dog training classes
dakin doggie decorum
A true humane society does a whole lot more for its community than simply taking in and adopting out animals. In order for Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society to reach its goal of no more homeless pets, we at Dakin need to help dogs and their families form stronger relationships that will last the dog’s lifetime.
training classes keep dogs in their home
That statement is not just our opinion; it is backed up by statistics that demonstrate that almost none of the dogs surrendered to animal shelters have ever received formal training.
strengthen the bond while you teach behaviors
Reward-based training is not only the most effective way to communicate with your dog, it will also teach your dog that working with you is fun. We understand how dogs learn and will share with you the necessary skills to continue to train your dog for years to come. All of our trainers are Certified Trainers and bring years of experience to their teaching. Click here to meet our trainers.
basic manners levels classes
Springfield Training Classes: After attending orientation, you may purchase classes in blocks of six. Springfield classes are offered four days a week. Days and times to fit your schedule can be chosen at orientation.
Hadley Training Classes: Preregistration and payment is required prior to attending the Hadley orientation. Classes are held on Monday and Wednesday evenings (day will be assigned to you upon receiving your registration).
Our Level 1 is a basic manners foundational class based on positive reinforcement rewards based training methods. We start by teaching you the skills to get and keep your dog’s attention despite the surrounding distractions. From there we progress to teaching you the skills to train your dog to sit and lie down with a verbal and hand signal, come when called, walk on a loose leash, stay in one spot, polite greetings, and more.
We highly recommend completing both a Level 1 and a Level 2 class in order to have a well rounded training foundation for your dog. Moving into Level 2, we challenge and proof the beginner skills we achieved in Level 1. Level 2 concentrates on utilizing a variety of techniques to achieve a loose leash while walking your dog. We work on distraction proofing exercises to simulate real life situations when you are asking your dog to come, stay, greet someone politely, leave something alone, and a whole lot more. We also teach you how and when to wean off of food treats and apply real life rewards.
Everyone starts in Level 1. The trainer will track you and your dog’s progress and let you know when you are ready to graduate to Level 2. Most dogs are ready to move into Level 2 after their sixth class. Some dogs may need a little more time in Level 1, whereas other dogs may be able to move into Level 2 sooner. Once completing Level 2, you and your dog can move into any of our advanced level classes such as Canine Good Citizen.
levels classes registration and fee information
The first step is to attend one of our humans-only orientations where you will learn more about our program as well as some of the skills that you will need in our Level 1 class. There is no charge for the orientation and when you hear how much fun and worthwhile classes are we know you will be excited to start your lessons! Tuition for attending six classes is $125.00.
**If your dog was adopted from Dakin or TJ O'Connor, you can attend Level 1 classes at a discounted rate. All Dakin or TJ O'Connor adopted dogs must register by sending us an email or calling us at 413-781-4000 ext: 129.**
In these difficult financial times, Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society does not want any dog to go un-trained because the cost is prohibitive for their family. If you are committed to training your dog and strengthening that bond, please get in touch to learn more about our sliding scale for enrollment costs.
upcoming orientations for 2012:
Only humans may attend orientation. Your dog can stay home and relax!
Springfield Orientation Dates:
- Tuesday, May 22nd at 6pm
Pre-registration and payment is required to reserve a spot for orientation: $125.00 for 6 sessions. (Orientation is free.)
Click here to register.
Springfield orientations and classes take place at our Springfield Adoption & Education Center at 171 Union Street in Springfield, MA. Click here for directions. Please note you cannot switch Springfield classes with Hadley classes.
Classes will be offered Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, and Saturday mornings. Detailed calendar schedules will be available at the orientations. Please remember, you must attend an orientation first in order to attend any classes with your dog.
Hadley Orientation Dates:
- Monday, June 11th at 6pm
Pre-registration and payment is required to reserve a spot for orientation: $125.00 for 6 sessions. (Orientation is free.)
Click here to register.
Please note that Hadley classes are structured slightly different than those held in Springfield. This is due to space limitations. You will not be able to switch Hadley classes with Springfield classes.
Hadley orientations and classes are held at Dave's Soda & Pet City, 335 Russell Street (Rout 9), Hadley, MA. Click here for directions.
Classes are held Monday and Wednesday evenings. Detailed calendar schedules will be available at the orientations. Please remember, you must attend an orientation first in order to attend any classes with your dog.
specialty classes
Ready to try something different such as an advanced obedience class or a sport such as agility? How about trying to earn a Novice Trick Dog Title or exploring the fascinating world of scent work training? Dakin is now offering a variety of fun and exciting specialty classes in which anyone can participate. Some specialty classes require having completed our Levels Training Classes or equivalent classes elsewhere. Other specialty classes just require a dog and handler and nothing more!
new puppy, no problem
This two week class is a nice starter class to help families with new puppies get off on the right track. The first 1-1/2 hour class will be for the human family members only and will cover housetraining, mouthing and nipping, chewing, boundary setting, socialization training, and more.
The second 1-1/2 hour class is with puppies and will cover basic training exercises, body handling techniques, preventative food and object sharing exercises, as well as off-leash play time. The trainer will help family members learn to read their puppy’s body language and discuss how to identify appropriate and inappropriate puppy play interactions.
Puppies must be no older than 14 weeks to attend. They must be up to date on vaccinations relevant for their age and cleared by a veterinarian for worms and parasites.
Class length: Two - 90 minute classes one week apart - $50
New Puppy, No Problem Class in Springfield: Saturday, June 16th and June 23rd at 11:30 a.m. (Please state class date under Comments field when completing online registration form).
Click here to register.
Canine good citizen
After successfully completing our Level 1 and Level 2 classes, we highly recommend you enroll in our Canine Good Citizen class. If you have successfully completed an intermediate level class at another training facility, you may also qualify to enroll in this class. If you are unsure if you and your dog qualify, please contact us at 413-781-4000 ext. 129 or by email. The purpose of this class is to help our dogs become good canine neighbors and respected members of the community. We especially recommend Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification for those breeds who suffer unfair discrimination because of how they look or how they are portrayed in the media.
This class does concentrated work in the area of controlled and polite greetings with strangers at home and in public, controlled manners in the close presence of another dog, relaxed and controlled behavior during body handling and grooming from a stranger, relaxed behavior during brief separations from the caregiver, loose leash walking in a crowd, and rock solid recalls and stays. Food rewards are gradually weaned off near the end of the program. Students have the opportunity to take the AKC Canine Good Citizen test for a small fee at the end of the course. A CGC certificate can qualify your dog for lower homeowner’s insurance on some policies as well as make it easier to find dog- friendly housing. It is also a useful and necessary first step on the road to Therapy Dog certification. Ultimately, it is an advanced level class that will provide opportunities to work on challenging real life situations with your dog.
Please do not bring your dog to class wearing a choke chain, prong, or electric training collar.
Class length: 1 hour for eight weeks. (Optional CGC Test on Week 8) - $135.00
CGC Class for Springfield: Wednesday May 30th at 6:30 pm. Click here to register.
CGC Class for Hadley: Date TBA. Click here to register.
tricks training class
Tricks aren’t just for kids! The more behaviors you teach your dog, the better trained they are, from the basics such as sit and down to something more advanced such as roll over, high five, take a bow, or jump through a hoop. Teaching your dog a variety of tricks gives him something else to do when greeting your guests instead of jumping all over them. If you have a breed of dog that makes some people uncomfortable just because of the way they look, having your dog run through a repertoire of cool tricks can quickly make everyone relaxed. People will be more receptive once they see your dog is smart, fun, and friendly.
Tricks are trained behaviors that can actually tire out an active dog both mentally and physically. Teaching tricks is a great way to provide mental and physical stimulation indoors during cold winter weather months and during rainy weeks in summer months. You will build a stronger bond with your dog as well as increase his level of attentiveness around distractions. For those interested, you can even work towards your Novice Trick Dog title by completing 15 tricks.
Dogs must have completed a Level 1 class or a basic manners class elsewhere, and be friendly with people and other dogs, in order to enroll in the Tricks Training class. Please do not bring your dog to class wearing a choke chain, prong, or electric training collar.
Class length: 1 hour for six weeks - $125.00
Tricks Training Class for Springfield: Friday June 15th at 5:30 pm.
Click here to register.
tricks training level 2 class
In our first level of Tricks Training Class we developed a basic skill set for both humans and dogs, using clickers and/or verbal markers. In Tricks Training Level 2, we will learn how to chain the tricks together and create a more complex set of trained behaviors. Some tricks may require the use of small props. Other tricks will use the dog’s scenting ability. We will also work on more physical types of tricks that will teach the dog how to balance his body. If you or your dog has any physical limitations, we will set you up with customized training exercises that you both are comfortably able to accomplish. There will be something for every dog regardless of their level.
Dogs must have completed the basic level Tricks Training Class in order to enroll in the Tricks Training Level 2 class. Please do not bring your dog to class wearing a choke chain, prong collar, or electric training collar.
Class length: 1 hour for six weeks - $125.00
Tricks Training Level 2 Class for Springfield: Date TBA
Click here to register.
scent work for dogs
Are you thinking of doing something different with your canine companion? Consider Scent Work for Dogs!
Scent work classes first formed on the West Coast and are now a national sport with scent trials all over the United States including right here in MA.
Scent work is an activity that uses your dog’s natural abilities. In this activity, your dog already knows what to do; we are just here to help him learn our rules to play the game. Not only do we get to enjoy working with our dogs, the mental exercise of searching and problem-solving is great for calming and relaxing the energetic or highly aroused dog.
As with many dog related mental activities, scent work helps develop that positive working relationship between you and your dog when you both are out “hunting” together as a team.
Our canine pals have an amazing sense of smell and a natural desire to hunt. In this beginner class, we will focus on teaching you how to encourage and develop your dog’s natural scenting abilities by using their desire to hunt and his love of toys, food, and exercise. It’s a great class for your dog to have fun, build confidence, and burn lots of mental and physical energy. Find out how good your dog’s nose really is!
Please bring a comfortable crate for your dog to rest in between his sessions during class. Please do not bring your dog to class wearing a choke chain, prong, or electric training collar.
Class length: 1 hour for six weeks - $125.00
Scent Work for Dogs Class in Springfield: Friday June 15th at 6:30 pm.
Click here to register.
scent work for dogs level 2
In our first level of Scent Work for Dogs we taught our dog’s how to use their nose and search for their reward. We also learned how to read our dog’s body language and know when they are signaling a find. In Canine Scent Work Level 2 we will teach our dog’s to find a specific scent that is not a food item. Using birch oil, we will teach our dogs to find everyday items such as a hidden set of keys, a remote control, and more. We will provide the scenting oil for classroom time. If you’d like oil for practicing at home, we can provide a small vial and dropper for $5.00 or a larger vial and dropper for $10.00. Please let us know when you register if you would like these items for home practice.
Dogs must have completed the first level of Scent Work for Dogs in order to enroll in the Scent Work for Dogs Level 2 class. Please do not bring your dog to class wearing a choke chain, prong collar, or electric training collar.
Class length: 1 hour for six weeks - $125.00
Scent Work for Dogs Level 2 Class in Springfield: Friday June 15th at 7:30 pm.
Click here to register.
agility for fun
Agility is a fun and highly active sport for you and your dog. Your dog will learn to negotiate a course of obstacles with you providing the direction through body motion, speed, hand and voice signals. The obstacles consist of a variety of jumps, tunnels, hoops, A-frames, cat walks, and more! Agility is perfect for active dogs needing both mental stimulation and physical exercise to tire them out. Agility can also be a great confidence builder for shy or anxious dogs and help strengthen the bond between dog and handler.
This class is perfect for those of you who have been curious to try agility without the pressure of being in a formal competitive environment. Dogs must have completed a Level 1 class or a basic manners class elsewhere in order to enroll in the Agility for Fun class. Please do not bring your dog to class wearing a choke chain, prong, or electric training collar.
Class length: 1 hour for six weeks - $125.00
Agility for Fun in Leverett: Outdoor classes run seasonally. Date TBA.
Click here to register.
Rally for fun
Rally is a fun and exciting team sport for dog and handler. Each dog and handler team negotiate a course with directional obedience signs, completing each station and moving on to the next station at a brisk pace. This class is perfect for those who’d like a taste of the sport without being in a competitive atmosphere.
Dogs must have completed a Level 1 class or a basic manners class elsewhere in order to enroll in the Rally for Fun class. Please do not bring your dog to class wearing a choke chain, prong, or electric training collar.
Class length: 1 hour for six weeks - $125.00
Rally for Fun Class in Hadley: March 5th at 6:30 pm
Click here to register.
contact us
If you need more information please contact Training Programs Coordinator Jill Haley Rose at 413-781-4000 ext. 129 or by email. Click here to view our training class schedule. Please remember, pre-registration is required to attend training classes.