Behavior/Training
Behavior/Training Menu
Socializing Your Dog: Click the image to enlarge. You can download it here to share it with everyone. Poster Credit: Lili @ doggiedrawings.net/
How Not to Greet a Dog: Click the image to enlarge. You can download it here to share it with everyone. Poster Credit: Lili @ doggiedrawings.net/
Furry Friends Rescue endorse these positive reinforcement trainers and facilities listed below. We do highly recommend and feel it is crucial for you, your entire family, and your new puppy or dog to attend dog training to ensure you learn how to train your dog while socializing them with other dogs/people.
Puppies must attend puppy training classes and socials between the ages of 8 - 12 weeks (Critical Period of Socialization). Please call or visit any of the trainers listed below and work with the one you feel most comfortable with. We are providing this list as we truly believe that a well behaved animal is a joy to share your life with. Both you and your pet will benefit from this training and the time you share together. Also view Cat Behavior & Training.
Look for very experienced professionals who have received a comprehensive education in animal learning, dog behavior, and science-based non-aversive training methods. The Academy for Dog Trainers.
Transparency in Dog Training from Jean Donaldson on Vimeo.
Dog Behavior Articles
- No Funds for Training? Academy trainers share advice for getting the help you need.
- The Dangers Of Invisible Dog Fences
- Why Invisible Fences Don’t Work
- The Pet Rescue Resource, Help for Jumpy/Mouthy Foster Dogs
- How to Prioritize Training for a New Rescue Dog: A Guide
- 3 Ways to Confuse a New Dog
- Love Has No Age Limit (Book)
- Introducing Dogs to Each Other
- New dog or puppy by The East Bay Dog Listener, Louise Pay
- How To Manage Your Multi-Dog Home—New dog, Meet & Greet, Feeding (feed/pick up bowl), Pack Order & Training
- How to Introduce a Dog to a Cat
- All Dog Training Resources
- Center for Pet Safety® - The science of pet safety®
- No Choke and Prong Collars
- Dr. Sophia Yin - The Art & Science of Animal Behavior > Resources
- Training Aggression? Counter-conditioning a Dog to Blowing in Face by Dr. Sophia Yin
- Training and Dog-Care Resources by Stacy's Wag'N'Train
- Training the Deaf Dog
- How to Communicate with a Deaf Dog
- Training the Hearing Impaired Dog
- Clicker Training
- Dog Training Nation In Dogs We Trust
- DOG BEHAVIOR by Victoria Stilwell
- WHAT IS POSITIVE TRAINING? by Victoria Stilwell
- SEPARATION ANXIETY by Victoria Stilwell
- Helpful Tips for a Happy Relationship with Your New Puppy/Dog From Sue, Rambo and Zippy
- Fostering Advice & Tips by The East Bay Dog Listener, Louise Pay
- FFR New Dog Training & Food Tips/Guide (pdf)
- Articles for Dogs: The Dog Listener, By Jan Fennell
- The SF/SPCA Animal Behavior Program (Dog Behavior & Cat Behavior)
- Dogster | Dog Training
- Clicker Solutions
- Karen Pryor Clicker Training
- Suzanne Clothier | Relationship Centered Training ™
- Adopting a Rescue Dog –The First Seven Days– by Dr. Susan Wright & Misty Weaver (pdf)
- Dog Star Daily | Free downloads eBooks and Articles
- The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson
- Problems Associated With Adopting Two Puppies at the Same Time
- Training tips for Anxious, Shy, Fearful dogs. Louise Pay, The East Bay Dog Listener
- Training, Nutrition & Agility Videos by Thriving Canine
- Counter Conditioning Leash Reactive Dogs - Less Stress More Success with Counter Conditioning Less Stress More Success (YouTube video)
- Pool Safety: Keep Your Dog Safe Around the Pool this Summer
- Behavior Problems? | Behavior Blue Prints House Training (pdf version), Destructive Chewing (pdf version), Excessive Barking (pdf version), Digging (pdf version), Home Alone (pdf version), Puppy Biting (pdf version), New Puppy (pdf version).
- 11 things humans do that dogs hate
- General Dog Behavior Problems by Patricia B. McConnell
- Peace, Patience, & Pack Politics Forget "Alpha" the rules of group living apply to all - Patricia B. McConnell
Positive Reinforcement Training Tips
Noelle (left), Adopted 2021
- Top 10 Reasons Not to Use Prong Collars
- Prong Collar Myths and Facts
- Alternatives to Prong, Choke and Shock Collars
- Choke and Prong Collars
- Sirius Training / Oz Training (FFR Adoption discount)
- Association of Pet Dog Trainers
- Animal Behavior Advice
- Cat Behavior Tip Page
- Dog Behavior Links from the SFSPCA
- Dog Behavior Tips from HSSV
- Dog Star Daily
- Living with Dogs
- Tip Sheet on Introducing Animals (PDF file, 12kb)
- Crate Training (PDF file, 23kb)
- Puppy Training Tips from Dr. Ian Dunbar
Tips for Fostering
- Foster Care Manual For Dogs and Puppies by SPCA Serving Erie County
- Puppy Development: Stages from Birth to Two Years Old
Fostering Mom and Puppies Guidance
- Need a quiet room for mom to feel safe to deliver or nurse her newborn pups.
- Friendly female dogs usually become protective moms until they feel safe. She needs time and days (3 days to week) to feel safe.
- Keep other dogs and young kids away from them.
- Set up dog pen and whelping box or pool. Put warm blankets or throws to keep them warm.
- Mom will clean and take care of her pups. Check in to make sure the pups are nursing.
- When mom feels safe, give her access to go out to yard for potty biz (use leash to guide her first day).
- Offer reward of yummy soft treats with positive calm voice to mom. If mom is nervous, do not stare at her eyes, look at her body language until she feels comfortable.
- Have water available and feed higher calorie foods (2-3 times per day) to mom so she can nurse her pups.
- Can leave on "Calming Dog" music for them. They are on YouTube, Spotify or you can purchase Canine Lullabies from caninelullabies.com
- Have emergency bottle or syringe and puppy milk replacer on hand in case puppy doesn't nurse and needs help.
- Read Puppy Development: Stages from Birth to Two Years Old and learn about how puppy develop.
Dog and Kids Safety (including Babies and Toddlers)
The highest bite accidents are with kids 2-7 years old. 70% of dog bite victims are children. Kids 12 years & under need 100% supervision. Also, one of the highest reasons for dog returns or abandonment, are due to new babies or young kids. Please be committed for life. Learn about dog & kid safety and training first.
Dog Online Classes/Dog Behavior Videos
Online Classes
- Dog Training 101 by Jean Donaldson of The Academy for Dog Trainers
- SIRIUS Online Classes
Walk On Leash - Step by Step SIRIUS Adult Dog Training
Pit Bull Terrier Training/Behavior
- Dawna Caldwell, CPDT-KA
Happy Tails To You Dog Training,
San Jose, CA
(408) 267-7606
HappyTailsToYouDogTraining.com - Managing a Multi-Dog Household
- Break Stick Information: What Is a Break Stick?
Finding a Dog Trainers
Sirius Training / Oz Training (FFR Adoption discount)
800-419-8748
Puppy and Adult Group Lessons
Locations: Throughout the bay area, call to find a site nearest you. Dr. Ian Dunbar is a nationally published author of many dog training books and videos.
www.siriuspup.com
- Puppy Kindergarten (8-11 weeks)
- Puppy Training 1 (12-18 weeks)
- Dog Training 1 (19+ weeks)
- Sirius Essential Skill Series (19+ weeks)
Association of Pet Dog Trainers
1-800-pet-dogs
A nation-wide list of dog trainers.
We recommend working with trainers who use positive reinforcement / reward based training only. Avoid the use of shock, choke or pinch collars.
www.apdt.com
Avoid any trainer who tells you to yell, hit, shock, jerk the leash, throw things at, use a pinch or choke collar on your dog OR if they forbid you to use food in the training.
Deaf Dog Training
Deaf Dog Education Action Fund
East Bay | Dog Traininers
Academy For Dog Trainers
A World-leading, Advanced Program for Dog Trainers
academyfordogtrainers.com
They offers one of the most rigorous, advanced programs in dog behavior and training in the world. Find a Trainer.
BRAVO! PUP Puppy & Dog Training (FFR Adoption discount)
bravopup.com
Virtual Classes
In Person Classes
Dodger's Paws
39 California Ave. #305
Pleasanton, CA 94566
Puppy Training Class
Serving area: Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin & surrounding areas in the East Bay.
Berkeley Humane Society
Nancy Frensley
Oakland, Berkeley
510-845-7735
Berkeleyhumane.org
Paws 4 Learning
Cheryl Johnson Collett
Paws4learning.com
510-209-9122
[email protected]
- puppy and adult dog group classes
- Individual training and behavior
- counseling also available
Classes Offered
- City of Fremont - Recreation Services
510-791-4324 - City of Pleasanton parks and Community Services
925-931-5340
Dog Dynasty
petdynasty.us
7132 Johnson Drive,
Suite D
Pleasanton, CA 94588
925-416-7877
Pied Piper Dog Training
Brian Sullivan, CTC
510-430-8726
PiedPiperDogTraining.com
One-hour group off-leash outings, private training consults and behavior modification, and group classes at Piedmont Adult School.
The East Bay Dog Listener (FFR Adoption & Foster Home partner)
Louise Pay
925-487-9386
[email protected]
ebdoglistener.com
1-to-1 in-home training using Amichien Bonding, the training philosophy developed by Jan Fennel, the original dog listener.
Learn how to have your dog elect you as "Leader of the Pack."
The Polished Pup
Sherry Al-Mufti, CPDT-KA
925-366-6701
[email protected]
Polishedpupeastbay.com
Paws and Cues
Kathryn Horn
Pawsandcues.com
Behavior modification and basic training
Agility
Cannon Dog Training
Tania Lanfer
Cannondogtraining.com
Behavior modification and basic training
Specializes in dogs and babies
Mighty Mutts
Shane Stanis
Mightymuttsdogtraining.com
Behavior Modification and basic Training
Specializing in Rowdy and Reactive dogs
Ellie Johnson
South Bay | Dog Trainers
South Bay Dog Training
Certified Dog Trainer & Behavior Consultant
SouthBayDog.com
408-827-8344
Puppy Socials, Puppy Classes
(Discount to FFR Adopters & Foster Homes)
Happy Tails to You (FFR Adoption & Foster Home discount)
Dawna Caldwell
Happytailstoyoudogtraining.com
2045 Woodard Rd.,
San Jose, CA 95124
408-267-7606 or 800-436-4443
Variety of group classes (puppies thru adults to advanced classes), private in-home training. Dawna covering needs ranging from basic obedience to aggression and Pit Bull Terriers training. Dawna is a certified professional dog trainer through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, Evaluator for Canine Good Citizen tests, and Association of Professional Dog Trainers.
Maria Cecilia Saleme, CPDT
Canine Behavior Counselor (Discount to FFR adopter)
Specializing in the Child-Dog relationship, training & agility
[email protected]
CanineHigherLearning.com
Milpitas, CA
Bingo! Dog Training
831-768-9803 or 408 335-8745
Bingodogtraining.com
Watsonville to Santa Cruz and surrounding areas
Group Classes - Private Lessons - Behavior Problems - Board & Train
Clear Mind Canine
Heather Ross CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA
Clearmindcanine.com
Based in Felton, CA
Instagram
Facebook
Clear Mind Canine offers practical, effective solutions to a variety of behavior issues and group classes from puppy to competition.
Living with Dogs
Sandi Pensinger
Livingwithdogs.us
Santa Cruz, CA
Santa Cruz County Dog Training & Puppy Classes - Specialists in motivation-based group dog training classes for all ages & breeds of dogs.
Stacy's Wag'N'Train
Stacy Braslau-Schneck, Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Wagntrain.com
408-978-7391
Puppy and adult group classes, expert personal training, private lessons, baby preparation, tricks class.
San Jose area; visit the website to find site nearest you.
Downtown Dogs' Day Care
Mark & Kelly Helsing
Downtowndogs.com
408-287-2267
Supervised day care for dogs
564 West San Carlos Street, San Jose
Group obedience and agility classes
Maria Cecilia Sternzon, CPDT-KA, MBA
Canine Behavior Counselor / Training Instructor
Sport dog trainer, Dog-Kids training, Behavior counseling
Ceciliasaleme.com
Molly's AdobeDogs Dog Training
Adobedogs.org
Los Altos, CA
Contact
Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV)
D for Dog Training
Leash Reactive Dogs training and more.
Dfordogtraining.com
650-538-3011
Contact
Fetch Sam
Fetchsam.com
650.504.2058
Dog training and dog sports
The Hound Haven
thehoundhaven.com
Peggy McCarty, CTC, CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, CSAT
Santa Clara, CA
Contact
Peninsula | Dog Traininers
Wendy Hilton
Justrewardsk9.com
650-367-1941
Wendy teaches rally obedience, puppy manners, basic manners, tricks, CGC, growly dog and other classes in Los Gatos, Redwood City, San Carlos. Private training also available.
Peninsula Humane Society
12 Airport Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94401
Peninsulahumanesociety.org
Whether you've just adopted a dog and want to get off on the right paw, or you want a refresher course for your longtime companion, PHS/SPCA companion dog training courses are ideal. We hold year-round Puppy Classes, Level I, and Intermediate obedience classes. In addition, we're offering dog training geared for children and dog training conducted in Spanish. Classes are 6 one-hour sessions and limited to 12 dogs. Discounts are available for dogs adopted from PHS/SPCA, and for seniors.
Planet Pooch
Rav'n Dog Training
Puppy/Dog training, Nose work, Rally, Recreational agility, Tricks
Ravndogtraining.com
Redwood City
North Bay | Dog Traininers
Perfect Paws
866-511-PAWS (7297)
Perfectpaws.org
Group classes: pup, adult, agility, freestyle, competition obedience. Pup and small dog socials. Private lessons.
San Francisco, Menlo Park, Redwood Shores
SF Puppy Prep
Sfpuppyprep.com
Puppy training and socials
415-618-0828
Owned and run by SF SPCA certified dog trainers and instructors, Aishe Berger and Stephanie Miller.
We will personnaly pick up each puppy at your home, bring them to a safe, indoor space in SOMA for 2 hours of play, and then drop them back off at home.
Group puppy classes covering all puppy issues and socialization. Wine and cheese happy hour play session for pups and small dogs.
Sport Dog Training
Dog Agility
Flyball, Nose Work, Barn Hunt
Puppy Training
Great puppy training tip articles by Dr. Ian Dunbar!
Other Puppy Training Articles
- Puppy socialization and training
- Growing Up FDSA—Surviving Your Dog Sports Puppy! (A collection of “must have” articles from the instructors of Fenzi Dog Sports Academy) (PDF)
- The 5 Biggest Mistakes New Puppy Owners Make - And How To Avoid Them
- The 8 Most Useful Things to Teach a New Puppy
- Stacy Braslau-Schneck Offers 5 Puppy Priorities
- The SIRIUS Puppy Raising Initiative For Prospective and New Puppy Owners
- Free Downloadable eBooks BEFORE You Get Your Puppy and AFTER You Get Your Puppy
- Behavior Problems? | Behavior Blue Prints Puppy Biting (pdf version), New Puppy (pdf version).
Puppy and Small Dog Socials
Socialization is critical in the first 8-16 weeks of a puppy's life. Read AVSAB Position Statement On Puppy Socialization. Find classes that fits you and your puppy!
Puppy Social
- P.E.T.S. (Campbell, CA)
- South Bay Dog Training (Mountain View, Saratoga, and San Jose, CA) *Discount to FFR Adopters & Foster Homes
- The Hound Haven (Santa Clara, CA)
- SF Puppy Prep (San Francisco, CA)
- Sirius Puppy Socials (SF Bay Area)
- Wag Hotel (Santa Clara, Redwood City, Oakland, San Francisco)
- Puppy social @ Downtown Dogs (San Jose, CA)
- Zoom Room (Belmont, CA)
- HSSV Puppy Social (San Jose, CA)
- Down Town Dogs (San Jose, CA)
- Dodger's Paws (Pleasanton, CA)
- Planet Pooch (Redwood City, CA)
- Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) (Milpitas, CA)
- Here Doggy Day Care (South San Francisco, CA)
- D for Dog (South Bay Area)
- TRIM - Puppy training and socialization classes (Los Gatos, CA)
- The Hound Haven - Puppy Socials
Small Dog Social
Free Training Resources
McGarrett, Adopted 2021
- No Funds for Training? Academy trainers share advice for getting the help you need.
- Kikopup on YouTube for the wide variety of easy-to-understand training videos that Emily Larlham creates.
- [VIDEO] COMPLETE GUIDE to PUPPY TRAINING - What to train FIRST
- [VIDEO] Train your dog to STOP pulling on leash
- [VIDEO] STOP Leash Walking Problems BEFORE they Start
- The Pet Rescue Resource, from behavior and training experts to help shelter and rescue pets reach their full potential
- Training for Jumpy/Mouthy Dogs in Foster
- Training Plans from The Pet Rescue Resources
Behavior & Training for Cats
Cat Training Info:
- Cat Behavior & Socialization Articles
by Best Friends Animal Society - Cat Behavior Issues
by Dr. Sophia Yin - Cat: Bringing Your New Cat Home
by SF SPCA - Cat Behavior Information
by SF SPCA - One of the Best Ways to Ensure Your Cat's Forever Home
by Dr. Karen Shaw Becker
Cat Behavior Resources
- Cat Behavior Resources by SF SPCA
- Cat Behavior Education by HSSV
Human Pregnancy, Babies, and Your Cat
Bottle-Feed a Newborn Kitten
Keeping Cats Inside
How to Take Care of Kittens (Bottle Babies)
