Training and Classes

Basic Beginner Obedience

The basic beginner class is beneficial for dogs of all ages. You will learn how to be a leader to your dog in a way that he will trust and respect you and will listen to what you ask of him, mental and physical exercise needs, teaching your dog not to jump on you, paying attention when you say his name, teaching him how to sit, lay down, stay, come, walk on leash politely, wait at doors, and shake. You will receive a packet containing step-by-step instructions on how to teach your dog the obedience commands, plus additional information on how to resolve other behavior problems that aren't addressed in the class. Registering in advance is necessary.
Class Duration: One night a week for six continuous weeks, and is an hour in length.
Fee: $95.00 for the entire 6-week session; $70 for dogs adopted from the Sacramento SPCA, Sacramento County or City Shelters. $49.00 for seniors age 60 and older for any class.
Refunds: Notification of cancellation must be received at least one (1) week prior to the first class session for a full refund. Cancellations received between one (1) week and 48 hours prior to the first class session will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be given for cancellations less than 48 hours prior to the first class sesssion or no-shows. Attendance of weeks 1 and 2 is mandatory for continuation in the class and no refunds will be given for drops.

NEW! We now offer training classes at Sacramento County Animal Shelter located at 3839 Bradshaw Road in Sacramento. Please see class schedules below!

All BEGINNING OWNERS are REQUIRED to attend the first session WITHOUT THEIR DOGS. The session is mandatory and times differ from normal class hours.

Class Offerings at the Sacramento SPCA
6201 Florin Perkins Road, Sacramento:

Monday Classes:



• Monday, March 8 orientation from 7PM to 9PM. Monday, March 15 - April 12 from 6:15PM to 7:15PM
• Monday, March 8 orientation from 7PM to 9PM. Monday, March 15 - April 12 from 7:30PM to 8:30PM
• Seniors 60+ (Note: Senior classes are 7 weeks in duration) Monday, March 8 orientation from 10AM to 12PM. Monday, March 15 - April 19 from 10AM - 11AM (Sorry. This class is now closed.)
• Seniors 60+ (Note: Senior classes are 7 weeks in duration) Monday, March 8 orientation from 10AM to 12PM. Monday, March 15 - April 19 from 11:15AM - 12:15PM

Tuesday Classes:



• Tuesday, March 9 orientation from 7PM to 9PM. Tuesday, March 16 - April 13 from 6:15PM to 7:15PM
• Tuesday, March 9 orientation from 7PM to 9PM. Tuesday, March 16 - April 13 from 7:30PM to 8:30PM

Wednesday Classes:



• Wednesday, March 10 orientation from 7PM to 9PM. Wednesday, March 17 - April 14 from 6:15PM to 7:15PM
• Small Breed Dog Basic (SMALL breed dogs 4 months and up that will be under a 25lb adult weight ONLY), Wednesday, March 10 orientation from 7PM to 9PM. Wednesday, March 17 - April 14 from 7:30PM to 8:30PM

Thursday Classes:



• Small Breed Dog Basic (SMALL breed dogs 4 months and up that will be under a 25lb adult weight ONLY), Thursday, March 11 orientation from 7PM to 9PM. Thursday, March 18 - April 15 from 6:15PM to 7:15PM
• Thursday, March 11 orientation from 7PM to 9PM. Thursday, March 18 - April 15 from 7:30PM to 8:30PM

Friday Classes:



• Friday, March 12 orientation from 10AM to 12PM. Friday, March 19 - April 16 from 10AM - 11AM (Sorry. This class is now closed.)

Class Offerings at the Sacramento County Animal Shelter
3839 Bradshaw Road, Sacramento:

Tuesday Classes:



• Tuesday, March 9 orientation from 7PM to 9PM. Tuesday, March 16 - April 13 from 6:15PM to 7:15PM
• Tuesday, March 9 orientation from 7PM to 9PM. Tuesday, March 16 - April 13 from 7:30PM to 8:30PM

To Register: Click HERE to register ONLINE. Click here to download, fill out, and mail the registration form for March/April Classes (Adobe PDF). For more information, you can email the training department.

Intermediate Obedience

Prerequisite: Basic Beginner Obedience (Your dog must be able to do the following with distractions and other dogs around: sit/stay and down/stay from 6 feet away for 25-30 seconds; come when called from 30 feet away using a long line; wait at the door; walk politely on leash; attention to name, i.e., responds immediately when you want him to check in with you.)

Working with distractions - sit/stay, down/stay, and come, longer attention to name, healing on leash, tricks, and more! The class also prepares you and your dog to pass the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen Test . The SSPCA will be offering the Canine Good Citizen Exam on a regular basis. Complete details are in the section called Canine Good Citizen Exam, below.
Class Duration: One night a week for six continuous weeks, and is an hour in length.
Fee: $65.00 for the entire 6-week session if you completed the Basic Beginner or Intermediate Obedience course at the Sacramento SPCA, or $75.00 if you completed Basic Beginner Obedience elsewhere. $49.00 for seniors age 60 and older.
Refunds: Notification of cancellation must be received at least one (1) week prior to the first class session for a full refund. Cancellations received between one (1) week and 48 hours prior to the first class session will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be given for cancellations less than 48 hours prior to the first class sesssion or no-shows. Attendance of weeks 1 and 2 is mandatory for continuation in the class and no refunds will be given for drops.

Class Offerings at the Sacramento SPCA
6201 Florin Perkins Road, Sacramento:

• Thursday, March 11 - April 15 from 6:15PM to 7:15PM

To Register: Click HERE to register ONLINE. Click here to download, fill out, and mail the registration form for March/April Classes (Adobe PDF). For more information, you can email the training department.

Canine Good Citizen Exam

This certification and exam is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and the community. When your dog passes, you will receive a certificate suitable for framing and displaying. This is a program that can help us assure that the dogs we love will always be welcome in the community. It is also the first step in qualifying your dog to become a pet therapy dog. This ten part exam convers such topics as accepting a friendly stranger, sit and down on command, walking through a crowd, reaction to another dog, and many others. Fee: $15.00
Upcoming Dates: Saturday, February 13, 2010. All tests begin at 9:00 am
To Register:Download, fill out, and mail or fax the registration form (271 Kb, Adobe PDF). For more information, you can email the training department.

Private Consultation

Do you have a dog with a behavior issue? Need immediate help with your new puppy? Is your dog timid or aggressive toward people or other dogs? With a private consultation you and your dog will receive one-on-one attention to address your dog's behavior issue(s) and any training that may be applicable to your particular situation. Consultations are by appointment only. To schedule, please call our Behavior Helpline at (916) 383-7387, ext. 9148 or write behavior@sspca.org. All initial consultations are done in two sessions at a rate of $85 for both sessions. If your dog was adopted from the Sacramento City or County shelter, the two session fee is only $75. If you adopted your dog from the Sacramento SPCA you will receive one complimentary session. We offer an additional discount to all seniors (60+) at a rate of $60 for two sessions.

At the time an appointment is booked, we ask for a deposit of $25 in the form of a credit card or check. Notification of cancellation or rescheduling must be received at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled appointment for the deposit to be refunded or used as part of payment for a rescheduled time. No refund of deposit will be given for cancellations less than 48 hours prior to scheduled appointments.

If you've scheduled a consultation, please print and fill out our Private Consultation Form before you come.