Dog Training

Philosophy

At Mountain Humane, we believe in saving animals and changing lives. One of the easiest ways to strengthen your connection with your pet is through training, using reward-based techniques, and positive-reinforcement. Our group training classes are perfect for dogs and owners of all experiences, from beginners to advanced, as there is always a way to take your dog's training to the next level!

Behavior and Training Overview
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Group Classes

Prices range from $125 to $175 and are once a week for four to six weeks. Please email behavior@mountainhumane.org with questions and for information on upcoming classes and workshops.

Bunny Hill

(Puppy Preschool)

If you have recently brought a puppy into your home, you don't have long before they are young adults with no manners. Get them started on the right paw by joining Puppy Preschool! This class is for pups under five months of age and aims to help you succeed in all the puppy situations you may encounter, like teething, potty training, socializing, handling, and more. A dog's sensitive period for socializing is not very long, so train early and don't miss your chance at having a robust, well-rounded pup!

Green Circle

(Basic Training)

If you are new to training, have a new dog, or just need a refresher, the Basic Training class is for you! In this course, you will learn how to teach your dog foundational skills such as sit, down, stay, and come when called, along with manners, like not jumping up or barking for attention.

Blue Square

(Intermediate Training)

Has your dog completed the Green Circle training course here at Mountain Humane or aced the Bunny Hill puppy class and is ready to leap ahead? Maybe you are hoping to move up to a more advanced level of training but need a refresher first. Then the Blue Square Training Course is for you!

Here you will build on basic behaviors by adding distractions, duration, and distance while working towards a more variable reinforcement schedule (this is a fancy way of saying you'll use fewer treats for training). The goal is to allow your dog more opportunities to practice and hone their basic behaviors before moving on to our Black Diamond training course.

Black Diamond

(Advanced Training)

Now that your dog has truly learned the basics, it's time to solidify those behaviors with them, so they are reliable in the real world. Teaching your dog more advanced concepts and behaviors means you, the owner, will also have to up your training skills.

In this course, you'll gain a more in-depth understanding of shaping behaviors, using a variety of reinforcements and markers, and working with real-life scenarios while teaching your dog new valuable tricks. If you want to improve your communication with your dog, help them learn to listen in more challenging situations, and hone your training skills, then this course is for you!

Private Training

Have you missed out on a group class? Or maybe your dog isn't ready to work around other pups? Or perhaps you have more specific behaviors you would like to work on with your canine companion? Whatever the reason, private training sessions can be ideal, and we are excited to announce that Mountain Humane now offers one-on-one dog training in the Wood River Valley!

We understand that every dog is different and their needs vary, so depending on your comfort level you can either meet at Mountain Humane or have a certified Mountain Humane trainer come to your home for these hour-long sessions. Email behavior@mountainhumane.org for more information and to book a session.

Complimentary private lessons are available with some dogs as part of their adoption package. Your adoption counselor will let you know if this program is available at the time of adoption.

FREE Behavior Help

To find out more and see if your pup is eligible for a free week of training, please get in touch with our Behavior Team at: behavior@mountainhumane.org.

Other Local Private Training Resources

Tamara Rowe of Rosy Rover Training

Clare Swanger of The Comfortable Canine

Workshops

We offer special workshops throughout the year. Please email behavior@mountainhumane.org with questions and for information on upcoming classes and workshops.

Reactive Rover Training

Does your dog bark incessantly, growl, or even lunge at other dogs when they are on leash? Many dogs and owners struggle with leash reactivity here in our community, but this is no longer something you need to suffer through!

Our Reactive Rovers classes are designed to help dogs and owners of all skill levels learn to overcome this common problem. We focus on changing your dog's underlying motivation for the behavior (fear, frustration, etc.), not simply addressing the symptoms (barking, growling, etc.). This training leads to long-lasting results and more enjoyable walks for you and your dog!

Off-Leash Fundamentals

Not sure your dog's off-leash recall is reliable? Then join Mountain Humane's certified trainers for a workshop that will make your dog safer and you happier. Each workshop can accommodate up to six dog/handler team openings of up to two people per dog.

A few more details - dogs must be:

  • friendly with other dogs and people
  • over the age of 6 months

Requirements for Participating in Dog Training Classes and Workshops:

  • All dogs must be accompanied by an adult (18 years and up).
  • Dogs cannot be sick, injured, in pain, or have behaviors that could jeopardize the health or safety of other dogs, staff, or volunteers.
  • Dogs must be up-to-date on their rabies and DAPP vaccines and Bordatella.
  • No choke chains, prong collars, or e-collars are allowed.
  • All dogs should be on a 6' lead at all times. No extending leashes are allowed.
  • Only force-free and positive reinforcement animal training methods are utilized.