Our experienced trainers can make quick work of your dog's challenging behavior! See class list below for more details.
Unless otherwise noted, classes are held in the Community Room at MHHS, 3 Oakland Avenue, Menands.
See below for a complete list of our training options. Click the banner dropdown to reveal more details about the topics each class will cover. Any number in parentheses shows how many classes are currently available for that subject.
Current classes
Reactive Dog Class
Not all dogs like strangers or other dogs. In this six-week class, we will help you and your dog be well on your way to a calmer, safer life through impulse control exercises and practice.
Classes meet for 60 minutes weekly for 6 weeks and class sizes are limited. Payment is due when you sign up (a link will be sent to you) and you must present proof of up-to-date vaccinations (rabies, distemper and bordetella). Please DO NOT bring your dog to the first class, so the instructor can have your undivided attention during orientation.
Classes available:
Starting 1/10/25 - Friday, 5:30-6:30 pm
Trainer: Hannah Bonner
Cost: $240 (15% off for MHHS alumni)
Starting 2/2/25 - Sundays, 1-2 pm
Trainer: Dacia Proper
Cost: $240 (15% off for MHHS alumni)
Starting 2/2/25 - Sundays, 2-3 pm
Trainer: Dacia Proper
Cost: $240 (15% off for MHHS alumni)
Please visit our class schedule >> to sign up.
If you would like to audit this six-week course, which means coming to learn fun, positive training techniques without your dog, the cost is $30. Please email BAE@mohawkhumane.org to sign up. Limit two per class.
No refunds
Already in progress:
Starting 11/24/24 - Sundays, 1-2 pm - CLASS FULL
Trainer: Dacia Proper
Cost: $240 (15% off for MHHS alumni)
Starting 11/24/24 - Sundays, 2-3 pm
Trainer: Dacia Proper
Cost: $240 (15% off for MHHS alumni)
Drink with Your Dog Brewery Manners
Take your dog's basic skills to the next level and help them become the best brewery buddy ever! This super-fun class focuses on all the essential skills for having successful adventures. This class will be held in the tasting room at Indian Ladder Farm.
This class is an intermediate to advanced skill level. Dogs should have a minimum of Basic Obedience or equivalent, and should be able to walk on a loose leash in public. Dogs should be non-reactive to people and other dogs. The instructor may request to meet and evaluate your dog prior to the first class.
Classes meet for 60 minutes weekly for 4 weeks and class sizes are limited. Payment is due when you sign up and you must present proof of up-to-date vaccinations (rabies, distemper and bordetella).
Classes available:
Starting 10/24/24 - every other Thursday, 6-7 pm (10/24, 11/7, 11/21, and 12/5)
Trainer: Lori Tyler
Cost: $160 (15% off for MHHS alumni)
Please visit our class schedule >> to sign up.
If you would like to audit this four-week course, which means coming to learn fun, positive training techniques without your dog, the cost is $30. Please email BAE@mohawkhumane.org to sign up. Limit two per class.
No refunds. No alcohol will be consumed during this class.
In this six-week introductory training course, you and your dog will strengthen your bond as you learn fundamental skills through positive reinforcement. These include: sit, down, stay, come, wait and leave it, along with a few fun tricks. This is a small group class that will help your dog become accustomed to working through distractions without becoming overwhelmed. It is appropriate for all dogs 5 months of age or older, even if they have already had some training.
Classes meet for 60 minutes weekly for 6 weeks and class sizes are limited. Payment is due when you sign up (a link will be sent to you) and you must present proof of up-to-date vaccinations (rabies, distemper and bordetella). Please DO NOT bring your dog to the first class, so the instructor can have your undivided attention during orientation.
Classes available:
Starting 1/11/25 - Saturdays, 1-2 pm
Trainer: Lori Tyler
Cost: $180 (15% off for MHHS alumni)
Please visit our class schedule >> to sign up.
If you would like to audit this six-week course, which means coming to learn fun, positive training techniques without your dog, the cost is $25. Please email BAE@mohawkhumane.org to sign up. Limit two per class.
No refunds
Already in progress:
Starting 9/21/24 - Saturdays, 12-1 pm
Trainer: Lori Tyler
Cost: $180 (15% off for MHHS alumni)
CGC/TDI Prep
This eight-week class includes advanced dog training techniques creating the everyday good manners we all want our dogs to have. We cover all areas of the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and Therapy Dog International (TDI) tests. Dogs must be one year or older and will have the option to take the CGC and/or TDI tests at the end of class for an additional fee of $10 each test.
Classes meet for 60 minutes weekly for 8 weeks and class sizes are limited. Payment is due one week prior to the class start date, along with proof of up-to-date vaccinations (rabies, distemper and bordetella) and a signed WAIVER >>. Please DO NOT bring your dog to the first class, so the instructor can have your undivided attention during orientation. The class cost is $280 (15% off for MHHS alumni).
Classes available:
Starting 11/9/24 - Saturdays, 3-4 pm
Trainer: Lori Tyler
Cost: $280 (15% off for MHHS alumni)
Please visit our class schedule >> to sign up.
If you would like to audit this eight-week course, which means coming to learn fun, positive training techniques without your dog, the cost is $25. Please email BAE@mohawkhumane.org to sign up. Limit two per class.
No refunds
Puppy Manners
Get a head start on training your new puppy to become a dog who is a joy to live with! It's never too early to develop life-long skills your puppy needs to navigate the world. This class is part age-specific socialization to learn problem solving social skills, part training class to learn basic skills and part support group for families of puppies to get puppy raising advice and share common issues. For all puppies aged 8-20 weeks.
Classes meet for 60 minutes weekly for 4 weeks and class sizes are limited. Payment is due when you sign up (a link will be sent to you) and you must present proof of up-to-date vaccinations (rabies, distemper and bordetella). The class cost is $160 (15% off for MHHS alumni).
One class available:
Starting 1/11/25 - Saturdays, 11 am - 12 pm
Trainer: Lori Tyler
Cost: $160 (15% off for MHHS alumni)
Please visit our class schedule >> to sign up.
If you would like to audit this four-week course, which means coming to learn fun, positive training techniques without your dog, the cost is $25. Please email BAE@mohawkhumane.org to sign up. Limit two per class.
No refunds
Confidence Building
Is your pooch nervous about nail trims or ear cleanings? How about the dreaded scale at the veterinarian's office? Using positive reinforcement training techniques and working at your own dog's pace (every dog learns and progresses at different speeds), we will work on boosting their self-esteem. In this course we will expose them to different textures to place their paws on, touching/gently squeezing their paws and ears, working on friendly stranger greetings, having them go through a mini obstacle course and more! Don't worry, this class is not all fun and games... wait a minute, yes it is!
Classes meet for 60 minutes weekly for 6 weeks and class sizes are limited. Payment is due when you sign up (a link will be sent to you) and you must present proof of up-to-date vaccinations (rabies, distemper and bordetella). Please DO NOT bring your dog to the first class, so the instructor can have your undivided attention during orientation.
Classes:
Starting 1/11/25 - Saturdays, 3-4 pm
Trainer: Lori Tyler
Cost: $180 (15% off for MHHS alumni)
Please visit our class schedule >> to sign up.
If you would like to audit this six-week course, which means coming to learn fun, positive training techniques without your dog, the cost is $30. Please email BAE@mohawkhumane.org to sign up. Limit two per class.
No refunds
In this six-week intermediate obedience course, you and your dog will improve the fundamental skills learned and practiced in basic obedience. These include: sit, down, stay, come, loose leash walking, and many more. This class is for anyone who wants to improve on their training foundation and learn some new skills. It is appropriate for all dogs 8 months of age or older who have had some form of basic obedience training.
Classes meet for 60 minutes weekly for 6 weeks and class sizes are limited. Payment is due when you sign up (a link will be sent to you) and you must present proof of up-to-date vaccinations (rabies, distemper and bordetella). Please DO NOT bring your dog to the first class, so the instructor can have your undivided attention during orientation.
One class available:
Starting 1/7/25 - Tuesdays, 6-7 pm (skipping week of 1/14/25)
Trainer: Lori Tyler
Cost: $180 (15% off for MHHS alumni)
Please visit our class schedule >> to sign up.
If you would like to audit this six-week course, which means coming to learn fun, positive training techniques without your dog, the cost is $30. Please email BAE@mohawkhumane.org to sign up. Limit two per class.
No refunds
Other class listings
The classes below don't have any offerings currently available, but please bookmark this page and/or email bae@mohawkhumane.org >> to inquire about future courses.
Real-World Leash Walking
Are you looking to complete more fun adventures with your dog, but you're not sure how to get started? Have you and your dog already taken basic obedience but still need more leash walking practice? This 5-week field-trip class will explore a variety of local places while developing real-world leash and social skills.
Dogs and handlers must have completed basic obedience (or equivalent) prior to starting. Field trips are within minutes of the shelter, around an hour an duration and are easy to moderate walking difficulty. Recommended training tools include a flat buckle collar, Martingale collar or harness, 6-foot leash, and 10- or 20-foot longline. No retractable leashes, choke or prong collars.
Classes meet for 60 minutes weekly for 5 weeks and class sizes are limited. Payment is due when you sign up and you must present proof of up-to-date vaccinations (rabies, distemper and bordetella).
There are no classes scheduled at this time.
Clicker Training
Ever wonder what the big deal is about clicker training? Whether you're brand new to dog training or just want to add to your training tool box, this class will demystify using reward markers and shaping new behaviors. In this class we will learn how to use the clicker to reinforce behaviors such as sit, down, stay and come, as well as shape behaviors such as going to a place. We will also train several tricks during class and each handler & dog will train a unique trick using their new skills. Appropriate for any age dog and any skill level handlers.
Classes meet for 60 minutes weekly for 6 weeks and class sizes are limited. Payment is due one week prior to the class start date, along with proof of up-to-date vaccinations (rabies, distemper and bordetella) and a signed WAIVER >>. Please DO NOT bring your dog to the first class, so the instructor can have your undivided attention during orientation. The class cost is $180 (15% off for MHHS alumni).
There are no classes scheduled at this time.
Dogs & Toddlers
Dogs & Toddlers is the ideal program for families with dogs and babies who are soon to be crawling or walking. Often the first 3 months have gone smoothly and many families are caught off guard when their dog begins to show discomfort with new developmental changes of their mobile baby. This program offers insight and proactive options for some of the common challenges families with dogs experience as baby becomes mobile.
Classes meet for 60 minutes weekly for 2 weeks. Payment is due when you sign up (a link will be sent to you). The class cost is $25.
There are no classes scheduled at this time.
Dogs & Storks
Dogs & Storks is perfect for expecting families with dogs as they prepare with their dog for life with baby. We offer positive, practical and fun solutions that will help you include your dog once baby arrives. We want to help ease families into the transition from pet parents to baby parents with dogs. Our program answers the most commonly asked questions and provides insight on dog behavior to help you feel more confident and less stressed.
Classes meet for 60 minutes weekly for 2 weeks. Payment is due when you sign up (a link will be sent to you). The class cost is $25.
There are no classes scheduled at this time.
Our Trainers
Nancy Haynes, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA
Nancy began her career with animals as an animal control officer. She has been working hands-on with the animals at MHHS for more than a decade. She has been integral to the development and management of rescue, foster and assessment programs, and is involved in all of the Society's cruelty investigation efforts. As the Director of Behavior & Enrichment, her focus is meeting the physical and psychological needs of the animals in our care. Nancy is CPDT-KA certified, as well as a Certified Obedience Trainer through ABTA (Animal Behavior & Training Associates), now known as ABC (Animal Behavior College), and is certified in the ASPCA's SAFER (Safety Assessment for Evaluating Rehoming) Aggression Assessment.
Jillian Leibach, CPDT-KA
Jillian grew up loving dogs. She began her career in animal welfare in 2009 as an Animal Care Associate at MHHS. Here she learned the intricacies of canine behavior through hands-on experience and by administering the SAFER (Safety Assessment for Evaluating Rehoming) behavior assessment on hundreds of dogs. Jillian is CPDT-KA certified, and she has also received her certification through the Animal Behavior College for Basic Obedience Training (ABCDT). Jillian has grown with the Society over the years and is currently Senior Director of Animal Pathways.
Dana Polsinelli, CPDT-KA
Dana sparked an interest in training in 2010 when her first dog as an adult fell into her lap. At that time, Dana hired a Behavior Specialist to help, and that's when she decided to attend Animal Behavior College (ABCDT) where she received her certification in Basic Obedience Training. Dana began training for MHHS in 2018, teaching Basic Obedience classics. She wanted to expand her knowledge, so in 2019 she began working for MHHS full-time as a Behavior & Enrichment Specialist. Dana now teaches a variety of training classes and also private sessions for Basic Obedience, Confidence Building and Behavior Modification. She went on to become CPDT-KA certified and is currently the Behavior & Enrichment Manager at MHHS.
Hannah Bonner, CPDT-KA
Hannah grew up surrounded by a variety of animals and has always especially loved working with horses, cats and dogs. She first became interested in behavioral modification as a teenager to best help her childhood dog navigate life. In 2021, she became a Behavior & Enrichment volunteer at MHHS and realized her true passion was working with dogs, especially those who need a little extra love and help reaching their true potential. Since then, she has spent thousands of hours working with the dogs of MHHS, whether it be refining their manners, working on behavioral modification, helping them find their forever homes or just being their friend. As long as she is with the dogs, she is happy. Along with the knowledge Hannah has gained from years of direct experience, she is also CPDT-KA certified.
Dacia Proper, CPDT-KA, FPPE
Dacia entered the world of dog behavior in 2011 when she adopted her first dog who was supposed to be an "easy dog". She participated in a variety of training classes and behavioral modification techniques with him and become interested in dog psychology. She has fostered more than 45 dogs since that adoption. Dacia became a Behavior & Enrichment volunteer at MHHS in 2017 and hit the ground running. She's spent countless hours working with dogs to bring out their best selves, training new volunteers and helping adopters find a good match for their lifestyles. She has a sweet spot for senior dogs, big doofuses and those that can use some work on their impulse control. She loves learning new ways to interact with dogs. Dacia has used a variety of methods for training dogs but has found positive reinforcement and force-free methods to improve owner/dog relationships. She hopes to further her knowledge in those areas in the future.
Lori Tyler, CPDT-KA
Lori Tyler worked as a Licensed Veterinary Technician and has been a professional dog trainer since 2003 when she started a business to provide positive reinforcement training and behavior modification to veterinary clients, shelter-adopted pets and the general public. Lori's training focus has been relationship building, puppy socialization and fixing problem behaviors. Her continuing education includes a certification course through Karen Pryor Academy to become an expert clicker trainer. While dog training is no longer her day job, she brings experience teaching multiple types of classes, including manners/obedience, puppy classes and clicker training, and is looking forward to helping people develop the best possible relationship with their dog.
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