Adopt an Animal Volunteer Donate Good Home GuaranteePrograms and Services
Social Media Just for Kids Pet Tips In the News Adoption Events Our Partners Combat Cruelty Shop WHS


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


Seminars



Dog Park "Pawlitics"
7 Things You Should Know Before Heading to the Dog Park

While many dogs handle conflict and stress through play gestures, others use them to intimidate and bully. Beneath the surface of "happy-go-lucky play", dogs at the park may be campaigning for position through serious communication - often perceived by humans as "fun". A sink or swim environment, dog parks can be overwhelming for many dogs not quite prepared for the experience. Join us for an in-depth look at the canine culture that governs dog park "pawlitics".
.
We will discuss:

• Recognizing subtle body language to anticipate and avoid problems
• Identifying various styles of play
* Fighting and aggression

• How to determine when your dog is ready for the dog park experience
• Recognizing when your dog is no longer benefitting from the dog park

• ...and so much more!

Seminar fee: $35
Pre-registration is required. Seats are limited.
February 28, 2010 10am - 12:30pm


For registration details please contact askthetrainer@washhumane.org
Please understand that payments support our programs and services and are therefore non-refundable

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Private Lessons

Behavior Consultations and Obedience Training
Having problems with your feline, canine, or rabbit partner? A private session with one of our behavior counselors will reveal the motivation behind your pet’s behavior, as well as a behavior modification program designed specifically for you and your companion. If a formal obedience education is what you're are looking for, we offer private obedience lessons taught by experienced trainers using humane, motivational methods of training.

Dogs: Sessions are offered at our Behavior & Learning Center, located at 7315 Georgia Ave. N.W.
By Appointment Only

Our counselors can coach you to better manage and/or modify your dog’s behavior in:

• Separation Anxiety
• Leash Lunging or Pulling
• Timidity

• Aggression Concerns
• Multiple Dog Concerns

• Obedience Training
• AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC)

• ...and so much more!

Private behavioral sessions:
90 minute session $150
Package of four 90 minute sessions $525

Private obedience sessions:
60 minute sessions $100
30 minute sessions $ 50
Package of four 60 minute sessions $350

To schedule an appointment please contact askthetrainer@washhumane.org.
Non-refundable deposit required for all appointments (applied toward session)



Cats: Private sessions are offered by phone or at our Behavior & Learning Center. By Appointment Only.

Our counselors 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

• ...and so much more!

Individual counseling sessions:
45-60 minute session $75

To schedule an appointment please contact askthetrainer@washhumane.org.
Non-refundable deposit required for all appointments (applied toward session)

 

Rabbits: Private sessions are offered by phone or at our Behavior & Learning Center. By Appointment Only.

Our counselors can coach you to better understand, manage or modify your rabbit’s behavior in:

• Litter Box Training
• Destructive Behavior
• Getting started with your first rabbit

• Bonding and introductions for new pets

• Aggression concerns
• Trick Training
• ...and so much more!


Individual counseling sessions:
45-60 minute session $50

To schedule an appointment please contact askthetrainer@washhumane.org.
Non-refundable deposit required for all appointments _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Group Classes

 

Focused Fido - (1 hour workshop)
Does your dog ignore you when he sees a squirrel or another dog? The exercises taught in this class will help you to maintain and/or regain your dog's focus on you even while he's distracted. $25

Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010, 7p -8pm
Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, 7p -8pm

For registration details please contact askthetrainer@washhumane.org
Please understand that payments support our programs and services and are therefore non-refundable

 

Well Mannered Dog - (4 week class)
Learn how to teach your dog (6 mos. and above) foundation skills such as sit, down, coming when called, loose leash walking and proper greetings with people and dogs. $100

This (4) four-week class meets the following Saturdays from 11am - 12pm: Registration Closed
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
For registration details please contact askthetrainer@washhumane.org
Please understand that payments support our programs and services and are therefore non-refundable


Well Mannered Dog - (4 week class)
Learn how to teach your dog (6 mos. and above) foundation skills such as sit, down, coming when called, loose leash walking and proper greetings with people and dogs. $100

This (4) four-week class meets the following Saturdays from 1pm - 2pm: Registration Closed
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
For registration details please contact askthetrainer@washhumane.org
Please understand that payments support our programs and services and are therefore non-refundable


Well Mannered Dog II - (4 week class) Begin taking your dog's training to the next level with Well Mannered Dog II. In this class you'll practice and enhance your dog's basic obedience foundation, learn new training techniques using postive reinforcement, strengthen communication skills between you and your dog, and begin teaching your dog to problem solve. $125
Class fee includes training tools to keep practicing with your dog at home and in future classes!
Prerequisite:
Well Mannered Dog I

This (4) four-week class meets the following Saturdays from 9:30am - 10:30am:
Registration Closed
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010

For registration details please contact askthetrainer@washhumane.org
Please understand that payments support our programs and services and are therefore non-refundable



Kittengarten
- (4 week class)
Start your new kitten off on the right track! Learn about litterbox training, proper nutrition, trimming nails, and how to handle a variety of kitten behaviors such as scratching and rough play, all while your new companion romps and runs with kittens of the same age! Kittens 8 - 16 weeks are invited to attend class with their owners. Owners of cats older than 16 weeks of age are welcome to attend without their cats or may borrow a shelter kitten for class.

Coming soon


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Vaccinations

DOGS:
A ll dogs must be current on their DHLPP and Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccines by the first class. Dogs over 4 months of age must also be current with their Rabies vaccination.

CATS:
All cats must be current on their FVRCP vaccines by the first class. Cats over 3 months of age must also be current with their Rabies vaccination.

** If you adopted your pet 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 10 are not permitted to attend class. Class size is limited!! **

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

You can also send a letter to the Washington Humane Society Behavior & Learning Center, 7315 Georgia Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20012, or call 202-723-5730 (ext. 122).

 

About us Contact us Jobs Site map SheltersHome