Dog Training Classes
If you are interested in a class that is not currently available, please reach out to us at training@eastbayspca.org to be added to our waitlist. You can also learn more about our private dog training.
Awaiting an opening in our Private Training or Calm, Cool, and Collected class, or want to get a head start on the course material?
Our 40-minute "Dog Reactivity Basics" introductory webinar is perfect for you. Available in both English and Spanish for $35.
Beginner
Our beginner classes are geared towards dogs of all ages that need an introduction to foundational skills. We have classes specializing in puppy socialization and basic manners for dogs of all ages!
Skill Builders (Level 1) – In-Person
For dogs over 16 weeks of age who are comfortable being around unfamiliar dogs and people.
Foundation Skills for the Constant Companion: Training skills include sit, down, recall, nose targeting, go to mat, and polite leash walking. This course comes with a bonus video lesson that should be watched prior to the start of the first class.
Prerequisites: None
Price: $200 for 6 week course ($175 for adopted animals)
Puppy Stars – In-Person
Puppies should be between 8 – 16 weeks old at the start of class.
Bringing out the Einstein in Your Puppy: Start your puppy off right in our cutting edge puppy socialization class. We’ll provide positive exposure to people, dogs, and novel stimuli; help you prepare your pup for grooming, vet care, and other handling; teach you foundation training skills such as relaxation on a mat, sit, recall, leash walking, and targeting; and we’ll focus on puppy-specific topics, such as resource guarding prevention, crate training, potty training, and teething. This class is everything you need to know to raise a puppy!
Prerequisites: None.
Price: $200 for 6 week class ($175 adopter price—if pet was adopted from a non-profit welfare organization)
Advanced
Our advanced classes are geared toward those who have previously taken classes and for human-dog teams who are looking to achieve that next level of behavior and training greatness!
Connection Boosters (Level 2) – In-Person
Engagement Skills for the Constant Companion: You’ve got the foundation. Now, we’ll teach you how to become the most important thing in your dog’s world so that you can take him anywhere dogs are invited. As a continuation of the Skill Builders class, Connection Boosters builds reliability to leash walking and recall by adding in distractions and distance. Additional training skills include building focus, sit-stay and down-stay, wait in any location, automatic sit when stopping during polite leash walking, go to mat, drop it, and mastering play skills.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Skill Builders (Level 1)
Price: $200 for 6 week class ($175 for adopted animals)
Canine Good Citizen (Prep & Test) – In-Person
For puppies and dogs that are 6 months and older by the first day of class.
Our Canine Good Citizen class is designed to practice the 10 test items you and your dog must pass in order to receive the AKC CGC certificate. The test includes meeting novel people politely, accepting petting and grooming, walking nicely on a loose leash alone and through a crowd, demonstrating Sit, Down, Stay, and Come, meeting another leashed dog, remaining calm during sight and sound distractions and being separated from owner for 3 minutes. On the last day of class, a certified AKC CGC evaluator will conduct the test and determine at that time whether your dog has passed the test.
You and your dog will attend all 5 classes together.
Prerequisites: Any intro level class such as Skill Builders, Mind Your Manners Part 1, Puppy Stars or another similar class from another training school. Dogs are most successful when they’ve taken Skill Builders and Connection Boosters before attending our CGC class.
Price: $225 for the 5 week class ($200 for adopted animals)
Specialty
Our specialty classes are designed to be fun, informative, and really take your behavior and training to the next level!
Calm, Cool, and Collected
The Class for Your Feisty Fido: Does your dog growl, bark, or lunge at other dogs, people, or sometimes apparently random things? Do you wish you could walk your dog, but his aggressive behavior is embarrassing and/or even a little scary? Learn the tools to help your dog feel safe and remain calm in the presence of triggers.
Price: $225 for 6 week class ($200 for adopted animals)
Awaiting an opening in our Private Training or Calm, Cool, and Collected class, or want to get a head start on the course material?
Our 40-minute “Dog Reactivity Basics” introductory webinar is perfect for you. Available in both English and Spanish for $35.
This class is not being offered at this time. Please check back soon.
Intro to Nosework
For dogs that are 6 months and older by the first day of class.
Nosework is an easy to learn activity that uses a dog’s natural abilities for hunting to find hidden treats, toys or other items. This game builds confidence and focus as the dog is rewarded for doing what comes naturally! It’s also a safe way to provide mental and physical exercise to all types of dogs. Handlers will learn about dog body language and how to motivate your dog, which are great tools for developing your relationship with your pet!
Prerequisites: None.
Behavioral Appropriateness: Dogs work one at a time so this is a great class for dogs that are not comfortable around other dogs. Dogs must be crate trained and able to handle confinement in a crate between turns.
Price: $200 for 6 week class ($175 for adopted animals)
Nose Work 2: Introducing Odor
For dogs that are 6 months and older by the first day of class.
Introducing Odor is a continuation of skills from our Intro to Nose Work Class. Dogs are taught to identify the target odors: Anise, Birch, and Clove. Skills that each handler will acquire from the class include search techniques, dog/handler teamwork and reading the dog’s body language during the search.
Prerequisites: Dogs and handlers must have completed Intro to Nose Work and have instructor approval to register for this class.
Behavioral Appropriateness: Dogs work one at a time so this is a great class for dogs that are not comfortable around other dogs. Dogs must be crate trained and able to handle confinement in a crate between turns.
Price: $200 for 6 week class ($175 for adopted animals)
Scholarship Program
We have a scholarship program to offer financial assistance with helplines, private trainings, and group classes. Scholarships are available for both feline and canine training. If you are interested in applying for financial assistance with a behavior program, please fill out our Scholarship Application.