Washington Humane Society Behavior & Learning Center
Consultations and classes for Cats and Dogs and the people who love them

The Washington Humane Society’s Behavior & Learning Center is dedicated to providing people and their animals the tools they need to succeed in lasting, successful relationships.

Our Behavior Consultants and experienced Trainers practice humane, motivational methods of training offered through private counseling, group classes, and behavioral workshops. Keep in mind: your family cat has a lot he can learn as well!

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Behavior Consultations

Having problems with your feline or canine partner? A private session with one of our behavior consultants will reveal the motivation behind your pet’s behavior, as well as a behavior modification program designed specifically for you and your companion.

Dogs: Sessions are offered weekdays at our Behavior & Learning Center, located at 7315 Georgia Ave. N.W. By Appointment Only!
Our consultants can coach you to better manage and/or modify your dog’s behavior in:
• Separation Anxiety
• Leash Lunging
• Timidity
• Aggression Concerns
• Multiple Dog Concerns

Individual counseling sessions last between 75 – 90 minutes for a fee of $150.00

Cats: Private sessions are offered weekdays over the phone or in person at the National Capital Area Spay & Neuter Center. Whether by phone or in person, consultations are By Appointment Only!
Our consultants can coach you to better understand, manage or modify your cat’s behavior in:
• Litter Box Aversion
• Aggression Concerns
• Scratching Behavior
• Introducing a New Pet
• Carrier Fears

Individual counseling sessions last between 45 – 60 minutes for a fee of $75.00

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Obedience Training

Is your dog pulling you down the street or jumping-up on you or your guests? A formal obedience education may be just the answer you are looking for. Private obedience lessons, taught by experienced trainers using humane, motivational methods of training, are offered weekdays at our Behavior & Learning Center, located at 7315 Georgia Ave. N.W. By Appointment Only!

Our trainers can assist you and your dog in:
• Proper Manners
• Specific Obedience
• Parlor Tricks
• Clicker Training
• Competitive Obedience AKC
• CGC (Canine Good Citizen)
• TDI (Therapy Dog International)

Individual training sessions:
60 minute sessions $100.00
30 minute sessions $ 50.00

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Group Classes
Group Classes for puppies (10 – 20 weeks of age) are now forming at the Washington Humane Society’s Behavior & Learning Center. Classes are taught in a reward based, positive learning environment where your dog will practice new skills while having fun!

Many of our classes are single serving workshops where the student can select from a menu of classes expressly targeting their individual needs. If your pup doesn’t come running when you call her, our Movement & Focus workshop (1B) may be just what you are looking for. Unlike traditional training classes, many of these single serving workshops will include discussion periods where you can sit as a group and resolve common behavioral concerns.

The various workshops will help you learn to train many cues such as sit, down, stay, off, wait at the door, come, walking on a loose leash and other important skills. We also have workshops that focus on tricks, house-training, and proper socialization. Registration and payment are based on a pay as you go system, meaning you only pay for the individual class you register for, so you are not committed to a traditional 7 week course.

Many of the skills addressed in our workshops will also help you prepare for the exercises required for the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification. Should you decide to test with your dog for the CGC, we will be administering exams in the near future.

We are now accepting registration for orientation into our Puppy Courses. Orientation for kittens, cats, adolescent and mature dogs will soon follow.

Our next Puppy Orientation is scheduled for Thursday, September 4th, 2008 from 6:30 pm– 8:00 pm. Pre-registration is required and limited on a first come – first serve basis. For registration please contact AsktheTrainer@washhumane.org

Current Offerings:

Kinderpuppy – Recess Play Group 1A
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. It also makes for a less confident dog. Participate in our recess play group and teach your puppy proper play techniques with people that nurture self-esteem. For puppies that haven't learned how to play, or how to play nicely, teach social graces that can last a lifetime!

Kinderpuppy – Recess Play Group 1B
Labs are from Mars and Poodles are from Venus. In this workshop better understand the differences between varying styles of play among puppies and learn which puppy-playmate will better promote positive growth for your pup around other dogs. Also recognize the early warning signs of a future-bully or a timid-outcast to ensure your puppy's development stays on track.

Kinderpuppy - Introduction to Obstacle Training
Is your puppy staring you in the eye from atop the ironing board or is she too timid to climb over a fallen tree limb? Whether your pup is a future Agility Champion or you simply want to explore life's challenges through the eyes of your puppy, participate in our agility-obstacle training class and sample this recreational activity together.

Kinderpuppy – Introduction to Parlor Tricks
Whether you’re living with the next Lassie or the next Keanu Reeves train your pup to shine with the Hollywood Stars with these amazing, blow-out tricks! Learn the secrets behind the tricks you’ve watched on David Letterman or Animal Planet’s Pet Star!

Kinderpuppy - Proper Socialization
This class encourages proper socialization with people, other puppies, and the surrounding environment, while educating the parent on the impact of developmental stages, confidence building, and individual characteristics that effect mental growth.

Kinderpuppy - House Training
Having difficulty potty training your pup? Learn how to better interpret signals that your puppy needs to eliminate, develop a schedule, and choose a management plan that best suits your pup’s individual needs.

Kinderpuppy – Manners & Parenting
Teach your puppy the social etiquettes of a well-mannered adult by gaining a more in-depth knowledge of canine behavior. Behaviors such as jumping and mouthing are addressed.

Payment is required for each student at the time of class registration. The fee for spay & neutered animals and dogs adopted from WHS is $25.00 (this includes intact puppies fewer than 6 mos. of age) and $30.00 for all others.

VACCINATIONS: All dogs must be current on their Distemper and Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccines by the first class. Dogs over 4 months of age must also be current with their Rabies vaccination. If you adopted your dog from us, it does not mean that he or she will have all the vaccinations needed for class, so please check ahead of time. Be sure to bring your vaccination records with you to the first class!

Guardians/Handlers must be at least 18 years old and children under 8 are not permitted to attend class.

Class size is limited!

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Have a Question or Concern Right Now?

You can email us your feline or canine related behavior questions to: askthetrainer@washhumane.org

Emails are checked Monday-Friday. You should receive a reply within 24-48 hours.

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Behavior & Learning Center, 7315 Georgia Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20012 - 202-723-5730 (ext. 122)