UPDATE
With the world focused on containing the spread of COVID-19 and with our community’s best interest in mind, San Diego Humane Society has made the decision to suspend all new in-person training classes and workshops through April. We will instead be going virtual with our training classes! Registration for our virtual classes can be submitted below.
Thank you again for your support and understanding during this time. The health and safety of our community and the animals in our care is our top concern. Other training handouts and resources can be found in our resource center. For questions about behavior and training classes, please call 619-299-7012 ext. 2398 or email [email protected].
Please note: Classes will be posted below as soon as confirmation of schedules is confirmed.
San Diego Humane Society offers a variety of training classes as well as other resources to address a variety of needs for companion animals. Our training classes for dogs and cats range from the basics to some unique specialty courses to address all your training needs.
Classes are organized by fixed series or open enrollment, and any class lacking an “enroll” button has filled. At this time all classes are offered live online via the Zoom platform.
Our training philosophy is based on the behavioral science concepts of positive reinforcement. Training your pet using these concepts will not only help them learn new behaviors more quickly, it will also strengthen the bond you share.
619-299-7012, ext. 2244
619-299-7012, ext. 2398
Purchase a training class gift card for a loved one here!
Gifts can be fixed amounts or customized.
Click the class title for a pop-up description.
Open Enrollment Classes
Join at any time!
HEALTH
Dogs must be current on their rabies, DHPP (or equivalent) vaccines and be in good general health. Fees paid for dogs excused from class due to a medical concern that are unable to return to class will not be refunded.
BEHAVIOR
San Diego Humane Society group classes are not meant to address serious aggression or behavior issues. Dogs exhibiting these behaviors will be asked to leave and no refund will be issued. If your animal is displaying behaviors that may cause concern, please schedule a private training by calling 619-299-7012 ext 2398.
PREREQUISITE CLASSES/TRAINING
Some classes have prerequisites or items that must be completed prior to enrollment. Please read the description of each class to ensure you and your dog are ready to attend. If you enroll in a class and it is determined that your dog does not meet the prerequisites for participation, you will be excused from the class without a refund.
REGISTRATION & PAYMENT
Classes fill quickly. You may register online. Payment must be made in full at the time of registration, no exceptions. Please call 619-299-7012 ext 2398 if you need additional information about class availability.
ADOPTERS DISCOUNT
Please call 619-299-7012 ext 2398 prior to enrolling online.
ATTENDANCE
In deference to other students, those who arrive 10 minutes late to class will not be admitted and will be marked as absent. No class make ups will be given for students who are tardy.
REFUND POLICY
- Classes must be paid for in full at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled start date, including online registrations and manual registrations.
- If space is still available, class registrations will be accepted until the start of the scheduled class.
- Refunds and cancellations are offered until 72 hours prior to the class’ scheduled start date.
- Students must request a cancellation no later than 72 hours prior to the scheduled class start date to receive a refund.
- Refunds will be processed within one week of student's request for refund/cancellation.
- No drop-ins, class transfers, or pro-rated class fees.
CLASS CANCELLATIONS, RESCHEDULING & HOLIDAYS
Most classes run weekly for six weeks - view specific class descriptions for more information. Classes can be cancelled and/or postponed with no notice. We will do our best to alert you if classes are cancelled or rescheduled, so you may adjust your schedule accordingly. You will receive the full number of sessions, but the class end date may be later than anticipated.
Below is the current list of days in which classes are not held. This is only a preliminary list of dark days; individual classes can be cancelled and anytime without notice and the end date adjusted accordingly. This is usually due to weather. Refunds are not given if you are unable to attend any scheduled classes.
- Easter Day + the day before
- Memorial Day
- 4th of July
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day + the days immediately before and after
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas Day
- New Year’s Eve
- New Year’s Day
Have a training question or Need behavior help?
Behavior Resources
Due to the potential for serious injury, canine and feline aggression is best handled by a professional who specializes in behavior. Because phone or email counseling is inadequate for addressing serious behavior concerns, we ask that you contact a qualified professional for help.
To learn about Veterinary Behaviorists visit dacvb.org. To learn about Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists visit animalbehavior.org.
Recommended Veterinary Behaviorists
Dr. Rachel Malamed
DVM, DACVB
behaviordogtor.com
Dr. Patrick Melese
DVM, DACVB
sdvetbehavior.com
Dr. Stefanie Schwartz
DVM, DACVB
petbehavior.org
Dr. Karen Sueda
DVM, DACVB
vcaspecialtyvets.com
Dr. Jill Goldman
Ph.D., CAAB
drjillgoldman.com
San Diego Humane Society Training Partners
All training partners have demonstrated their commitment to using positive reinforcement training techniques and San Diego Humane Society’s mission of promoting the humane treatment of animals, preventing cruelty to animals and providing education to enhance the human-animal bond.
Preferred Partners
Bella Woof, Inc.
April Bove-Rothwell
619-980-6502
[email protected]
SMRTDOG
Jamie Bozzi, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KSA, KPA CTP, ACDBC, CC, CNWI, AKC Scent Work Judge
619-246-5634
[email protected]
smrtdog.com
Specializes in: Positive reinforcement training and customized behavior modification plans for fearful, anxious and aggressive behavioral issues, as well as, basic obedience and tricks. She also
works with sport, performance and working dogs, especially in scent detection work- K9 Nose Work, AKC Scent Work and SAR/MAR (Search & Rescue/Missing Animal Response). Additional dog sports include agility and Treibball.
Doggy Einstein’s Training
Tina Flores, CPDT-KA, KPA CTP, CSAT
www.doggyeinsteinstraining.com
Specializes in: Separation Anxiety training
Eden Animal Training Services LLC
Stefanie Kennedy
[email protected]
www.edenanimal.com
Specializes in: Coaching you and your pets (cats, dogs, small pets, horses) in your home through training games and basic obedience skills. Understanding our pets helps us be the best pet parent they can have.
Alyssa Rose (Lapinel), CPDT-KA
Legends Dog Training
(619) 431-1233
[email protected]ndsdogtraining.com
www.legendsdogtraining.com
Specializes in: Creating customized behavior modification plans for fearful, anxious, aggressive or impulsive behavioral issues and puppy start right training.
Kelly Viscosi, CPDT-KA
619-813-5261
[email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/DogTrainingByKelly/
The Proficient Pup Dog Training and Massage
Lynn Webb, MA, KPA CTP, CTMT
https://www.theproficentpup.com
[email protected]
760-651-6364
Specializes in: fearful, reactive, or anxious dogs and rattlesnake avoidance training.
Synergy Dog Training
Jessica Wheatcraft, CDBC, CPDT-KA
619-994-9191
[email protected]
https://synergydogtrainingsd.com/
Specializes in: All things puppy. Behavior issues including fearful/shy dogs, aggression and anxiety.
Synergy Dog Training
Jenna Powell, ABCDT, CPDT-KA, CSAT, AKC CGC Evaluator
760-219-0146
[email protected]
www.synergydogtrainingSD.com
Specializes in: Private training for puppies and adult dogs. Classes for puppies, adolescents and manners in public.
For an additional list of dog trainers in San Diego, visit: sandiegodogtrainers.org
Resource Center
As a trusted, local animal welfare organization, we've compiled tips, tricks and resources to help you take the very best care of your pet.
