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).
Reactive Dog Training Classes
Classes for Small Reactive Dogs
Does your tiny dog have a big bark when they see other dogs, people, or scary objects? These in-person classes are designed for small reactive dogs, under 25 pounds, and age 6 months and older.
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 other dogs 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.
Class Location
Oregon Humane Society Portland Campus
Animal Medical Learning Center
1067 NE Columbia Blvd., Portland, OR 97211
Classes for Reactive Dogs of Any Size
These in-person classes are designed for dog-reactive dogs, age 8 months and older. However, these classes do not address off-leash aggression issues. If your dog is reactive towards people, worried about new environments, or if you’d like to focus more on loose-leash walking and impulse control, please book a private training.
Does your dog lunge and bark when they see other dogs 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 other dogs 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 after completion of this class, you can enroll in Reactive Rover 2 with activities or Reactive Rover Practice Class.
Class Location
Oregon Humane Society Portland Campus
Animal Medical Learning Center
1067 NE Columbia Blvd., Portland, OR 97211
Does your dog lunge and bark when they see other dogs 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 other dogs 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 after completion of this class, you can enroll in Dog Reactivity 2 with activities or Dog Reactivity Practice Class.
Class Location
Oregon Humane Society Salem Campus
Canine Classroom
4246 Turner Rd. SE, Salem, OR 97317
This class is for graduates of Reactive Rover 1, Small & Reactive, or private training with instructor’s permission.
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 around other dogs. You will continue to learn your dog’s body language, and understand their threshold, including what activities they do and do not enjoy. In learning these fun activities, you can start to incorporate them in your home for exercise when it is raining or too hot outside.
For more practice after completion of this class, you can re-enroll in Reactive Rover 2 again or enroll in Reactive Rover Practice Class.
Class Location
Oregon Humane Society Portland Campus
Animal Medical Learning Center
1067 NE Columbia Blvd., Portland, OR 97211
This class is for graduates of Dog Reactivity 1 or private training with instructor’s permission.
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 around other dogs. You will continue to learn your dog’s body language, and understand their threshold, including what activities they do and do not enjoy. In learning these fun activities, you can start to incorporate them in your home for exercise when it is raining or too hot outside.
For more practice after completion of this class, you can re-enroll in Dog Reactivity 2 or enroll in Dog Reactivity Practice Class.
Class Location
Oregon Humane Society Salem Campus
Canine Classroom
4246 Turner Rd. SE, Salem, OR 97317
This class is for graduates of Reactive Rover 1, Small & Reactive, or private training with instructor’s permission.
This class is great for people and dogs who can’t easily practice skills from their reactivity class because they live in areas that are busy with other dogs. We offer a safe, controlled environment to practice reactivity training with your dog in a small group setting.
Need more practice? This class can be taken repeatedly!
Class Location
Oregon Humane Society Portland Campus
Animal Medical Learning Center
1067 NE Columbia Blvd., Portland, OR 97211
This class is for graduates of Dog Reactivity 1 or private training with instructor’s permission.
This class is great for people and dogs who can’t easily practice skills from their reactivity class because they live in areas that are busy with other dogs. We offer a safe, controlled environment to practice reactivity training with your dog in a small group setting.
Need more practice? This class can be taken repeatedly!
Class Location
Oregon Humane Society Salem Campus
Canine Classroom
4246 Turner Rd. SE, Salem, OR 97317
We also offer a virtual class on Help for Your Leash-Reactive Dog. This class will give you an understanding of your reactive dog, while offering time for questions with our certified trainer. (60 minutes)
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
