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. Class descriptions follow below.
Class Offerings
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 comparable 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.
Wednesday, 4:30 - 5:30pm
Saturday, 9:00 - 10:00am
Cost: $20
Age: 8 - 10 weeks
Register Here
Complete your Training Class Questionnaire
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 teach you about positive reinforcement and how to clicker train. 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.
Wednesday, 6:00 - 7:00pm
Friday, 10:30 - 11:30am
Cost: $100
Age: 4 months and up
Register Here
Complete your Training Class Questionnaire
Best Friend Foundations
In this six-week class, you and your dog will learn many new skills. The first of the six classes is a human learner only class where the head trainer will teach YOU how to clicker train. 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.
Wednesday, 7:30 - 8:30pm
Saturday, 10:30 - 11:30am
Cost: $150
Register Here
Complete your Training Class Questionnaire
Canine College
This 4-week class is designed to help take you to the next level in your training proficiency with your dog. The first of the six classes is a human learner only class where we will discuss canine learning theory and how to train more advanced behavior. We will discuss how to address the “baggage” that some of our dogs have such as sensitivities and fear. We will touch on how to teach loose leash walking, recall, and settling on a mat as well as “leave it” and “take it”. The main goal of this course is to strengthen the bond you have with your dog. The class is designed to help solidify the basics and teach you how to train fluently for reliable and smooth behaviors.
Friday, 9:00 - 10:00am
Cost: $100
Register Here
Complete your Training Class Questionnaire
Virtual Sessions: (via Zoom)
As we adjust to life and local, state, and federal guidelines regarding COVID-19, we want to offer you options for dog training in a timely manner while maintaining safety protocols for you and your pets.
Hinsdale Humane Society is launching our new virtual training sessions so you do not have to wait to be seen in-person during the unforeseen future. These sessions can be extremely helpful and offer you tools, techniques and exercises to begin working with your dog right away.
Our trainer 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 ways to engage your dog and strengthen your bond.
Times are available on Mondays, between 9:30am and 7:00pm
Cost: Thirty-minute sessions are $30 and sixty-minute sessions are $60.
Register for a 30 minute Session Here
Register for a 60 minute Session Here
Complete your Training Class Questionnaire
Registration
All animals, regardless of class option, need to be registered BEFORE coming to class. Direct questions to bailey.mcconnell@hinsdalehumanesociety.org.
Registration is a two step process:
- Register for your class by clicking the link associated with your class above.
- Once you have registered, you will be given a link to complete the Training Class Questionnaire. This questionnaire must be completed prior to your first class.
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)
- 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.
Bailey McConnell, KPA-CTP
Trainer
bailey.mcconnell@hinsdalehumanesociety.org
Bailey has been involved in one area of animal welfare or another for the entirety of her adult life. She has held many positions in rescue from Behavior/Medical Foster to Volunteer Coordinator. Bailey works with our HHS animals both before and after adoption. She is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and applies her knowledge of applied behavior analysis as a trainer and as a shelter and rescue worker and volunteer.
Our Training and Enrichment Program is sponsored by:
.jpg){kind=logo}
