Training in Salem

Best Beginnings

$180 for six weeks of training. Puppies attending should be 9 to 15 weeks old at the start of class.

In this fun and informative class, you will learn how to set your puppy up for success in your home. You’ll discover how to handle play-biting and potty training and learn how to teach your puppy cues like sit, down, come, and name recognition.  In addition, your puppy will have time to safely socialize with other puppies in your class.

Puppies attending should be 9 to 15 weeks old at the start of class. If your pup will be 16 weeks or older when class begins, please sign up for either our Adolescent Manners Class or our Level 1 Class in Levels instead.

The first class is for people only, please leave your puppy at home.

Class Requirements

Please limit attendance to 2 people. Please contact us if you need to make an exception or bring your children to class. If you (or anyone in your household) are not feeling well, please stay home.

Your puppy must be:

• Between 9 and 15 weeks of age at the START of class (not at the time you sign you up online).
• Up-to-date on vaccinations. Your puppy must have received at least one round of a distemper/parvo combination vaccine at least seven days prior to starting class. Bordetella vaccine is recommended. Rabies vaccination and spay/neuter are not required since dogs are under 7 months of age.
• Healthy and free of any symptoms of illness. No coughing, sneezing, diarrhea, vomiting, etc. within 24 hours of class.

Young Learners

$180 for six weeks of training. Puppies attending should be 16 to 24 weeks (4-6 Months) old at the start of class.

This is a great stand-alone class, or continuation of our Best Beginnings. We will focus on practicing attention, walking on leash and recall around distractions through a variety of fun pattern games, we will cover impulse regulation exercises, such as “stay” and “leave it” and calm relaxation around distractions. We will cover appropriate play and interactions with other dogs and people.

Class Requirements

Please limit attendance to 2 people. Please contact us if you need to make an exception or bring your children to class. If you (or anyone in your household) are not feeling well, please stay home.

Your puppy must be:

• Between 16 and 24 weeks (4-6 months) of age at the START of class (not at the time you sign you up online).
• Up-to-date on vaccinations. Your puppy must have received at least one round of a distemper/parvo combination vaccine at least seven days prior to starting class. Bordetella vaccine is recommended. Rabies vaccination and spay/neuter are not required since dogs are under 7 months of age.
• Healthy and free of any symptoms of illness. No coughing, sneezing, diarrhea, vomiting, etc. within 24 hours of class.

Puppy Playtime

Puppy Playtime 1 is for puppies 9 – 13 weeks 
Puppy Playtime 2 is for puppies 11 – 18 weeks

$20 per session

During our Puppy Playtime you can introduce your puppy to other healthy puppies and allow them to interact and socialize! Helping your puppy learn the appropriate way to play with other Pups can help prevent behavioral problems as they mature. In between play sessions, our certified dog trainers give you some basic tips and apply simple training games so you will have the best relationship possible with your puppy!

• If your puppy has shown signs of fear or aggression towards other puppies, please call us at (503) 802-6729 or email us prior to attending.
• If there is not a “sign up now” button on the widget, then the Romp you are interested in attending is sold out. Please continue to check back for spots to open up, as people tend to cancel at the last minute. Walk-ins are not allowed during this time.

Romp Requirements

Please limit attendance to 2 people to attend Romp with your pup. Please contact us if you need to make an exception or bring your children to class. If you (or anyone in your household) are not feeling well, please stay home.

Your puppy must be:

• Attending the romp appropriate for their age (i.e.: 9 – 13 weeks; 11 – 18 weeks).
• If your puppy age falls in with both classes, and you pup has never been to a romp before, please sign up for Puppy Romp 1.
• Up-to-date on vaccinations. Your puppy must have received at least one round of a distemper/parvo combination vaccine at least seven days prior to attending Romp. Bordetella vaccine is recommended. Rabies vaccination and spay/neuter are not required since dogs are under 1 year of age.
• Healthy and free of any symptoms of illness. No coughing, sneezing, diarrhea, vomiting, etc. within 24 hours of Romp.
• Please be sure your puppy is wearing a well-fitted collar or harness and a 4 – 6 foot leash that they can drag during play. Please bring a variety of treats with you as well.
• If your puppy is not fully vaccinated, we recommend carrying them from your car into Manners Hall. We clean and disinfect Manners Hall before each Romp, so your puppy can safely play on the floor.

If there is not a “sign up now” button on the widget, then the Romp you are interested in attending is sold out. Please continue to check back for spots to open up, as people tend to cancel at the last minute. Walk-ins are not allowed during this time.

There is an issue using Firefox when signing up for Puppy Playtimes, please use Chrome or contact us if you need help.

Adolescent – Tweens and Teens

$180 for six weeks of training. For dogs 6 – 18 months of age

This class will help you through the challenge of dog adolescence. Using positive reinforcement, we will review basic cues plus learn new ways to deal with adolescent behaviors such as demanding attention and leash walking. The focus will be on teaching your teenage puppy to make appropriate choices, apply self-control around distractions, and grow to be a polite and well-socialized adult dog!

Life Skills 1:

$180 for six weeks of classes – For dogs six months and up

The first week of class is for humans only. Please leave your dog at home. We look forward to training with the canine half of your team for the next five weeks!

Life Skills 1 is our version of Basic Manners Classes. Examples of what you will learn in Life Skills 1 is:

• Beginning Come when Called
• Beginning “leave it”
• Beginning “go to bed”
• “Wait” at the door
• Focus & Attention Exercises
• Intro to loose leash walking
• Managing Polite Greetings
• Routine Settle
• “Touch” Hand Targeting
• Sit, Down, and Stay
• Intro to Heel
• Routine Settle and Polite Greetings Continued

Please note: Dogs who display aggression towards other dogs or humans are not appropriate for this class. Please contact us to schedule a private training session.

Life Skills 2:

$180 for six weeks of classes. For dogs six months and up

Life Skills 2 continues on from Life Skills 1. You and your dog will learn new skills such as:

• Beginning “drop it”
• Calm greeting guests
• Loose Leash Walking with Increased Focus
• “Watch” on Cue
• Learning a trick!
• Advanced “leave it”
• Advanced “drop it”
• Heel with Side Sit
• Stay with Increased Distance and Distraction
• Come When Called with Increased Distance
• “Advanced “go to bed” (adding distance and duration)
• Generalizing learned cues to new environments

Prerequisites

Graduation from Life Skill 1, or Tweens & Teens or instructor approval.

Agility 101 – Salem

$120 for four weeks of training – For Dogs 1 year and up

Fun, bonding, and exercise! That is what you and your dog will get in this 4-week beginners’ class to agility. Going through tunnels, going over jumps, using weave poles, tires and the table, will give your dog physical and mental stimulation. At the end of this class, you and your dog will be able to complete a 3-obstable mini course. Agility is a great way to bond and get a great workout! After this class, you can continue to Agility 2 – Intermediate, or this course can be repeated to get more practice. Chat with the trainer about how to progress at the end of the class.

Prerequisites

• Dogs need to be 1 year or older at the start of the class.
• Completion of either Life Skills 2, Smart Games, or trainer approval (Contact us below) is required.
• Positive Reinforcement training experience in a group class setting is required.

Agility 202 – Salem

$180 for six weeks of training – For dogs 1 year and up

This intermediate level 6-week course will pick up where Agility 101 leaves off, with more focus on handling skills, distance, and obstacle approach.  By the end of the class, you and your dog will be able to safely complete a 4-5 obstacle course. This class can be repeated to get more practice.

Prerequisites

• Completion of Salem Agility 101

Fresh Start

$150 for five weeks of training. For dogs 4 months and up

Have you recently adopted a dog and feel unsure of where to start when it comes to training? There can be so much conflicting advice from family, well-meaning neighbors and the internet! Let the certified professional trainers at OHS help set you on the right path to have the best life possible with your new furry friend. If you have adopted a dog from a shelter or rescue in the past 90 days, join us and other new rescue dog owners for Start Over Rover. We will touch on basic training cues but also 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!

Does your dog bark and lunge at other dogs? Contact us to discuss if this is the right class for you.

Smart Games

$120 for four weeks of training – For Dogs 4 months and up

Looking for something fun and educational to do with your dog? Then join us for “Smart Games” where you will learn how to use games and tricks to train basic manners and provide your dog with exercise as well as much needed mental enrichment. We will teach you low impact activities good for adolescents and seniors alike that combine training with enjoyment and highlight all the opportunities for you to apply the techniques in the real world. A basic knowledge of marker training is helpful but not required! This lively class is for dogs 4 months and older, and we welcome more than one handler per dog so that the whole family can join in on the fun!

Week 1 – Fun Tricks
Week 2 – Agility
Week 3 – Parkour
Week 4 – Scent Games

Dog Reactivity 1

$150 for four weeks of training. For dogs eight months and up

Does your dog lunge and bark when they see other dogs when out on a walk? In this class you will learn strategic management tools, safe leash handling and positive training techniques that will help create a calmer dog and handler and make walk-time more enjoyable.

We’ll lead you through guided practice sessions with progressively more difficult triggers, building up to exercises around one other dog to help teach and encourage calm, appropriate behavior. By the end of the course, you will have a lot of skills and increased confidence to continue training with your dog at home and out in the world.

For more practice and advanced skills, you have the options to enroll in Dog Reactivity 2 with activities, or Dog Reactivity Practice Class! They are listed below

Dog Reactivity Smarts does not address off-leash aggression issues. If your dog is reactive towards people, worried about new environments, or if you’d just like to focus more on loose-leash walking and impulse control, try our in-person or virtual private classes.

We also offer a 1-hour Pet Parent class on Help for your Leash Reactive Dog. This class will give you an understanding of your Reactive Dog and will have time for Q&A’s. See our listings under Pet Parent Classes for people only.

Dog Reactivity 2 with Activities

$150 for four weeks of training. For dogs eight months and up

Can reactive dogs do agility activities, scent games or rally? With other dogs in the room? Yes they can! In this controlled environment your dog can learn a new activity each week while practicing their skills to be around other dogs. You will continue to learn your dog’s body language, understand their threshold, what they enjoy and do not enjoy, and when to stop or change an activity. In learning these fun activities, you can start to incorporate them in your home for exercise when it is raining outside or when it’s too hot outside.

This 4-week class is for Graduates of Dog Reactivity 1 (or graduates of private training with instructor’s permission). You and your dog are welcome to enroll in this 4-week class more than once, to keep practicing and enjoying the fun activities or join the Dog Reactivity Practice Class below.

Dog Reactivity Practice Class

$100 for 3 weeks of training. For dogs who have graduated from Dog Reactivity 1 (or graduates of private training with instructor’s permission)

Would you like a safe, controlled environment to practice reactivity training with your dog? This is the class for you! Our trainer will be providing feedback, reviewing protocols, and troubleshooting issues while you and your dog are able to practice being around a small group of other dogs and people.

This 3-week class is for Graduates of Dog Reactivity 1 (or graduates of private training with instructor’s permission). Need more practice? This class can be taken again!

Canine Good Citizen Preparation Course

$150* for five weeks of training. For dogs 1 year and up.

*Exam will be given on the last week. The OHS-Salem exam fee is included in the class fee.

CGC Prep Class is an advanced 5-week class for graduates of our Life Skills courses. It covers exercises to prepare you and your dog for the CGC test. We will learn how to help our dog be successful with the 10 skill elements of the test, such as: greeting strangers politely, basic loose leash walking, stay and calmly passing another dog.  The last week of the class is devoted to the test itself.

Prerequisites

• Dogs need to be 1 year or older at the start of the class.
• Have completed Life Skills 1 and Life Skills 2, or completed Teens & Tweens
• Positive Reinforcement training experience in a group class setting is required.
• Owners need to be familiar with marker training.
• Owners need to be able to recognize their dogs’ calming signals.

NOTE: As in all our classes, treats and positive reinforcement methods are used. As a reminder, flexible/extendable leashes, leash corrections, choke chains, prong collars, or shock collars are not allowed.

This class is seasonal, if you are interested in attending this class but do not see it available, please request it here.

Cat classes have many benefits for you and your feline friend:

• They are fun bonding experiences.
• Your cat or kitten gets extra exercise and mental stimulation.
• Kitten classes can prevent many common issues that adult cats develop.  
• You can learn and ask questions to curb cat’s behavior.
• Since our classes are virtual, you can take them from anywhere!
• You will be able to impress your friends and family with what your cat can do!

All of our cat and kitten classes are virtual as cats are more comfortable in their own home and respond better to training.

Kitten-garten Class for Kittens

$95 for four weeks of training. Kittens 6 months and younger

Congratulations on your new kitten! Kittens are fun, active and very smart! Start them off right with our Kitten-garten class.  In this class, we will help them grow up to be a well-adjusted cat by teaching how to make experiences such as going in the crate or going to the vet less scary, how to make nails trims a positive experience and how to work with unwanted behaviors before they start. Training helps cats be less stressed, which in turn, helps them to be healthier! Bring your questions and ask away at this live class.

For kittens 6 months and younger. This is a live Zoom class. Please opt into emails when signing up with Mindbody, your link will be in the email sent directly after you sign up for this class.

Cat Specialty Virtual Classes

In the following 45-minute specialty virtual classes you and your cat will learn different techniques that will boost your cat’s confidence and improve your cat’s mental stimulation. You will have some bonding time with your cat, both during the class and after with the skills you will learn. This is great for all cats, but especially the young adults to help keep them physically and mentally entertained.

Things to know:

• This class is for cats 2 months and up
• Please have your cats’ favorite treats available for the class
• We recommend that your cat is familiar with clicker or marker training before taking one of these classes as this will help with some of the training. You can rent our Introduction to Clicker Training Video here (insert link). A target stick with a clicker is a great tool to use with cats for clicker training.
• For these classes, we use Mindbody Live. You will receive the link to the class in an email from Mindbody 30 minutes prior to the start of class.

Feline Friendship – Cat Introductions for a Harmonious Household

$25 for 45-minute Virtual Class

Welcome to our live virtual 45-minute class on introducing your new feline friend to other animals! Bringing a new kitten or cat home is an exciting time filled with a range of emotions. However, it’s crucial to approach introductions with care and patience to ensure a smooth transition for all involved. In this session, we’ll discuss the significance of a gradual introduction process, as well as how to properly set up your home to facilitate the introduction. Join us as we explore tips and techniques aimed at minimizing stress and fostering harmony among your pets. Feel free to bring any questions or concerns you may have for our experienced trainer to address.ss.

This is a Mindbody Online Live class.

6/6/24 7pm Class

Feline Manners Makeover

$25 for 45-Minutes Class

Jumping on the counter is common for cats to do – they are closer to you, they find good stuff to eat, and they can explore, but that is not always the best for them or you. Learn alternative behaviors that will keep both you and your cat happier. These alternatives will also work for keeping your cat off of the woodstove, fireplace or other places you do not want them.

This is a Mindbody Online Live class.

5/9/24 7pm Class

Clicker Training Basics: A Guide to Pawsitive Reinforcement and Tricks

$25 for 45-Minute Virtual Class

Discover your cat’s potential with clicker training! Have you ever wanted to teach your kitty cool tricks like high five or jump through your arms? Or maybe just respond to their name? This class shows you how to start the process of positive reinforcement to encourage your cat to interact with you for rewards. Cats are very curious and smart and need daily enrichment to give them mental and physical stimulation, especially if they are indoor only. This class will teach you how to create positive experiences for your cat to be less stressed and less bored, while helping their mind and body to be more active.

This is a Mindbody Online Live class.

5/16/24 7pm Class

6/13/24 7pm Class

Whisker Wanderers: Virtual Cat Outdoor Adventures

$25 for 45-Minute Virtual Class

Do you and your cat want to take adventures together? Cats going out on hikes, going camping and just going for a walk is becoming popular in the Pacific NW. Learn the steps and tools you will need to have your cat feel comfortable going out in the world with you. These include using a harness, what to do when a dog is on the same path as you, creating a safe space for your cat and more. You and your cat will get a strong bond and your cat will enjoy all the new sights and smells.

This is a Mindbody Online Live class.

5/23/24

On-Demand Training Videos

We have several videos with training tip and helpful advice for both cats and dogs. These videos can be watched multiple times for a period of 30 days. Click here to for more information.

Private Lesson

Do you need training advice with your puppy or dog? Maybe you need help starting off in the right direction with your new puppy or maybe you are having behavior problems? We can help!

During a one-on-one consultation, we will address your specific needs. You will learn easy to implement techniques to improve your pet’s behavior using positive reinforcement to train desired responses. We offer one-time sessions, or you can purchase a package with multiple visits. Visits for dogs and puppies can be in person at OHS-Salem or be virtual.

Virtual Private classes can be great for dogs that are having a hard time being alone at home, or for two dogs that are not quite enjoying each others company yet.

Visits for Cats and Kittens are virtual only.

We Can Help With:

• Shy/Fearful behaviors
• Preparing your pet for a baby
• Multi-pet Household problems
• Puppy Training
• Leash Reactivity
• A new pet adjust to their new home
• And more!

We specialize in helping pets with special needs and pets from shelters.

Cost

A single 45-minute lesson is $85.

A three-pack of 45-minute lessons is $225.

Consultation fees are per household, not pet. Let us know in the “Dog’s (or Dogs’) Name” field if you plan to have two pets with you. If bringing two dogs to an appointment at OHS, please have a handler for each dog.

Prerequisite

• Behavior description: In your confirmation email, you will have a link to click on to go to a questionnaire. You will be asked several questions during your registration regarding your dog’s behavior. Please answer them as accurately as possible to help us create a training plan catered to your dog’s needs.

Pet Parent Classes are live online classes with one of our certified trainers. These classes are kept small (up to 10 people at the most) so you can get all your questions answered and are economical at only $25 each! Enjoy a class from the comfort of your home or during your lunch break while you learn about a specific topic. These classes are through Mindbody Online Live. When you sign up for a class, you will receive the class link 30 minutes prior to class.

We also have live online classes for cats and kittens that are $25. Please look under Training Classes for Kittens and Cats.

Virtual Navigating Canine Adolescence Live Presentation

$25 for 1-hour class. People only.

Are you seeing more challenging behavior from your dog now that they are between 5 months and 2 years old? Jumping on people, easily distracted, acting like a leash gremlin and sometimes driving you crazy—it might seem like they forgot everything learned in puppy class. This is normal! Your dog is a canine adolescent, which can start as early as 16-17 weeks, and these “teenage years” are a particularly difficult time for both the dogs and their people. Learn how to use positive reinforcement training, games, and management techniques to guide your dog into a stress-free, happy adulthood.

5/21/24

6/26/24

Virtual Canine Body Language

$25 for 1 hour class. People Only.

During this interactive presentation, you’ll learn how dogs express themselves using body language. Keep your dog happy and safe by learning how to tell when he’s worried or unhappy. This is a great class for all dog owners – especially those who visit dog parks, have kids at home or who have just adopted a new dog.

Check back for next class

Help for your Leash-Reactive Dog Live Presentation

$25 for 1 hour class. People Only.

Is it a struggle to walk your dog because they bark and lunge, or they pay attention to everything in the environment other than you? This virtual seminar will cover causes and treatment options for reactive behavior of any kind, with special focus on the leash-reactive dog. Led by an instructor from our popular Reactive Rover class, students in this one-hour class will learn about positive training techniques, habit changes and management techniques that can improve walks with enough practice and consistency. Attendees will also get information about group classes and private training that may help them reach their goals.

5/15/24 7pm Class

6/18/24 7pm Class

• Bring your dog on a collar or harness and a 4-6 Ft leash.
• Bring medium to high value treats cut into small pieces ( for example: liver, cheese, chicken or jerky)
• Bring a treat pouch, fanny pack or an apron to keep your treats in during training, this will free your hands to handle your dog easier
• Bring something for your dog to lay down on, such as a towel, dog bed or old yoga mat
• If desired, bring a water bottle and a chew toy (no squeaky toys please) for your dog to relax with in between exercises.