Houston SPCA Training Classes
The Houston SPCA offers classes for pets and their owners! Class registration is open to any dog or cat, including animals that are not adopted from the Houston SPCA. All classes are held one time per week and run for six weeks unless otherwise noted.
Good Start Class
Getting a new dog or puppy is exciting and fun it’s also the beginning of a long relationship! Did you know that the top reasons for dogs being returned are not getting along with other pets or being ‘destructive’? Both of these issues are typically easily resolved, especially if you get off to a good start with your new dog.
When you adopt a dog from the Houston SPCA you get a new companion and a supportive team to help ensure a smooth transition for everyone! Our Good Start class is designed to address all the questions that come up with a new dog, sometimes questions you didn’t even know you had! We’re there to talk about how dogs learn, how to best raise them and discipline them, how to handle issues when they first come up and how to build a relationship that will make you and your canine companion happy for years to come!
The Good Start class is a quick and convenient introduction to dog behavior and training. As part of the adoption fee, you are automatically enrolled in a two week Good Start class. In other words- the class is FREE.
Want to come to Good Start but you have a non-HSPCA dog? Or did you adopt a dog between December 2008 and February 2009 and would like to join us for Good Start? Come on down! Registration is $20 for non-HSPCA dogs and we require pre-registration. Click here to sign up now!
Best of all, you choose when you want to come. No need to pre-register, just show up within the first 30 days of adopting your new dog! Here’s what we cover…
(No dogs allowed in this class just you and your family!)
Picking a Name
The Right Equipment
House Training
Nutrition and Feeding Schedules
Grooming and health care
Correcting Unwanted Behavior
Exercise and Enrichment
Developmental Stages
Chewing, Digging, etc.
Meeting the Other Pets in the House
How to motivate and train
General Q&A
Graduates of the Good Start program are eligible to register for a complete six week basic obedience class at a $30 discount. This discount is valid on the day of graduation only.
Please bring proof of HSPCA adoption to class.
Basic Training Level One:
Learn the basics of training with your canine companion. Whether a newly adopted dog or a one you’ve had for years, this class is a great primer on how to train and learn sit, down, come, loose leash walking and many other fun (and necessary) skills!
Six weeks, $85 for HSPCA adoptees, $100 for others
We have classes starting on:
Saturday, November 7, 2009 10-11am
Sunday, November 8, 2009 7-8pm
Tuesday, November 10, 2009 1-2pm
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 7-8pm
Sunday, December 6, 2009 2-3pm
Click here for Basic Training Level One registration.
Canine Good Citizen Prep Class:
A fun and goal oriented class directed towards attaining the CGC certification for your dog. This is helpful for homeowner’s insurance and a great way to celebrate your dog’s accomplishments! Class focuses on the polite greetings, basic obedience commands and loose leash walking. Graduation is the actual CGC test. Basic Training Level One is a pre-requisite.
Six weeks, $85 for HSPCA adoptees, $100 for others
Sunday, September 20th at 11:30am-12:30pmClick here for Canine Good Citizen Prep Class registration.
Puppy Socialization:
As always, we have Puppy Socialization every Saturday at 4pm for 8 weeks to 6 months old and every Saturday at 5pm for puppies 6 months to 18 months. $10 per puppy per class. Join us some Saturday, click here if you want to pre-register.
Kitten Kindergarten:
Do you think it is impossible to train your cat? Think again! Felines are amazing animals that learn really quickly when trained using positive reinforcement. The Houston SPCA now offers Kitten Kindergarten classes. During this three week session our professional animal behavior consultants will teach you some basics about feline behavior and body language. We will cover important topics such as litterbox issues, destructive scratching, and teaching appropriate play. Your kittens will have the opportunity to socialize and play with other kittens and will also learn how to behave nicely for nail trimming and grooming. We will also teach your cat some basic behaviors such as sit, down and maybe even a few tricks.
Kitten Kindergarten is held every Saturday from 2 to 3 pm and costs only $10 per class. Registration is not required. Houston SPCA adopters can come to their first class FREE OF CHARGE. Adult cat owners, feel free to join us but leave your new best friend at home for the class. Tricks and Treats
Our "Tricks & Treats" class was developed to encourage children to become more involved with their dogs. During this class we will teach your child how to become great dog trainers while having fun. At the same time, your dogs will be learning new tricks, getting exercise, and learning to listen to your child! Throughout the three week course, we will teach tricks such as shake, high five, kiss, crawl, beg, dance, spin, roll-over, skateboard, and more.
Next Class Date To Be Determined.
Click here for the Tricks and Treats registration.
If you need more information , please feel free to visit our Behavior Page for downloadable Animal Behavior information.