Dog Training Classes

Cochrane & Area Humane Society Dog Training classes focus on positive learning and having fun with your dog! Various classes are offered – so there is sure to be a class for you and your beloved canine to join!

Training Classes Offered

Puppy Class - 2008 fees: $160 ($140 for CAHS adoptees), 2009 fees: $175 ($155 for CAHS adoptees)

This fun class is designed for puppies between the ages of 10 weeks to 5 months.  Puppies must have at least two sets of vaccinations. You and your puppy will learn the joys and importance of socialization with other dogs and people, begin basic positive obedience, handling, and positive leadership skills. Your puppy will be introduced to things such as baby strollers, thunder and baby sounds, nail clipping, tunnels, and more to promote a well adjusted K9 community and family member! We will also work on behavior modification to solve such problem areas as chewing, jumping, barking, digging and other common “puppyhood” behaviors. Classes are one hour long and are eight weeks in duration with a maximum of 8 dogs in each class. First class is with your puppy. Fees are non-refundable.

Beginners Class -2008 fees: $160 ($140 for CAHS adoptees), 2009 fees: $175 ($155 for CAHS adoptees)

Class open to all dogs older than five months and fully vaccinated. Learn how to build a positive relationship and strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Class will focus on positive reinforcement training using praise, treats, toys and fun. Basic obedience, loose leash walking and recall exercises with a strong focus on family dog manners both inside and outside the home. Not suitable for dogs with a history of aggression/reactivity with dogs or people (see Calming Canines). Classes are one hour long and are eight weeks in duration with a maximum of 8 dogs per class. First class is without your dog. Fees are non-refundable.

Advanced & Games Class - 2008 fees: $160, 2009 fees: $175

Class designed for dogs and owners that have attended a beginners group class and want to sharpen and speed up responses or just want to have some fun and learn more. Focus on recalls, distraction exercises, and some off leash work.  Classes are one hour long and are eight weeks in duration with a maximum of 8 dogs per class.  First class is with your dog. Class members will receive Cochrane & Area Humane Society handouts. Fees are non-refundable.

Tricks for Clicks - 2008 fees: $160, 2009 fees: $175

Want to have fun and do more with your canine companion? Teach your dog to back up, spin, or even lick his lips all with a simple click!  The possibilities are endless when we teach our dogs how to “unlock their minds” through clicker training. This class is designed for dogs over six months of age that know  basic commands or have previously completed either puppy or beginner classes.  Classes are one hour long and are eight weeks in duration.  In addition to Cochrane & Area Humane Society handouts all students will receive a complimentary Clicker! First class is with your dog. Fees are non-refundable.

Small Dogs Have Fun –2008 fees: $160 ($140 for CAHS adoptees), 2009 fees: $175 ($155 for CAHS adoptees)

This fun class is designed for small breeds (20 pounds or less) between the ages of 10 weeks to two year’s. All dogs must have at least two sets of vaccinations and get along well with other dogs. You and your canine companion will learn the joys and importance of socialization with other dogs and people, begin basic positive obedience, handling, and positive leadership skills. In this environment your dog will be able to build confidence and socialize without fear of a larger breed being a little too playful. We will also work on behavior modification to solve such problem areas as chewing, jumping, barking, digging and other common “puppyhood” behaviors. Classes are one hour long and are eight weeks in duration with a maximum of 8 dogs in each class. First class is with your dog. Fees are non-refundable.

About Agility Classes

Dog Agility is the king of dog sports and often referred to as the most fun a dog can have - leaping over a variety of jumps, tipping a see-saw, zig zagging through a series of upright poles, negotiating a narrow dogwalk or zooming through tunnels. To a dog, an agility field is a doggy amusement park. Whether you're looking for a venue where your dog can burn off some excess energy in a safe, constructive manner, or simply want to spend some “quality time” with your dog, agility training offers amusement and challenges for both the dog and handler often turning an unruly friend into a willing and appreciative teammate!

Get Started Agility - 2008 fees: $160, 2009 fees: $175

Class designed for dogs of a minimum of 10 months of age where the owner has reasonable control of the dog off leash and the dog and owner are competent at beginner level obedience. Ideally the dogs have a solid recall (come when called), but can be worked on in class providing they are good with other dogs, and vaccinations must be current. This class will introduce the dog and owner to the obstacles and the sport in a non-stressful manner, and teach them how to perform the obstacle safely, confidently and correctly.  Classes are one hour long and are six weeks in duration with a maximum of 6 dogs per class.  First class is with your dog. Fees are non-refundable.
(For larger breeds and dogs of 7 years or more we recommend owners check with their veterinarians before starting agility, to be sure the bone plates have closed in the case of younger dogs and the health is good in the case of our older canine friends) 

More Fun Agility - 2008 fees: $160, 2009 fees: $175

Class designed for dogs and owners that want to continue with the fun! At this level we will continue to boost the dogs confidence by working exercises that require more focus, concentration and teamwork.  Dogs must have completed “Get Started Agility”, have  basic obedience training and will work off leash in this class so therefore must respond to the handlers commands, and vaccinations must be current.  Classes are one hour long and are six weeks in duration with a maximum of 6 dogs per class.  First class is with your dog. Fees are non-refundable.

(For larger breeds and dogs of 7 years or more we recommend owners check with their veterinarians before starting agility, to be sure the bone plates have closed in the case of younger dogs and the health is good in the case of our older canine friends).

Doggy Play Date? What’s That?

New dates just added:
NEXT SMALL BREED PLAY DATE IS...
Wednesday January 21st, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. call Tracy at 932-2072, Ext. 102 to register.

If your dog is a small breed, less than 20 lbs, and is consistently good with other dogs, then perhaps the small breed Play Date is for you! 

2009 Class Schedule

Classes are held at our Downtown location on 1st Street West between Superdrug Mart and Donair on the Run.

Upcoming 2009 Sessions are listed below. Please see the class information at the top of the page for class description and fees.

• Tuesday Evening Classes, Jan. 06th – Feb. 24th
  Beginner Class: 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
  Puppy Class: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
• Tuesday Evening Classes, Jan 06th – Feb. 10th
  Get Started Agility: 8:15 - 9:15 p.m.
• Thursday Evening Classes, January 08th  –  February 26th
  Beginner Class: 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
  Advanced & Games Class: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
  Get Started Agility: 8:15 p.m. - 9:15 p.m. (Jan 08th  – Feb 12th )
• Sunday Jan. 18th – March 15th (No Class Feb. 15th-Family Day Long Weekend) Beginner Class: 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
  Small Dog’s Have Fun! 10:00-11:00 a.m. (small breeds 20 lbs. or less, aged 10 wks – 2 yrs.)
  Beginner Class: 11:00 - noon
  Clicks for Tricks: noon - 1 p.m.
• Saturday, February 07th – April 4th (no class Feb 14th-Family Day Long Weekend)
  Beginner Class:  9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
  Puppy Class:  10 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
• Saturday, February 07th – March 21st (no class Feb 14th-Family Day Long Weekend)
  Small Dog Get Started Agility Class:  11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (beginner level small dog breeds less than 25 lbs. and 7 months old and older)
  More Agility: 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. (all breeds class)
  

Contact Tracy Keith at the shelter to register for any upcoming classes at 932-2072 Ext 102, classes fill up quickly!

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Cochrane & Area Humane Society Kids Club

What is the Cochrane & Area Humane Society Kids Club?

The goal of the club is to learn as much as possible about animals because the more we know; the better we are able to be their friends. We believe in the humane treatment of all animals.

A Kids Club member:

• Has a keen interest in animals
• May or may not have pets at home
• Wants to learn about all types of animals and their environments
• Is interested in a future career working with animals

The Club meets one Sunday per month from *September to June. Our activities may include nature hikes, trips to the zoo, crafts, games, grooming shelter animals, choosing pets and volunteer work in the shelter (for senior members only).

We have small ongoing fundraising activities - mostly recycling bottles and cans - to contribute to animal related projects. We may sponsor endangered zoo animals, support efforts to save the rain forest and purchase much-needed supplies for shelter animals.

The Kids Junior Club is for 8 - 11 year olds.
The Kids Senior Club is for 12 - 15 year olds.

How to join

The membership fee is $30.00 for each year. Join with a friend or on your own and meet others with the same love of animals, call 932-2072.

Special Notice

*Please be advised that our Kid’s Club start date has been postponed until the New Year as our wonderful program supervisor, Janine Simpson, will be on maternity leave. We hope to have the Club up and running again early in 2009. Please watch our website for updates. Thank-you!