Thank you for your interest in training your dog. The Sacramento SPCA offers on-site obedience classes for dogs ages four months and older. In order to participate, your dog must be current on all vaccinations. The classes are taught by Val Masters, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) and Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT), and Sarah Kirschling. We utilize only positive reinforcement training methods, and do not allow dogs to wear choke chains or prong-type collars.
Basic Beginner Obedience
Intermediate
Canine Good Citizen Exam
Private Consultation
Basic Beginner Obedience
The basic beginner class is beneficial for dogs of all ages. You will learn how to be a leader to your dog in a way that he will trust and respect you and will listen to what you ask of him, mental and physical exercise needs, teaching your dog not to jump on you, paying attention when you say his name, teaching him how to sit, lay down, stay, come, walk on leash politely, wait at doors, and shake. You will receive a packet containing step-by-step instructions on how to teach your dog the obedience commands, plus additional information on how to resolve other behavior problems that aren't addressed in the class. These classes will be limited to 5 students per class. Registering in advance is necessary.
Class Duration: One night a week for six continuous weeks, and is an hour in length.
Fee: $95.00 for the entire 6-week session; $80 for dogs adopted from Sacramento County or City Shelters; $70.00 if your dog was adopted from our shelter. $49.00 for seniors age 60 and older.
Refunds: Notification of cancellation must be received at least two (2) weeks prior to the first class session for a full refund. Cancellations received between two (2) weeks and 48 hours prior to the first class session will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be given for cancellations less than 48 hours prior to the first class sesssion or no-shows. Attendance of weeks 1 and 2 is mandatory for continuation in the class and no refunds will be given for drops.
All BEGINNING OWNERS are REQUIRED to attend the first session WITHOUT THEIR DOGS. The session is mandatory and times differ from normal class hours.
Class Offerings:
Monday Classes:
- Monday, October 27 orientation from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Monday, November 3 - December 8 (skip November 24) from 6:15 pm to 7:15 pm
- Monday, October 27 orientation from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Monday, November 3 - December 8 (skip November 24) from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm Sorry...this class is now CLOSED!
Tuesday Classes:
- Tuesday, October 28 orientation from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Tuesday, November 4 - December 9 (skip November 25) from 6:15 pm to 7:15 pm
- Tuesday, October 28 orientation from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Tuesday, November 4 - December 9 (skip November 25) from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Wednesday Classes:
- Wednesday, October 29 orientation from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Wednesday, November 5 - December 10 (skip November 26) from 6:15 pm to 7:15 pm
- Small Breed Dog Basic (SMALL breed dogs 4 months and up that will be under a 30lb adult weight ONLY), Wednesday, October 29 orientation from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Wednesday, November 5 - December 10 (skip November 26) from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm Sorry...this class is now CLOSED!
Thursday Classes:
- Small Breed Dog Basic (SMALL breed dogs 4 months and up that will be under a 30lb adult weight ONLY), Wednesday, October 29 orientation from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Thursday, November 6 - December 11 (skip November 27) from 6:15 pm to 7:15 pm
- Monday, October 27 orientation from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Thursday, November 6 - December 11 (skip November 27) from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Friday Classes:
- Friday, October 31 orientation from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Friday, November 7 - December 12 (skip November 28) from 10:00 am to 11:00 am Sorry...this class is now CLOSED!
To Register: Click HERE to register ONLINE. Click here to download, fill out, and mail the registration form for November/December Classes (54 kb, Adobe PDF). For more information, you can email the training department.
Intermediate
Prerequisite: Basic Beginner Obedience (Your dog must be able to do the following with distractions and other dogs around: sit/stay and down/stay from 6 feet away for 25-30 seconds; come when called from 30 feet away using a long line; wait at the door; walk politely on leash; attention to name, i.e., responds immediately when you want him to check in with you.)
Working with distractions - sit/stay, down/stay, and come, longer attention to name, healing on leash, tricks, and more! The class also prepares you and your dog to pass the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen Test .
The SSPCA will be offering Canine Good Citizen Test tests on a regular basis starting in June.
Class Duration: One night a week for six continuous weeks, and is an hour in length.
Fee: $65.00 for the entire 6-week session if you completed the Basic Beginner Obedience course at the Sacramento SPCA, or $75.00 if you completed Basic Beginner Obedience elsewhere. $49.00 for seniors age 60 and older.
Refunds: Notification of cancellation must be received at least two (2) weeks prior to the first class session for a full refund. Cancellations received between two (2) weeks and 48 hours prior to the first class session will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be given for cancellations less than 48 hours prior to the first class sesssion or no-shows. Attendance of weeks 1 and 2 is mandatory for continuation in the class and no refunds will be given for drops.
Class Offerings:
- Thursday, October 30 - December 11 (skip November 27) from 6:15 pm to 7:15 pm
To Register: Click HERE to register ONLINE. Click here to download, fill out, and mail the registration form for November/December Classes (54 kb, Adobe PDF). For more information, you can email the training department.
Canine Good Citizen Exam
This certification and exam is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and the community. When your dog passes, you will receive a certificate suitable for framing and displaying. This is a program that can help us assure that the dogs we love will always be welcome in the community. It is also the first step in qualifying your dog to become a pet therapy dog. This ten part exam convers such topics as accepting a friendly stranger, sit and down on command, walking through a crowd, reaction to another dog, and many others.
Fee: $15.00
Upcoming Dates: Saturday, November 8, 2008. All tests begin at 9:00 am
To Register:Download, fill out, and mail or fax the registration form (271 Kb, Adobe PDF). For more information, you can email the training department.
Private Consultation
Do you have a dog with a behavior issue? Need immediate help with your new puppy? Is your dog timid or aggressive toward people or other dogs? With a private consultation you and your dog will receive one-on-one attention to address your dog's behavior
issue(s) and any training that may be applicable to your particular situation. Consultations are by appointment only. To schedule, please call Valentina Mair at (916) 383-7387, ext. 9148 or write vmair@sspca.org. Rates are $35/half hour or $60/hour. Are you a senior citizen? We discount for seniors - our rates are $25/half hour and $45/hour.
If you've scheduled a consultation, please print and fill out our Private Consultation Form before you come.
