Dog training
Affordable & Humane
DOG TRAINING CLASSES
Whether you have a shy dog, a dog that needs to brush up on his manners, or a dog triggered by everything around him, Santa Barbara Humane is ready to help with affordable training classes for your dog, from puppy to adult!
Our behavior team is trained and experienced in modern, humane training methods. We are 100-percent committed to reward-based, positive reinforcement training without the use of choke, shock, or pinch collars. As a result, the bond between you and your dog is strengthened as new skills and communication evolve.
If classes seem unaffordable or you have additional questions, we want to help. Financial assistance is available. You can reach us at [email protected] or 805-964-4777 ext. 226.
Locations
Santa Barbara Campus
5399 Overpass Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
The Education Center is located behind the shelter, around the corner from the yellow farmhouse. Please use the parking lot across the street from Public Storage.
Directions >
Santa Maria Training Center
1517 Stowell Center Plaza, Suite B
Santa Maria, CA 93458
The Training Center is inside the building with the green awnings, located behind Lemos, and next door to Planet Fitness.
Directions >
Puppy Class
Six Weeks | $175
Puppy Class teaches basic manners and socialization for puppies aged 9 to 18-weeks-old at the time of registration. This six-week class utilizes gentle reward-based training to help teach your puppy basic skills, and playtime helps develop a solid social foundation with other puppies and new people.
The first class is an orientation without your dog.
See registration page for class start dates and times.
- Puppy has lived in the home a minimum of seven days prior to attending class
- Puppy has received a minimum of one Distemper/Parvo vaccine and one Canine Influenza (H3N2) vaccine
- Puppy has received a Bordetella vaccine a minimum of seven days prior to attending class
- Puppy has been dewormed two weeks prior to attending class
- Puppy is on an appropriate flea and tick preventative
Six Weeks: $175
Did you adopt your dog from a shelter or rescue organization? Use code A25 when registering to receive a $25 discount off your enrollment fee.
Basic Manners
Six Weeks | $125
Basic Manners class is for dogs aged four months and older. This six-week class helps your dog learn the most requested skills like sit, stay, walking on a leash, and to stop jumping on people. Learn skills that will set you and your dog up for a lifetime of success and desirable behavior.
The first class is an orientation without your dog.
See registration page for class start dates and times.
Adult dogs must be up to date on all vaccinations, including:
- Distemper-Parvo
- Bordetella (“Kennel Cough”)
- Rabies
Leptospirosis and Canine Influenza (H3N2) vaccinations are recommended but not required.
Six Weeks: $125
Did you adopt your dog from a shelter or rescue organization? Use code A25 when registering to receive a $25 discount off your enrollment fee.
Reactive Rover
Five Weeks | $150
Reactive Rover is for dogs who are easily triggered by other dogs, sounds, objects, or situations. Your dog will benefit from this class if you have experienced unwanted behavior from your dog while in the presence of dogs, strangers, sounds, or anything that causes your dog to vocalize or feel anxious or threatened.
The first class is a MANDATORY orientation
without your dog.
See registration page for class start dates and times.
Adult dogs must be up to date on all vaccinations, including:
- Distemper-Parvo
- Bordetella (“Kennel Cough”)
- Rabies
Leptospirosis and Canine Influenza (H3N2) vaccinations are recommended but not required.
Five Weeks: $150
Did you adopt your dog from a shelter or rescue organization? Use code A75 when registering to receive a $75 discount off your enrollment fee.
Shy Dog Class
Four Weeks | $75
Shy Dog Class is for timid, cautious, or fearful dogs. This four-week course provides tools to build your dog’s confidence while comforting them and easing their anxiety. You’ll learn how to understand better what your dog is feeling and what tools can help your dog relax and feel confident.
See registration page for class start dates and times.
Adult dogs must be up to date on all vaccinations, including:
- Distemper-Parvo
- Bordetella (“Kennel Cough”)
- Rabies
Leptospirosis and Canine Influenza (H3N2) vaccinations are recommended but not required.
Four Weeks: $75
Did you adopt your dog from a shelter or rescue organization? Use code A25 when registering to receive a $25 discount off your enrollment fee.
Husky Training
Six Weeks | $100
Exclusive to Santa Maria, this six-week class helps with common behavior traits of Husky-type dogs, such as leash-walking and overexuberance. You’ll teach your dog to walk gently by your side, to use her mouth for her toys, and keep all four paws on the floor (and not on you).
The first class is an orientation without your dog.
Adult dogs must be up to date on all vaccinations, including:
- Distemper-Parvo
- Bordetella (“Kennel Cough”)
- Rabies
Leptospirosis and Canine Influenza (H3N2) vaccinations are recommended but not required.
Six Weeks: $100
Did you adopt your dog from a shelter or rescue organization? Use code A25 when registering to receive a $25 discount off your enrollment fee.
Shepherd Training
Six Weeks | $100
Exclusive to Santa Maria, this six-week class helps with common behavior traits of Shepherd-type dogs, such as over-protectiveness. You’ll teach your dog to settle, be less cautious of others, and learn to live more peacefully with you.
The first class is an orientation without your dog.
Adult dogs must be up to date on all vaccinations, including:
- Distemper-Parvo
- Bordetella (“Kennel Cough”)
- Rabies
Leptospirosis and Canine Influenza (H3N2) vaccinations are recommended but not required.
Six Weeks: $100
Did you adopt your dog from a shelter or rescue organization? Use code A25 when registering to receive a $25 discount off your enrollment fee.
Trick Dog Class
Six Weeks | $125
Coming soon to Santa Maria!
This section will be updated as new courses are added. Check back soon.
This class is only offered at the Santa Maria Dog Training Center
From the 1920s and 1940s, when trick dogs such as Rin Tin Tin and Lassie won people’s hearts, trick dog training has become one of the most exciting new areas in dog training today! This six-week class builds on the canine-handler relationship, teaching you to positively interact with your dog through reinforcement of basic manners concepts and trick training.
The class is open to dogs six months of age and older. Dogs should not be reactive or aggressive for eligibility to participate in this class and should be reasonably well-socialized at the time of enrollment.
The first class is an orientation without your dog.
Adult dogs must be up to date on all vaccinations, including:
- Distemper-Parvo
- Bordetella (“Kennel Cough”)
- Rabies
Leptospirosis and Canine Influenza (H3N2) vaccinations are recommended but not required.
Six Weeks: $125
Did you adopt your dog from a shelter or rescue organization? Use code A25 when registering to receive a $25 discount off your enrollment fee.
Introduction to Rally Obedience
Six Weeks | $125
Coming soon to Santa Maria!
This section will be updated as new courses are added. Check back soon.
This class is only offered at the Santa Maria Dog Training Center
You and your dog are a team. You do almost everything together — take walks, eat, veg out, even sleep together. So think of the fun you’d have showing off what a great team you are by learning Rally Obedience!
Rally Obedience (or Rally-O for short) is one of the newest AKC sports, and participation increases yearly. Whether you just train or decide to compete, Rally develops better teamwork between you and your dog. Just as importantly, it will sharpen your dog’s obedience skills and behavior — at home and in public.
Please join us to learn and develop even better skills and have fun with your precious dog. Open to all breeds and mixed breeds too!
The first class is an orientation without your dog.
See registration page for class start dates and times.
Adult dogs must be up to date on all vaccinations, including:
- Distemper-Parvo
- Bordetella (“Kennel Cough”)
- Rabies
Leptospirosis and Canine Influenza (H3N2) vaccinations are recommended but not required.
Six Weeks: $125
Did you adopt your dog from a shelter or rescue organization? Use code A25 when registering to receive a $25 discount off your enrollment fee.
If classes seem unaffordable, we may be able to help!
Certified trainers at both the Santa Barbara and Santa Maria campuses offer free behavior advice, and donor-supported financial assistance may be available. Email [email protected], or call 805-964-4777 ext. 226 to discuss your unique situation.
Important Class Information
Locations
Santa Barbara Campus
5399 Overpass Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
Directions >
Santa Maria Training Center
1517 Stowell Center Plaza, Suite B
Santa Maria, CA 93458
Directions >
What to bring to class
- Dogs must wear a flat collar or harness. Dogs MAY NOT wear choke chains, prong, or electronic collars (e-collars).
- A six-foot, non-retractable leash.
- A hungry, but not famished dog.
- Treats: A variety of your dog’s favorite treats, cut into very small pea-sized pieces that you can carry in a treat pouch that allows easy access when you are seated, standing, or walking. Please bring a variety of treats.
- A treat pouch that you can wear, which is easy to put your hand in and will not make noise when you grab a treat.
Policies & Guidelines
- To protect your dog and the other participants, adult dogs must be up to date on all vaccinations, including Distemper-Parvo, Bordetella (“Kennel Cough”), and Rabies. Leptospirosis and Canine Influenza (H3N2) vaccinations are recommended but not required.
- Puppies 8 weeks to 4-months must be in the process of getting fully vaccinated.
- Proof of vaccination is required upon registration.
- If your dog needs to be spayed or neutered or needs vaccines updated, you can make an appointment here.
- Attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- At least one adult present for every child under the age of 14
- Attendees must wear closed-toed shoes.
- For classes at our Santa Barbara campus, please park in the back parking lot (South entrance). The front lot will close at 5:00 PM, and any cars parked in that lot will be closed in.
COVID-19 Policies
- Class participants must wear a face covering if not vaccinated
- Please practice social distancing and stay six feet from other participants
- No more than two people from each family group can attend class
- Please do not attend class if you are feeling unwell or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever or coughing
