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).
Puppy Training Classes
Classes for Puppies Under 6 Months
Congrats on your new puppy! These in-person classes are designed to start your pet off on the right paw through socialization and foundational training.
Has your puppy shown signs of fear or aggression toward other puppies? Contact us to help determine the right class for you.
- Puppy Romp 1 is for puppies 9 – 13 weeks
- Puppy Romp 2 is for puppies 11 – 18 weeks
If your puppy is 11-13 weeks and has never been to a romp before, please sign up for Puppy Romp 1.
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 trainers will offer some basic training tips and apply simple training games to help you build the best relationship possible with your puppy!
Requirements
- 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. We clean and disinfect Manners Hall before each Romp, so your puppy can safely play on the floor.
Class Location
Oregon Humane Society Portland Campus
Animal Medical Learning Center, Manners Hall
1067 NE Columbia Blvd., Portland, OR 97211
- Puppy Playtime 1 is for puppies 9 – 13 weeks
- Puppy Playtime 2 is for puppies 11 – 18 weeks
If your puppy is 11-13 weeks and has never been to a playtime before, please sign up for Puppy Playtime 1.
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 trainers will offer some basic training tips and apply simple training games to help you build the best relationship possible with your puppy!
Requirements
- 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 Playtime. 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 Playtime.
- 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. We clean and disinfect Canine Classroom before each Playtime, so your puppy can safely play on the floor.
Class Location
Oregon Humane Society Salem Campus
Canine Classroom
4246 Turner Rd. SE, Salem, OR 97317
Puppies should be 9–15 weeks at the start of class.
If your pup will be 16 weeks or older when class begins, please sign up for Puppy Kindergarten instead.
This is a great class for new puppy guardians who would like to learn all the basics of raising a puppy. 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.
The first class is for people only; please leave your puppy at home.
Requirements
- Age 9–15 weeks at the start of class (not at the time you sign 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 attending class. 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 class.
Class Location
Oregon Humane Society Portland Campus
Animal Medical Learning Center, Manners Hall
1067 NE Columbia Blvd., Portland, OR 97211
Puppies should be 9–15 weeks at the start of class.
If your pup will be 16 weeks or older when class begins, please sign up for Young Learners instead.
This is a great class for new puppy guardians who would like to learn all the basics of raising a puppy. 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.
The first class is for people only; please leave your puppy at home.
Requirements
- Age 9–15 weeks at the start of class (not at the time you sign 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 attending class. 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 class.
Class Location
Oregon Humane Society Salem Campus
Canine Classroom
4246 Turner Rd. SE, Salem, OR 97317
Puppies should be 16–24 weeks (4–6 months) at the start of class.
This is a great stand-alone class, or continuation of our Puppy Preschool. We will focus on practicing attention on you, walking on leash, and recall around distractions through a variety of fun games. We will cover impulse regulation exercises, such as “stay” and “leave it,” and calm relaxation around distractions, as well as appropriate play and interactions with other dogs and people.
The first class is for people only; please leave your puppy at home.
Requirements
- Age 16–24 weeks (4–6 months) at the start of class (not at the time you sign 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 attending class. 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 class.
Class Location
Oregon Humane Society Portland Campus
Animal Medical Learning Center, Manners Hall
1067 NE Columbia Blvd., Portland, OR 97211
Puppies should be 16–24 weeks (4–6 months) at the start of class.
This is a great stand-alone class, or continuation of our Best Beginnings. We will focus on practicing attention on you, walking on leash, and recall around distractions through a variety of fun games. We will cover impulse regulation exercises, such as “stay” and “leave it,” and calm relaxation around distractions, as well as appropriate play and interactions with other dogs and people.
The first class is for people only; please leave your puppy at home.
Requirements
- Age 16–24 weeks (4–6 months) at the start of class (not at the time you sign 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 attending class. 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 class.
Class Location
Oregon Humane Society Salem Campus
Canine Classroom
4246 Turner Rd. SE, Salem, OR 97317
Adolescent Dog Training Classes
Classes for Dogs Between 6–18 Months
Adolescence is a challenging time for owners and their dogs. These in-person classes can 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 the right class for you.
Dogs should be 6–18 months at the start of class.
This class will help you through the challenges of dog adolescence. Using positive reinforcement, we will review basic cues plus learn new ways to deal with adolescent behaviors such as lack of focus with you, jumping, and pulling on the leash.
The focus will be on teaching your teenage dog to make appropriate choices, apply self-regulation around distractions, and grow to be a polite and well-socialized adult dog!
The first class is for people only; please leave your dog at home.
Class Location
Oregon Humane Society Portland Campus
Animal Medical Learning Center, Manners Hall
1067 NE Columbia Blvd., Portland, OR 97211
Dogs should be 6–18 months at the start of class.
This class will help you through the challenges of dog adolescence. Using positive reinforcement, we will review basic cues plus learn new ways to deal with adolescent behaviors such as lack of focus with you, jumping, and pulling on the leash.
The focus will be on teaching your teenage dog to make appropriate choices, apply self-regulation around distractions, and grow to be a polite and well-socialized adult dog!
The first class is for people only; please leave your dog at home.
Class Location
Oregon Humane Society Salem Campus
Canine Classroom
4246 Turner Rd. SE, Salem, OR 97317
Get more useful tips on navigating canine adolescence with our virtual classes and on-demand videos.
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
