Training and Enrichment
Our Training and Enrichment Program is two tiered, focusing on 1) classes intended to foster a healthy, positive, human-animal bond promoting humane animal treatment, responsible pet care, and positive reinforcement tactics for addressing behavioral issues, and 2) the behavioral approach to best address the needs of our animals, which is crucial to keeping pets mentally and physically healthy while living in a shelter environment. Our Training class sizes are limited in order to allow for proper social distancing. Masks are required at all times during in person classes. All classes take place at the Tuthill Family Pet Rescue & Resource Center, operated by Hinsdale Humane Society, 21 Salt Creek Lane, Hinsdale.
After you register for class, please complete our Training Class Questionnaire, which must be done prior to your first class.
Class Descriptions
Puppy Socialization - Puppy Peer Group
So, you got a puppy. A huge part of what makes a well-rounded adult dog is proper socialization. Bring your pup in for an hour and hang out with some comparably sized and aged friends. During this hour the head trainer will discuss the many facets of socializing a puppy and what we can do to get ahead of any rising behavior concerns.
- Wednesdays 4:00 - 5:00 pm - Jamie Merlo
- Fridays 4:00 - 5:00 pm - Yolonda Bradshaw
- Saturdays 9:30 - 10:30 am - Jamie Merlo
1 hour class
Cost: $20
Age: 8 weeks - 5 months
Puppy Pre-K
Our puppy class is a 4-week class where you and your pup start your relationship off on the right foot/paw. The first week is a human learner only class where the head trainer will learn about you and your dog's needs and teach you about positive reinforcement. In the following weeks, you will learn how to train some of the basic tricks such as sit, paw, down, and attention to the handler. Along with tricks, we will also work on building positive associations to the scary things in life, such as the vet’s office. During this class, we will discuss the many facets of puppy socialization and how to set our puppies up for lifelong success as well-rounded family dogs.
- Mondays 5:30 - 6:30 pm - Jamie Merlo
- Tuesdays 5:00 - 6:00 pm - Yolonda Bradshaw
- Thursdays 5:00 - 6:00 pm & 6:30 - 7:30 pm - Yolonda Bradshaw
(4) 1 hour classes
Cost: $100
Age: 4 months and up
Bark to Basics: foundation building for furry friends
In this six-week class, you and your dog will learn many new skills. The first week is a human learner only class where the head trainer will learn about you and your dog's needs and teach you about positive reinforcement. Over the six weeks, you will learn about canine communication and how to approach basic behavior problems. Some of the behaviors we will discuss will include: sit, down, attention to handler, and paw. Other things that will be discussed are; training a loose leash walk, polite greetings (no more jumping up), and basic husbandry and management tools to employ in your home, neighborhood, and veterinary office.
- Mondays 4:00 - 5:00 pm - Jamie Merlo
- Tuesdays 6:30 - 7:30 pm - Yolonda Bradshaw
- Fridays 5:30 - 6:30 pm - Jamie Merlo
- Saturdays 11:00 am - 12:00 pm - Jamie Merlo
(6) 1 hour classes
Cost: $150
Everyday Enrichment
Dogs will be dogs...so let them practice! Bring your dog in for this hour long class where you will learn about providing your dog with mental and physical stimulation that will help with confidence building, stress and anxiety relief, and how to encourage their natural instincts. Depending on the breed, some of these instinctive behaviors include digging, chasing, sniffing, and scavenging. We will discuss the importance of enrichment as well as show examples and give ideas for items that are easily created from everyday household materials.
- Wednesdays 5:30 - 6:30pm - Jamie Merlo
1 hour class
$20
Register for Everyday Enrichment
1:1 Sessions with the Trainer
As we adjust to life and local, state, and federal guidelines regarding COVID-19, we want to offer you options for dog training while maintaining safety protocols for you and your pets. We offer both in-person and virtual training sessions. These sessions can be extremely helpful and offer you tools, techniques and exercises to begin working with your dog right away. After you have registered, one of our trainers will contact you to work out a day / time that works for you both.
Our trainers will cover topics such as:
- Behavior Consultations: We will work with you to modify problematic behaviors such as anxiety, fear, and leash walking.
- Puppy Training and Guidance: Puppies need guidance and we can help. We’ll cover topics such as socialization, housebreaking, and beginning obedience. We teach you how to stop unwanted behaviors such as jumping, nipping, and chewing.
- Canine Enrichment: Just like humans, social isolation can be hard on dogs. We will provide you with creative ideas and tricks, mental games, and other ways to engage your dog and strengthen your bond.
Virtual Sessions: (via Zoom)
30 minute sessions are $30 each; 60 minute sessions are $60 each.
30 Minute Virtual Session 60 Minute Virtual Session
In-Person Sessions
All classes take place at the Tuthill Family Pet Rescue & Resource Center, operated by Hinsdale Humane Society, 21 Salt Creek Lane, Hinsdale.
30 minute sessions are $50 each; 60 minute sessions are $100 each.
30 Minute In-Person Session 60 Minute In-Person Session
Training Class Questionnaire
Prior to your first class, please complete the Training Class Questionnaire.
Cancellations / Location / Class Instructions
Refunds for these classes can only be offered if cancellation notice is given a minimum of 14 days prior to the beginning of class. Social distance training classes will be held at our Tuthill Family Pet Rescue & Resource Center, 21 Salt Creek Lane, Hinsdale. For safety reasons, children under the age of 5 may NOT attend. Children 5 to 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Please be on time for class and be prepared with the following*:
- Your dog on a well-fitted flat buckle collar, front clasp harness, or gentle leader
- A 6 - foot leash (leather, cotton or nylon)
- A large amount of tiny, moist, chewy, high value treats. Boiled chicken, cold cuts, cheese, or hot dogs work well.
- We prefer you do not feed your dog a large meal before class
- Your dog (please take them for a walk & potty break before class)
- Masks
*At no point will any type of metal collar or retractable leashes be allowed for use in class.
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