Our Training Philosophy
At Oregon Humane Society, our trainers focus on building a strong, healthy bond between pets and people through scientifically-based positive reinforcement methods. We do not use fear or intimidation-based tactics, and believe that reward-based techniques and education behavior is the best way to promote a trusting and respectful relationship.
For this reason, we ask that dogs do not wear prong collars, choke chains, or electronic collars to our classes. We also ask that dogs are on a regular, 6-foot leash—no flexi leashes, please. If you are currently using any of these, our trainers are always happy to suggest alternatives.
What to Expect
Signing Up for Classes
Our certified trainers want to ensure that you and your pet get the training help that you need. Not all classes are suited for every dog. If your dog barks and lunges at other dogs or has bitten anyone, please contact us to help determine the right class for you.
Registration fees are per pet. We use Mindbody for our scheduling software, which works best with Chrome. When you sign up for your first class, you will be asked to set up an account with Mindbody, using a login and password that is unique to you. Already signed up for a class? Access your training schedule here.
Attending Classes
- Classes are held at our Portland campus in the Animal Medical Learning Center and at our Salem campus in Canine Classroom. Get directions here.
- Attendance is limited to two people per pet.
- Bring your dog on a collar or harness and a 4-6 ft leash.
- Bring medium-high value treats cut into small pieces (like liver, cheese, chicken, or jerky).
- Bring a treat pouch, fanny pack, or apron to stash your treats during training to keep your hands free.
- Bring something on which your dog can lay down (like a towel, dog bed, or old yoga mat).
- Optional: Bring a water bottle and a chew toy for your dog to settle with between exercises (no squeaky toys, please).
Basic Dog Training Classes
Classes for All Skill Levels
These in-person classes are designed for dogs of all skill levels, age 6 months and older. Choose your own schedule from several options that are offered each week, so you and your pup can learn at your own pace! Watch this video to learn how to navigate our Levels and Tiers classes.
Looking to level up even more? Graduates of our Levels and Tiers classes are eligible to enroll in Agility classes as well as the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) class (in order to become a certified Canine Good Citizen)!
All participants must attend the virtual Intro Class before signing up for any of the four Levels Classes.
Class Package Options
- 6 Classes: $180 ($30/class)
- 8 Classes: $225 ($28/class)
- 10 Classes: $260 ($26/class)
What You Will Learn
Level 1:
- Beginning “come” when called
- Focus and attention exercises
- Intro to loose leash walking
- Managing polite greetings
- Routine settle
- “Touch” hand targeting
- Sit, down, and stay
Level 2:
- “Watch” on cue
- Loose leash walking with increased focus
- Stay with increased distance and distraction
- Come when called (adding distance)
- Intro to heel with side sit and stay at side
- Routine settle and polite greetings continued
Level 3:
- Beginning “leave it”
- Beginning “drop it”
- Calm greeting guests
- “Wait” at the door
- Beginning “go to bed”
- Learning a trick!
Level 4:
- Advanced “leave it”
- Advanced “drop it”
- Stay with advanced distractions
- “Advanced “go to bed” (adding distance and duration)
- Generalizing learned cues to new environments
Class Location
Oregon Humane Society Portland Campus
Animal Medical Learning Center
1067 NE Columbia Blvd., Portland, OR 97211
All participants must attend the virtual Intro Class before signing up for any of the four Tiers Classes.
Class Package Options
- 6 Classes: $180 ($30/class)
- 8 Classes: $225 ($28/class)
- 10 Classes: $260 ($26/class)
What You Will Learn
Tier 1:
- Beginning “come” when called
- Focus and attention exercises
- Intro to loose leash walking
- Managing polite greetings
- Routine settle
- “Touch” hand targeting
- Sit, down, and stay
Tier 2:
- “Watch” on cue
- Loose leash walking with increased focus
- Stay with increased distance and distraction
- Come when called (adding distance)
- Intro to heel with side sit and stay at side
- Routine settle and polite greetings continued
Tier 3:
- Beginning “leave it”
- Beginning “drop it”
- Calm greeting guests
- “Wait” at the door
- Beginning “go to bed”
- Learning a trick!
Tier 4:
- Advanced “leave it”
- Advanced “drop it”
- Stay with advanced distractions
- “Advanced “go to bed” (adding distance and duration)
- Generalizing learned cues to new environments
Class Location
Oregon Humane Society Salem Campus
Canine Classroom
4246 Turner Rd. SE, Salem, OR 97317
Classes for Recently Rescued Dogs
These in-person classes are designed for dogs who have been adopted from a shelter or rescue within the last 90 days, age 4 months and older. Let our certified trainers help set you and your new pet on the right path together.
Does your dog bark and lunge at other dogs? Contact us to help determine if this is the right class for you.
In this class, we will touch on basic training cues, alongside games and exercises to help your dog adjust socially. We will teach you how to help your dog relax and enjoy being handled. Plus, you and your dog may make some new friends with shared goals!
Class Location
Oregon Humane Society Portland Campus
Animal Medical Learning Center
1067 NE Columbia Blvd., Portland, OR 97211
In this class, we will touch on basic training cues, alongside games and exercises to help your dog adjust socially. We will teach you how to help your dog relax and enjoy being handled. Plus, you and your dog may make some new friends with shared goals!
Class Location
Oregon Humane Society Salem Campus
Canine Classroom
4246 Turner Rd. SE, Salem, OR 97317
Classes for Small Dogs
These in-person classes are designed for small dogs, 25 pounds and under and not taller than 15” at the back of the neck, age 4 months and older.
In this class, we will focus on how little dogs learn—teaching multiple skills in a comfortable environment without the presence of large dogs. Your dog will work on loose leash walking, settling, and much more. You can build your bond by having fun together.
Class Location
Oregon Humane Society Portland Campus
Animal Medical Learning Center
1067 NE Columbia Blvd., Portland, OR 97211
More Training Help
Have questions about our training facilities or classes? Need more help for your pet? Check out our frequently-asked questions, use our interactive resource tool, sign up for a training class, or book a private training to find solutions.
Contact Us
Training & Behavior
(503) 802-6729
Free Pet Behavior Helpline: (503) 416-2983
