Volunteer

Our work wouldn't be possible without our incredible volunteers! Join us and make a lifesaving difference.

Food Donations

Support dogs and cats in need with a donation of pet food!

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Dog Training

Help your best friend be their best

You and your dog deserve the best relationship possible. Whether you’re teaching an old dog new tricks or starting your puppy out on the right paw, HSSW is here to help. Classes at HSSW utilize positive reinforcement training methods to shape and modify behavior and build a strong foundation of respect between you and your dog.

Classes and Information

  • Basic Manners

    Whether your dog is new to your home or a long-standing member of the household, this class will provide the training foundation your dog needs. This five-session class focuses on everyday life skills for adult dogs like sit/down/stay, recall, loose-leash and heel walking, greeting other dogs and people, and more.

    Registration

    Five-week class series | $150 per dog

    Upcoming Sessions*

    Monday, November 18 | 5:30 - 6:20
    Thursday, November 21 | 5:30 - 6:20
    Tuesday, November 26 | 12:00-12:50

    *Dates above reflect the first day of five-week class series.

    Additional Information

    • Available for dogs six months and older.
    • First class is mandatory and for people only, no dogs please. Dogs will attend classes the four following sessions.
    • Class size limited to five dogs.

    Click to Register

  • Advanced Manners

    Build on your dog's basics with Advanced Manners. This class adds more distractions and difficulty to the training sessions, helping your dog learn new skills, focus, and build an even deeper connection with you. Completion of Basic Manners class is required for registration.

    Registration

    Five-week class series | $150 per dog

    Upcoming Sessions*

    Tuesday, November 19 | 4:30 - 5:20
    Thursday, December 5 | 12:00 - 12:50

    *Dates above reflect the first day of five-week class series.

    Additional Information

    • Available for dogs six months and older.
    • Completion of Basic Manners class is required for registration.
    • First class is mandatory and for people only, no dogs please. Dogs will attend classes the four following sessions.
    • Class size limited to five dogs.

    Click to Register

  • Puppy Essentials (Under 6 months old)

    Help your puppy get an early start on their training journey. This five-session class includes basics like sit/down/stay (a.k.a. puppy push-ups), targeting skills, recall, loose-leash walking, puppy massage for handling and bonding, and other everyday life skills. Your pup will socialize with other puppies as you lay the foundation for learning in a manner that will foster trust, confidence, and a loving bond with your new best friend.

    Registration

    Five-week class series | $150 per dog

    Upcoming Sessions*

    Tuesday, November 19 | 5:30 - 6:20
    Thursday, November 21 | 4:30 - 5:20

    *Dates above reflect the first day of five-week class series.

    Additional Information

    • Puppies must be under 6 months of age at the beginning of class.
    • The first class is a people-only orientation, no puppies please. Puppies will attend the following four sessions.
    • Class size limited to six puppies.

    Click to Register

  • Reactive Rover

    Reduce your dog's reactivity in stressful environments. This five-session class focuses on training basic manners for reactive dogs, and provides guidance for focus activities like touch and eye contact. Handlers will learn how to identify their dog's stress cues and advocate for their reactive dogs.

    Registration

    Five-week class series | $250 per dog

    Upcoming Sessions*

    Monday, November 18 | 4:30 - 5:20
    Wednesday, November 20 | 4:30 - 5:20

    *Dates above reflect the first day of five-week class series.

    Additional Information

    • Available for dogs six months and older.
    • First class is mandatory and for people only, no dogs please. Dogs will attend classes the four following sessions.
    • Class size limited to two dogs.

    Click to Register

  • Private Training

    For some dogs, private training is the best option to help them succeed in their training journey. Sessions provide support for a variety of behaviors and training needs. 

    Registration

    Available in 50-minute sessions | $80 per session

    Click to Register

To register, view upcoming classes, and for more information, click the link below.

Click to Sign up and Register

Location

All classes are held at the HSSW Behavior and Training Center at Wellhaven Pet Health on Mill Plain

906 SE 164th Avenue, Suite 100
Vancouver, WA 98683

About our Trainer

Cierra Silva, CPDT-KA, CCFC, AKC CGC Evaluator

Cierra is a passionate animal advocate who specializes in dog behavior, training, and care. She has more than a decade of experience training, managing dog kennels and fostering/volunteering for local rescues.

Cierra takes a positive approach to training with an emphasis on relationship building, confidence building, and proper socialization. She has experience with a variety of breeds and temperaments, and is committed to learning and spreading awareness about the power of positive, science-based dog training.

canine good citizen evaluator logo  certified professional dog training logo


Questions? Please contact:

HSSW Dog Training Team
[email protected]