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Training

Training

Positive Reinforcement Training for Dogs

At Woods University we are committed to the Positive Reinforcement (R+) Method of dog training. It is a reward-based humane method that’s a highly effective way for dogs to learn free from stress or fear of retribution. We train for success…not failure, so that training is fun, fast and fair.

Sign up for news on upcoming classes and training tips, here.

Dog Obedience Training Available Now — In-Person or Virtual Options

Your dog will likely be very excited in a room with several other leashed dogs, which is understandable. However if your dog presents with a high degree of reactivity towards the other dogs or clients in the room (excessive barking, lunging, etc.) the instructor may excuse you from the class and recommend an alternative training program at Woods. 

If you have questions or concerns about how your dog may fit into our group classes, please feel free to contact our training department at:

(805) 543-9316 x24.

Virtual Woods University

Virtual Woods University

Virtual Woods University is Basic Obedience for dogs with minimal or no formal training.

Woods University has created a private Facebook Group dedicated to our students. The classes and their content are listed in chronological order, the program is self-paced and you will have access to the content for a total of 8 weeks. (requires Facebook account)

The fee is $50 for 8 week access to Virtual Woods University plus one 20 minute private virtual session with our trainers.

Once you register, you can use your Facebook account to go to Woods University Facebook Group and ask to join.

The training team will invite you aboard shortly after receiving your request and confirming your registration.

The classes are listed in units, scroll through to access each weekly class which contains a printable Handout, then individual posts of video segments. Watch each segment, and practice at home with your dog. The very last video will be troubleshooting tips.

Includes all the basic commands necessary for a well-mannered dog: “Sit”, “Down”, “Come”, “Stay”, “Focus”, “Leave it”, “Go to your place” and more…

Learn effective and humane ways to discourage unwanted behaviors such as jumping up and pulling on the leash. This training also includes helpful leash and handling techniques.

Virtual Woods University takes place in an online setting which you implement in the comfort and security of your own home and is appropriate for dogs of all ages.

Register
NOW!
Puppy Social Hour

Classes Open

  • Manners and socialization for puppies 10 weeks to 5 months
  • Classes meet Wednesdays at 10 AM and Saturdays at 9 AM
  • The fee is $25 per session. Cancellations must be made 48 hours in advance in order to receive a refund. 

Our training facility at Woods provides a safe, clean, comfortable environment for your puppy to learn and play.

  • Class are held in an indoor enclosed area
  • Only 10 registrations allowed per class
  • Must be pre-registered to attend

All puppies must have completed two sets of vaccinations, including Bordetella (for kennel cough). Please bring proof of vaccination to class. For the safety of all we cannot admit any puppy to our classes without seeing vaccination records.

At puppy social hour, puppies will learn: appropriate play style with other pups, acceptable manners with people, tolerance for gentle restraints, confidence with the approach of friendly strangers, and more.

We will teach some basic manners using positive reinforcement including “sit” “down” “come.” Your puppy will also gets tips on how to walk nicely on the leash without pulling and greet people without jumping. We’ll show you how to inhibit your puppy's bite during play, how to manage chewing, and the crazy “zoomies.” If you are struggling with food or object guarding, housetraining, or any other issues, our staff will be available to help you through any of these puppy behaviors.

Classes are ongoing. There is no obligation, you “pay to play” (and learn) each week. You must register before you come to class. Our “drop in” puppy classes typically have a wait list. If you schedule yourself for a class that you cannot make, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can allow another puppy into class.

Classes full? Click here to receive news about upcoming classes and training tips. 

YOU MAY REGISTER FOR UP TO FOUR CLASSES AT A TIME

Register
NOW!
NameRegister
Puppy Social Hour - Wednesday, June 7
Puppy Social Hour - Wednesday, June 14
Puppy Social Hour - Wednesday, June 21
Puppy Social Hour - Wednesday, June 28
NameRegister
Puppy Social Hour - Saturday, June 10
Puppy Social Hour - Saturday, June 17
Puppy Social Hour - Saturday, June 24
Spunky Sprouts

For the "teenage" puppy — 6 months to 1-year-old

This class is for social dogs, or dogs that are able to tolerate being in a room with other dogs. If your dog is not suitable for this class, you may be asked to leave. Please call (805) 543-9316 x24 if you have any doubts or concerns about whether or not this is the right class for you. Our trainers will be happy to help.

This is a basic manners class for the evolving pup, with emphasis on sociability and impulse control.

The class is designed to help you learn how to survive the next phase in your young dog’s life. Still a puppy, the “effervescent adolescent” will never stop exploring, and pushing the boundaries. We’re here to help!

The fee is $150 for each 6 week session. Cancellations must be made 48 hours in advance in order to receive a refund.

The first class will be without dogs.

Classes full? Click here to receive news about upcoming classes and training tips. 

 
Register
NOW!
Rocket Recall

Call your dog back reliably! 

All dogs must have previously completed a basic manners class. This class is for social dogs, or dogs that are able to tolerate being in a room with other dogs. If your dog is not suitable for this class, you may be asked to leave. Please call (805) 543-9316 x24 if you have any doubts or concerns about whether or not this is the right class for you. Our trainers will be happy to help.

A reliable recall is probably the most important (if not the safest) cue we want our dogs to learn.

There are lots of ways to make this happen, and even more exciting, to have your dog return to you with rocket speed!  This is a totally positive and scientifically proven method of training. 

The fee is $150 for each 4-week session. Cancellations must be made 48 hours in advance in order to receive a refund.

Classes full? Click here to receive news about upcoming classes and training tips. 

C.H.A.R.M. School

Changing Habits and Reinforcing Manners

For Dogs 6 Months and Older. This class is for social dogs, or dogs that are able to tolerate being in a room with other dogs. If your dog is not suitable for this class, you may be asked to leave. Please call (805) 543-9316 x24 if you have any doubts or concerns about whether or not this is the right class for you. Our trainers will be happy to help.

  • Basic Obedience for dogs with minimal or no formal training
  • Learn all the basic commands for a well-mannered dog: "Sit", "Down", "Come", "Stay", "Focus", "Leash Manners", "Leave it", "Go to your place" and more...
  • Learn effective and humane ways to discourage unwanted behavior such as jumping up and pulling on the leash.
  • Also learn helpful leash and handling techniques.

The fee is $150 for each 6 week session. Cancellations must be made 48 hours in advance in order to receive a refund. 

The first class will be without dogs.

Classes full? Click here to receive news about upcoming classes and training tips. 

 
Beyond Basics

The next level for your Prestigious Pooch

For Dogs 6 Months and Older who have completed C.H.A.R.M School or equivalent basic manners course. This class is for social dogs, or dogs that are able to tolerate being in a room with other dogs. If your dog is not suitable for this class, you may be asked to leave. Please call (805) 543-9316 x24 if you have any doubts or concerns about whether or not this is the right class for you. Our trainers will be happy to help.

This six-week class prepares your dog for the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test. The CGC test is awarded by the AKC and open to all dogs, purebred and mix breeds. Upon graduation of this class, dogs will be eligible to test for the Canine Good Citizen certification. You can have the “model dog”…and the papers to prove it!  You'll also be welcome to more places when you have a well-behaved dog with you. In some cases, this certification could be required by landlords, home-owners insurance, and other canine events.  Cost of CGC test included in this price.

The fee is $150 for each 6 week session. Cancellations must be made 48 hours in advance in order to receive a refund. 

 

No classes currently available. Please check back soon!

Classes Full?  Click here to receive news about upcoming classes and training tips.  
Petite Pals

Basic Obedience for dogs 6 months and older and under 25 pounds

This class is for social dogs, or dogs that are able to tolerate being in a room with other dogs. If your dog is not suitable for this class, you may be asked to leave. Please call (805) 543-9316 x24 if you have any doubts or concerns about whether or not this is the right class for you. Our trainers will be happy to help.

The fee is $150 for each 6 week session. Cancellations must be made 48 hours in advance in order to receive a refund.

The first class will be without dogs. 

  • This course is specifically designed for smaller dogs with an emphasis on "little dog" issues. You will train your dog in an environment designed to make learning more enjoyable and comfortable for small dogs.
  • Includes all the basic commands necessary for a well-mannered dog: “Sit”, “Down”, “Come”, “Stay”, “Focus”, “Leash Manners”, “Leave it”, “Go to your place” and more…
  • There will also be some playtime to increase confidence and socialization skills.
Classes full? Click here to receive news about upcoming classes and training tips. 
 
Register
NOW!
Feisty Fido

A highly structured class for dogs who are reactive to other dogs

Note: Dogs do not attend the first class.

The fee is $275 for each 6 week session. Cancellations must be made 48 hours in advance in order to receive a refund. 

Every dog is not right for the dog park, but walking your dog around the neighborhood or at the beach should be fun, not embarrassing or dangerous. This class is limited to 4 dogs.

All dogs must be pre-qualified before entering the Feisty Fido class - online registration is not available. Dogs adopted from Woods Humane Society receive a discount. Call (805) 543-9316 x 24 to speak with our trainer to find out if this class is right for your dog.

 

Next Class:

Saturday, April 29, 10:30 a.m.

Saturday, June 17, 10:30 a.m.

 

Click here to receive news about upcoming classes and training tips. 

Fungility

A fun and different class to build confidence and have fun!

This class is for social dogs, or dogs that are able to tolerate being in a room with other dogs. If your dog is not suitable for this class, you may be asked to leave. Please call (805) 543-9316 x24 if you have any doubts or concerns about whether or not this is the right class for you. Our trainers will be happy to help.

Dog agility is a canine sport in which dogs have to navigate through a course that has various types of obstacles, under the direction of a handler. The sport is fun, engaging and helps build confidence and bonding between dogs and handlers.

Agility training uses your dog's natural instincts to run, jump and smoothly navigate their environment. It provides great exercise both mentally and physically, encourages learning and problem solving skills and promotes open communication between canine and human! As the dog relies on your for guidance on the course, they become more obedient and well-behaved off the course. 

Woods has designed an introduction to agility class that is all about Fun!

The fee is $150 for each 5 week session. Cancellations must be made 48 hours in advance in order to receive a refund. 

Classes full? Click here to receive news about upcoming classes and training tips. 

 

 
Individual Training Sessions

Take advantage of the opportunity to work one-on-one with Woods Humane Society Trainers to overcome your dog’s unwanted behaviors. Call (805) 543-9316 x 24 to make an appointment.

General Information

  • We limit participants in each class to provide more individualized attention for you and your dog.
  • All dogs must be current on vaccines: Rabies, Bordatella and DHPP. Puppies must have 2 DHPP vaccines at least 2 weeks apart and one bordetella at least 3 days before class starts. In order to participate, proof of vaccinations must be provided at the first class.
  • You may bring supplies to class or visit Woods Humane Society’s retail center WoodsGoods. We have special training treats, harnesses and collars for sale to give you optimal control while providing humane comfort to your dog.
  • To sign up to receive email updates about new classes and training tips, click here. 

Location:

WOODS UNIVERSITY
Woods Humane Society's Dedicated Training Facility
875 Oklahoma Avenue
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

Park at the east end of the parking lot and follow the signs to the rear of the building.

Additional questions? Trouble registering online?

Please give us a call at (805) 543-9316 x 10.

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