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Basic Obedience Classes
The Atlanta Humane Society's Basic Obedience classes give you the knowledge to have a more rewarding
relationship with your dog by showing you how to teach your dog how best to behave in your household. Lessons include: pay attention, sit, stay, walk on leash without pulling, lie down, wait, come (all on leash), and more--though classes are NOT just about "commands." Classes last six consecutive weeks, once weekly, for about one
hour per session, and homework is required. The object is to communicate more effectively with your pet and bond with him through attention, praise, treats, and positive leadership. Though specific "problem behaviors" such as chewing, excessive digging, or barking are not specifically covered, you will find that many of these behaviors
disappear once you begin interacting with your dog using the positive methods we teach. Even dogs who already
have a pretty good grasp of these commands can benefit from the socialization and added distraction of class, as well as our exclusive Leadership Protocols. It is never too late to have a great relationship with your dog!
Can’t wait for the next class? Have a dog who isn’t suitable for class? Our private training lessons may be just the ticket!
Start Date
March 2 |
Friday |
MANSELL CAMPUS |
10am* |
For availability, email training@atlantahumane.org |
March 3 |
Saturday |
HOWELL MILL CAMPUS |
10am* |
For availability, email training@atlantahumane.org |
March 13 |
Tuesday |
HOWELL MILL CAMPUS |
6:45pm* |
For availability, email training@atlantahumane.org |
March 13 |
Tuesday |
HOWELL MILL CAMPUS |
8:00pm* |
For availability, email training@atlantahumane.org |
March 15 |
Thursday |
MANSELL CAMPUS |
6:45pm* |
For availability, email training@atlantahumane.org |
March 15 |
Thursday |
MANSELL CAMPUS |
8:00pm* |
For availability, email training@atlantahumane.org |
April 27 |
Friday |
MANSELL CAMPUS |
10am* |
For availability, email training@atlantahumane.org |
April 28 |
Saturday |
HOWELL MILL CAMPUS |
10am* |
For availability, email training@atlantahumane.org |
May 8 |
Tuesday |
HOWELL MILL CAMPUS |
6:45pm* |
For availability, email training@atlantahumane.org |
May 8 |
Tuesday |
HOWELL MILL CAMPUS |
8:00pm* |
For availability, email training@atlantahumane.org |
May 10 |
Thursday |
MANSELL CAMPUS |
6:45pm* |
For availability, email training@atlantahumane.org |
May 10 |
Thursday |
MANSELL CAMPUS |
8:00pm* |
For availability, email training@atlantahumane.org |
Please Note:
The first week of every session is always a 2-hour mandatory orientation (without the dog). All potential handlers age 10 to adult are encouraged to attend with the main handler.
For Friday morning and Saturday morning classes, this orientation is 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
For all evening classes, this orientation is 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
The * times are when the rest of that session's classes will begin. For instance, Tuesday and Thursday evening classes for weeks 2-6 begin at either 6:45pm or 8:00pm, but the orientation (first week) is 7:00pm to 9:00pm.
Please email us at training@atlantahumane.org or call 404.974.2899 if you have questions. See you in class!
Cost
AHS Basic Obedience Classes are a great bargain at only $99, though they are worth twice that, and include things other classes do not. They are open to dogs 4 months or older who are current on vaccinations, generally friendly to people and other dogs,* and not in heat. All classes come with pre-class socialization (if applicable to your dog) and free repeats if you need them. Pre-registration is required!
All classes take place at the Atlanta Humane Society, at either the Howell Mill campus located at 981 Howell Mill Rd. N.W. in Atlanta, or the Mansell campus, located at 1565 Mansell Rd. in Alpharetta (see class table above for the location of the class you are registering for). The mandatory first class of every session lasts (2) hours, is for people only, and takes place indoors. The remaining classes are taught in the Shelter parking lot (weather permitting) or inside if necessary.
Classes meet once per week, always at the same location. After the orientation week, all classes last about an hour (pre-class socialization begins 20 minutes prior to class start time).
*Please email or call to discuss your dog’s issues if you are not sure how he will react to other dogs or people. Often, people mistake poor leash manners, fear, or other reactions such as barking as aggression, when they may not be.
Registration and Payment
- Classes fill quickly, so pre-registration and payment are required.
- Download a registration form here.
- You may register and pay in person at AHS; mail your form with a check payable to AHS (address is on the form; this method not recommended unless your desired start date is at least 3 weeks away); or email training@atlantahumane.org for instruction on registering online with a credit card (this method is easiest and fastest).
- You will receive an email confirmation when your registration is complete, and an email reminder a few days before your class begins.
- For more information, email us at training@atlantahumane.org or call 404.974.2899.
About the Trainer
Mailey E. McLaughlin, M.Ed. is the Atlanta Humane Society Behavior & Training Manager, and a Certified Dog Trainer through the International Association of Canine Professionals. She has been working with animals for almost 30 years, teaching professionally for over a decade, and has built the AHS’ Training program from the ground up. She has years of experience working with shelter dogs and their owners. She is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, and a certified Pet First Aid Instructor. Mailey believes training should be fun, fair, results-oriented, and geared toward pet owners who “have a life” and do not have hours every day to devote to training. Since there is no “one right way” to train every dog, Mailey continues to educate herself professionally and has cultivated many approaches to problem-solving. She believes the dog is the best indicator of how well the training is going. You get out what you put into your dog, but training need not be boring, time-consuming, or harsh to work. You CAN have the dog you deserve!
See you in class!
Donate to Training and Education
Thank you for choosing to support the Atlanta Humane Society through the Training/Education Department. We are committed to helping pet owners and future pet owners select the right pets for them, and assist them with training and problem-solving. We also offer shelter tours and information of the programs we provide. We believe education is the key to a kinder, gentler, pet-friendly world. Pets help people, and we help pets and people! Your contribution will ensure that our training and education programs will continue for years to come. Thank you!