Dog Training Classes
The Champaign County Humane Society offers two different beginner-level dog training classes (Puppy and Basic Manners). Both training classes are open to all dogs, regardless of whether they were adopted from CCHS.
Dog training classes cost $120 for a 6-week session (meets once per week). There is a $20 discount for dogs adopted from CCHS or another shelter/rescue. Classes are held at the Champaign County Humane Society Education Center, located at 4003 Kearns Drive in Champaign.
Dog handlers will learn how to apply motivational training techniques to teach their dogs new behaviors and how to change or manage unwanted behaviors. Most important of all, the classes will be fun and help build a stronger bond between dog and human.
See our training class FAQs here. Thank you to our community partners at Pavlov Media for sponsoring CCHS dog training classes!
Puppy Dog Training Class
If you have an energetic, wiggly, wormy, puppy who needs to learn some basic manners and become properly socialized, this is the perfect class for you! Puppies that are 2 to 4 months old and current on vaccinations are eligible for enrollment.
You will learn how to teach your puppy the following behaviors: sit, lie down, loose leash walking, come when called, leave it, drop it, and stay. Basic handling, grooming techniques, and management of typical puppy behavior such as nipping, house training, and barking will also be addressed.
Owners will also learn how to properly socialize their puppies with other puppies and novel environmental stimuli. Socialization is invaluable in preventing the development of problem behaviors later on.
To enroll in a CCHS Puppy dog training class: (1) view the calendar for start dates/times and (2) Contact CCHS at 217-344-7297 to reserve your place in class. Please note that payment is due in full in order to reserve your spot in any CCHS dog training class. We will accept credit card payment by phone.
Basic Manners Dog Training Class
Do you have a dog that is over 4-months-old that needs to learn how to be well mannered at home or while out in public? Or, perhaps you are the proud adopter of an adult shelter dog and want to establish a bond or instill some good household manners right from the start.
In the CCHS Basic Manners class, you will learn to train your dog to respond to his name, sit, lie down, leave it, drop it, and stay. During class we will also discuss teaching your dog not to jump up on people or pull on the leash. Adult dogs in this class must be current on vaccinations and must be able to be around other dogs without barking or acting aggressively.
To enroll in a Basic Manners training class: (1) view the calendar for start dates/times, and (2) Return the training questionnaire by online form OR downloading the PDF and emailing it to Breanne Tabbert. A CCHS representative will contact you to complete your enrollment. Please note that payment is due in full in order to reserve your spot in any CCHS dog training class.
Our Training Philosophy
Champaign County Humane Society (CCHS) believes that the best way to train and rehabilitate homeless animals is through reward-based training. Positive reinforcement involves immediately rewarding an animal (with food, praise, toys, or play) when it offers a desired behavior. The beauty of positive reinforcement training is that it increases the likelihood that a good behavior will be repeated.
Through reward-based training, shelter staff and volunteers are able to encourage impulse control and basic manners and decrease unwanted behaviors. Many animals arrive at the shelter and find themselves surrounded by unfamiliar people. Harsh training techniques (such as swatting, or jerking the collar) are strongly discouraged because they cause unnecessary stress and can be unsafe for both the animal and the handler. Reward-based training is a calmer, more gentle approach that helps to promote a bond between animals and people.
At CCHS, environmental enrichment (i.e. food dispensing puzzle toys, auditory stimulation, socialization, and basic-manners training) is used to help minimize stress of shelter animals, promote exploration, increase physical activity, and decrease boredom. Studies show that the physical and psychological well-being of shelter dogs can be greatly enhanced through contact with humans and other dogs. It is our goal to have all dogs walked at least twice per day. In addition, staff members and experienced volunteers supervise dog-to-dog playtime when appropriate.
To learn more about how you can help CCHS with training and enrichment for shelter animals, please visit our volunteer page.
Basic Manners and Socialization Classes FAQ
1. What are the requirements for my dog to attend training class?
For puppy class, your dog must be between 8 weeks and 4 months old, and current on vaccinations (including Bordetella) by the start date of the puppy class. Basic Manners class is for any dog that is over the age of 5 months and current on vaccinations (including Bordetella).
***Dogs displaying aggression or other disruptive behaviors may not be suitable for group dog training classes. If this might be the case, owners can contact the shelter to see what the best learning environment for their dog is.
2. What's the cost of CCHS training classes?
All dogs adopted from a licensed animal shelter, animal rescue, or animal control facility are eligible for a $20 discount on standard training classes.
- $120 for the Basic Manners class
- $120 for the Puppy Socialization class
Occasionally, CCHS will promote training classes at our facility, taught by third-party trainers. Those classes are priced independently, and rates will be disclosed during marketing.
3. How long do the classes last?
Each class lasts one hour, once a week, for a total of six sessions. The first session of each class is an orientation session for owners only (no dogs).
4. Do I need to pre-register?
Yes! You need to pre-register. Your space in the class will not be held until payment is received in full.
5. How do I sign up for training classes?
For Basic Manners, complete the online questionnaire from the class description, above.
For Puppy Socialization class, email breanne@cuhumane.org with contact information and basic information about the puppy. Breanne will then contact you to complete the enrollment. Enrollment can be secured over the phone by using a credit card or in person using cash/check/credit card. To avoid overcrowded classes, forms submitted by mail are not permitted.
6. How many dogs are in each class?
Typically, 4-8 dogs are in each class.
*Maximum for puppy class is 8 puppies, max for manners class is 7 dogs.
7. Where are the classes held?
Training classes are held at CCHS in our Education Center, 4003 Kearns Drive Champaign IL.
8. Will this class satisfy the "special adoption" requirement?
9. What if I miss a class? Do you have make-up sessions?
Make-up classes will be scheduled if CCHS or the trainer has to cancel a session.
If you are unable to attend a class due to your own schedule, make-up classes will not be offered. Missing multiple classes may jeopardize your dog's "graduation." As a courtesy, please let the trainer know in advance if you are unable to attend a class.
10. What is the refund/cancellation policy for CCHS training classes?
A full refund will only be granted if cancellation is at least 2-weeks prior to the start date of the training class. Refunds will not be given to individuals that cancel less than 2-weeks before the start date of the training class, including no-shows and class drop-outs.