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The Cochrane & Area Humane Society offers dog training classes, consultations, and workshops taught by experienced, professional dog trainers. We use positive reinforcement training methods to build a strong relationship between you and your dog.
For more information about our training programs, call 403-932-2072 ext. 104 or email administration@cochranehumane.ca.
Training Programs
Dog Training Classes
View DetailsOur training staff are certified professional dog trainers, having earned their designation through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and/or the Karen Pryor Academy. Our training style is based on humane training practices, mutual respect between dog and the handler, and proven methods using positive reinforcement techniques.
Private/Semi-Private Dog Training Classes
View DetailsGroup classes aren’t always for everyone. Your schedule may be hectic, or you might have a disruptive or reactive pup who doesn’t do well in a group environment. Or maybe you and your friends or family would like to take a course together! Whatever the reason, private or semi-private classes may be the right fit for you, and we’re pleased to offer them.
Tailored to your dog's needs, our one-on-one sessions cover basic obedience, tricks, and agility at the CAHS’ Rehabilitation & Education Centre. Perfect for groups of friends or family seeking private classes, accommodating schedules and catering to dogs thriving in smaller groups. Additionally, behaviour consultations are available for puppies or dogs facing complex challenges, addressing issues like reactivity, fearfulness, and aggression with personalized plans from experienced consultants.
For more information and to register, please contact 403-932-2072 or email: shelter@cochranehumane.ca.
We understand that group classes are not for everyone. This option is great for the busy household or a family living with a dog that is too disruptive for a group obedience class. In our one-on-one obedience classes we offer personalized attention and the ability to work on your dogs’ needs. We cover basic obedience skills, tricks and agility. This option does not include behaviour issue consults. Classes are held at the CAHS’ Rehabilitation & Education Centre located behind the main shelter building. Fees are non-refundable.
$325 ($300 for CAHS adoptees) Four one-hour sessions
Do you have a group of friends or family members who would like to take private obedience classes together, that fit your schedule? Do you have a dog that does better in small groups instead of large classes? If so, then this is an option for you! Enjoy a small class atmosphere while you and your canine partner work together to learn obedience skills and fun tricks. This option does not include behaviour issue consults. Classes are held at the CAHS’ Rehabilitation & Education Centre located behind the main shelter building. Fees are non-refundable. Prices are per person; maximum class size of four.
$275 ($250 for CAHS adoptees) Four one-hour sessions
View group dog training classes offered in a semi-private format
We understand that group classes are not for everyone. This option is great for the busy household or a family living with a reactive dog or a dog that is too disruptive for a group class. In one-on-one session’s your dog will be introduced to the agility equipment in a fun and safe environment where your dog can let loose and have some off leash agility fun! Classes are held at the CAHS’ Rehabilitation & Education Centre located behind the main shelter building. Fees are non-refundable.
$225 ($200 for CAHS adoptees) Four half-hour sessions
Do you have a group of friends or family members who would like to take private agility classes together, that fit your schedule? Do you have a dog that does better in small groups instead of large classes? If so, then this is an option for you! Enjoy a small class atmosphere while you and your canine partner have fun mastering agility equipment! Classes are held at the CAHS’ Rehabilitation & Education Centre located behind the main shelter building. Fees are non-refundable. Prices are per person; maximum class size of four.
$175 ($150 for CAHS adoptees) Four half-hour classes (depending on numbers)
View group dog agility classes offered in a semi-private format
Behaviour consultations are suitable for puppies or dogs who struggle with problem behaviours and complex challenges. Our experienced behaviour consultants will create a plan to help you manage and resolve issues like reactivity, fearfulness, separation anxiety, jumpy or mouthy behaviour, anxiety, resource guarding, and aggression.
Initial 60-minute session - $150 ($125 for CAHS adoptees)
Additional 60-minute sessions - $125 ($100 for CAHSadoptees)
Complex & multi-problem behaviour sessions (90 minutes) - $225 ($200 for CAHS adoptees)
Additional complex & multi-problem behaviour sessions(90 minutes) - $200 ($175 for CAHS adoptees)
Behaviour Consultations
View DetailsBehaviour consultations are suitable for puppies or dogs who struggle with problem behaviours and complex challenges. Our experienced behaviour consultants will create a plan to help you manage and resolve issues like reactivity, fearfulness, separation anxiety, jumpy or mouthy behaviour, anxiety, resource guarding, and aggression.
Positive Approach Canine Education (PACE)
Program Starts March 16, 2024.
Application deadline is February 10, 2024.
View DetailsInterested in becoming a well-rounded and certified dog trainer? Our PACE program may be right for you. In fact, anyone working in the animal field would benefit from PACE, whether you want to start your own rescue organization, dog walking, boarding, or sitting business, or become a professional groomer, veterinarian, or animal health technician. Our program is fun, flexible, and in-depth—and offers hands-on experience with a wide variety of dogs.
Meet our trainers
The Cochrane & Area Humane Society is committed to continued education for our professional dog trainers ensuring they are skilled in the best and most current techniques available. Our trainers attend annual seminars, workshops, and conferences and are continually updating the curriculums of our dog training programs.
Tracy Keith
Dawnita Gillman
Vanessa Fischbuch
The first question to ask a potential trainer should be, “How do you modify behaviour?” The answer you are looking for is positive reinforcement and reward-based methods, where the dog is set up to succeed and then rewarded for performing the “good” behaviour. This type of training makes learning enjoyable for the dog and enhances the relationship between the dog and handler.
When inquiring about certifications, again be sure that the organization of affiliation is also positive reinforcement based. You can contact the organizations themselves, some of these include Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), The Association of Professional Dog Trainers, Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behaviour, or the International Association of Animal Behavioural Consultants, and ask for information about their standards and about the dog trainers in your area.
A good dog trainer will demonstrate a strong understanding of animal behaviour, signals and body language. The trainer should also be asking questions about your dog. Past history can provide crucial information when handling a dog. For serious behaviour issues, experience and expertise are important. Some trainers specialize in specific behaviour problems, while others won’t handle issues such as aggression.
All instructors at Cochrane & Area Humane Society (CAHS) are certified through the CCPDT, which requires passing a comprehensive exam, have at least 300 hours of dog training experience and regular recertification. Positive Approach Canine Education is the training program offered at CAHS, and is designed to assist in preparing students to become certified through the CCPDT.
Upcoming seminars
The CAHS is always planning training seminars to support our community and enrich the lives of pets and people. We believe that education is a powerful tool in promoting responsible pet ownership, fostering compassion for animals, and creating a more humane society. Our training seminars will help you deepen your knowledge, enhance your skills, and connect with like-minded people who share a common goal of improving the lives of animals in need.
Questions About Dog Training Classes?
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