Behavior & Training

Need a few pointers post-adoption? Visit our Post-Adoption Tips & Tricks page for helpful articles that tackle common questions or join us this month for our Saturday morning Behavior & Training classes. Each session will focus on a different training skill with 1:1 guidance from HSC Behavior & Training Coordinator, Kayla Wade.

Please arrive on time. Classes start no later than 5 minutes after the posted time.

Saturday, September 4: Basic Manners Level 2

9:00-9:45 am | $30 per class – Pre-Registration required. Register HERE.

• 8 people maximum per class to maintain responsible social distancing
• No more than 2 humans per dog

In this class, we’ll turn things up a notch and move to the next level of work for your dog’s foundational training skills! We’ll be focusing on “Leave it”, “Settle Down/Stay”, and will be troubleshooting any specific issues you’re having with other cues. It is recommended that your dog has completed a Basic Manners Level 1 class previously.

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, September 4: Impulse Control Class

10:15-11:00 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

Saturday, September 11: Puppy & Small Dog Play Group

9:00-9:45 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
• 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, September 11: Basic Manners Level 1

10:15-11:00 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

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, September 18: Basic Manners Level 2

9:00-9:45 am | $30 per class – Pre-Registration required. Register HERE.

• 8 people maximum per class to maintain responsible social distancing
• No more than 2 humans per dog

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, September 18: Impulse Control Class

10:15-11:00 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

Saturday, September 25: Puppy & Small Dog Play Group

9:00-9:45 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
• 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, September 25: Basic Manners Class

10:15-11:00 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

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.

Participants will need:

Leash & Collar/Harness

Training treats

Treat pouches/bag

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