Seattle Humane Society - Classes & Training

Classes & Training Information
Classes and Training: Our Methods
Our dog training classes use positive, fun, dog-friendly training methods. Our qualified instructors will show
you how to teach your dog to respond to voice cues (commands) and hand signals. We also rely heavily on
clicker training.
Clicker training is a science-based system 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 is happening,
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.)
Wondering if your dog will 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 too 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, aversive methods, sprays or choke collars to get results,
it is the only method that 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 come join the fun in our training classes!
Instructor Permission
To obtain instructor permission for a course or for more information, please contact our Dog Training
Coordinator at dogtraining@seattlehumane.org or (425) 373-5385.
Discounted Training for Pets Adopted from Seattle Humane
Animals adopted from Seattle Humane Society (“SHS Adopted”) are entitled to discounted training classes.
One free training course is included with most dog adoptions (must be used within 30 days of adoption). If
you have questions about whether your animal is eligible, please contact us prior to signing up.
Class Locations
Unless otherwise noted, all classes are held in the Seattle Humane Society auditorium located at
13212 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue, WA 98005. Enter through driveway B and park in the lower parking lot.
To contact us about training and classes, call (425) 373-5385, fax (425) 747-2985, or email
dogtraining@seattlehumane.org.
4 Seattle Humane Society