengthen your dog’s basic skills and improve on real-world situations. Builds reliability and develops calm behavior in public. Classes held off-site. Class is 4 weeks. Pre-requisite: Must have attended at least one Working Series class.  Cost is $65 or $60 if your dog was adopted from a shelter. Limit 7 dogs. See schedule for start dates.

Off-Leash Learning

Learn and strengthen the skills necessary to be able to walk your dog off-leash outdoors. This class will help you gain compliance and build reliability in off-leash situations.  Safety issues and handling difficult situations in off-leash areas will also be addressed. Students will need to bring a long line (minimum 20 feet) to class. Class is 4 weeks. Pre-requisite: Must have attended at least one Working Series class. Cost is $65 or $60 if your dog was adopted from a shelter. Limit 7 dogs. See schedule for start dates.

Fun with Agility

Have you ever wondered if your dog could do agility? This five-week class is a fun, non-competitive introduction to the equipment and skills used in agility. A great way to have fun with your dog!  Class is 4 weeks. Pre-requisite:  Must have attended at least one Working Series class. Cost is $65 or $60 if your dog was adopted from a shelter. Limit 7 dogs. See schedule for start dates.

Tricks Class

Enjoy teaching your dog a variety of tricks in this fun class! Promotes bonding, improves skills and builds confidence. Class is 4 weeks. Cost is $65 or $60 if dog was adopted from a shelter. Pre-requisite: One “working series” class or instructor approval. See schedule for start dates.

Mixed Bag Class

Have a blast trying an assortment of fun dog activities!  In this class we will dabble in trick-training, agility, Rally Obedience, and more! Class is 4 weeks. Pre-requisite: Must have attended at least one Working Series class. Cost is $65 or $60 if your dog was adopted from a shelter. Limit 7 dogs. See schedule for start dates.