SHS Good Dog Academy

The SHS is proud to offer a variety of training and behavior services to the Spartanburg community.  Below you will find information on our group training classes for puppies and dogs as well as details on private lessons available for dog and cat owners who would like one-on-one assistance with behavior problems.

Classes are held at a convenient location just down the street from the Humane Society on Dexter Road . 

Class Descriptions

The first week of each of our classes is without dogs.  During this orientation session we will introduce you to our training philosophy and methods as well as cover class procedures, health and equipment requirements. 

PUPPY PRESCHOOL

Unleash your puppy’s potential to be a Good Dog!  The foundation you set during your puppy’s first 16 weeks will impact the rest of his, and your, life.  Puppy Preschool gives your puppy the skills to learn and to adapt to the world outside your home.  In addition to covering housetraining, loose leash walking, sit, and no jumping or nipping, this class will expose your puppy to situations and experiences that will help him become a well-adjusted pet.  Preschool is open to puppies 9 to 16 weeks of age and runs for 5 weeks.

Tuition $70.00

SHS adopters are eligible for a $10 discount if they register within 3 months of adoption.

Class Schedule (meets once a week for 5 weeks)

            Saturdays, January 5 – February 2, 10:00 – 11:00 am

            Tuesdays, January 8 – February 5, 6:00 – 7:00 pm

SUPER PUPPY  - Sessions starting in February 

Is your once adorable puppy turning into a villain?  Super Puppy is here to help!  This intermediate puppy class is designed to address common behaviors found in adolescent dogs, provide an outlet for your puppy’s new found energy, and deliver instruction on clicker training, come, sit, good leash manners, preventing jumping and mouthing, being left alone, and meeting strange dogs and people.  These skills will guide him on the path to Good Doghood.  Super Puppy is open to puppies 17 weeks to 10 months of age.

Tuition $70.00

SHS adopters are eligible for a $10 discount if they register within 3 months of adoption.  

CANINE MANNERS

Not your average obedience class!  Believe it or not, training can be fun for both you and your dog.  Through positive reinforcement and clicker training techniques your dog will learn all the basics -- sit, down, stay and self-control, and come.  We also cover valuable skills such as “drop it, leave it,” and “go to your place.”   Canine Manners is open to dogs 6 months of age and older and runs for 7 weeks.

Tuition $70.00

SHS adopters are eligible for a $10 discount if they register within 3 months of adoption.

Class Schedule (meets once a week for 7 weeks)

            Tuesdays, 7:15 – 8:15 pm *

Due to the holiday, Orientation will be held on January 3^rd at 7:15 pm .                         Regular Tuesday meetings will start January 8^th and run through February 12^th

            Thursdays, January 3 – February 14

                        Session 1       6:00 – 7:00 pm

                        Session 2       7:15 – 8:15 pm

            Saturdays, January 5 – February 16

                        Session 1       11:15 am – 12:15 pm

                        Session 2       1:30 – 2:30 pm

                        Session 3       2:45 – 3:45 pm

 ADVANCED CANINE MANNERS - Sessions starting in February 

Finishing school for your dog!   In Advance Canine Manners we will help you polish your dog’s obedience repertoire and add more challenging (and impressive) skills.   In this 7 week class, we will cover long distance stays and recalls, basic obedience with distractions, and introduce off-leash work.  The Canine Good Citizen test will be offered the final week of class.   Advanced Manners is open to dogs 8 months of age or older and who have completed Canine Manners or a comparable basic obedience course.

 Tuition $70.00

SHS adopters are eligible for a $10 discount if they register within 3 months of adoption.

Health Requirements

For the protection of all of our students, we require veterinary records showing proof of the vaccinations outlined below.   We do not require Bordatella (Kennel Cough) vaccination, but it is highly recommended, as is a fecal examination to check for internal parasites.

Puppies under 4 months of age

Puppies attending classes must have had at least one vaccination that protects against distemper and parvo no less than 2 weeks prior to attending class. 

Dogs over 4 months of age

Dogs attending classes must be fully vaccinated against rabies, distemper, and parvo. 

Waiting Period

We ask that puppies and dogs do not attend classes until at least 2 weeks after they are brought home for the first time or at least 2 weeks after they receive their vaccinations, whichever comes last.  This waiting period is designed to ensure that only healthy, fully immunized animals attend class.

Registration

To register for one of our puppy or dog training classes, download the registration and class selection forms and mail or deliver in person with payment to:

Spartanburg Humane Society
Attn: Good Dog Academy
150 Dexter Rd.
Spartanburg, SC 29303

Or call Erin James, Animal Behavior and Training Coordinator,
at 864-583-4805, ext. 109.

Private Lessons – For Dog and Cat Owners!

If you and your pet need help with specific behavior problems, or you prefer to work one-on-one with our trainer, private sessions offer a great alternative (or addition) to group classes.  Private lessons are offered for everything from basic obedience help and puppy issues to inter-dog aggression.  Private sessions are also available for feline issues such as litter box problems.   

The Good Dog Academy is not able to assist in treating dogs or cats with human-directed aggression or animals with a bite history. 

The initial consultation is 1 hour long and will consist of a behavioral history, discussing goals and treatment plans, and demonstrations of techniques.  Tuition is $40.   SHS adopters are eligible for a discounted rate of $20, within 3 months of adoption.

Follow up sessions are 30 minutes long and provide  time to discuss progress made and next steps as well as fine-tuning treatment plans.  Tuition is $25.   SHS adopters are eligible for a discounted rate of $20, within 3 months of adoption.

Various appointment times are available Tuesday through Saturday.  To schedule an initial consult, call Erin James, Animal Behavior and Training Coordinator, at 864-583-4805 ext. 109 .