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 more Information
To register, view upcoming classes, and for more information, click the links below.
Designed just for puppies 9–16 weeks of age, this session focuses on early socialization, confidence building, and gentle handling to help your puppy grow into a well-adjusted companion.
Registration
$30 per puppy
Class Schedule & Location
Sundays, 12:00 pm | Behavior and Training Center, Hazel Dell
This 50-minute class is offered as a single session.
Additional Information
Class size is limited to eight puppies to ensure a safe and positive experience.
Continued vaccine upkeep is required, with proof of an initial Distemper/Parvo combo vaccine needed to attend.
Help your puppy get an early start on their training journey. Gain knowledge in proper socialization, training, activity, and responsible dog ownership during this essential six-week class designed for puppies under six months of age. Earn your S.T.A.R. Puppy title and ribbon upon completion.
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
$180 per dog
Class Schedule & Location
Sundays, 1:00 pm | Behavior and Training Center, Hazel Dell
Tuesdays, 5:00 pm | Behavior and Training Center, Hazel Dell
Thursdays, 4:00 pm* | HSSW Longview Campus
Wednesdays, 5:00 pm | (small dogs only) Behavior and Training Center, Hazel Dell
*Start times will vary and may be offered as late as 6:00 pm. Times are confirmed prior to registration.
Classes are offered as a six-week 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 five sessions.
The teenage months can be one of the trickiest phases of dog ownership — full of energy, selective hearing, and boundary-testing. Teen Manners is designed to support the ever-changing behaviors during this crucial adolescent period.
Our priorities for this class are: improved focus, predictable behavior through pattern games, impulse control, and some added trick training as a fun enrichment alternative to basic obedience.
Registration
$180 per dog
Class Schedule and Location
Sundays, 3:00 pm | Behavior and Training Center, Hazel Dell
Tuesdays, 4:00 pm* | HSSW Vancouver Campus
Thursdays, 4:00 pm* | HSSW Longview Campus
*Times will vary and may be offered as late as 6:00 pm. Times are confirmed prior to registration.
Additional Information
Available for dogs six to fourteen months.
First class is mandatory and for people only, no dogs please. Dogs will attend classes the five following sessions.
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 six-session class focuses on everyday life skills for adult dogs like sit/stay, recall, loose-leash and heel walking, greeting other dogs and people, and more.
Registration
$180 per dog
Class Schedule & Location
Sundays, 4:00 pm | Behavior and Training Center, Hazel Dell
Mondays, 11:30 am | Behavior and Training Center, Hazel Dell
Tuesdays, 4:00 pm* | HSSW Vancouver Campus
Thursdays, 4:00 pm* | HSSW Longview Campus
Wednesdays, 6:00 pm | (small dogs only) Behavior and Training Center, Hazel Dell
*Times will vary and may be offered as late as 6:00 pm. Times are confirmed prior to registration.
Classes are offered as a six-week 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 five following sessions.
Build on your dog's basics with Advanced Manners aka our Canine Good Citizen Prep Course. This class adds additional distractions and difficulty to the training sessions, helping your dog learn new skills, enhance their focus, and build an even deeper connection with you. Completion of Basic Manners class is required for registration.
Registration
$180 per dog
Class Schedule & Location
Mondays, 6:00 pm | Behavior and Training Center, Hazel Dell
Tuesdays, 4:00 pm | HSSW Vancouver Campus
Classes are offered as a six-week series.
Additional Information
Available for dogs six months and older.
Completion of Basic Manners class is required for registration.
Reduce your dog's reactivity in stressful environments. This six-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
$250 per dog
Class Schedule & Location
Wednesdays, 11:30 am | Behavior and Training Center, Hazel Dell
Fridays, 5:00 pm | Behavior and Training Center, Hazel Dell
Saturdays, 11:00 am | Behavior and Training Center, Hazel Dell
Classes are offered as a six-week 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 five following sessions.
Use the skills learned in Reactive Rover to venture further beyond the barriers. The exposure to a new group of people and dogs while continuing to practice the skills they have already learned in class helps your dog understand how to use their skills in new situations. Your dog will also learn new skills like "place" and walking on a leash in this class.
Registration
$250 per dog
Class Schedule & Location
Wednesdays, 12:45 pm | Behavior and Training Center, Hazel Dell
Saturdays, 12:15 pm | Behavior and Training Center, Hazel Dell
Classes are offered as a six-week series.
Additional Information
Available for dogs six months and older.
Does your dog struggle to relax or stay focused when other people and dogs are around? This class is designed to help easily overstimulated or anxious dogs learn to settle, find their calm, and engage with the world around them without feeling overwhelmed.
Registration
$180 per dog
Class Schedule & Location
Fridays, 6:00 pm | Behavior and Training Center, Hazel Dell
Saturdays, 9:00 am | Behavior and Training Center, Hazel Dell
Classes are offered as a six-week 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 five following sessions.
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.
Class Schedule
Classes are available in 50-minute sessions and availability is flexible. Both in-person and virtual options are available to provide the best possible learning environment for both you and your dog.
In-person | $80 per session
Virtual | $60 per session
We're always growing our class offerings to meet the needs of our community and their dogs. Below, you'll find a preview of upcoming classes.
Small Dog Puppy Essentials (Small dog breeds, under 25 lbs | Under 6 months) All the benefits of our popular Puppy Essentials AKC S.T.A.R. program, now in a small-dog-only setting. A great fit for petite pups who do best learning alongside dogs their own size.
Small Dog Basic Manners (Small dog breeds, under 25 lbs | 6 months and up) Our six-week Basic Manners curriculum in a small-dog-only format. Perfect for owners of smaller breeds who thrive in a class tailored to their size and pace.
Check back soon for enrollment dates. Not seeing what you're looking for? Reach out to our team at [email protected].
Locations
Classes are offered at three locations in Southwest Washington.
Training classes are held at the following locations:
The Swigert Family Behavior and Training Center
10501 NE Hwy 99, Suite 27
Vancouver, WA
HSSW Vancouver Campus
1100 NE 192nd Ave
Vancouver, WA
HSSW Longview Campus
909 Columbia Blvd
Longview, WA 98632
To ensure an appropriate learning experience, locations vary by class type and group size. Class locations are specified in the class listings when you register.
About Our Trainers
Cierra Whitcomb, 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.
Kai Staton, CPDT-KA, AKC CGC Evaluator
Kai has been in the dog world his entire life. From dabbling in dog sports to apprenticing under different training professionals around the country, he has spent the last 10 years working with a wide range of dogs and skills. He especially values enriching the relationship and communication between people and their dogs. He believes in using positive reinforcement to build the life skills needed to best share our home with our best friends.
Behavior Resources
Looking for tips and techniques that you can utilize now at home? Explore the resources below to help tackle common behavior challenges.
