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).
Agility Training Classes
Classes for Active Dogs
These in-person classes are designed for dogs, age one year and older, who enjoy exercise and obstacles. Prior to enrollment, completion of all four Levels or Tiers classes and positive reinforcement training experience in a group class setting is required. Contact us to help determine the right class for you.
Fun, bonding, and exercise! That is what you and your dog will get in this beginners’ agility class. Your dog will learn to go through tunnels and over jumps, as well as use weave poles, tires, and the table.
At the end of this class, you and your dog will be able to complete a three-obstable mini course.
For more practice after completion of this class, you can re-enroll in Agility 1 again or enroll in Agility 2. Chat with your trainer about how to progress at the end of the class.
Class Location
Oregon Humane Society Portland Campus
Animal Medical Learning Center
1067 NE Columbia Blvd., Portland, OR 97211
Fun, bonding, and exercise! That is what you and your dog will get in this beginners’ agility class. Your dog will learn to go through tunnels and over jumps, as well as use weave poles, tires, and the table.
At the end of this class, you and your dog will be able to complete a three-obstable mini course.
For more practice after completion of this class, you can re-enroll in Agility 101 again or enroll in Agility 102. Chat with your trainer about how to progress at the end of the class.
Class Location
Oregon Humane Society Salem Campus
Canine Classroom
4246 Turner Rd. SE, Salem, OR 97317
This class is for graduates of Agility 1.
This intermediate class will pick up where Agility 1 left 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.
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 Agility 101.
This intermediate class will pick up where Agility 101 left 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.
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
This class is for graduates of Agility 2.
This advanced class will focus on all of the skills in the previous two agility classes and by the end of the class you will be able to safely complete a 5-7 obstacle course with your dog. This is an outdoor class and will be held in the late spring/summer, weather permitting.
This class can be repeated as many times as needed.
Class Location
Oregon Humane Society Portland Campus
Animal Medical Learning Center
1067 NE Columbia Blvd., Portland, OR 97211
This class is for graduates of Agility 102.
This advanced class will focus on all of the skills in the previous two agility classes and by the end of the class you will be able to safely complete a 5-7 obstacle course with your dog. This is an outdoor class and will be held in the late spring/summer, weather permitting.
This class can be repeated as many times as needed.
Class Location
Oregon Humane Society Salem Campus
Canine Classroom
4246 Turner Rd. SE, Salem, OR 97317
Training Game Classes
Enrichment Classes for Dogs Who Love Tricks
Looking for something fun and educational to do with your dog? These in-person classes are designed for dogs, age 4 months and older, to practice basic manners and mental enrichment through games and tricks.
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 teach you low impact activities that pair training with fun, while demonstrating ways for you to apply the techniques in the real world. A basic knowledge of marker training is helpful but not required.
This lively class allows for more than one handler per dog, so the whole family can join in on the fun! Each week will have a specialized theme, consisting of:
- Pattern games
- Agility
- Useful tricks
- Rally
Class Location
Oregon Humane Society Portland Campus
Animal Medical Learning Center
1067 NE Columbia Blvd., Portland, OR 97211
In this class, we will teach you low impact activities that pair training with fun, while demonstrating ways for you to apply the techniques in the real world. A basic knowledge of marker training is helpful but not required.
This lively class allows for more than one handler per dog, so the whole family can join in on the fun! Each week will have a specialized theme, consisting of:
- Fun tricks
- Agility
- Parkour
- Scent games
Class Location
Oregon Humane Society Salem Campus
Canine Classroom
4246 Turner Rd. SE, Salem, OR 97317
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
