Class Descriptions

At the Animal Humane Society Training School your dog will learn practical every day skills for creating a well-mannered member of your household.

Introduction to Dog Training
Come learn some simple and positive training tips that will make life more enjoyable with your new dog or puppy.  This class is the first step to joining our training program.  You will learn all about our program and the variety of classes and playgroups we offer.  See our schedule page for upcoming Introduction to Dog Training dates and locations.

Reactive Rovers
This class is designed for dogs that bark, snark, or growl at other dogs.  We will help you learn to walk your dog past other dogs and teach your dog to greet other dogs politely.  This class is not appropriate for dogs that are aggressive towards people.

Wallflower
Does your dog cower when guests come over?  Does he hide in the bedroom when the doorbell rings?  Does he try to run away when he hears children playing outside?  If so, the Animal Humane Society’s Wallflower class might be for you.  This class is for shy and fearful dogs.

Off-Leash Puppy Kindergarten (Socialization and Fun!)

This class is for our youngest canine friends (under 18 weeks)!  Your puppy will play with other puppies, meet new people, learn all kinds of new skills, and develop confidence in new situations.

Level 1 (Foundation Skills)

Teach your dog to sit politely when strangers approach and begin to teach them to walk on a loose leash.  This class is all about building strong foundation skills for common obedience requests.  All dogs over 5 months will start in this class!

Level 2 (Skill Building)

Work on building skills that you began in Puppy K or Level 1.  You and your dog will continue to work on loose leash walking skills and attention.  You will also begin working on building responses to down and come. 

Level 3 (Reliability)

The goal of this class is to help build more reliable behaviors.  You will begin working with your dog at greater distances and during higher distractions.  This will help prepare you to face the distractions that are out in the "real world".

Level 4 (Canine Good Citizen Level)

The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test is a test put on by the AKC to reward responsible dog owners who have taken the time and effort to raise well mannered pets.  This class works to build the skills that are needed to pass the CGC.

Tricks and Games

This class is all about fun!  Students will learn how to teach basic tricks and will work on a different challenge each week.  There are also fun games to play!  This class is open to students who have completed our Level 3 or for students who have their CGC certification. 

Therapy Dog

Does your dog enjoy people? Would you like to make a difference in your community?  If you answered yes to both of these questions then volunteering as a therapy dog team might be just for you!  After your dog passes the CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Test, you are eligible to enroll in the therapy dog class.  See our Therapy Animals page for more details.   

Private Sessions

We offer private one-on-one sessions with an AHS trainer.  Trainers can work with you and your pet on anything from basic obedience to housebreaking to behavior problems.  Private sessions are $75 per hour ($40 for 30 minutes) at our Golden Valley location.  Please call ahead to schedule your session.

Call the Training School with questions at 763-489-2217 or click here to email