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Washington Humane Society Behavior & Learning Center

Consultations and classes for Cats and Dogs and the people who love them

The Washington Humane Society’s Behavior & Learning Center is dedicated to providing people and their animals the tools they need to succeed in lasting, successful relationships.

Our Behavior Counselors and experienced Trainers practice humane, motivational methods of training offered through private lessons, group classes, and behavioral workshops. Keep in mind: your family cat has a lot he can learn as well!


Seminars


Beef, Biscuits...and BHT?
Become a Savvy Pet Food Shopper for your Dog or Cat
We've all seen the commercials advertising pet foods that will help our dogs and cats live long, healthy lives; we've seen the pet food bags with pictures of fresh meats and whole grains, but what do our pets really need? And what's really in that little piece of kibble? The pet food aisles can be overwhelming with everything from grocery store brands to specialty foods such as grain-free, organics, and raw diets.

In this seminar we will show you how to be a savvy pet food shopper and learn what's best for your pet.
We will discuss:

• Essentials of a healthy diet
• Smart food on a tight budget

• How to read pet food ingredients
• Food allergies

• ...and so much more!

Seminar fee is $25 and supports the animals in our care. Pre-registration is required. Seats are limited.
Saturday, November 21, 2009, 10am - 12pm

For registration details please contact askthetrainer@washhumane.org



Pit Bull Banter
A Fireside Chat on Breed-Specific Topics

Calling all Pit Bull owners, lovers, advocates and anyone interested in learning more about this "hot topic" breed. Join the Behavior & Learning Department. and members of WHS for a group discussion over coffee and hot chocolate, during which we'll talk about the myths, facts, and other popular issues surrounding Pit Bulls.
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We will discuss:

• Breed-specific characteristics
• Aggression, arousal, and why dogs fight

• Biasis against the breed
• How you can help

• ...and so much more!

Seminar fee is $25 and supports the animals in our care. Pre-registration is required. Seats are limited.
Saturday, December 19, 10am - 12pm

For registration details please contact askthetrainer@washhumane.org



Home Alone
Recognizing and Treating Separation Anxiety in your Dog
Does your dog pace and become anxious when she sees you preparing to leave the house? Do you come home to chewed door frames or frequent "accidents" on your carpet? Whether your dog barks when left alone or is nicknamed "Houdini" for her successful escape attempts - your dog may be experiencing a form of separation anxiety.

We will discuss:

• Cutting edge analysis of various forms of anxiety
• How to determine whether your dog's anxiety is due to separation

• Case studies of specific dogs and their outcomes

• Choosing a treatment plan that is right for your dog
• ...and so much more!

Seminar fee is $65 and supports the animals in our care. Pre-registration is required. Seats are limited.
Sunday, January 24, 2010, 10am - 12:30pm

For registration details please contact askthetrainer@washhumane.org

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Private Lessons

Behavior Consultations and Obedience Training
Having problems with your feline, canine, or rabbit partner? A private session with one of our behavior counselors will reveal the motivation behind your pet’s behavior, as well as a behavior modification program designed specifically for you and your companion. If a formal obedience education is what you're are looking for, we offer private obedience lessons taught by experienced trainers using humane, motivational methods of training.

Dogs: Sessions are offered at our Behavior & Learning Center, located at 7315 Georgia Ave. N.W.
By Appointment Only

Our counselors can coach you to better manage and/or modify your dog’s behavior in:

• Separation Anxiety
• Leash Lunging or Pulling
• Timidity

• Aggression Concerns
• Multiple Dog Concerns

• Obedience Training
• AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC)

• ...and so much more!

Private behavioral sessions:
90 minute session $150
Package of four 90 minute sessions $525

Private obedience sessions:
60 minute sessions $100
30 minute sessions $ 50
Package of four 60 minute sessions $350

To schedule an appointment please contact askthetrainer@washhumane.org.
Non-refundable deposit required for all appointments (applied toward session)



Cats: Private sessions are offered by phone or at our Behavior & Learning Center. By Appointment Only.

Our counselors can coach you to better understand, manage or modify your cat’s behavior in:

• Litter Box Aversion
• Aggression Concerns
• Scratching Behavior
• Introducing a New Pet

• Carrier Fears

• ...and so much more!

Individual counseling sessions:
45-60 minute session $75

To schedule an appointment please contact askthetrainer@washhumane.org.
Non-refundable deposit required for all appointments (applied toward session)

 

Rabbits: Private sessions are offered by phone or at our Behavior & Learning Center. By Appointment Only.

Our counselors can coach you to better understand, manage or modify your rabbit’s behavior in:

• Litter Box Training
• Destructive Behavior
• Getting started with your first rabbit

• Bonding and introductions for new pets

• Aggression concerns
• Trick Training
• ...and so much more!


Individual counseling sessions:
45-60 minute session $50

To schedule an appointment please contact askthetrainer@washhumane.org.
Non-refundable deposit required for all appointments _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Group Classes

 

Focused Fido - (1 hour workshop)
Does your dog ignore you when he sees a squirrel or another dog? The exercises taught in this class will help you to maintain and/or regain your dog's focus on you even while he's distracted. $25

Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009, 7p - 8pm
Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009, 7p -8pm


For registration details please contact askthetrainer@washhumane.org



Well Mannered Holiday Dog - (2 week class)
A condensed version of our popular Well Mannered Dog Class. Join us for this 2-week obedience refresher to teach Fido proper door greetings and manners before holiday guests arrive. For dogs 5 mos. and above $50

This (2) two-week class meets the following Saturdays from 11am - 12pm:
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
For registration details please contact askthetrainer@washhumane.org



Well Mannered Dog - (4 week class)
Learn how to teach your dog (5 mos. and above) foundation skills such as sit, down, coming when called, loose leash walking and proper greetings with people and dogs. $100

This (4) four-week class meets the following Saturdays from 11am - 12pm:
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Saturday, January 16 , 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
For registration details please contact askthetrainer@washhumane.org



Kittengarten
- (4 week class)
Start your new kitten off on the right track! Learn about litterbox training, proper nutrition, trimming nails, and how to handle a variety of kitten behaviors such as scratching and rough play, all while your new companion romps and runs with kittens of the same age! Kittens 8 - 16 weeks are invited to attend class with their owners. Owners of cats older than 16 weeks of age are welcome to attend without their cats or may borrow a shelter kitten for class.

Coming soon


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Vaccinations

DOGS:
A ll dogs must be current on their DHLPP and Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccines by the first class. Dogs over 4 months of age must also be current with their Rabies vaccination.

CATS:
All cats must be current on their FVRCP vaccines by the first class. Cats over 3 months of age must also be current with their Rabies vaccination.

** If you adopted your pet from us, it does not mean that he or she will have all the vaccinations needed for class, so please check ahead of time. Be sure to bring your vaccination records with you to the first class! Guardians/Handlers must be at least 18 years old and children under 10 are not permitted to attend class. Class size is limited!! **

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Have a Question or Concern Right Now?

You can email us your feline or canine related behavior questions to: askthetrainer@washhumane.org. Emails are checked Monday-Friday. You should receive a reply within 24-48 hours.

You can also send a letter to the Washington Humane Society Behavior & Learning Center, 7315 Georgia Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20012, or call 202-723-5730 (ext. 122).

 

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