Dog Training

*2025 Dog Training dates will be released in December 2024!

Our Goal

It is the goal of the Washington County Humane Society to provide training programs resulting in happy, confident dogs as well as guardians who know how to work with their dog. We believe in building relationships with our dogs through skill building, compassion and education. We further believe it is important to provide training classes in a positive environment to enable dogs to feel safe. Dogs experiencing behavior concerns may be referred to a behavior specialist.

REGISTRATION

To register, please contact Faith:

Phone: (262) 677-4388
Email Faith

POLICIES

Prong collars, choke collars and electric collars are not permitted in class.

All dogs are required to be up to date on Rabies, Distemper and Bordetella at time of registration.

SERVICES

Group Classes
Individual Private Lessons
Youth Classes
Scent & Agility Training

Summer Youth Dog Training Available!

Current sessions:
June 17, 20, 24, and 27th from 9:30a-10:30a
July 22, 25, 29 and Aug 1 from 4pm-5pm

Meet Our Dog Trainers

Chris

Kelli Jo

Michelle, CNWI

Lori Jo

Maureen

Our Dog Training Philosophy

Positive Reinforcers and Motivators

The use of positive reinforcers and motivators are not only acceptable but strongly encouraged in WCHS training classes. Positive motivators encourage a dog to perform a desired behavior. Also, positive reinforcers strengthen the behavior by offering a meaningful reward that a dog will modify his behavior to obtain.

The motivator must be appealing enough to make a dog work for it. These motivators help build a relationship of trust, affection and positive association. Even if used incorrectly, positive reinforcers and motivators create very little risk of a lasting negative impact on the dog, the relationship or the learning process.

Examples:

Voice – verbal praise
Physical Affection
Food/treats
Markers such as whistles, clickers or verbal (i.e. “Yes!”)
Life Rewards (i.e. Sit at the door = opportunity to go outside)
Play (i.e. Sit = ball will be thrown)

Equipment & Class Size

The best training tools enhance the ability to communicate with a dog while building a bond of trust and affection.

WCHS does not support the use of choke collars, shock collars or prong collars.
Body Harnesses are encouraged to reduce stress on a dog’s neck and spine.
Continuing Education: WCHS believes that it is important to keep up with current dog training trends and new techniques used in the training field.

Classes will be limited to no more than 6 dogs per instructor.

Our Guidelines

The techniques used in the WCHS training program will follow the Least Invasive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) principle.

Are dedicated to the use of science based training methods, utilizing the least aversive techniques possible.
Are committed to using positive reinforcement as a teaching tool and negative punishment as complementary management
Adhere to the Humane Hierarchy, as outlined by Dr. Susan Friedman. Read more
Adhere to The Five Freedoms of The Farm Animal Welfare Council. Read more
Do not use or condone ideologies, methods or gear that impart physical or psychological punishment or pain on animals.
Pursue and impart knowledge, maintain competence in animal behavior through continuing education, active training and applied experience.

Aversive training methods are based on making a dog feel something unpleasant or painful because they have done something “wrong.” Aversives can be anything that a dog finds displeasing. Aversives inhibit learning and inhibits the formation of trust between the dog and owner. What is aversive to a dog is highly individualized and can have a lasting effect beyond the change of behavior. These side effects can manifest as avoidance, fear, or aggression, and can teach a dog to be fearful or anxious about people or situations.