The Halifax Humane Society’s Behavior Department offers group dog and puppy training classes as well as private behavioral consultations and training sessions to meet the unique needs of each individual family, and dog.

Do you have a dog that barks? Pulls? Soils the house? Chews items that are not theirs? Jumps up on visitors? Does not enjoy being left alone? Does not respond to your cues?

Maybe you just have a newly adopted dog or puppy and want to make sure you are starting out on the right paw.

Or maybe you are just fascinated by training and want to bring out your dog's best potential and have fun in the process.

Whatever your situation, if it involves a dog or puppy in need of some behavior modification, guidance, and training, you have come to the right place. We will show you how to effectively solve behavior problems and bring back the joy of living with your dog.

What are you waiting for? Let's get training!

Group Classes:

This class will set you on the path to a great working relationship with your dog. We will teach you the mechanics that make you a great trainer and will cover a variety of basic cues and life skills that will make life with your dog more enjoyable. We will show you how to effectively use rewards-based training to improve your dog's behavior in all situations. The foundation training you and your dog will receive will continue to help you throughout your dog’s life.

Classes are held on multiple days at the Halifax Humane Society animal shelter. The entire course, which consists of four weekly classes, costs just $75; dogs adopted from Halifax Humane Society are also eligible for a $25 discount.

To sign up for a group class, please reference the calendar and submit an inquiry using this form.

For more information, call the HHS behavior manager at (386) 274-4703 ext. 326, or email Behavior@HalifaxHumaneSociety.Org

Dog Training Fundamentals

What We Learn:

1. Name Recognition

2. Loose Leash Walking

3. Heel

4. Sit

5. Stay

6. Down

7. Come

8. Crate Training

Advanced Obedience

What We Learn:

1. Place

2. Leave It

3. Out

4. Off-leash Commands

5. Handling Skills

6. Tricks

7. Target

8. Dog Introductions

What to Bring To Your Group Class Training:

Your Dog

Ensure your dog has time to relieve themselves prior to event. Please be a responsible owner and clean up after your pet

If class is near your dog’s normal mealtime, it is suggested that you feed only ½ of your dog’s normal meal and bring the rest to class along with your selected high value treats

A variety of soft, small, high-value treats (Boiled chicken, hot dogs, string cheese, liver, etc. - pick a few things you know that your dog LOVES)

A toy or two that your dog enjoys

A 6 ft leather, fabric, or nylon leash OR a Weiss Walkie– no retractable or chain leashes please (Leashes are available for purchase in the Halifax Humane Society Adoption Lobby retail area.)

A well-fitting, flat or martingale collar (buckle or clip) OR a properly fitted front-clip (no-pull) harness

(Your class trainer will help teach you more about these different equipment options and training aid options; Collars and No-Pull harnesses are available for purchase in the Halifax Humane Society Adoption Lobby retail area.)

Vaccinations- Proof of current rabies. You must present proof of required, age-appropriate vaccinations or vaccination titer results in order to participate in a group class. These can be submitted online, or brought in-person to class.

Halifax Humane Society has a Behavior Team that includes professionals with educational backgrounds that give us the ability to utilize scientifically based training methods and behavior modification. We focus our energy on these proven practices to ensure species specific solutions to training or behavioral needs of both our animals and yours.

We strive to understand the needs of our animals and to ensure that we are creating the best environment for them. The use of enrichment to empower and entertain our animals helps keep them alert and active, while allowing for training opportunities and fun interactions with our behavior team, our staff, and our volunteers. By caring for their physical and mental needs while providing force and fear free training, we allow them to the opportunity to improve their life skills while waiting for their forever homes.  We also are available to continue these efforts once you bring an animal home. 

Private Lessons and Behavioral Consultations: (Temporarily Suspended due to COVID)

You will work with our behaviorist to develop a customized training plan to accomplish your training goals in a private training setting.

All private training and behavior modification services begin with a 90-minute consultation and training session with an associated investment of $75.00. During the initial consultation we will discuss the best options to achieve your training goals. After evaluating the situation, we will work hands on with you and your dog to implement training techniques and/or an appropriate behavior modification plan.

Each family and dog has a unique reason for our training and behavior modification services. Sometimes a single consultation and training session is enough to set dog and owner on the right track, other times it may be very beneficial to continue behavior modification and owner instruction in follow-up lessons. 60-minute follow-up sessions are $50.00 and can be scheduled at any time after the initial consultation.

If you are interested in booking a private lesson or behavior consult, please email the behavior manager at Behavior@HalifaxHumaneSociety.Org.

Questions?

Please do not hesitate to contact the HHS behavior manager at (386) 274-4703 ext. 326, or email Behavior@HalifaxHumaneSociety.Org