Training

Sessions

Training classes help you and your dog enjoy a healthy, happy relationship. Our experts offer training classes for all dogs, whether you got them from us or not. Sign up today by calling (847) 697-2880 ext. 61.

Animal Behavior, Training & Enrichment Programs

Just like people, the behaviors we see in our pets are the result of a combination of factors, including their genetic makeup, what they’ve learned through a variety of experiences during their lives and their current environment.

Animals that find themselves at a shelter don’t understand why they are there, what will happen next, or how long they’ll be there. These unknowns can be highly stressful, especially for adult animals and those generally fearful or anxious.

At Anderson, we recognize that shelters can be stressful. We know that emotional health is as important as physical health. And we’re working toward a better future for our animals.

For years, Anderson has been at the forefront of shelter animal behavior, ensuring that our animals stay emotionally healthy through playgroups, one-on-one interactions with staff and volunteers, and individual and group positive reinforcement training sessions.

Training Class Descriptions

A small short haired puppy looking off camera at its trainer

Puppy Pre School

Time:  Contact the shelter to see which sessions are available (847) 697-2880 x61
Age:  2-6 months
Cost:  $150.00 for 6 weeks series
Max Class Size:  4-8 dogs depending on location

This course helps pups learn how to be dogs and build social skills by playing alongside other puppies their age. Puppies will be able to explore different textures, scents, and sounds through agility equipment to help foster a well-socialized pup!

 

Black and white collie mix chasing a ball during a training session

Doggy Middle School

Time:  Contact the shelter to see which sessions are available (847) 697-2880 x61
Age: 6 months and up
Cost:  $150.00 for 6 weeks series
Max Class Size: 6 dogs

This course teaches you and your dog the common basic manners cues you are looking for your dog to know! In addition, we will help minimize undesirable behaviors such as jumping, pulling, and mouthing, by rewarding more desirable behaviors.

 

A dog jumping towards the camera during its training session

Doggy High School

Time: Starting January 2023
Age: 7 months and up
Prerequisite: Puppy Middle School
Cost:  $150.00 for 6 weeks series
Max Class Size: 6 dogs

Building upon skills learned in Doggy Middle School, we will add difficulty to our cues to help your dog in real-world scenarios. Adding distance, distraction, and duration will help reinforce your dog’s behaviors.

A small short haired puppy looking off camera at its trainer

Training & Treats

Time:  Contact the shelter to see which sessions are available (847) 697-2880 x61
Age:  6 months and up
Cost: $20.00 per hour
Max Class Size:  6 dogs

Join us for outdoor dog-training sessions that focus on basic manners, appropriate play with toys, enrichment games, and more. These classes help your dog perform desired behaviors in various contexts.

Black and white collie mix chasing a ball during a training session

Puppy Playground

Time:  Contact the shelter to see which sessions are available (847) 697-2880 x61
Age: 8 – 20 weeks
Cost:  $20.00
Max Class Size: 8 puppies

These structured play sessions are a great way to build your puppy’s social skills, resiliency, problem-solving, motor skills, and much more as he or she learns how to be a dog. Come to as many sessions as you’d like.

A dog jumping towards the camera during its training session

Seminars

Time:  Contact the shelter to see which sessions are available
(847) 697-2880 x61
Age: Do not bring your pet to seminars
Cost:  25.00 per person
Max Class Size:  20 people

These classes equip you to provide the best care for your pet(s). We’ll cover topics such as House Training 101, DIY Enrichment Activities for Dogs/Cats, and Litter Box Detectives. Come to as many as you’d like!

Upcoming Training Classes

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    Downloadable Resources

    01

    Body Language

    Two short haired dogs greeting each other for the first time

    02

    Safe Spaces

    Black and white american pitbull terrier chewing on a yellow pig toy while lying on the grass outside

    03

    Crate Training

    A beagle from the Envigo rescue effort looking through its cage at the camera with sad eyes

    04

    House Training

    A tiny Boston terrier puppy chews a hole in the bathroom door in an attempt to escape

    Respect. Protect. Connect.

    Anderson Humane is continually updating training resources, best practices, local recommendations, and enrichment activities you can do at home. Check back often and follow us on our social media platforms to stay informed on ways to thrive physically and emotionally together.

     

    What Is Fear-Free?

    Anderson Humane is creating a fear-free environment. We are committed to providing the best possible experience for all animals in our care; we keep every animal’s physical and emotional well-being at the forefront of all we do. The practice of fear-free methods helps reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in the animals we care for at all of our locations.

     

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    Anderson Humane is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit recognized by the IRS. FE #: 36-6164626 Copyright © 2024 by Anderson Humane.

    Anderson Humane

    1000 S. La Fox Street
    South Elgin, IL 60177
    (847) 697-2880

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