Canine Training School Classes

"Best Group Dog Training Classes" - Indy Tails magazine 2005

"Best Dog Trainer" - Indy Tails magazine 2006

Canine Behavior and Training Class General Information

Are you looking for a dog training class that you and your dog can attend, where there is a flexible class schedule and classes are pet-dog oriented and family-friendly? The Humane Society of Indianapolis offers an innovative class format designed to help you fit dog training into your life, instead of the other way around!

The HSI Canine Training School is unique because it’s all about your dog’s abilities: if he or she is a fast learner, you won’t be be hindered by the slower learners in the class. And if your pup’s a taking awhile to learn the basics, have no fear; we’ll work with you so you aren’t left behind.

Our Philosophy

Our goal is to MAKE A HAPPY HOME. This means a happy dog and a happy owner. Obedience helps you and your dog bond and become a better family.

The Humane Society of Indianapolis' Canine Training School promotes dog-friendly methods so that all members of the family can take part in the training of the family dog. Behavior that is rewarded is repeated, and we don't use force or compulsion in our training. Our program is based on the 3 M's - Management, Motivation and Modifying Behavior. We discusshow to properly manage your dog's behavior to minimize inappropriate behavior, teach you how to motivate your dog to respond to humans, and begin to modify behavior through training.

We use food rewards as our primary motivator, but will also show you how to use a variety of “life rewards” at home and in daily situations once the desired behavior has been well established. Dog training should be fun for both the human and the dog.

We encourage but do not require the use of Gentle Leader™ head collars for dogs and puppies. A study based in the July 1, 2003 issue of JAVMA showed a correlation between use of Gentle Leaders in puppies and retention in the home. We sell them for $20 in the Canine Training School, or you can borrow one to see if you like it.

Which class is right for me?

Every class held at the Humane Society of Indianapolis has the same goal: to ensure that dog owners are learning how to effectively train and communicate with their canine companions. Having realistic expectations of your dog and learning how to properly modify his behavior can lead to an enjoyable life-long relationship.

After you have attended the Intro to Canine Training you will proceed with one of the following classes:

Polite Puppy Club

Puppies 2 to 4 months old are enrolled in the Polite Puppy Club (PPC). The PPC offers important socialization and training opportunities that help your puppy develop into a well-mannered adolescent dog. We talk about managing puppy behavior, how to practice prevention exercises that teach your puppy to tolerate being handled and restrained, having food and toys taken away, being left alone, being handled by strangers, and playing with other dogs.

Topics covered in PPC include: Knowing and understanding your puppy’s breed, socialization and assisting your puppy during stressful times, and discussion on typical puppy behaviors such as nipping and barking.

Obedience Level Program

If your dog is 4 months or older, the Obedience Level Program is for you! The Obedience Level Program is designed to train owners on how to gain control of their adolescent dog. You will be supported by your instructor and shown how to manage your dog's behavior while you teach him a vocabulary of commands that can be used in daily interactions.

There are three levels in this program, and we'll work with you so you never fall behind. The only things you have to keep up with are yourself and your dog.

The Obedience Level Program covers a variety of commands ranging from sit, down and stay, to come, leave it, and wait. We also have weekly discussions about such topics as jumping up, counter-surfing, barking and more.

Students may progress at their own pace without feeling rushed or held back by other students. This stress-free approach to class attendance accommodates your busy lifestyle, giving you the flexibility you need as well as the time to master a skill before moving up to the next level. Each dog enrolling in the Obedience Level Program program will begin at Level 1 regardless of prior training at another training school.

Training Costs and Schedule

You have the option of purchasing a 2 or 4 month training pass which pays for a block of time to train your dog in weekly classes. All students must attend the free Introduction to Canine Training session before beginning classes with their dog.

2 Month Training Pass $125.00
4 Month Training Pass $200.00

The Introduction to Canine Training is free to prospective students and is the first required class of our program. If you aren't sure about whether this is the program for you, come check us out and see what you think with no obligation. Our site is currently undergoing maintenance, so please call the CTS at 317.872.5650 x105 for details on registering and class dates.

When can I begin?

We have staggered start dates for our Polite Puppy Club and our Level 1 classes. By controlling how many new students begin at the same time we are able to reduce the stress on new students and their dogs.

When you proceed to registration, you will can choosefrom the available start dates on the registration page.

Private Training and Behavior Lessons:

The Humane Society of Indianapolis offers private canine behavior and training sessions with experienced instructors. The private lessons can be designed for the needs of you and your dog and are great for working on specific behaviors or training concerns. Our staff can work with both canine and feline cases.

Private in-home lessons cost $75 per hour
Private lessons at the shelter cost $50 per hour
Three in-home lessons and a Gentle Leader™ Headcollar System ($20 value) for $200

If you are still in need of assistance or have questions, feel free to contact Canine Training School manager Maggie Stevenson at 317.872.5650 x 105 or email.