If you have a dog who would not learn well in a traditional class due to fearful, threatening or aggressive beahvior, we have a special program of classes for you and your dog. These classes start with a 2-part seminar that is just for you. Your dog stays at home so you can learn without distraction. We then have classes for dogs showing fearful behavior that prevents them from participating in the usual dog training class, or dogs showing highly excitable behavior such as barking excessively, lunging, even snarling at other dogs in class. Below is detailed information about these classes.
Dogs With Issues Seminar
$60 per household
Offered at the Humane Society of Missouri
Tuesdays, June 12th & 26th - This class is now full
Contact our office to be notified if there are any cancellations
This class typically offered 4 times a year. Next class tentatively scheduled for
September 4th and 11th
Join our mailing list to get updates about this class
Whether you have a wallflower, a feisty fido or a leash lunger, this class will teach you how to manage your dog and learn the principles of training. You will learn how to recognize fear and the early signs of aggressive behavior. You will see examples of the latest methods for transforming fear into anticipation, and changing threatening behavior into polite manners. You will learn the latest reward-based methods to build your dog's confidence, and teach your dog to pay attention to you. This 2-week class is for owners only. Leave your dog at home so you can watch the presentation, videos and demonstration dogs without distraction. This class is a pre-requisite for enrolling in either the Shy Dog or Reactive Dog classes.
Behavior Evaluations
$45 per 30 minute private session
Offered at the Humane Society of Missouri
Offered on Saturdays - Contact our office to schedule an evaluation
Sometimes it is difficult to know which class or service is right for your dog. Your dog may be showing very fearful behavior, disruptive or threatening behavior and you are not sure how to proceed. We offer a private 30-minute behavior evaluation designed to make a recommendation for the best training options for you and your dog. You will get the the opportunity to meet privately with a trainer and discuss your concerns about your dog's behavior. A behavior evaluation is required prior to attending the Shy or Reactive Dog classes if your dog has a history of growling, snapping or biting.
Shy Dog Class
$120 for this 8 week class
Offered at the Humane Society of Missouri
Next class scheduled for July 10th
Attend the Dogs With Issues seminar to enroll in this class
Email us if you have already completed the Dogs With Issues seminar and wish to
enroll in this class.
This class is typically offered 4 times a year. The final class of the year is scheduled
for September
This class was developed for dogs that are not able to learn in regular obedience classes due to shy or fearful reactions. Our goal is to help you create a better, less stressful life with your dog. A behavior evaluation is required if your dog has a history of growling, snapping or biting.
Consider this class if your dog shows any of the following behaviors:
- Tries to hide, run away or trembles in new environments or when strangers or new dogs approach
- Startles easily and does not recover quickly.
- Shuts down, freezes, or in others ways does not interact
- Has been in a class and appears too stressed, nervous or uncomfortable to participate.
What you and your dog will learn:
- How to keep your dog from feeling overwhelmed or shut down from fear
- How to recognize canine body language that is associated with stress and fear
- How to change the way your dog feels about other people/dogs/places
- How to teach your dog what to do when she is nervous
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What if I’m not sure if my dog needs this class? Contact our office or speak to a trainer at one of the introductory seminars we offer, such as Behavior and Training 101 or the Dogs' With Issues Seminar. Generally, if you have observed any shy or fearful behavior as described above, it is best to be cautious and start your dog in this class. We reserve the right to make the final decision about the best class for your dog. Some dogs that show fearful behavior are better served in the Reactive Dog class.
- Will my dog get better? How much you and your dog get out of this class depends upon how much work you do between classes as well as your dog's underlying temperament. These will influence how quickly your dog responds to the training. You are assigned homework at every session. The more consistently you can practice the skills you are learning in class out in the "real world," the more likely your dog is to improve. Your dog may always be more cautious and tentative than other dogs. Our goal is for you to feel confident you have strategies and techniques to help your dog so she is not panicked and overwhelmed in her daily life.
Reactive Dog Class
$130 for this 6 week class
Next class scheduled for July 10th
Attend the Dogs With Issues seminar to enroll in this class
Email us if you have already completed the Dogs With Issues seminar and wish to
enroll in this class.
This class is typically offered 4 times a year. The final class of the year is scheduled
for September
This class was developed to meet the needs of dogs who would not learn in regular classes due to disruptive behavior such as growling, lunging or excessive and uncontrollable barking at unfamiliar dogs or people. A behavior evaluation is required if your dog has a history of growling, snapping or biting
Consider the Reactive Dog class if your dog shows the following behavior:
- Barking and/or lunging uncontrollably at other dogs or unfamiliar people (including instructors)
- Biting the leash or turning around to bite you when your dog sees others dogs or unfamiliar people
- Growling if other dogs or unfamiliar people approach
- Disruptive behavior in other group class situations
Note: If your dog is only showing aggressive behavior (growling, barking, snapping or biting) in the presence of food, treats or toys, this class will not be the most useful. However, you may benefit from private training or other resources to address this issue. Please contact us or speak with an instructor in one of our classes.
What you and your dog will learn:
- How to manage your dog safely
- How to recognize canine body language that predicts aggressive behavior
- How to change the way your dog may feel about unfamiliar dogs and people
- How to teach your dog what to do instead of barking, growling or lunging
Frequently Asked Questions
- What if I'm not sure if my dog needs this class? Sometimes it’s not easy to determine that the class is appropriate based only on history. Dogs going into the Reactive Dog class are required to have a 30 minute private behavior evaluation prior to starting class. Generally, if you have observed barking uncontrollably, lunging or snarling at other dogs or people in class, your dog may benefit from participating in the Reactive Dog class. We reserve the right to make the final decision about the best class for your dog. Some dogs that show disruptive or threatening behavior are better served in private training.
- Will my dog get better? How much you and your dog get out of this class depends upon how much work you do between classes as well as your dog's underlying temperament. These will influence how quickly your dog responds to the training. You are assigned homework at every session. The more consistently you can practice the skills you are learning in class out in the "real world," the more likely your dog is to improve.
