Basic Manners Dog Training Classes
(Dogs 4 months and older)
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 attend class when it's convenient for you. 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 is more like a gym membership in that we offer classes throughout the week that you can attend at your convenience. Just give us a call on the day of class and let us know you're coming. Class times listed below.
Requirements: Your dog must meet the following requirements to participate:
1. Your dog must be at least 4 months of age.
2. Your dog must be spayed or neutered.
3. We require that your dog has shown no known aggression to people or animals.
4. Your 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 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. Intro to Training Class will provide you with: an overview of our training style and methods, realistic expectations for what you will learn in class; the opportunity to register and ask questions; and and a schedule of our weekly classes.
Upcoming Intro To Training Class Schedule:
Intro to Training Class is offered 4 times monthly: On the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month from 5:30 - 6:00 pm and on the 2nd and the 4th Saturdays of the month from 2:00 - 2:30 pm. Any exception to this schedule will be noted here.
Location: Ehmann Classroom
What will my dog and I learn in Basic Manners Classes?
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.
If your dog has been able to master basic commands, we will help you and your dog advance with the added difficulty of distraction. Dogs will also learn “leave it”, “sit for guests”, and how to tolerate grooming.
Basic Manners Class Schedule:
Please do not come to a Basic Manners class with your dog unless you have first attended an Intro To Training class (see above for information).
Current Basic Manners Class Times:
Tuesdays: 4:30-5:15 or 5:15-6:00pm
Wednesdays: 12:30-1:15pm
Thursdays: 6-6:45 or 6:45-7:30pm
Fridays: 3-3:45pm
Classes take place in Manners Hall in the Oregon Humane Society West Building.
How It Works: After purchasing a training 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 or the day prior.
Price:
1 month training pass: $105
2 month training pass: $185
Discounts:
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.
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T-Touch for Dogs - Beginner
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.
Instructor:
Dawn Jansen, Certified T-Touch Practitioner
When and Where:
Sunday, September 20 (register below)
Sunday, December 13
10:30 am - 2:30 pm with a break for lunch.
Manners Hall (West Building)
Price: $65 With Dog, $45 Without Dog
The cost for the workshop is per household. Payment is required to hold your place.
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:
- Excessive Barking and Chewing
- Leash Pulling
- Jumping Up
- Aggressive Behavior
- Extreme Fear and Shyness
- Resistance to Grooming
- Excitability and Nervousness
- Car Sickness
- Problems Associated With Aging
This gentle method is currently being used by animal owners, trainers, breeders, veterinarians, zoo personnel and shelter workers in several countries.
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.
We also require proof of your dog’s current vaccinations for bordatella, distemper, parvo, and rabies and that your dog is spayed or neutered.
To Register:
Click here to register for Sept. 20th
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Tricks & Games with your Dog
Have you ever wanted your dog to learn a trick? Come to this workshop with your four-legged friend and learn the tools you need to teach your dog fun tricks and games. Some dogs get bored easily or have a ton of excess energy to burn off. Mental stimulation is a great way to engage your dog and also promote good physical and mental health. Common tricks are ‘roll over’ or ‘play dead’ or ‘sit pretty’. You will get ‘hand-on’ training to learn techniques like shaping, capturing and luring. Once you know some of these basic training techniques, you will be able to work on tricks at home. The only limits to your dog's tricks are your dog’s physical abilities and your imagination!
Instructors: Local dog trainers Richard Spencer-Mills (Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers) & Catherine Spencer-Mills of Windbiter Dog Training. These trainers specialize in high-energy and herding breeds.
When & Where:
Sunday, August 16th, 1-4 pm
Oregon Humane Society, Manners Hall
Space available for 8 non-aggressive dogs and their people.
Price: $60
Price for class is per dog. So a couple may bring their dog for one $60 fee.
If you don’t feel your dog would be comfortable in this setting, we have an AUDIT option available. Audit price: $35.
Requirements:
1. Your dog must be controllable in a group setting with other dogs and people. He or she should have no history of aggression towards people or dogs.
2. We require up-to-date vaccinations for Rabies, Parvo, Bordatella, and Distemper. Vet records are required for entry into class.
3. We require all dogs in our training classes to be spayed or neutered.
To Register: click here
The cost for the workshop is per household (1 dog per class fee).
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Not finding what you are looking for?
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! Call (503) 285-7722 x.225.
For help with problem pet behavior, call our free Pet Behavior Helpline at (503) 416-2983 or check out our Pet Care and Advice Page for more helpful information.

Photos by David Childs: www.DavidChildsPhotography.com
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