**Prerequisites for this class are graduation from Companion Dog 3 and instructor approval or pass a placement test. You may not register for this class otherwise.** Learn some of the handling foundation skills needed before you embark on your agility training. While the dog will be learning some basic behaviors – such as waiting on a platform or mark bucket, going through a tunnel, circling an object, and recalling to the correct side – the focus will be on developing good mechanics on the part of the handler in an effort to build clear communication and a solid working relationship between the handler and dog. We will emphasize clarity in handler/dog communications to ensure your dog is able to learn quickly and without stress. Dogs must be 6 months or older, under handler control, have a rock-solid recall, dog friendly and comfortable in a crate. Please contact Annette Thomason at [email protected] to find out more about our agility program.
AT21 Agility Foundation Skills 2 - Waitlist Only $235.00
Continue adding complexity to the skills introduced in Agility Foundation Skills 1. We will focus on developing good mechanics on the part of the handler to build clear communication and a solid working relationship between the handler and dog. We will emphasize clarity in handler/dog communications to ensure your dog is able to learn quickly and without stress. Prerequisites: Agility Foundation Skills 1 or the equivalent via a placement test. Instructor approval required. Dogs must be 6 months or older, under handler control, have a rock-solid recall, be dog friendly and comfortable in a crate.
Continue learning obstacle performance and handler mechanics as you run short sequences using jumps, tire, tunnels, dog walk and A-frame. Teams will also begin teeter (seesaw) and weave pole training. This class is intended to be repeated until the skills are acquired to move to the next level. Pre-requisites: Dogs and handlers must have completed Agility Foundation Skills 1 and 2 (or an equivalent class at another training facility) and be proficient in the skills taught. Instructor approval required.
Graduates of Agility Beginning 1 will continue to learn obstacle performance and handler mechanics as they run short sequences using jumps, tire, tunnels, dog walk and A-frame. Teams will continue their teeter (seesaw) and weave pole training. This class is intended to be repeated until the skills are acquired to move to the next level. Pre-requisites: Dogs and handlers must have completed Agility Foundation Skills 1 and 2 and Agility Beginning 1 (or an equivalent class at another training facility) and be proficient in the skills taught. Instructor approval required.
Learn obstacle performance and run short sequences using jumps, tire, tunnel, dog walk and A-frame. Continue teeter (seesaw) and weave pole training. This class is intended to be repeated until the skills are acquired to move to the next level. Pre-requisites: Dogs and handlers must have completed Agility Beginning 2 (or an equivalent class at another training facility) and be proficient in the skills taught. This is an ongoing class and only open to current students of this class. Please do not register for this class until you have instructor approval.
It is time for more advanced handling challenges and continued training on weaves and teeter. This class is intended to be repeated until the skills are acquired to move to the next level. Pre-requisites: Dogs and handlers must have completed Agility Intermediate (or an equivalent class at another training facility) and be proficient in the skills taught. This is an ongoing class and only open to current students of this class. Instructor approval required.
AT26 Agility Ongoing Coursework - Waitlist Only $200.00
Graduates of Advanced Agility and with instructor's approval, will continue to run novice sequences to perfect their timing and handling, as well as train and proof more complex behaviors. This is an ongoing class and only open to current students of this class.
AT27 Agility Masters Handling and Coursework - Waitlist Only $200.00
For serious and experienced students training or competing at the Masters level in any venue. Focus will be on advanced handling techniques, preparing you to meet the challenges presented at agility competitions. This is an ongoing class and only open to current students of this class.
Come and practice your agility skills, run the courses, and train with distractions during this practice session. This is not a class with instruction, but sessions are supervised by an agility instructor. Two courses will be set, and you'll get two turns on each course. Run the course, practice bits or make up your own sequence. The time is yours to do with as you please, but don't forget the lavish praise and rewards. Prerequisite is Intermediate Agility and/or instructor approval.
Work on building your dog’s ability and confidence on all contact obstacles (teeter, A-frame, and dog walk) to help your team reach full height. We will also define and practice your contact behavior, 2on/2off or running, and work on techniques to train it. Learn how to teach your dog weave poles using the 2 X 2 method, a great way to improve consistency or refine it. This workshop can be a great addition to your regular weekly agility class. For handlers and dogs who have completed Intermediate Agility or with instructor approval.
AT401 Agility Skills and Drills Workshop - 2 hours $60.00
In this 2 hour Test and Tune workshop, teams will run a competition-style novice course. After the first run, instruction and tips will be given on best practices when walking a course and planning the best strategy for the team. Teams will then rerun the course and work through any trouble spots. Two different courses will be run and analyzed.
AT401 Agility Skills and Drills Workshop - 3 hours $90.00
In this 3 hour workshop we will run drills which will focus on the execution and timing of front crosses, blind crosses and rear crosses. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to run the same drill using a variety of crosses to determine which would be the best fit for your team.
Bring your agility energy along with plenty of pawsitivity and enjoy some fun for both you and your dog. The dogs will be flying as they wag their tails around 2 different courses designed for novice teams to practice their skills in a trial-like environment. Instructors will be available to act as a judge, but no scoring or prizes will be offered. This event is open to dogs one year and older. Dogs must be able to do the equipment safely and be off leash within the fenced ring area. Toys, hand-delivered treats and lavish praise are encouraged in the ring.
Bring your agility energy along with plenty of pawsitivity and enjoy some fun for both you and your dog. The dogs will be flying as they wag their tails around 4 different courses designed for novice teams to practice their skills in a trial-like environment. Instructors will be available to act as a judge, but no scoring or prizes will be offered. This event is open to dogs one year and older. Dogs must be able to do the equipment safely and be off leash within the fenced ring area. Toys, hand-delivered treats and lavish praise are encouraged in the ring.
A happier cat starts with enrichment! Cats need more than food and toys - they need real environmental enrichment to stay happy and healthy. Learn from our experts some simple, affordable ways to keep your cat engaged, reduce boredom-related behavior problems, and support your furry-friend's well-being indoors. This helps with cats who act out for attention and those who need to transition to the indoors. Need inspiration for your cat's catio? This is the workshop! NOTE: When registering you will be prompted to add a pet. If you do not yet have a cat, you may still register: Click Add Pet, then enter "Cat" in both the name and breed fields.
Who said cats can’t be trained? Cats are smart, curious, and highly trainable with the right attitude and approach! Learn how to use positive reinforcement to build trust and confidence, improve communication, provide mental stimulation and enrichment, teach useful behaviors, and reduce common frustrations like early wake-up calls. scratching furniture and jumping on counters. Strengthen your bond with your cat while gaining practical tools you can start to use right away in this live Zoom workshop with our experts in cat behavior. NOTE: When registering you will be prompted to add a pet. If you do not yet have a cat, you may still register: Click Add Pet, then enter "Cat" in both the name and breed fields.
Our crash-course in Kittens! Learn the fundamentals of kitten-care and best practices for raising a confident, well-adjusted cat. Learn how to handle common kitten challenges like biting, scratching, hiding, and high-energy behavior while exploring the best options for litter, toys, food, enrichment, and socialization. NOTE: When registering you will be prompted to add a pet. If you do not yet have a cat, you may still register: Click Add Pet, then enter "Cat" in both the name and breed fields.
Do you speak Cat? We do! Learn from our experts how to interpret feline body language and subtle kitty communication signals. This workshop helps you understand what your cat is expressing, how your behavior impacts them, and how to better predict their actions. Especially useful for preventing unexpected biting and other behavior surprises. NOTE: When registering you will be prompted to add a pet. If you do not yet have a cat, you may still register: Click Add Pet, then enter "Cat" in both the name and breed fields.
This group class will focus on beginning socialization, management, handling, and manners for puppies 10-16 weeks old at the start of the series. At least 2 sets of distemper/parvo shots are required (please confirm before signing up!) Six-week class for $200. A 1-hour virtual orientation will be emailed about 1 week before class and you will need to complete this and start some homework prior to the first class.
This group class will focus on beginning socialization, management, handling, and manners for puppies 10-16 weeks old at the start of the series. At least 2 sets of distemper/parvo shots are required (please confirm before signing up!). Five-week class for $165. A 1-hour virtual orientation will be emailed about 1 week before class and you will need to complete this and start some homework prior to the first class.
Join Puppies in the Park! This class is for pups approximately ages 14-20 weeks, between 16 and 30 pounds, and with some play experience. These single-day events are held in the Marin Humane Parks. You and your dog will learn how to play with other dogs, how to interact with new environmental objects, and how to play with YOU. At least 2 sets of distemper/parvo shots are required (please confirm before signing up!) Please only sign up for one Puppies in the Park class per day. Each class is 45 minutes long for $25. Classes will be held for mild weather (sprinkles for example).
Join Puppies in the Park! This class is for pups approximately ages 10-20 weeks, under 15 pounds, or with little to no prior play experience. These single-day events are held in the Marin Humane Parks. You and your dog will learn how to play with other dogs, how to interact with new environmental objects, and how to play with YOU. At least 2 sets of distemper/parvo shots are required (please confirm before signing up!) Please only sign up for one Puppies in the Park class per day. Each class is 45 minutes long for $25. Classes will be held for mild weather (sprinkles for example). When available, classes will be moved indoors for more severe weather. Your instructor will email the morning of the class to indicate the status of the class.
Are you a bully breed lover who would like to train with fellow bully enthusiasts and learn more about these unique dogs? This class is meant to give guardians of bully breeds and bully mixes a head start on some basic attention and handler focus prior to taking Companion Dog 1. Learn about some of the unique bully behaviors that can be interpreted as aggressive or rude. Behaviors such as staring, rough play styles, and not allowing for customary personal space can all be misread and cause problems in the doggy world. This course will give you a little more support, give you skills and time to practice specific tools, and ensure you are comfortable when you begin Companion Dog 1. For dogs 4 months or older. Note: This class is not a substitute for Companion Dog 1, nor does every Bully Breed need this class. Relevant breeds and breed mixes are: Boxers, Bulldogs, Pit Bulls, Staffordshire terriers, Rottweilers and Mastiffs.
This group class is designed for dogs 4 months and older, any breed size. A beginning-level class teaching the fundamentals of good manners - sit, down, stay, come, polite greetings and walking, wait at doors, and leave it.
Is your small dog a sensitive soul who needs a little help learning how to navigate in the big world? This no pressure beginning-level class is designed to help human/canine teams do just that. Learn the fundamentals of reading your dog's stress signals and how to manage the stress. We will spend time on T-touch and other relaxation techniques. This class also focuses on personal play, scenting, and exploring objects. Build confidence in your dog and understand your dog's emotional needs. For dogs 4 months and older who will be under 30 pounds as adults.
A beginning-level class teaching the fundamentals of good manners: Sit, down, stay, come, polite greetings and walking, wait at doors, and leave it - with attention to small-breed training issues. For dogs 4 months and older. Dogs must be 30 pounds and under as adults.
Crates help your dog establish good habits and prevent the formation of destructive habits. They are an excellent housetraining tool and can be used in many behavior modification programs. Crates provide a safe space for your dog to rest, away from the activity in the environment. Crate training is a “must” for both perfect and problem dogs. Even in our advanced obedience, agility, scenting, and several other classes, dogs must be crated for short periods. Come learn all about crates with us!
Crates help your dog establish good habits and prevent the formation of destructive habits. They are an excellent housetraining tool and can be used in many behavior modification programs. Crates provide a safe space for your dog to rest, away from the activity in the environment. Crate training is a “must” for both perfect and problem dogs. Even in our advanced obedience, agility, scenting, and several other classes, dogs must be crated for short periods. Come learn all about crates with us!
Using novel equipment and other obstacles, build confidence and have fun with your diminutive dog while solidifying your training skills. Learn how to spice up your training routine with your little friends! Graduates of Small Dog 1 or Companion Dog 1 and dog-friendly dogs only. For small-breed dogs 30 pounds and under, please. This class is the equivalent of Companion Dog 2 but designed for our smaller K9 companions.
Should I grab that sandwich? Should I chase that squirrel? Change how your dog thinks about and processes distractions with a series of games that teach impulse control and focus. If you've ever wished for an automatic leave-it, heard that your dog "needs a job," or discovered that bikes are more compelling than recall, this class can help. For graduates of Companion Dog 2 or higher. Dog-friendly and people-friendly dogs only, please.
Paws up on your guest/neighbor/parent/child AGAIN?? Your dog isn't being "bad" – and we can teach him how to do better. Join us for Jumpers as we explore how to achieve a reliable "four on the floor." We'll explore the reasons dogs jump up (spoiler: it's not always joyful exuberance) and ways the behavior can be managed and modified. Together we'll practice strategies for teaching your dog to greet people politely in your home and out on walks, and understand when your dog might not be ready to greet. For graduates of Companion Dog 1 or Small Dog 1, or pass a placement test.
When you call your dog does he go the other way? Pretend he doesn't hear you? Does he pull at the end of the leash constantly? Or is he selective, sometimes responding to your cues and sometimes not? Learn how to make recall and loose-leash walking something your dog reliably wants to do! This 3-week class focuses on recall practice, methods for walking your dog without pain, and discovering the rewards and fun that are possible with both.
Teaching your dog tricks is a great way to strengthen your relationship with your dog and build their focus on you - and it's great fun, too! In this class you will learn an array of tricks through luring and shaping.
Keep your dog fit for life! Whether your dog is involved in canine sports, lives an extreme lifestyle, or needs conditioning to stay fit and strong as he ages, this is the class for you. Strength and flexibility exercises are also great foul-weather exercises that work mind and body. A tired, fit dog is a good dog! Your instructor, a Certified Canine Strength and Conditioning Coach, brings 30 years of group class and personal training expertise with humans to the canine world. This course will focus on building balance, strength, and cardiovascular fitness. Prerequisites: Graduates of Companion Dog 1, instructor approval or equivalent experience. Your dog should have some experience with luring, shaping, and cueing techniques.
Canine Good Citizen (CGC) is a certification and titling program developed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) to recognize mixed breed and purebred dogs with good manners at home and in the community. The program stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. This class prepares you and your dog for the optional Canine Good Citizen test, with training for each of the 10 elements of the test. Dogs must be graduates of Companion Dog 3 (or pass a placement test) and must be at least one year of age and comfortable being handled by a friendly stranger.
Take your Family Dog training on the road, proofing your polite walking, sit/down stay, recall, and leave it with the distractions of an urban environment, such as sidewalks, shopping centers, and city parks. Cars, people, bikes, strollers, and other dogs, oh, my!
This 6-week course will incorporate elements of the advanced AKC Community K9 CGCA. The class is for dogs who are both dog- and people-friendly and have graduated successfully from Family Dog 4, have instructor approval, or have taken a placement test.
This class prepares you and your dog to become a volunteer animal ambassador team for Marin Humane. (Visit https://marinhumane.org/get-involved/community-engagement/animal-assisted-programs/ to learn about our Animal-Assisted programs.) Class includes relationship assessment, mock visits, body language lesson, safety skills and a final screening. A pre-screen meeting is required before taking the class. Attendance required for all six weeks of class in order to graduate. *Note that fall 2026 class series has 7 dates because the class will be split 10/14 and 10/21 into smaller groups. Graduation is 11/7 offsite.*
Give your dog an opportunity to work at something he "nose" how to do naturally, while also building his confidence and his relationship with you. Using your dog's curiosity, desire to hunt, and his love of food, toys and exercise, you'll teach him to hunt for a specific scent in a variety of increasingly complex environments. There are no prerequisites for this class but your dog must be crate-trained or able to be on leash behind a barrier during other dogs' turns. For dogs 4 months and older.
Give your dog an opportunity to work at something he "nose" how to do naturally, while also building his confidence and his relationship with you. Using your dog's curiosity, desire to hunt, and his love of food, toys and exercise, you'll teach him to hunt for a specific scent in a variety of increasingly complex environments. There are no prerequisites but your dog must be crate-trained or able to be on leash behind a barrier during other dogs' turns. For dogs 4 months and older.
This is class number two in a series of six core Nose Work classes, all of which may be taken until the graduation criteria have been met. This class will continue to work with food and/or toys with a focus on handling skills, independent searching, and recognizing behaviors your dog uses to communicate that he is sourcing odor. We will use all four elements required in NACSW searches: Containers, Interiors, Exteriors and Vehicles. In addition, special search setups will allow your dog to begin to experience a variety of simple odor "puzzles" and help to build a strong foundation in the sport of Nose Work.
This is class number two in a series of six core Nose Work classes, all of which may be taken until the graduation criteria have been met. This class will continue to work with food and/or toys with a focus on handling skills, independent searching, and recognizing behaviors your dog uses to communicate that he is sourcing odor. We will use all four elements required in NACSW searches: Containers, Interiors, Exteriors and Vehicles. In addition, special search setups will allow your dog to begin to experience a variety of simple odor "puzzles" and help to build a strong foundation in the sport of Nose Work.
This class follows Nose Work Introduction and Nose Work Foundations. It is the third class in a series of six, any of which may be repeated until your dog meets the graduation criteria. Your dog will be introduced to the first target odor (Birch) used in NACSW and AKC searches. Student scenting kit (jar with Birch scented swabs, tweezers, slide tin, magnet) included in class fee.
NT203 Nose Work Introduction to Odor - Petaluma $275.00
This class follows Nose Work Introduction and Nose Work Foundations. It is the third class in a series of six, any of which may be repeated until your dog meets the graduation criteria. Your dog will be introduced to the first target odor (Birch) used in NACSW and AKC searches. Student scenting kit (jar with Birch scented swabs, tweezers, slide tin, magnet) included in class fee.
This class is for dogs who have completed Nose Work Introduction, Foundations, and Introduction to Odor. Class will focus on working with unpaired hides and becoming odor obedient on all three NACSW target odors (Birch, Anise and Clove) while continuing to improve handler skills through increased searching challenges. Class will use all four search elements: Container, Interior, Vehicle, and Exterior searches, which are required in a K9 Nose Work NW1 Trial. Final test to graduate to Nose Work Advanced is passage of mock ORT and instructor approval.
NT204 Nose Work Working with Odor - Petaluma $260.00
This class is for dogs who have completed Nose Work Introduction, Foundations, and Introduction to Odor. Class will focus on working with unpaired hides and becoming odor obedient on all three NACSW target odors (Birch, Anise and Clove) while continuing to improve handler skills through increased searching challenges. Class will use all four search elements: Container, Interior, Vehicle, and Exterior searches, which are required in a K9 Nose Work NW1 Trial. Final test to graduate to Nose Work Advanced is passage of mock ORT and instructor approval.
Take your scenting skills on the road by training in new and distracting environments. This class will focus on building your dog's confidence and drive for scenting while developing your handler skills through more complex searches. We will focus on all four search elements: Container, Interior, Vehicle, and Exterior searches to prepare you and your dog for K9 Nose Work trials. Most classes are off-site at various locations. Your dog must be comfortable car crating between searches and must be able to calmly work in public areas where there are people and other dogs. The dog must be under handler control at all times.
Build stronger, more confident container-searching skills! In this three-week class, we’ll use targeted exercises and creative setups to build clarity, encourage thoughtful searching, and strengthen confidence on both ends of the leash. Teams will work with a variety of container types and be introduced to common container distractions. Dogs should have completed an Intro to Odor class (or equivalent), and have experience searching closed boxes. Please note: This workshop is NOT designed for dogs currently working through box antics such as pawing, biting, or “box smashing.”
Build stronger, more confident interior-searching skills! In this three-week class, we’ll explore the unique challenges of interior searches through targeted exercises and creative setups. Teams will work on start-line routines, thresholds and corners, and navigating spaces of different sizes and configurations. Dogs should have completed at least one Working with Odor series (or equivalent) and be searching all three target odors: birch, anise, and clove. Searches will be NW2/NW3 parameters.
Build stronger, more confident vehicle-searching skills! In this class, teams will develop a dog-driven vehicle wrap while working a variety of vehicle configurations and odor puzzles. Emphasis will be on supporting independent searching, reading changes of behavior, and building confidence around vehicles. This class is appropriate for dogs who have completed at least one Working with Odor series and are searching independently for all three odors (birch, anise, and clove). Search setups will follow NW2/NW3 parameters.
NT401 Nose Work Odor Recognition Test Prep Workshop $75.00
Planning to enter the ORT hosted by Marin Humane on October 10 , 2026, or any ORT in the near future? An Odor Recognition Test (ORT) is the first required step in your trialing career with the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW™). In this 90-minute workshop, we will cover what to expect at an ORT and how to best prepare your team. You will be able to experience a Mock ORT, including three timed tests with birch, anise, and clove. Feedback is available from the judge if you want, and questions are welcomed. Dogs must be proficient on birch, anise, and clove and have a beginning understanding of searching for target odor in containers. Class is held at our Novato campus in the Pavilion.
A variety of searches – 5 total -- will be offered (Interior, Container, Exterior and possibly Vehicle) and will approximate a trial environment but may not meet all competition requirements. Runs may be done blind or with known hide locations, handler's choice. Participants will be assigned a specific arrival time. More information including run-order and check-in time will be emailed at least 2 days prior to the event. You will run all of your searches back-to-back and then depart the facility. Instructors/Volunteers will be available to act as a judge, but no scoring or prizes will be offered. Participants may request as much or as little help as needed; this is a training opportunity, not a trial! Searches may be split between 2 "judges" and run concurrently.
A variety of searches – 5 total -- will be offered (Interior, Container, Exterior and possibly Vehicle) and will approximate a trial environment but may not meet all competition requirements. Runs may be done blind or with known hide locations, handler's choice. Participants will be assigned a specific arrival time. More information including run-order and check-in time will be emailed at least 2 days prior to the event. You will run all of your searches back-to-back and then depart the facility. Instructors/Volunteers will be available to act as a judge, but no scoring or prizes will be offered. Participants may request as much or as little help as needed; this is a training opportunity, not a trial! Searches may be split between 2 "judges" and run concurrently.
A variety of searches – 5 total -- will be offered (Interior, Container, Exterior and possibly Vehicle) and will approximate a trial environment but may not meet all competition requirements. Runs may be done blind or with known hide locations, handler's choice. Participants will be assigned a specific arrival time. More information including run-order and check-in time will be emailed at least 2 days prior to the event. You will run all of your searches back-to-back and then depart the facility. Instructors/Volunteers will be available to act as a judge, but no scoring or prizes will be offered. Participants may request as much or as little help as needed; this is a training opportunity, not a trial! Searches may be split between 2 judges and run concurrently. For more information, please email Kathleen at [email protected].
Connect one-on-one with a Marin Humane trainer via Zoom. Each session is 30 minutes. Please select the same trainer you have been working with. You will receive a Zoom link prior to your scheduled appointment.
First choose a trainer and book a 30-minute get-to-know-you Zoom or phone session. In the checkout process, choose the Private Training Get Started Package, which includes a written training plan and three 45-minute training sessions at Marin Humane.
Need help with behaviors you are seeing in your Marin Humane adoption dog? We offer a free 45-minute telephone or Zoom consultation to assist you in addressing these behaviors. This offer is available to people who have adopted a dog from Marin Humane or Hopalong within the past six months. Before booking here, you must first activate your client account at https://portal.busypaws.app/customers/marin-humane-1/login . Use the same email address you put on your adoption application, click Set/Reset password and follow the prompts. Once you’re logged in, click on your initials at the top right to update your pet information, view your available credits, and book your consultation. If you need assistance, call 415-506-6280 or email [email protected] before booking.
Behavior Consultations address the "why" of your predicament and provide a "how to modify" guide for behavior problems. In this 75-minute session at Marin Humane, we'll discuss your dog's history, try to observe the undesirable behavior, explain how to modify it, and then demonstrate the applicable techniques. After your consultation you will receive a written behavior modification plan for your dog. NOTE: If your dog has bitten and broken human skin, please sign up for a behavior consultation that is at least 10 days post-bite.
Behavior Consultations address the "why" of your predicament and provide a "how to modify" guide for behavior problems. Our Virtual Consultations happen over the phone or on Zoom or Facetime and are 1 hour. We'll discuss your dog's history and the undesirable behavior, talk through your goals, and explain how to modify the behavior. This session includes a write-up of behavior modification suggestions and applicable resources.
Managing and working with reactivity requires a solid understanding of the underlying causes of the behavior. In this 75-minute session at Marin Humane, we'll explore the basis for reactivity in your dog and teach you how to manage and modify your dog's barking, lunging, jumping, growling, or fixating behaviors. After your consultation you will receive a written behavior modification plan outlining recommendations for management and training. In the checkout process you'll have the option of adding private behavior modification sessions, during which we work with real dogs near Marin Humane. NOTE: If your dog has bitten and broken human skin, please sign up for a behavior consultation that is at least 10 days post-bite.
For dog-handler teams who have learned the foundations of walking and living with a reactive dog, we offer group classes to proof your skills. Reactive to Resilient is the first class in this series. Reactive to Resilient alternates between in-person classes and Zoom classes:
Our in-person classes (4 total) will visit different locations in Novato and Petaluma. Some sessions will focus on practical scenarios, others will incorporate new, fun challenges for your dog. Our goals are to help make your reactive dog's world bigger and give you more skills and practice to be a confident handler.
For the human connection, we meet on Zoom alternate weeks (4 total). These sessions include discussions, demos, and Q&A.
Prerequisites: Behavior Consultation at Marin Humane, completion of a Behavior Modification Package or Reactive Dog Get Started Package, and personal invitation. Do not register for this class without an invitation.
Class meets sprinkle or shine. Heavy rain or high heat cancels and we will add a make-up at the end of the series.
For dog-handler teams who have learned the foundations of walking and living with a reactive dog, we offer group classes to proof your skills. Calm & Confident is the second class in this series. Classes will visit different locations from San Rafael to Petaluma. Some sessions will focus on practical scenarios, others will incorporate new, fun challenges for your dog. Our goals are to help make your reactive dog’s world bigger and give you more skills and practice to be a confident handler. For the human connection, we include a Zoom call the week after each class to debrief and learn. Heavy rain or high heat cancels class, with a make-up at the end of the series.
For dog-handler teams who have learned the foundations of walking and living with a reactive dog, we offer group classes to proof your skills. Wingman Walks is the third class in this series and is an ongoing single-session class.
Let's go for a walk! Each class we meet at a different location in Marin that's appropriate for reactive dogs. We'll walk together, as close or as far apart as each dog needs. This "buddy walk" technique helps dogs and handlers practice their skills in a safe and supportive group alongside an instructor.
Prerequisites: Behavior Consultation at Marin Humane, completion of a Behavior Modification Package or Reactive Dog Get Started Package, and graduation from Reactive to Resilient. Do not register for this class without an invitation.
Rally obedience is an AKC titling dog sport that encourages communication and a sense of teamwork between the dog and the handler. In this class you and your dog will be introduced to the sport, become familiar with the Novice sign exercises used in simple obedience courses, and learn the foundation exercises of Rally: Formal heeling, call fronts, finishes, and about turns. Focus will be on developing handler skills to build clear communication with your dog. Your dog should have a reliable sit, down, and stay. Basic knowledge of mark bucket and platform work would be beneficial. We will focus on teamwork, communication and fun! Pre-requisites: Graduation from Companion Dog 2 or pass a placement test. Dogs should be comfortable being crated or on tie-down while their handlers walk the Rally course.
Continue to build good handler and communication skills, as well as improve precision in heeling, turns, and position changes through mark bucket and platform exercises. Along with reviewing the fundamentals of Rally Obedience 1, we will move on to the Intermediate and Advanced level exercises: Moving side step, dog circles handler, and finish to heel. Each class will present an AKC Rally Novice or Intermediate course to run with the option of video for the AKC Virtual Rally Titling program. Students will also receive instruction for in-person trial readiness at Novice and Intermediate levels. Pre-requisites: Instructor approval, as well as successful completion of Rally Obedience 1, Novice title, or in-progress Intermediate title.
For experienced students training toward or competing at Rally Advanced and Masters levels. We will practice advanced handling skills, preparing you to meet the challenges of Rally in-person and/or virtual titling competitions. Teams will practice precision heeling, pivots, changes of position, and jumps, as well as work toward the goal of running courses off-leash and with no treats. Pre-requisites: Instructor approval and graduation from Rally Obedience 2 (or equivalent placement test).
If you have completed classes elsewhere and trained important skills like a solid off leash recall in distracting environments, waiting quietly in a crate, sending to a bed, platform or mark bucket, then you may be ready to jump into a foundation agility class. If you have already trained your dog in agility at a different location, then sign up for our Placement Test so you can come and show off your skills. We’ll determine the level of class that will best suit your needs.
Would you like to test into an Companion Dog intermediate or advanced class without the listed prerequisites? Sign up for a Placement Test to determine the appropriate class level for which you and your dog are ready. For a list of skills required at each level, go to https://marinhumane.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/ADMIN-Class-Self-and-Pre-Screen-Test_2024Feb.pdf
If you have done Nose Work with your dog at another facility and wish to start at Marin Humane at any level beyond Nose Work Introduction, please register for a placement test to best assess which class is appropriate for you and your dog. All placement tests are conducted at Marin Humane in Novato.
Are you prepared to care for and adapt to the changing needs of a senior dog? As pet owners, we actively seek guidance in raising our puppies and provide training to our adolescent or adult dogs. Yet we don't always recognize our senior dogs' age and provide adequate care and adjust our training accordingly. Join Yuching Desch, Marin Humane dog training instructor and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant for an in-depth look at signs of aging and frailty, how to adapt your home, new training and enrichment needs, taking care of yourself as the caregiver, working with your vet, quality of life considerations, and saying goodbye. There will be time to answer your questions during the live Zoom, and a recording will be available after. Zoom login instructions will be provided 1 week before the webinar.
What's your dog trying to tell you? We pick up on the loud or obvious communication signals our dogs send (bark, growl, paw, lunge), but these barely scratch the surface of what our dogs are thinking and feeling. And many of the signals we think we understand may mean something entirely different! Join Yuching Desch, Marin Humane dog training instructor and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant for an in-depth look at canine body language, cutoff signals (how the dog says "no" politely before the growl/lunge), indications of fear or anxiety, when to intervene to avoid an aggressive response, types of aggression, and fostering trust. This webinar is appropriate for guardians and pet professionals. A recording will be available if you can't join live. Zoom login instructions will be provided 1 week before the webinar.
If you're interested in separation anxiety training with Marin Humane, start with a short Zoom call with our trainer to answer your questions, learn about training options, and determine next steps. Prior to your scheduled call, we will email you a Zoom link.
