Dog Training Center
About Our Classes
All of our classes use the most current, science-based, positive reinforcement methods leveraging Animal Learning Theory to teach dogs new skills. These methods are effective and beneficial for dogs and puppies of all ages. Our training classes focus on good manners in the real world, socialization and giving you the tools to prevent or address behavior challenges.
Classes are held on campus at Seattle Humane.
Foundation level classes (Puppy Head Start, Puppy Manners 1, Teen Manners, Dog Manners 1, and Shy Dog Manners) have a mandatory prerequisite: Dog Training Basics.
Read our position statements on dog training and behavior management methods.
View our program policies.
Class descriptions, age ranges, fees and prerequisites are listed below. Sign up using the provided links in the class descriptions!
Questions?
Contact us at dogtraining@seattlehumane.org or (425) 373-5385, option 1.
Dog Training Classes
4th of July: Puppy Play
Join us for a special pre-fireworks Puppy Play Session, just for pups 8 to 22 weeks old! This 45 minute, trainer supervised playtime helps young puppies burn off energy, build confidence, and enjoy positive socialization in a safe, structured environment—perfect for setting them up for a calmer evening when the fireworks begin.
Class fee: $40.00
4th of July: Teen Play
Before the sky lights up, let your teen pup (6 months to 1 year) blow off some steam in our special holiday playgroup! Designed for those high-energy, still-learning adolescents, this 30 minute session offers a safe, fun space to socialize, build confidence, and run wild (in a structured way!) with fellow teens. Perfect for helping your pup settle before the fireworks start flying.
4th of July: Sniff and Go
Give your dog the gift of mental enrichment before the fireworks begin! Open to dogs 12 weeks and up, this drop-in scent work session offers 15 minutes of focused sniffing fun designed to engage their brain and burn energy. Whether your pup is new to scent work or already loves using their nose, it’s a great way to help them relax before the evening excitement.
Dog Training Basics Seminar
This single 90 minute seminar for humans will give you a look at how dogs learn, how to teach them using modern, positive reinforcement-based training, and the marker training method. You’ll also how to address common behavior problems and help bring out the best in your dog. We encourage everyone who will be training the dog to attend.
Virtual and in-person options are available.
$25
No Prerequisites
Welcome Home Seminar
Did you recently bring a new dog or puppy into your home? Are you planning to receive a new puppy or adopt a new best friend in the coming weeks? Then this session is for you! This seminar offers invaluable support and guidance for helping your new canine buddy settle in, work through behavior concerns and start encouraging good behavior. Whether you’ve adopted a mature dog or a bouncy puppy, this seminar has the information you need to get started on the right foot or PAW! Includes question and answer time for pressing questions! Instructed by one of our certified, professional dog trainers.
Offered via Zoom or in person at our shelter in Bellevue, WA.
$50. Seattle Humane adopters receive a discount on this offering.
This seminar is 90 minutes.
Puppy Play Skills (8-24 weeks)
Off-leash play with other puppies! These sessions give young puppies a safe environment to make new friends, burn off excess energy and learn new social skills. We offer Puppy Play Skills sessions that are divided by age and size of puppies to help each puppy learn in a safe environment. Each session is overseen by one of our qualified Dog Training Instructors and is 45 minutes long. These sessions are a great complement to our Puppy Head Start and Puppy Manners classes!
$28 per session
No Prerequisites
Puppy Head Start (8-14 weeks)
Topics covered include house and crate training, puppy nipping, chewing, polite greetings and the prevention of behavior problems. Each class features puppy playtime and thoughtful socialization exercises. This class is six weeks long and each weekly session is one hour long.
$285
Prerequisite: Dog Training Basics Seminar
Age: Puppies joining this class should be between 8 and 14 weeks when they start this class
Puppy Manners 1 (15-22 weeks)
Puppy Manners 1 offers basic training and ongoing socialization for puppies, either as a continuation of Puppy Head Start or as puppy’s first class. Topics include puppy behaviors, polite greetings, basic skills, socialization, and off-leash play. This class is six weeks long and each weekly session is one hour long.
$285
Prerequisite: Dog Training Basics Seminar
Age: Puppies should be between the age of 15 and 22 weeks old when they start this class
Puppy Manners 2 (Follow up to Puppy Manners 1)
In Puppy Manners 2, you’ll continue to progress skills such as recall and leash walking, and teach your dog new skills—stay, leave-it, hand targeting and wait. This class includes off-leash play. Puppy Manners 2 is six weeks long and each weekly session is one hour long.
$285
Prerequisite: Puppy Manners 1
Age: Up to 12 months old
Teen Play Skills (6-12 months)
Weight: For dogs of all sizes, Trainers will separate dogs into playgroups based on size and temperament.
This 30 minute session allows puppies to continue learning and practicing important skills as they become older teens and will include on-leash breaks throughout the session, where our experienced trainers guide you through exercises to help your puppy regulate excitement and strengthen the bond with you as their handler.
This class is best suited for friendly, well-socialized puppies. It is NOT ideal for dogs that are reactive, extremely shy, or show signs of aggression.
Vaccinations: Dogs are required to have all rounds of f DHPP/DA2PP/DHLPP, and Rabies vaccines at least 7 days before the first session. * Bordetella is not considered a core vaccine but highly recommended.
Nosy Pups
Let your puppy follow their nose in this fun and engaging introductory nose work class! Designed specifically for young pups, this class helps build confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills through scent-based games and activities. Nose work taps into your puppy’s natural instincts in a positive, low-pressure way, making it perfect for shy or energetic pups alike.
While each puppy takes their turn searching, others will enjoy rotating enrichment activities to keep their minds and bodies busy. This reinforces calm waiting skills and supports healthy socialization in a structured environment.
Whether your puppy is bold or bashful, this class is all about having fun, building trust, and strengthening your bond—one sniff at a time!
Teen Dog Manners (5.5-12 months)
Teen Dog Manners tackles the unique challenges of training dogs during this tricky time in your dog’s life. Adolescent (or “teen”) dogs learn new skills such as loose leash walking, hand targeting and polite greetings in an environment that motivates and supports them. This class is six weeks long and each weekly session is one hour long.
$320
Prerequisite: Dog Training Basics Seminar
Dog Manners 1 (12 months & older)
Dog Manners is all about building the dog/handler relationship through training, leadership and awareness of how dogs communicate. In class, we cover polite greetings, basic skills and techniques for preventing unwanted behavior. This class is six weeks long and each weekly session is one hour long.
$285
Prerequisite: Dog Training Basics Seminar
Dog Manners 2 (7 months & older)
Take it to the next level! This class will focus on working on increasing your dog’s reliability around distractions as well as improving responsiveness from a distance and for longer durations. You’ll both learn some new skills! This class is six weeks long and each weekly session is one hour long.
$285
Prerequisite: Puppy Manners 2, Teen Dog Manners, Shy Dog Manners, Dog Manners 1, or instructor permission
Dog Manners 3: Manners About Town
Ready to take your training up another level and out into the real world? This drop-in class is designed to help you and your dog build confidence and reliability in everyday environments. Each session takes place in a different public setting—such as a big box store (like Lowe’s or Home Depot), a city park, and an urban sidewalk setting—giving you the chance to practice skills where they really count with expert trainerst to guide you along the way.
Shy Dog Manners (5.5 months & older)
Shy Dog Manners covers basic manners in a setting designed for dogs who are fearful of new people, dogs and/or certain environments. We will also teach you some skills to help your dog feel more confident and relaxed. It’s a safe space for your dog to learn at their own pace. This class is six weeks long and each weekly session is one hour long.
$310
Prerequisite: Dog Training Basics Seminar
Reactive Rover
The primary goal of our Reactive Rover classes is to help improve the behavior of dogs who bark, lunge and growl at other dogs while on leash.
It's Tricky: Trick Training (5 months & older)
Unleash your dog’s potential with our fun and engaging 6-week: It’s Tricky! Trick Training Class. Build a strong relationship with your dog by practicing clear communication while training entertaining tricks and skills.
You’ll learn step-by-step how to teach your dog a variety of exciting tricks — from basics like spin and shake to impressive moves like roll over, crawl, and even retrieving specific items. Each session is designed to be interactive, hands-on, and packed with positive reinforcement techniques, ensuring you and your dog have fun while learning. The final class is a fun testing day with the possibility of receiving your dog’s AKC Trick Dog Novice Title or Intermediate Title and showing off what you and your dog have learned!
$275
Prerequisites: Dog Training Basics Seminar
Canine Good Citizen (8 months & older)
Canine Good Citizen Prepares students and their dogs to take the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test, a certification program designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. For more details, please visit www.akc.org. This class is six weeks long and each weekly session is one hour long. The course is five weeks of prep and on the last night of the course, there will be an opportunity to take the CGC test.
$320
Prerequisite: Dog Manners 2 or instructor permission
Nose Work for Fun
Unleash your dog’s natural sniffing abilities in our Nose Work for Fun class! Designed for dogs age 15 weeks and older, this class focuses on building confidence and providing enrichment through scent games. You’ll learn nose work games and methods in a relaxed setting. This class emphasizes enjoyment over trial preparation, making it perfect for dogs and handlers seeking a fun, rewarding experience. Ideal for ALL dogs, but especially those that are cautious or shy, senior dogs needing to stay active, or super energetic dogs that need a “job.” This class is 3 weeks long and each weekly session is one hour long.
$135
Prerequisite: Dog Training Basics Seminar. If your dog is leash reactive: Reactive Rover 1 or instructor permission.
We recommend positive, dog-friendly training methods, focusing on good manners in the real world and socialization. Explore other pet training and behavior resources recommended by our team of certified dog trainers and animal behavior specialists:
Pet Training & Behavior Resources
Dog Behavior Resources from our Resource Library
Veterinary Care Resources from our Resource Library
Pet Safety Resources from our Resource Library
Senior Pet Resources from our Resource Library
New Pet Owner Resources from our Resource Library
Looking for support after the loss of a pet?
Join our Virtual Pet Loss Support Groups – you can find more information on our End of Life page.
