jan-march2016

Classes & Training 

Course Catalog 

Quarter 1: January – March 2016 

Classes and Training Catalog 1

Table of Contents 

Classes & Training Information 4-5 

Dog Training Class Policies 6 

Dog Training: Foundation Courses 8-9 

Dog Training: Foundation Specialty Courses 10 

Dog Training: Advanced Courses 11-13 

Pet Workshops 14 

Seminars 17 

Our Instructors 18 

About Registration 21 

2 Seattle Humane Classes and Training Catalog 3

Classes & Training Information 

Table of 

Contents 

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! 

How to Choose a Class 

For the majority of dogs and puppies, a foundation course will be the place to start. Which foundation course 

is appropriate will depend on your dog’s age: 

Puppies 8-17 weeks old, choose Puppy Head Start. If he’s between 17-weeks and 8-months old, choose 

Puppy Manners 1. For dogs 8 months and older, we recommend starting with an adult-dog foundation course 

such as Dog Manners 1 or a specialty foundation course such as Shy Dog Manners, Double Dog Manners, 

or Reactive Rover 1—read the class descriptions in the catalogue for more detail to help you decide which 

class is appropriate for your dog. If you’d like to enroll in a continuing or advanced level course and your dog 

hasn’t completed the prerequisite course at Seattle Humane, you will need instructor permission to join the 

class so please contact us. See our class progression chart on pgs. 6-7. 

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 (“SH 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 Seattle Humane’s 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 

classes, call (425) 373-5385, fax (425) 747-2985, ordogtraining@seattlehumane.org. 

Is a Group Class Appropriate for My Dog? 

Our classes address a wide variety of training and socialization goals for you and your dog; however, 

certain behavior issues are not effectively addressed in a group setting, and therefore will not be addressed in 

group classes. Some dogs need one-on-one training to alleviate behaviors such as aggression toward people, 

separation anxiety, or to prepare them for group classes. Other dogs may benefit from a specialty class such 

as our “Reactive Rover” or “Shy Dog Manners.” In some cases, such as when a dog has separation anxiety, 

a manners class will help support the work you are doing at home but will not directly address the underlying 

anxiety issue. 

If you have questions about whether the behavior you are trying to improve will be addressed in a group class, 

please read the class descriptions and call us at (425) 373-5385 or email dogtraining@seattlehumane.org if 

you have further questions. 

The self-evaluation below may help you determine if a group class is appropriate for your dog. 

If you answer “yes” to any of the questions below, please contact dogtraining@seattlehumane.org 

before signing up for class. 

Does your dog... 

• Bark excessively when he/she sees people? 

• Lunge at people? 

• Bark excessively when he/she sees other dogs? 

If you answer “yes” to any of the questions below, please see our recommendation and contact us 

if you have questions. 

Does your dog... 

• Growl at people? * 

• Show aggression toward people? * 

• Bark when he or she sees other dogs? ** 

• Lunge at other dogs? ** 

• Growl at other dogs? ** 

• Show aggression towards other dogs? ** 

• Shy/back away when people pet him/her? *** 

• Resist allowing strangers to pet him or her? *** 

• Shy/back away from other dogs? *** 

Recommendations: 

* It is likely that private lessons will be the most appropriate for you and your dog at this time. 

** Reactive Rover may be the right class for your dog; please read the class description for 

more information. 

*** Shy Dog Manners may be the right class for your dog; please read the class description for 

more information. 

If you don’t know how your dog reacts around other dogs, we suggest you take him/her to a safe 

on-leash area where he or she will see other dogs, and observe his or her reaction. 


Dog Training Policies 

Table of 

Contents 

Dog Behavior 

Group classes may not be suitable for all dogs. With the exception of specialty classes, Seattle Humane’s 

classes are designed for dogs and puppies who remain relatively calm in a group setting with other dogs 

and people. Dogs who have reacted to people or other dogs by growling, barking, and/or lunging (including 

excessive barking due to exctiement) may require private lessons instead of, or in addition to, a specialized 

class (such as Reactive Rover or Shy Dog Manners). If your dog is disruptive to the class or shows aggression 

toward people or other dogs, (s)he wll be dismissed from class and no refund will be granted. If you have 

questions or concerns about whether your dog is suitable for class, please contact the instructor directly 

at least one week prior to enrolling. Please email dogtraining@seattlehumane.org for instructor contact 

information. 

Refund/Cancellation 

Demand for classes is very high and spaces fill quickly, so please let us know if you are no longer able to 

attend class so that we may offer your place to another student. Refunds or credits will be granted only for 

students who withdraw or transfer classes at least one week prior to the first day of class (less a $10 

handling fee). No refunds or credits will be granted after that time. This applies to adopters whose class fee is 

included in the adoption fee — credit for a future class will only be granted if you withdraw at least one week 

prior to the first day of class. 

If you miss more than one class in a session it may not be possible to continue in that session, as each class 

builds upon the next and you will miss out on important information. You may contact your instructor regarding 

homework, a make-up session, and/or whether you will be able to continue in that class, however, it may be not 

be possible to accommodate you and a refund or credit will not be granted. 

Make-up policy: If you have to miss a class, your instructor will try to accommodate you to find a make-up 

session but this will be dependent upon space and schedule availability and may not always be possible. We 

are unable to accommodate more than one make-up session per six-week long class. Please carefully check 

the schedule for skip dates and other details. Please note that we occasionally have classes on holidays or 

holiday weekends. 

Animal Requirements & Class Prerequisites 

Your dog must meet the age requirements and prerequisites for the class. Course prerequisites must have 

been taken at Seattle Humane or instructor permission is required. Your dog must be current on vaccinations. 

If you have a female dog in heat, you may not bring her to class. If you have a dog who needs to be spayed or 

neutered, please schedule the surgery so that it does not cause your dog to miss a class. 

Class Participation 

If your dog is ever unable to attend class, you should attend the class without your dog. Children who can 

participate in the training are welcome to attend class. Children under six years of age must have adult 

supervision beyond the primary person handling the dog. All children under 18 must be accompanied by a 

parent or guardian. 

Liability Release 

By signing up for training and pet workshops, you agree to the following liability release: 

I am aware of the risks from handling animals: property damage or injury to myself, to my animal(s) or to 

members of my family. In consideration of being permitted to enroll in the above class, I do assume full 

responsibility for any actions of the dog entered above and agree to hold harmless and indemnify any person 

associated with Seattle Humane. 


Dog Training: Course Descriptions 

Table of 

Contents 

Dog Training 

Foundation Courses For Puppies At Least 8 Weeks Old 

Puppy Head Start 

Check Availability / Sign Up 

Puppy Head Start focuses on the priorities of puppyhood: socialization, bite inhibition, and the prevention of 

common behavior problems. Puppies are positively introduced to a variety of new stimuli, learn to enjoy being 

handled by new people, and play off-leash in compatible puppy play groups. House training, crate training, 

puppy nipping, chewing, home alone training, and polite manners are covered. Check out our Puppy Play 

Camp workshop for more fun and play with your pup! 

Dog Ages: 8–16 weeks old when class begins 

*Please make sure your dog is not over 16 weeks at class start date. 

Duration: 6 weeks, 1 hour class per week 

Price: General public: $150. SH Adopted: $130 

Prerequisites: None 

Special Notes: Do not bring your puppy with you to the first class 

Foundation Courses For Dogs At Least 8 Months Old 

Dog Manners 1 

Dog Manners 1 focuses on building the dog/handler relationship through basic training, leadership, and 

awareness of how dogs communicate. Topics covered include polite greetings, basic skills and techniques for 

preventing unwanted behavior. Please note: For graduates of Puppy Manners 1, we recommend taking Puppy 

Manners 2 next in the series 

Dog Ages: At least 8 months old when class begins 



Prerequisites: None. 

Special Notes: Do NOT bring your dog with you to the first class 


Dog Training 

Puppy Manners 1 (S.T.A.R.) 


Puppy Manners S.T.A.R. offers basic training and ongoing socialization for puppies, either as a continuation 

of Puppy Head Start or as puppy’s first class. S.T.A.R. stands for Socialization, Training, Activity and a 

Responsible owner, all of the things a puppy needs to be a wonderful lifelong companion. The S.T.A.R. 

program is the puppy equivalent to the AKC’s well-known Canine Good Citizen program. Topics include polite 

greetings, basic skills, and problem-solving as well as off-leash play in compatible puppy play groups. Your 

S.T.A.R puppy evaluation and certification occurs at your graduation class. Check out our Puppy Play Camp 

workshop for more fun and play with your pup! 

Double Dog Manners 

Double Dog Manners covers the same topics as Dog Manners 1, but is for two dogs at once. 





Special Notes: Do NOT bring your dogs with you to the first class 


Dog Ages: 17 weeks–7 months old when class begins 

*Please make sure your dog is not over 7 months at class start date. 

Duration: 

6 weeks, 1 hour class per week 



Special Notes: Do not bring your puppy with you to the first class 

Shy Dog Manners 


Shy Dog Manners covers the same topics as Dog Manners, but it is designed for dogs who are fearful of new 

people, dogs, and/or environments. Course emphasis is on building confidence and helping dogs over their 

fears at their own pace. 

Puppy Manners 2 


Puppy Manners 2 adds a higher level of distraction and difficulty to the basics and introduces Canine Good 

Citizen skills, including “stay” and reaction to another leashed dog. Emphasis is on leadership, ongoing 

socialization and the potential challenges of adolescence. Class includes off-leash play time in compatible 

puppy play groups and problem solving games for mental exercise. 





Special Notes: Do NOT bring your dog with you to the first class 

Dog Ages: 7–12 months old when class begins 



Prerequisites: Puppy Manners 1 or instructor permission 

Special Notes: Bring your puppy with you to the first class 


Dog Training: Course Descriptions (continued) 


Table of 

Contents 

Dog Training 

Foundation Courses: Specialty 

Dog Manners 2 


Take it to the next level with speedier responses, fewer food rewards, and “free shaping” with the clicker. Skills 

worked on include recall (coming away from distractions), precision leash walking and focusing on handling 

around other dogs. Canine Good Citizen items are also introduced. Emphasis is on reliable responses and 

more distance, distraction, and duration. 

Dog Training 

Advanced Courses 

Manners About Town 


Manners About Town puts basic skills to the test in the real world. This innovative class meets at various 

locations chosen by students, including parks, public shopping areas, hiking trails and more. Students will learn 

how to transfer the skills they’ve learned in class to real world situations and increase their dog’s reliability 

when faced with major distractions. 

Dog Ages: 

At least 8 months old when class begins 

Dog Ages: 


Duration: 


Duration: 




permission 

Prerequisites: 

Graduation from Puppy Manners 2, Dog Manners 1, or instructor 

Prerequisites: Graduation from Puppy Manners 2, Dog Manners 2, 

or instructor permission 

Special Notes: 

Tricks for Clicks 

Bring your dog with you to the first class 

Looking for fun ways to exercise your dog’s body and mind while enriching your relationship with your 

canine companion? Discover the power of shaping your dog’s behavior using a clicker as a marker signal. 

Beginning, intermediate and advanced tricks will be introduced and are sure to make your dog the talk of the 

neighborhood: spin left and right, high five, take a bow, sit pretty, jump through a hoop, and more! Fun for both 

dog and handler is guaranteed! 

Dog Ages: 




Control Unleashed 1 

Class location varies (per course description). Bring your 

dog with you to the first class at Seattle Humane’s auditorium. 


Do you envision taking your dog to off leash dog parks or off leash hiking, but your dog bolts at the first 

opportunity? Are you interested in pursuing dog sports such as agility or flyball? If so, Control Unleashed 1 may 

be the perfect fit! Exercises focus on building your connection and training relationship with your dog to ensure 

that you stay connected whether the leash is there or not. Class is modeled on the book “Control Unleashed” 

by Leslie McDevitt. 

Duration: 


Dog Ages: 



Duration: 


permission 



Graduation from Puppy Manners 2, Dog Manners 1, or instructor 



Prerequisites: Graduation from Puppy Manners 2, Dog Manners 2, 




Control Unleashed 2 


Control Unleashed 2 builds on the skills gained in Control Unleashed 1 and increases challenges of boxwork, 

the “Look At That!” game, the “Gimme-a-Break” game, and parallel racing. New exercises include the “Out and 

Mats” game and “There’s a Dog in Your Face” game. Class is modeled on the book “Control Unleashed” by 

Leslie McDevitt. 




Prerequisites: Graduation from Control Unleashed 1 


Special Notes: Bring your dog with you to the first class 



Table of 

Contents 

Canine Good Citizen Prep 

Canine Good Citizen Prep prepares students and their dogs to take the American Kennel Club’s 

Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test, a certification program designed to reward dogs who have good manners 

at home and in the community. For more details, please visit www.akc.org. The course is five weeks of prep 

and on the last night of the course, there will be an opportunity to take the CGC test for a small fee. Dogs who 

have their CGC certificates are eligible to apply for our volunteer Visiting Pet Friends program. 




Prerequisites: Graduation from Dog Manners 2, 



Dog Training 

Agility 3: Patterns & Proofing 

Email dogtraining@seattlehumane.org for enrollment info 

Challenge your dog’s knowledge of the obstacles and handling cues learned in Agility 2. This class 

improves the dog/handler team’s ability to work smoothly together in motion. Agility 3 increases in difficulty each 

session for returning students and is intended to be taken repeatedly until students are ready for competition 

handling classes. 

Dog Ages: At least 1 year old when class begins 



Prerequisites: Agility 2 and instructor permission 


Dog Training 


Agility 1: Introduction 



Team up with your dog to learn how to navigate obstacle courses together! Agility is a great way to build 

confidence in a shy dog or to focus the energy of an exuberant dog. Obstacles introduced include jumps, 

tunnels, and the table. Handling exercises introduce sends, calls, post turns, and front crosses. Dogs must be 

at least one year old when class begins. 




Agility 4: Competition Prep 


An agility competition preparation class for students whose dogs are proficient on all obstacles, including the 

weave poles, teeter, and contacts. Handlers should be comfortable with sequences requiring a minimum of two 

crosses. Sequences will be offered each week to improve handling strategy and execution. 




Prerequisites: Agility 3 and instructor permission 




Agility 2: Obstacles & Handling 

Instructor permission. Your dog should: be able to work off-leash without 

visiting other off-leash dogs in an exciting situation, have a 30-foot recall 

around other dogs and people, and have a 15-foot stay when other dogs 

and people are present. 



Continue to strengthen the skills learned in Agility 1 as well as introduce your dog to the weave poles, teeter, 

A-frame, and dog walk. Handler exercises introduce rear crosses and sequencing. Agility 2 increases in 

difficulty each session for returning students and is intended to be taken repeatedly until students are ready 

for Agility 3. 

Dog Ages: 

At least 1 year old when class begins 

Agility 4: Drop-In 


An agility competition preparation session for students whose dogs are proficient on all obstacles, including the 

weave poles, teeter, and contacts. Handlers should be comfortable with sequences requiring a minimum of two 

crosses. Sequences will be offered each week to improve handling strategy and execution. Drop-in classes are 

a great way to get some extra practice time in each week. 

Dog Ages: 

Duration: 

Price: 



At least 1 year old when class begins 

Drop-in only; 1 hour 

$20 per dog 

Instructor permission 

Bring your dog with you to class 

Duration: 



Prerequisites: Agility 1 




Pet Workshops: Class Descriptions 

Table of 

Contents 

Note: Workshops are one-session classes or play sessions, and are offered 

periodically. The classes listed here may not currently be available — check back next 

quarter for updated availability! 

Pet Workshops 

Kitten Kindergarten 

Your kitten will have tons of opportunities for socialization with other kittens, as well as people of all ages. 

Teach appropriate litter box manners right from the start. Teach your kitten to use a scratching post instead of 

your furniture. Learn about boundary training — teaching your kittens about off-limit areas. Teach your kitten 

to happily accept any type of handling, including nail trimming. Learn how to introduce a new kitten to the 

household, and how to keep your kitten content and occupied indoors. Plus, teach your kitten to sit on cue, 

come when you call him, and even a few fun tricks! 

Ensure that your kitten grows up to be a happy, well-socialized adult — one who is happy to be held, handled, 

and cuddled for a lifetime. We have the only kitten socialization class in the state! 

Class is taught by Jennifer Schneider of Cats Can Too! 


Kitten Ages: 8–20 weeks old when class begins 

Duration: 1.5 hours 

Price: $30 


Special Notes: Proof of current vaccinations/tests required. Kittens need to have at least 

the first set of FVRCP series as well as a negative FELV/FIV test. 

Pet Workshops 


Seminars: Class Descriptions 

Table of 

Contents 

Note: Seminars are one-time classes for humans only and are offered periodically. 

The classes listed here may not currently be available. 

Pet CPR and First Aid 


Would you know what to do if your dog suddenly choked on a bone? If your pet ate a toxic substance, like 

chocolate? Do you have a plan for your pet in the event you need to evacuate your family from your home? 

These topics, and many more, will be discussed in our Pet CPR and First Aid course as we discuss how to 

apply these techniques when caring for dogs and cats. This comprehensive program is ideal for pet owners 

and also for anyone working in an occupation that requires pet supervision or services. Students receive a 

completion certificate at the conclusion of the course. 

Duration: 

3.5 hours 

Price: $75 

Tellington TTouch ® 


Tellington TTouch (TTouch) is a gentle, positive method of bodywork and movement based on more than 

three decades of results with over 1000 practitioners worldwide. TTouch provides a powerful set of tools and 

techniques that improve an animal’s performance, health, and that deepen bonds between pets and their 

human companions. 

In this workshop, you will be introduced to tools and techniques to reduce stress in your pet. We will be 

focusing on TTouches and body wraps. We will also provide a brief overview of TTouch leading techniques. 

Using these techniques, TTouch addresses common problems such as: 

• Excessive barking and chewing 

• Nervousness in coping with new situations 

• Leash pulling and jumping up 

• Reactive behaviors 

• Resistance to grooming and veterinary exams 

• Car sickness 

• Reducing stress for performance work, e.g. agility 

Instructor: Lori Stevens, guild-certified Tellington TTouch practitioner, will teach this 

workshop. Lori’s experience and approach is holistic and one of respect 

for animals as teachers. 

Dog Ages: Open to all 

Duration: 2 hours 

Price: $65 

Prerequisites: none 

Special Notes: You may attend with or without your dog. Dogs must be able to stay 

quietly for the majority of the seminar. Please bring an x-pen or crate and 

a blanket or mat for your dog. 

Seminars 


Our Instructors 

Table of 

Contents 

All of our instructors are professional members of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, whose vision is 

to see that “all dogs are effectively trained through dog-friendly techniques and therefore are lifelong 

companions in a relationship based on mutual trust and respect.” 

For instructor permission please contact us at dogtraining@seattlehumane.org or 425-373-5385. 

Ali Johnson 

Ali Johnson is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. She has 

a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and graduated with distinction (top 15%) from Stanford University. 

Ali’s first word was “doggie” but despite this, she went on to a Ph.D. program in Biochemistry at Duke University 

before coming to her senses and moving to dog training full time. Ali has attended numerous workshops and 

seminars in order to learn more about helping dogs and people live better together. Ali continues to hone her 

hands-on expertise with a variety of dogs through volunteer work with Seattle Humane’s Behavior Program. She 

shares her home and life with four dogs, her toddler son, and a very patient husband. She specializes in canine 

body language, the control unleashed program and agility for fun and competition. 

Cheri Yates 

Cheri Yates is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. She has a 

master’s degree in learning theory and a doctorate degree in psychology from the University of Washington. She 

has extensive background and experience in behaviorism and human and canine cognitive development. She is 

a graduate of the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training and Behavior. She attends workshops, conferences, 

and seminars in order to constantly improve her skills and increase her knowledge base. Cheri has trained dogs 

through a range of levels from puppy kindergarten through advanced classes. She has also been an enthusiastic 

participant in the Canine Good Citizenship program with all of her own dogs. She is currently training one of her 

dogs in Nose Work and scent discrimination. 

Mallory Blair 

Mallory Blair is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. She has a 

Bachelor’s degree in Social Science from Washington State University. Mallory began her dog training career in 

2008 when a new canine addition sparked a hobby leading her to take a job as a trainer. Despite her success at 

work, her own dog became very reactive and after several bad experiences with people and dogs, she retired him 

as her demo dog. Her “hobby” quickly turned into a passion of learning and understanding behavioral issues so 

she could help others who were just as desperate for answers as she was. She continues her canine education 

by attending seminars, workshops, and lectures. She and her husband share their home with two Great Danes. 


Two Ways to Register: 

1. Register online and pay with a credit card for courses, workshops and seminars by 

clicking the button next to each corresponding course in this catalog. 

2. Register by mail: Print and mail a registration form along with your check payment to: 

Dog Training, Seattle Humane, 13212 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue, WA 98005. 

Please note: We are unable to reserve a place in class until payment has been received. 

Carefully check the schedule for skip dates and other details. We occasionally have classes 

on holidays or holiday weekends. 

Questions? 

Email dogtraining@seattlehumane.org or call (425) 373-5385. 

20 Seattle Humane

jan-march2016

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