OHS Group Dog Training Classes
Train your dog at the Ottawa Humane Society!
We believe that training your dog should be fun for you, your family and your dog. Our classes are not intended to train your dog to compete in any level of training competition, but rather to teach the basics of good canine citizenship in a group setting. All training classes are taught with positive reinforcement.
The OHS currently offers two 6-week training courses:
- Beginner Group Dog Training – for dogs in need of basic training, including learning polite canine etiquette.
- Advanced Group Dog Training – for dogs that have completed our Beginner Group class and are looking for a little more!
Class Criteria:
OHS group classes are suitable for friendly dogs that are comfortable around other dogs and strangers in a group environment. Dogs that struggle with reactivity, aggression, excessive barking or other signs of anxiety around other dogs and humans are better suited to one-on-one training lessons with a private trainer.
Dogs must be at least four months old at the start of the session. For dogs under four months, puppy socialization classes are highly recommended. The OHS does not offer these, at this time.
Dogs must have the following vaccinations:
- Parvovirus, Distemper, Adenovirus and Parainfluenza (up-to-date)
- Rabies vaccine (up-to-date)
The following are strongly recommended but not required:
- Bordetella vaccine (up-to-date)
- Preventative flea and worm treatment
Please verify your canine’s immunizations prior to registration to ensure your dog’s immunity and that the vaccines are up-to-date (not expired). Proof of vaccination records are required for all OHS training classes.
Spay or neuter is recommended but not required for class. Read more about our position on spay/neuter.
A maximum of two human participants from the same household will be permitted to accompany each dog. Children attending class must be over the age of eight and accompanied by an adult.
Beginner Group Dog Training Class (6 weeks)
OHS Beginner Group dog training classes are a great way to teach your dog basic cues and polite canine etiquette in a fun, group setting! This class is targeted towards dogs that have little to no formal training. Our instructor will cover the basics of sitting, lying down, polite greetings, coming when called, stays with distractions, loose-leash walking, leaving objects alone, body handling and more. Your dog will also learn a few tricks!
Note: The first class of each beginner training session is for human participants only. Please leave your furry friends at home!
Cost: $195 for a six-week session
**A $25 discount is available for all OHS adopters who register for OHS Beginner Group Classes. Use promo code included in your Adoption Package at time of online registration or contact education@ottawahumane.ca before booking.
Upcoming Sessions
| Date |
Time |
|
Thursdays, Nov. 9 to Dec. 14, 2023 |
6 to 7 p.m. |
|
Thursdays, Nov. 9 to Dec. 14, 2023 |
7:15 to 8:15 p.m. |
Register today to guarantee your spot! Payment is required upon registration.
To be placed on an interest list for future Beginner Group Dog Training classes, select the “Interest List” button below to register. Select the calendar date (December 31, 2023) and time (11:59 pm) and select “Book Now”. Registration is free of charge.
Advanced Group Dog Training Class (6 weeks)
The OHS Advanced Group Dog Training class is designed for dogs who have completed the OHS Beginner Group Dog Training class. In the Advanced Group class, we introduce new behaviours and fine tune your dog’s existing skills. We will add new distractions at increasing levels of difficulty, including continuing to develop your stays, recall, loose leash walking, heeling, polite greetings, focus on handler, and more.
Advanced Group classes are suitable for dogs that can:
-
- Sit and down on cue (without a lure)
- Perform at least a 20 second stay (in a sit or down position)
- Have the basics of a recall (with or without distractions)
- Understand the leave-it cue (for lower or higher value items)
- Be non-reactive to people and other dogs
Dogs that may still struggle with the above training commands are better-suited for our Beginner Group class.
Cost: $195 for a six-week session
Upcoming Sessions
| Date |
Time |
| Mondays, Nov. 6 to Dec. 18, 2023 (no class on Nov. 13) (Dian McTaggart) |
6 to 7 p.m. |
Tricks and Games Group Dog Training Class (6 weeks)
OHS is excited to offer a new Tricks and Games Group Dog Training class that will be lots of fun for you and your dog.
This class will provide physical and mental challenges to stimulate your dog’s mind, while you both have a great time – a terrific way to bond with your dog. The tricks and games taught in this class also help develop strength in your dog’s core and hind quarters and will help with overall flexibility.
There are no prerequisites for this class.
Cost: $195 for a six-week session
Upcoming Sessions
| Date |
Time |
| Mondays, Nov. 6 to Dec. 18, 2023 (no class on Nov. 13) (Dian McTaggart) |
7:15 to 8:15 p.m. |
To be placed on an interest list for future Group Dog Training classes, select the “Interest List” button below to register. Select the calendar date (December 31, 2022) and time (11:59 pm) and select “Book Now”. Registration is free of charge.
COVID-19 Safety Protocols: To ensure the safety of OHS staff, volunteers, participants and animals, we ask that participants stay home if they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or live with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last five days. At this time, masking is not required for OHS programs and training classes, although participants who feel more comfortable wearing masks are encouraged to do so. We are regularly monitoring public health regulations and will update our COVID-19 safety protocols if anything changes.
OHS Group Dog Training – Cancellation and Refund Policy: Refund requests received 48 hours in advance of a scheduled class start date are eligible for a refund of $155 ($25 administration fee applies). Refund requests received within 48 hours of a scheduled class start date are not eligible for a refund. Missed classes cannot be made-up and are not eligible for a credit or refund. If your dog is not suitable for group classes (see class criteria above) you are not be eligible for a credit or refund.
Full refunds will be issued in the event that the OHS is required to cancel a class.
For more information, email education@ottawahumane.ca or call 613-725-3166 ext. 204.