<BehaviorTraining>

The OHS Behavior Department provides classes, workshops, and consultations to keep pets safe, healthy, and happy in their homes.

Basic Manners Dog Training Classes
T-Touch for Dogs
Pet First Aid Class
Shy Dog Workshop
Workshop for Multiple-Dog Households
Reactive Rover Class
Problem Pooch Class
Finicky Feline Class
One-on-One Training Consultations

Note: The Oregon Humane Society requires that all animals in our training classes are spayed or neutered. Animals attending training consultations are exempt from this requirement.

What is it? The Oregon Humane Society offers dog training classes that are fun, positive and easy to fit into your life. Our flexible class schedule enables you to go-at-your-own-pace, moving on when you are ready. Our program offers a unique alternative to traditional dog training classes that usually meet once a week for 6-8 weeks and cannot accommodate students who must miss a class. Our format offers classes throughout the week that you can attend at your convenience. Students in a given level can attend any class in their level at any time it’s offered.

3. You dog must be current on vaccinations including Da2pp, Rabies, and bordatella. (Dogs between 4 & 6 months old do not have to be vaccinated for Rabies.)

*Prerequisite: Everyone MUST first attend our free Intro to Training class before taking Basic Manners. Intro to Training is offered on the 2nd and the 4th Saturdays of the month at 2:00 pm AND also on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month at 6:30. This class is for people only, please do not bring dogs to class. You can just drop in for the intro class, no need to register. Class is located in our Ehmann Classroom. The Intro to Training Class will provide you with an overview of our training style and methods, give you realistic expectations for what you will learn in class, and you will also receive a schedule of our classes.

In Level 1, we will help you teach your dog basic commands like “sit”, “down”, “stay”, and the basics of loose-leash walking. We also help your dog learn to take treats nicely, how to focus on his or her owner, and how to come when called. We use real life scenarios so the skills you learn in class transfer easily to your home and life.

In Level 2, we will help you and your dog master basic commands with the added difficulty of distraction. Dogs will also learn “leave it”, “sit for guests”, and how to tolerate grooming.

To Graduate, we encourage students and their dogs to test for the Canine Good Citizen Certification after completing both levels. The CGC is a standard of behavior awarded by the American Kennel Club. If your dog passes you will receive the CGC certificate and everyone will know your dog has displayed good manners at home and in the community.

When: We offer various day and evening classes Monday through Friday. You will receive a current schedule at your Intro To Training Class.

NOTE: After purchasing a pass, you may attend as many classes as you wish until it expires. We require that students let us know if they are coming to class on the day of class.

Where: The Oregon Humane Society, 1067 NE Columbia Blvd., Portland, OR 97211 in Manners Hall in the new Animal Medical Learning Center

Price: 1 month training pass: $105; 2 month training pass: $185. (Oregon Humane Society dogs and dogs from other local shelters are entitled to a $15 discount)

To Register: Please register at our Intro To Training class, see details above under ‘Prerequisite’.

Want to spend some quality time with your dog and improve your pet’s health at the same time? Sign up for one of our Tellington Touch workshops. These hands-on classes will provide you with expert instruction while you practice on your own dog.

When: each workshop can accomodate 10 people with their dogs and 4 people without a dog

Where: The Oregon Humane Society, 1067 NE Columbia Blvd., Portland, OR 97211 in Manners Hall 1 in the new Animal Medical Learning Center

What is T-Touch? T-Touch is relaxation method based on light circular movements of the fingers and hands all over the body. Tellington TTouch is a specialized approach to the care and training of our animal companions. Developed by internationally recognized animal expert, Linda Tellington-Jones, this method based on cooperation and respect offers a positive approach to training, can improve performance and health and presents solutions to common behavioral and physical problems. It also helps establish a deeper rapport between humans and animals through increased understanding and more effective communication. The Tellington TTouch can help in cases of:

This gentle method is currently being used by animal owners, trainers, breeders, veterinarians, zoo personnel and shelter workers in several countries. Sign up today, space is limited.

Requirements: Each participant may bring one of their own animals to class. We trust that your dog is controllable and will be able to attend class without major disruptions to other participants. We require that your dog has never bitten another dog or a person and also that your dog is spayed or neutered. We require proof of your dog’s current vaccinations for bordatella, distemper, parvo, and rabies. Rabies tags are not sufficient, please bring vet records.

To Register: Email Sue Lay with your name and if there any additional people coming with you and your dog. The cost for the workshop is per dog, so bringing any additional handlers of your dog is a great idea.

What to bring: We suggest you bring a snack for break time and also a bed or blanket for your dog. You may want to bring a cushion for yourself since there will be some sitting on the floor. Bring proof of your dog’s current vaccinations for bordatella, distemper, parvo, and rabies. Rabies tags are not sufficient, please bring vet records.

The American Red Cross will be offering Pet First Aid classes at the Oregon Humane Society!

Owning a pet is a huge responsibility. If your dog or cat suddenly stopped breathing or broke a bone, would you know what to do? Pet first aid is not the same as human first aid – enroll in this class and learn how to provide care for your pet in case of an emergency. You’ll find out how to perform rescue breathing, treat shock, respond to choking, stop bleeding, care for a suspected fracture and handle other sudden illnesses including poisoning. Treat your pets like members of the family and learn how to care for them when they need you most!

To Register: Students can register by calling class registration at (503) 280-1440 or online at: www.redcross-pdx.org.

Our Shy Dog Class is for people who have shy, scared or timid dogs. This class is for people only, dogs do not attend this class - this way you can participate even if your dog is too fearful or overwhelmed to attend. The instructors will help you learn specialized dog training techniques designed to build your dog’s confidence and good manners while taking into account your pet’s individual needs. We will help you learn how your behavior affects your dog in positive and negative ways. You’ll go home with tools to handle your dog’s fears in a healthy, supportive way.

Where: The Oregon Humane Society, 1067 NE Columbia Blvd., Portland, OR 97211 in Manners Hall in the new Animal Medical Learning Center

Price: $45 (30% off for active OHS Volunteers) Please pay the day of the workshop at our little store. They accept all methods of payment.

To Register: If you'd like to attend, please email Sue Lay. Include your full name, if you are an OHS volunteer, if your dog is from OHS, and if any additional people are coming with you and your dog. (The cost is per dog, so bringing the primary handlers of your dog is a great idea.)

Note: To participate, your dog must be current on vaccinations including Da2pp, Rabies, and bordatella. We also require that your dog has shown no known aggression and that he or she is spayed or neutered. (Dogs under 6 months old do not have to be vaccinated for Rabies and the Spay/Neuter requirement can be waived.) Please bring your vet records with you, rabies tags are not sufficient.

Do you have multiple dogs in your home? Come to our special workshop for dog owners who have multiple dogs. Hear about innovative strategies for managing several dogs at once. Talk with other dog lovers who know what it’s like! This workshop is for people only, please leave dogs at home.

Price: Cost: $45 (30% discount for OHS Volunteers ($31.50) ) Please pay the day of the workshop at our store. They accept all methods of payment.

To Register: If you'd like to attend, please email Sue Lay with your name and the number of people in your party.

Does your dog not get along well with others? Does your dog lunge and bark at other dogs when on a leash? This class will focus on training methods for reactive dogs. We will make accommodations for reactive dogs to help them learn and feel comfortable in class.

When: Fridays 5:15 pm - 6:15 pm and 6:30 - 7:30 pm. The next 4 rounds of Reactive Rover are full. Please check back next month for the new schedule.

This is a 6-week class—the first class is a half-hour lecture for humans only, please do not bring your dog to the first class.

Where: The Oregon Humane Society, 1067 NE Columbia Blvd., Portland, OR 97211 in Manners Hall 2 in the new Animal Medical Learning Center

To Register: The next 4 rounds of Reactive Rover are full. Please check back in June for the new schedule. Thank You.

Problem Pooch Class

An open discussion where you can ask questions about your problem pooch. Those who attend get expert advice and training tips on their dog’s behavior problems.

When: Class occurs twice monthly and is open to the public. Saturday, April 19th, Saturday May 3rd, and Saturday May 17th 12:30-1:30

Where: Ehmann Classroom at the Oregon Humane Society’s Animal Medical Learning Center.

Note: This class is for humans only, please leave furry friends at home.

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Finicky Feline Class

This is the place to ask questions about your finicky feline. Those who attend can get advice and tips on their cat’s behavior problems. Class is open to the public.

Where: Ehmann Classroom at the Oregon Humane Society’s Animal Medical Learning Center.

One-on-One Training Consultations

Are you having behavior problems with your four-legged friend? Consider coming in for a private training consultation at OHS. Our Certified Pet Dog Trainers can offer tips and advice on how to control your dog with positive reinforcement.You will go away with practical tools to improve your dog-handling skills. Common issues people seek help with include: excessive barking, home alone issues, leash reactivity, hyperactivity and timidity. Don’t be embarrassed about your dog’s level of training - we've seen it all!

Consultations are also available for cat owners who need help with issues like litter box training or introducing a new cat in the home.

We would love to provide classes and workshops for all of our supporters. If there is a dog training or animal behavior topic that you are interested in, please let us know! Email Sue Lay or call (503) 285-7722 x225