Dog Training Program Policies

Single Session Classes (Remote or In-Person): Refunds or credits will be granted only for students who withdraw or transfer classes at least 48 hours prior to the class session (less a $2 administration fee). No refunds or credits will be granted after that time.  

Series Classes (Remote or In-Person): Refunds or credits will be granted only for students who withdraw or transfer classes at least one week prior to the first day of class (less a $10 administration fee). No refunds or credits will be granted after that time. Adopters whose class is free with adoption: credit for a future class will only be granted if you withdraw at least one week prior to the first day of class.  

Demand for classes is very high and spaces fill quickly. Please let us know if you are no longer able to attend class so that we may offer your place to another student. 

Please read the class description carefully for information about prerequisites. Course prerequisites must have been taken at Seattle Humane or instructor permission is required before enrolling. You will not be able to join a class (and may not be eligible for a refund or credit) unless you have first taken* the required prerequisite or have obtained instructor permission in advance. Please contact [email protected] to inquire about instructor permission. 

*in the case of our Dog and Puppy Manners 101 seminar: as long as you have registered for this seminar it is okay to register for the group class of your choice as long as you attend before the group class commences. 

Children who can participate in the training are welcome to attend class. Children under six years of age must have adult supervision beyond the primary person handling the dog. All children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

Qualified instructors will show you how to teach your dog to respond to voice cues (commands) and hand signals using a clicker or a marker word to let your dog know when they have done the correct behavior. Clicker training is a science-based method 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 happens 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. Will your dog 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 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, aversion, sprays or choke collars to get results, it 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 join the fun in our training classes!