Behavior & Training
Learn more about our positive training programs below!
First Class Canine Classes
Join us this spring for Saturday morning behavior classes. Each class will focus on different training skills. Pick one specific to your pet or join us for all four!
Participants will need:
- Leash & Collar/Harness
- Training clickers
- Training treats
- Treat pouches/bag
Saturday, April 3: Puppy & Small Dog Play Group
9-10 am | $30 per class – Pre-Registration required. Register HERE.
At each class, we will work on socializing puppies to other dogs, strangers, new places, and humans wearing masks.
- Puppies must be between the ages of 8 weeks old and 4 months old to participate
- 8 people maximum per class to maintain responsible social distancing
- No more than 2 humans per dog
- Masks required
- Dog-friendly small dogs under 25 lbs. are also welcome!
Please note: All participating puppies must be up to date on vaccinations based on their age and must not be exhibiting symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, or flu-like symptoms 24-48 hours prior to class to prevent the spread of common canine diseases. Dog-friendly small dogs are also welcome!
Saturday, April 3: Basic Manners Class
10:30-11:30 am | $30 per class – Pre-Registration required. Register HERE.
Going over basic life skills and manners including leash walking skills, sit, leave it, and recall.
- 8 people maximum per class to maintain responsible social distancing
- No more than 2 humans per dog
- Masks required
Please note: All participating dogs must be up to date on vaccinations based on their age and must not be exhibiting symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, or flu-like symptoms 24-48 hours prior to class to prevent the spread of common canine diseases. Dogs with a history of aggression or reactivity would be better suited to private lessons.
Saturday, April 10: Adult Play Group
9-10 am | $30 per class – Pre-Registration required. Register HERE.
- Dogs must be at least 5 months old and up to date on vaccinations
- 8 people maximum per class to maintain responsible social distancing
- No more than 2 humans per dog
- Masks required
Adult dog playgroup and play styles back by popular demand! Sign up and learn how to help your dog have successful greetings and play with dogs of a variety of play styles. The HSC behavior team will give tips, plans, and tools to help you and your dog feel more comfortable with dog play. After this class, enjoy a relaxed dog that wants to sleep the rest of the day!
Please note: All participating dogs must be up to date on vaccinations based on their age and must not be exhibiting symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, or flu-like symptoms 24-48 hours prior to class to prevent the spread of common canine diseases. Dogs with a history of aggression or reactivity would be better suited to private lessons.
Saturday, April 10: Impulse Control Class
10:30-11:30 am | $30 per class – Pre-Registration Required. Register HERE.
Does your dog dash out of any open door and give you a run around the neighborhood? Do they scarf down their food as soon as the bowl hits the floor? Teach your dog a little patience in this impulse control class! We’ll be going over teaching a nice “Wait” while showing you how to apply this cue in real-life situations.
- 8 people maximum per class to maintain responsible social distancing
- No more than 2 humans per dog
- Masks required
Saturday, April 17: Puppy & Small Dog Play Group
9-10 am | $30 per class – Pre-Registration required. Register HERE.
At each class, we will work on socializing puppies to other dogs, strangers, new places, and humans wearing masks.
- Puppies must be between the ages of 8 weeks old and 4 months old to participate
- 8 people maximum per class to maintain responsible social distancing
- No more than 2 humans per dog
- Masks required
- Dog-friendly small dogs under 25 lbs. are also welcome!
Please note: All participating puppies must be up to date on vaccinations based on their age and must not be exhibiting symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, or flu-like symptoms 24-48 hours prior to class to prevent the spread of common canine diseases. Dog-friendly small dogs are also welcome!
Saturday, April 17: Basic Manners Class
10:30-11:30 am | $30 per class – Pre-Registration required. Register HERE.
Going over basic life skills and manners including leash walking skills, sit, leave it, and recall.
- 8 people maximum per class to maintain responsible social distancing
- No more than 2 humans per dog
- Masks required
Please note: All participating dogs must be up to date on vaccinations based on their age and must not be exhibiting symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, or flu-like symptoms 24-48 hours prior to class to prevent the spread of common canine diseases. Dogs with a history of aggression or reactivity would be better suited to private lessons.
Saturday, April 24: Adult Play Group
9-10 am | $30 per class – Pre-Registration required. Register HERE.
- Dogs must be at least 5 months old and up to date on vaccinations
- 8 people maximum per class to maintain responsible social distancing
- No more than 2 humans per dog
- Masks required
Adult dog playgroup and play styles back by popular demand! Sign up and learn how to help your dog have successful greetings and play with dogs of a variety of play styles. The HSC behavior team will give tips, plans, and tools to help you and your dog feel more comfortable with dog play. After this class, enjoy a relaxed dog that wants to sleep the rest of the day!
Please note: All participating dogs must be up to date on vaccinations based on their age and must not be exhibiting symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, or flu-like symptoms 24-48 hours prior to class to prevent the spread of common canine diseases. Dogs with a history of aggression or reactivity would be better suited to private lessons.
Saturday, April 24: Impulse Control Class
10:30-11:30 am | $30 per class – Pre-Registration Required. Register HERE.
Does your dog dash out of any open door and give you a run around the neighborhood? Do they scarf down their food as soon as the bowl hits the floor? Teach your dog a little patience in this impulse control class! We’ll be going over teaching a nice “Wait” while showing you how to apply this cue in real-life situations.
- 8 people maximum per class to maintain responsible social distancing
- No more than 2 humans per dog
- Masks required
At the Humane Society of Charlotte, our pet behavior/enrichment program has been designed not only to make sure animals who stay with us are happy, active and fulfilled – but also to help ease their transition from shelter life to forever homes. Once you bring a pet into your life, HSC wants to do whatever we can to help them stay part of your family, and that includes behavioral support from our experienced behavioral team.
We believe that with a positive training plan and basic life skills your dog will lead a happier, healthier, and more productive life. Our training philosophy is based on behavioral science, the human-animal bond, and positive reinforcement.
Questions? Email our Behavior Programs Team
See our team working with Roxanne, a long-timer at HSC!