I have an animal : Classes & Training
Hands-On Learning for You and Your Pet
At the Seattle Humane Society, we are committed to keeping people and pets together. That is why we offer a wide array of training courses and workshops. From Kitten Kindergarten and Pet First Aid to Advanced Dog Agility, we are sure to have something for you and your furry family member!
- Doga: Yoga with Your Dog
- Single Session Workshops and Seminars
- Flyball
- Foundation Dog Training: Puppy Head Start, Puppy Manners, Dog Manners & NEW Double Dog Manners
- Continuing Dog Training: Super Puppy, Super Manners & CANINE Good Citizen
- Advanced Dog Training: Manners About Town & NEW Control Unleashed!
- Agility
- Playgroups
- Reactive Rover: Managing On Leash Dog-to-Dog Aggression
- Pet First Aid
- Kitten Kindergarten
Schedule & Registration
View or Print a Dog Training class and workshop schedule and registration form (Adobe Acrobat required) and mail or fax it in, or call (425) 373-5385. Questions? Email dogtraining@seattlehumane.org or call (425) 373-5385.
About Our Classes
Our dog training classes use positive, fun, dog-friendly training methods. Our qualified instructors will show you how to teach your dog to respond to voice cues (commands) and hand signals. We also rely heavily on Clicker Training.
Clicker training is a science-based system for teaching new behaviors with positive reinforcement. Students learn to use a consistent signal (the “click”) to mark a desired behavior right as the behavior is happening, and then follow that signal with a motivating reward, such as the dog's favorite food, toy or game. Because dogs understand precisely which action earned the click and their reward, they learn new behaviors quickly, easily and enthusiastically. (A word may be used as an alternative to the clicker.)
Wondering if your dog will respond to clicker training? Clicker training works with all breeds, all ages and all types of dogs. Even dogs who have been trained using “traditional,” correction-based methods can rapidly learn clicker training and have fun in the process! Many owners are amazed when their previously shy and hesitant dog becomes an enthusiastic and creative learner once the clicker is introduced. No dog is too young or too old to learn using this method…and old dogs really can learn new tricks!
Clicker training is a fast, humane and enriching way of teaching dogs to be great companions. And because clicker training does not rely on punishment, force, aversive methods, sprays or choke collars to get results, it is the only method that is safely and effectively used with puppies. If you want to lay the foundation for a strong, lifelong relationship between you and your dog, then come join the fun in our training classes!
All of our instructors are professional members of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, whose vision is to see that "all dogs are effectively trained through dog-friendly techniques and therefore are lifelong companions in a relationship based on mutual trust and respect."
Amanda Brothers is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT) and a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. She has a Bachelor's degree in psychology from Stanford University and a strong background in learning theory and classical/operant conditioning. Amanda assisted dog training classes at Seattle Humane Society prior to becoming an instructor and worked for three years as the Adoption and Admissions Supervisor for the organization. She has attended many dog training lectures and seminars and has years of hands on training experience, particularly with newly adopted dogs and puppies. Her areas of expertise are adoption counseling, pet dog manners, shelter dog training and temperament testing. Amanda and her husband share their home with several adopted dogs.
Ali Johnson is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT) and a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and graduated with distinction (top 15%) from Stanford University. Ali's first word was "doggie" but despite this, she went on to a Ph.D. program in Biochemistry at Duke University before coming to her senses and moving to dog training full time. Ali has attended numerous workshops and seminars in order to learn more about helping dogs and people live better together. Ali continues to hone her hands on expertise with a variety of dogs through volunteer work with the Seattle Humane Society’s Behavior Program. She shares her home and life with three rescue dogs and a very patient husband. She specializes in canine good citizen, canine body language and agility for fun and competition.
Gayle Ballinger has years of experience teaching group classes and is committed to using positive methods to shape behavior. An animal lover since childhood, Gayle Ballinger began dog training as a student over 20 years ago. In the mid 90’s, she completed an apprenticeship with a local dog training school where she worked for some time. Gayle believes that training can and should be done without pain or fear while helping people move the relationship they have with their dogs in the right direction. As a cancer survivor, Gayle believes you need to keep a positive outlook, believe in your heart and pursue your dreams. An avid boater, Gayle is currently serving as the Vice Commodore for the Yacht Dogs Yacht Club. Gayle volunteers for several area rescue groups and shelters, and she has learned the special joys of fostering dogs in her home. Gayle attended the Bob Bailey Legacy Survey Operant Conditioning Workshop where she learned a lot and really enjoyed training chickens!
Cheri Yates has a master’s degree in learning theory and a doctorate degree in clinical psychology from the University of Washington. She has extensive background and experience in behaviorism and human and canine cognitive development. She recently attended the Animal Behavior College for dog training. Cheri volunteers in multiple dog related programs at the Seattle Humane Society. In addition she attends workshops, conferences, and seminars in order to constantly improve her skills and increase her knowledge base. Cheri has trained dogs throughout the range of levels from puppy kindergarten through intermediate classes. She has also been an enthusiastic participant in the Canine Good Citizenship program with all of her own dogs. She is currently training one of her dogs to compete in AKC competitive obedience trials, which requires a high degree of performance in basic and advanced dog skills.
For instructor permission please contact us at dogtraining@seattlehumane.org or 425-373-5385 for the instructor's contact information.