Dog-Training
Tails Dog Training
WHY TRAIN WITH TAILS?
Quality
Tails instructors are dedicated to ensuring you and your dog are treated as individuals and reach your training goals. It is part of the mission of Tails Humane Society to ensure that pets stay with their families. We understand that a well-mannered dog is easier to live with, and we’re willing to work with you and your dog until you’re happy with his/her behavior!
Price
Classes start at just $125! Tails adopters, enter your Coupon Code on the payment screen to get your discount. Our prices just can’t be beat!
Location, Location, Location
Tails’ Training Center is located adjacent to the Tails Humane Society animal shelter at 2270 Barber Greene Road, just minutes drive from DeKalb, Sycamore, Cortland, Elburn and Maple Park. We’re the most centrally located training facility in the DeKalb and Sycamore area! We’re also the largest around. We have over 3,500 square feet of dedicated training space so there’s plenty of room to spread out without feeling crowded!
Basic Obedience
This dog training class focuses on teaching the basic obedience cues (Sit-stay, Down-stay, Recall, Loose-leash walking, Leave-it, Settle) in a structured 6-week course using reward-based positive reinforcement. Emphasis is placed on understanding how dogs learn and clearly communicating with your dog to obtain a reliable correct response when cued. Pre-registration is required. Class size: Min 6/Max 12, class will be postponed or canceled if minimum is not met. All Ages Welcome but Check Out our Puppy and Adolescent classes specifically designed for younger dogs… (see below.)
Saturdays 9:00am Scheduled to begin August 3rd
Saturdays 10:00am Scheduled to begin July 13th
Thursdays 6:30pm Scheduled to begin July 25th
Fee: $125 or $105 with Tails Adoption Coupon
Register for the Saturday at 10:00am class beginning on 7/13/2024 here.
Register for the Saturday at 9:00am class beginning on 8/3/2024 here.
Register for the Thursday at 6:30pm class beginning 7/25/2024 here.
Questions? Please contact: training@tailshumanesociety.org or leave a message in our voice mailbox 815-758-2457 ext. 112
Intermediate Obedience
Build upon what your dog learned in Basic Obedience! This 6-week dog training course will work on improving your dog’s self control, increasing responsiveness to cues while adding more distractions, and developing good manners around strangers and other dogs. (This class is not for dog-reactive dogs. Please ask about our private lessons to work on reactivity or other behavioral concerns.) Prerequisite: Certificate from Tails’ Basic Obedience and/or instructor approval. Class size: Min 4/Max 8, class will be postponed or canceled if minimum is not met. Pre-registration is required.
Ages: 9 Months+ (see Prerequisite)
Mondays 7:00pm TBD
Fee: $125
Register for the Monday at 7:00pm Intermediate class by emailing the trainer here.
Questions? Contact: training@tailshumanesociety.org or leave a message on our voicemail 815-758-2457 ext. 112.
Advanced Obedience
Ready to take your obedience to a new level? Our 6-week Advanced Dog Obedience training course focuses on building solid responses from your dog even when you’re not holding the leash! Working at a distance from your dog and using distractions commonly found when in public helps to build your dog’s self control and responsiveness to both visual and spoken cues. Class is taught off-leash. Prerequisite: Certificate from Tails’ Intermediate Obedience or instructor approval. Class size: Min 4/Max 6, class will be postponed or canceled if minimum is not met. Pre-registration is required.
Ages: 1 year+ (see Prerequisite)
Saturdays 11:00am Scheduled tbd
Fee: $125
Register for the Saturday at 11:00am Advanced class by emailing our trainer here.
Questions? Please contact: training@tailshumanesociety.org or leave a message on our voicemail 815-758-2457 ext. 112.
Puppies and Adolescents
This 6-week obedience class is tailored to meet the needs of young dogs (under 1 year of age) and their humans. We focus on foundational obedience, manners, and socialization with an emphasis on positive, reward-based training. This class will provide you with information on how to handle typical puppy and adolescent behaviors such as nipping, stealing, jumping, mouthiness, demand barking, etc. and how to prevent future problem behaviors. In addition to teaching beginning obedience cues, instructors will answer questions, discuss puppy development, and provide opportunities for pups to learn to communicate appropriately with each other in off-leash play time. Class size: Min 6/Max 12, class will be postponed or canceled if minimum is not met. Pre-registration is required. Ages: 8 Weeks – 12 Months (at start of class).
Tuesdays 6:30pm Scheduled to begin July 23rd
Mondays 6:00pm Scheduled to begin August 12th
Fee: $125, or $105 with Tails Adoption Coupon
Register for the Monday at 6:00pm class beginning 8/12/2024 here.
Register for the Tuesday at 6:30pm class beginning 07/23/2024
Questions? Please email: training@tailshumanesociety.org or leave a message at 815-758-2457 ext. 112.
Focus (Pay Attention to Me)
This 6-week class teaches your dog to pay attention to YOU even in the presence of interesting distractions. Lack of Focus is the reason most dogs struggle with Recall, Loose Leash Walking, and obedience cues when outside of the house. This class is all about fostering a more focused dog, improving your dog’s responsiveness and leash manners. Our course uses a positive, reward-based approach to training your dog to check-in and keep an eye on you, strengthening your bond while having fun. This class is NOT appropriate for highly reactive or aggressive dogs. Class size: Min 6/Max 8, class will be postponed or canceled if minimum is not met. Pre-registration is required. Ideal for all Ages, Sizes, & Breeds
Thursdays 7:30pm Scheduled to begin June 27th
Fee: $125, or $105 with Tails Adoption Coupon
Register for the Thursday at 7:30pm class beginning 06/27/2024 here.
Questions? Please contact training@tailshumanesociety.org or leave a message at 815-758-2457 ext. 112.
Nosework (Odor Detection)
Canine Nosework is a fun sport that teaches your dog to identify and search for specific odors, similar to odor detection dogs in law enforcement. Our 6-week course uses a positive, reward-based approach to training your dog in scent recognition and search methods, allowing you and your dog to work as a team, strengthening your bond while having fun. Nosework provides mental and physical stimulation fostering a more focused dog. It’s also a great activity to build confidence with shy and timid dogs. This class is NOT appropriate for highly reactive or aggressive dogs. Class size: Min 4/Max 8, class will be postponed or canceled if minimum is not met. Pre-registration is required. Ideal for all Ages, Sizes, & Breeds
Tuesdays 7:30pm Scheduled to begin June 18th
Fee: $150
Register for the Tuesday at 7:30pm class beginning 06/18/2024 here.
Questions? Please contact training@tailshumanesociety.org or leave a message at 815-758-2457 ext. 112.
Mentoring Shelter Dogs
This is an open training time to work on enrichment, general manners, and basic cues with Tails shelter dogs. Agility obstacles, tricks, and scent training will also be introduced. If you have an evening to spare for helping our shelter dogs, this is for you! Volunteer orientation and dog walking training are required prior to attending class.
There is no charge for this class. It is open to members of the public age 16 and older. Contact our Volunteer and Outreach Manager, Ali Taylor, at ataylor@tailshumanesociety.org for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register for a training class?
Simply click on the “Register for…” link associated with the class you want. Complete the registration info and payment. If you’ve recently adopted from Tails and have a coupon for training, you will enter your code on the payment screen where it asks if you have a COUPON CODE under Order Summary. Unsure of which class would be appropriate for your dog, contact training@tailshumanesociety.org .
What type of training methods are used?
Tails teaches and encourages the use of reward-based positive reinforcement methods. We believe these methods to be the most effective and humane way to build trust, maximize the bond, and encourage your dog to learn consistently appropriate behaviors in a variety of situations.
What type of collar and leash should my dog wear?
We encourage all handlers to use modified martingale or buckle collars and 6 foot leash. No pinch or choke collars and no bungee or retractable leashes please. If your dog wears a harness, we recommend a harness with a front/chest clip for the leash, please discuss any other type harness with the trainer ahead of time.
Do we need to bring our own treats?
Yes. It is important that you find a reward that your dog absolutely loves. Most dogs are food motivated, but if yours isn’t, we’ll help you find a way to reward him/her with toys, attention or other positive motivators.
What if I have serious concerns about my dog’s behavior?
For dogs with behavioral concerns such as aggression, severe reactivity, fearfulness, separation anxiety, etc. please contact the Training Department by emailing us at training@tailshumanesociety.org or leave a message at 815-758-2457 Ext 112 to schedule a private consultation prior to enrolling in a group class.