Animal Behavior Programs

Animal Rescue & Control

Community Outreach

Continuing Care

Dealing with Loss

Disaster Preparedness

Education Programs

Front Office Services

Our Thrift Store

Pet Assisted Therapy

Report Animal Abuse or Neglect

Resource Library

Spay/Neuter Clinic

Wildlife Care Center

Animal Behavior Programs

NEW! Behavior Consultations

A new offering, as of August 22, 2008.  Now you can bring your dog and his or her issues to our shelter for a private, one-on-one behavior consultation. Our experts can help you work through issues like housetraining, separation anxiety, shyness, fear, new dog/puppy problems, obedience, dog reactivity,  and enjoy a better relationship with your dog.  Because PHS/SPCA is a non-profit, our rates are significantly less expensive than other behavior consultation businesses. But, we're every bit as good! The initial 75-minute consultation is $70; 30-minute follow-ups are $40. To schedule an appointment, please call 650/340-7022, ext. 667

Obedience Classes

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.

PHS/SPCA Dog Training Classes - Schedule

Puppy Preschool (2-4 months)

Monday 6:15pm
July 20

Puppy Kindergarten (4-8 months)

Thursday 6:30pm FULL
July 2

Wednesdays 6:15pm
July 15

Sundays 10:00am
July 26

Intermediate
Saturdays 12 noon - no class on July 4
June 20

Companion Dog Level 1

Saturdays 1:15pm - no class on July 4
June 20 FULL

Mondays 7:30pm
July 20

Sundays 11:15am
July 26

Companion Dog Level 1 for Small Dogs
(Dogs 6 months and older – under 25 lbs.)

Thursdays 7:45pm
July 2

Wednesdays 7:30pm
July 15th

Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
Saturday 1:15pm on
August 22nd – no class on Sept 5th

Training Bully Breeds
(Dogs 6 months and older)
Tuesdays 6:15pm (2nd & 4th Tuesday of every month)

• class 1: breed characteristics, attention, sit, jumping up
• class 2 : down, targeting, loose leash walks, stay, importance of exercise
• class 3 : arousal levels, approaching other dogs, crate training
• class 4 : leave it, distractions, approaching other dogs

Puppy Playgroup (2-6 months)
Tuesdays 6:15pm (1st & 3rd Tuesday of every month)
Next 6 week session begins: July 7th

Dog Day Evenings
Tuesdays 7:30pm (1st & 3rd Tuesday of every month)
Next 6 week session begins: July 7th

Tricks & Games for the Family Dog
TBA

Level 1 / Beginner Clicker Training – special exercises for Shy Dogs
TBA

Basic Agility
Sunday 11:15am – no class on May 23rd and June 14th
May 10th

This agility class is for any dog with a solid basic obedience (Sit, Down, Stay, Come) and reliable loose lead heeling. Over the weeks we will learn:

• how to navigate a basic obstacle course (tunnels, jumps, tire, A-frame, weave poles)
• safety considerations
• warm-ups and handling exercises

There are two easy ways to register!

1. Call 650-340-7022 x667
2. Download registration form and return to
   Behavior Department
   12 Airport Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94401

Behavior Helpline

Residents of San Mateo County can call the Behavior Helpline and a trained staff member will return their call within 48 hours (Monday through Friday during normal business hours) to offer free advice related to domestic animal behavior.

We can help with barking and chewing problems, separation anxiety, and housetraining in dogs; and with spraying, clawing, and nocturnal activity in cats (among other issues for dogs, cats and other animals). Please call 650/340-7022, ext. 783 (ext. 786 for Spanish).

You can read about some behavior issues by going to the Animal Behavior Advice section in the Resource Library. Also in the Resource Library, check out the Behavior Q&A.

Second Chance Class

This class, held twice weekly, is for dogs in our shelter. Our Animal Behaviorist guides a team of volunteers who help teach the dogs to walk on a leash, learn the "sit," "down," and "stay" commands, and socialize with other dogs and people. Information about the dogs who have taken these classes is available for potential adopters.

Getting to Know You Class

This two-hour class is for new dog owners. Learn why dogs do the things they do. Topics will include the pack dynamic through housetraining. Suggested $10 donation at the door. The class is held twice a year. Next class is scheduled for: August 21, 2008 . This is a people only class. No pets please. To sign up call 650/340-7022, ext. 306 or training@PHS-SCPA.org.

Dog Day Mornings

Do you have a dog who's a social butterfly? Or maybe a dog who's a little shy or nervous? Do you like dog parks but sometimes feel uncomfortable being there? Then have we got a program for you and your canine companion!

At Dog Day Mornings dogs romp and play off-leash in a supervised atmosphere every Saturday morning, rain or shine. There are two sessions -- 9:30 am to 10:30 am for dogs all shapes and sizes and a 10:30 am to 11:30 am class reserved for just small dogs. All dogs must be current on their vaccinations, have attended a basic obedience class and all dogs 6 months and older must be altered. The fee is $5.00 per class or save with a 6-session card for $25! For more information and to enroll call 650/340-7022 ext. 784. Come join us. . . It's a barking good time!

Animal Behavior Advice Articles

Books on Animal Behavior

About Dogs

• The Dog Who Loved Too Much by Nicholas Dodman
• The Good Little Dog Book by Ian Dunbar
• How to Teach an Old Dog New Tricksby Ian Dunbar
• The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson
• Leader of the Packby Patricia McConnell

About Cats

• Claws and Purrs by Peter Neville
• Twisted Whiskers--Solving Your Cat's Behavior Problems by Pam Johnson
• Cat Watching by Desmond Morris