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Animal Behavior Programs
Report Animal Abuse or Neglect
Animal Behavior Programs
2012 Seminar Schedule
The cost of Seminars are $20.
“Am I Ready”
Speaker: Martina Contreras
Month: Sunday February 12th at 4pm
Location: at the Center for Compassion
There are a few seats still available so contact TWong@phs-spca.org to reserve your seats!
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Canine Noseworks: Search, Seek, Sniff,… and SCORE!
A creative sport that offers your dog a job.
Speaker: Terri Wong
Month: Thursday, April 12th, 6:30pm
Location: Multiple Purpose Room at the Center for Compassion
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Do your dog(s) get enough mental and physical exercise? Are you trying to find creative ways to get your dog doing a job? Well look no further, come and hear about the fun canine activity, Noseworks! It’s a sport that includes the handler and the dog, implementing their natural instinct to hunt by utilizing their sense of smell and sight. Even if your pooch lacks focus, may be shy or easily aroused by the presence of dogs or people, and even anxious in new settings Noseworks could be a great way to get your dog working, building up their confidence, and offering a “job” to keep them busy. In addition, it’s a great way to see how brilliant your dog is. Plus, it offers that time for you to bond and build a closer relationship with your dog. The noses KNOWS!
Clicker Training
Speaker: Kelly McCarthy
Month: Wednesday June 6th at 7:00pm
Location: Multi-purpose room at at the Center for Compassion
Toys and Tug-A-War
Speaker: Margaret Daul
Month: Saturday, August 25th at 2pm
Location: Multi Purpose at at the Center for Compassion
Dogs n Diapers & Cats n Cradles
Speaker: Maria Eguren
Month: Tuesday, Oct 16th at 6:30pm
Location: 3rd Floor Conference Room
Pet Intros / Play Styles
Speaker: Sharon Hall
Month: December TBD
Location: TBD
Behavior Consultations
Now you can bring your dog or cat 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 pet. 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. Consultations regarding issues involving reactivity or aggression are $90, and 30-minute follow-ups are $45. To schedule an appointment, please call 650/340-7022, ext. 667.
Meet our consultants – Anika Liljenwall, Janet Nicolini, Maria Eguren, Margaret Daul, Tasha Suda, & Terri Wong
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.
Behavior Training Packages
Scooby Doo Package: $235
- 1 seminar
- 6 week group class
- 1 consultation +follow up
Lassie Package: $320
- Unlimited seminars
- 6 week group class
- 1 mini session
- 1 initial consultation + follow up or 1 specialty class
Rin-Tin-Tin Package: $395
- Unlimited seminars
- 6 week group class
- 1 mini session
- 1 initial consultation + follow up or 1 specialty class
- Unlimited phone advice
Here’s how to register for our classes:
Download registration form and return via one of three options-
Mail:
Behavior Department
12 Airport Blvd, San Mateo CA 94401
Email: training@peninsulahumanesociety.org
Fax: (650)348-7891 writing “Attention to Behavior Dept”
If you have any questions, you can call (650)340-7022 x667.
NEW! Training for Bully Breeds
(Dogs 6 months and older)
Tuesdays March 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th 6:15pm
Class held at 12 Airport Blvd, San Mateo
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- 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
Instructor: Maria & Katie
NEW! The Bark & Lunge Club
Thursday April 26th at 6:30pm
Class held at 12 Airport Blvd, San Mateo
Instructor: Anika & Tasha
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NEW! Intermediate Agility
This agility class is for any dog with solid basic obedience, reliable loose lead heeling, and has attended Beginner Level Agility course.
Sunday, Feb 19th at 10:00am - no class on March 18
Class held in the Center for Compassion Romp Park
Instructor: Rachel
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Puppy Preschool (2-4 months)
Saturday March 3rd 12 noon
Instructor: Tasha
Puppy Kindergarten (4-6 months)
Wednesday, February 8th at 6:15pm (no class March 7th) Instructor: Margaret - FULL
Thursday March 1st 6:30pm
Instructor: Tasha
Monday March 26th 6:15pm – no class April 9th
Instructor: Sharon
Wednesday April 11th 6:15pm - no class May 2nd
Instructor: Margaret
Companion Dog Level 1
(Dogs 6 months and older)
Sunday, February 26th at 11:15am with Rachel Mizenko
(Class held in the Lantos Center Romp Park)
Instructor: Rachel
Saturday March 3rd 1:15pm
Instructor: Tasha
Monday March 26th 7:30pm – no class April 9th
Instructor: Sharon
Companion Dog Level 1 for Small Dogs
(Dogs 6 months and older – under 25 lbs.)
Thursday March 1st 7:45pm
Instructor: Tasha
Wednesday April 11th 7:30pm - no class May 2nd
Instructor: Margaret
Intermediate Companion Dog Level 1
Wednesday, February 8th at 7:30pm (no class March 7th)
Instructor: Margaret
Puppy Playgroup (2-6 months)
(1st & 3rd Tuesday of every month) 6:15pm
February 7th and 21st
March 6th and 20th
April 3rd and 17th
at Center for Compassion (1450 Rollins Rd, Burlingame), enter the classroom through the side door on Edwards Ct.
Instructor: Anika & Terri
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Petite Pups Playgroup
(for dogs 35lbs and under; must be social)
5 week session
Next class TBD
Cost: $7 per session or $30 for the 5 week card.
Bully Breeds Playgroup (dogs must be social)
Waitlist for the next upcoming session open. Appointments are being scheduled for evaluations prior to the new session beginning. Call Terri at ext 317 to schedule a dog evaluation if interested.
Next class TBD
Dog Day Evenings
Next class TBD
Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
Thursday April 26th 7:45pm
Class held at 12 Airport Blvd, San Mateo
Instructor: Tasha
Basic Agility
Next class TBD
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
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. 183 (ext. 186 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.
The PHS/SPCA Behavior Department is funded entirely by donations and obedience class fees. Much of the department's day-to-day work is supported by volunteers. To volunteer, please contact Brian Probst at 650/340-7022, ext. 328 or bprobst@PHS-SPCA.org.
E-Mail our Behavior Experts
We are also happy to offer advice for your pet’s behavior issues via e-mail! Just fill out and submit the Online Behavior Help Application and our Behavior Staff will reply to you within one week with helpful tips and suggestions.
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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.
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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. This is a people only class. No pets please.
To sign up call 650/340-7022, ext. 306 or training@PHS-SCPA.org.
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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!
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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
Instructors Biography
Tasha
Tasha Suda has grown up with dogs her whole life and has been active in training and behavior since 2000, when she started volunteering as a dog training assistant at PHS. In late 2001 she started teaching classes at PHS. She also has a background in grooming; working as a groomer in Half Moon Bay for 6 years. Tasha is a graduate of the Marin Humane Society’s Canine Behavior Academy taught by Trish King. She has attended numerous seminars that focus on animal behavior, learning and training by many of the top leaders in the dog training community. Trish King, Ian Dunbar, Pia Silvani, Jean Donaldson, John Rogerson, Patricia McConnell, Nicole Wilde and Sue Sternberg to name a few. She continues to attend seminars and read books to keep up on the latest information available. Tasha currently teaches the following classes at PHS; companion dog level 1 for small dogs, puppy pre-school, puppy kindergarten, companion dog level 1, and the canine good citizen class. She also does behavior consultations and works with some of the shelter dogs.
Tasha currently resides with a deaf border collie mix named Grayson, a cat named Ember and a border collie named Phoebe that came to her home as a PHS foster.
Her passion is dogs and she has a soft spot for the special needs dog whether it is physical or mental and likes to take on the challenge that comes with these dogs. She feels the true reward of teaching is being able to see the change that takes place.
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Rachel
Rachel began her profession as a dancer and K-12 educator, has been teaching workshops for children and adults since 1995. She has enjoyed bringing her experience in dance, psychology, and education to dog training, and she joined the Peninsula Humane Society's training team in 2008. Helping her students to develop an awareness of themselves and their canine companions through movement and clear communication has been a wonderful part of her work, and Rachel credits the success of her own dogs in agility, Canine Good Citizen, and pet assisted therapy to the strong sense of teamwork she has developed with them through ongoing training.
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Kelly
Kelly McCarthy has been active in behavior and training since 2003. Always an animal lover and pet owner, Kelly's focused interest in canine behavior only began after she adopted her current dog, Molly, from the San Francisco SPCA. Molly had a mild form of separation anxiety and a number of cautious tendencies which generally made her nervous around new people and new situations. Molly had been abandoned in a park by her previous owners and her nervousness was largely the result of a lack of trust between Molly and the people in her life. Having worked as an assistant to the trainers at PHS for a year, Kelly is now a lead instructor and teaches classes at PHS in clicker training, puppy kindergarten, and intermediate companion dog. In addition to teaching classes she works with PHS' shelter dogs on a variety of behavior issues and conducts behavior evaluations for newly surrendered or stray dogs who find their way to the shelter. Kelly is a graduate of the Marin Humane Society's Canine Behavior Academy taught by Trish King. Kelly also recently attended a seminar entitled "New Perspectives on Canid Behavior" taught by Suzanne Clothier at Wolf Park in Indiana.
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Margaret
(M.A., CTC, CPDT-KA) has been a dog lover and owner all her life. She began her more serious dog involvement by raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind in 2004. She raises the GDB puppies from two months till they return to Guide Dogs for formal training. She socializes the pups and teaches them house manners and basic obedience. They return to Guide Dogs at about 16 months. Margaret has raised five pups for Guide Dogs for the Blind and has been a leader for a local Guide Dog for the Blind Puppy-Raising group on the Peninsula since 2005. In this capacity, Margaret’s responsibilities include planning for and leading Guide Dog training sessions, teaching raisers how to identify and manage behavior issues while focusing on obedience training in large group, small group & individual settings.
Margaret took the SFSPCA Dog training course and got her CTC (Certificate in Training and Counseling.), taught by Jean Donaldson, Janis Bradley and John Buginas. Margaret also completed her internship at the SFSPCA earning a Behavior and Training Certificate. Margaret has her CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed) from APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers). Margaret took Master the Growlies taught by Veronica Boutelle, MA, CTC, of dog TEC and Kim Moeller, CTC, who is well known for her work with aggressive dogs. She has traveled to North Carolina and Belgium for the 10-day Dog Training and Behavior Solving courses with John Rogerson. Also took his Canine Welfare and Rehabilitation Course and Puppy Development Course. She is enrolled in the Karen Pryor Academy this fall for further training. Margaret loves working with people and their dogs and is looking forward to meeting you and your dog in her training classes.
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Anika
Anika Liljenwall grew up loving animals and throughout her life has owned dogs, cats, rabbits, fish, hermit crabs, guinea pigs, tortoises, and even a hedgehog. Anika lived in New Mexico for many years, but she moved to California in 2003 to attend UC Davis where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Biology, with a specialization in Animal Behavior. Soon after graduating Anika became a Behavior Assistant here at PHS in September 2007. Anika strives to merge her scientific background with shelter work and dog training. She works one-on-one with shelter dogs and cats with behavior issues, trains volunteers, and counsels members of the public who are experiencing behavior issues with their pets. Anika also thoroughly enjoys teaching both the Puppy Playgroup and Dog Day Evenings. She currently resides in San Mateo, with her cat Maeby and the occasional foster cat.
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Sharon
Sharon Hall has been an active volunteer in all aspects of the dog training program since the Humane Society took over training courses for the public three years ago. In addition to Puppy class, Level 1 and Intermediate class she has taken part in specialized classes for Bully Breeds, shy dogs, children with dogs and Clicker training.
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Terri
Terri Wong has loved animals all her life. She has cared for dogs, cats, guinea pigs, bunnies, hamsters, fish, turtles, salamanders, crickets, grasshoppers, and even a praying mantis. In 2004 she attended UC Davis, California earning her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, emphasis in Animal Behavior. Terri has participated in undergraduate research on bison sexual selection, sage grouse ecology, lovebird mate pairing, and cockatiel affiliative and agnostic behaviors. She found her passion for applied behavior training when working at the California National Primate Center, Davis as a behaviorist studying laboratory enrichment and abnormal behaviors in Japanese and Chinese Rhesus macaques. She then worked at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital in Davis, assisting veterinarians in diagnosing and training companion pets with behavior problems. After moving back home, Terri became a Behavior Assistant here at PHS in October 2008. Every day she goes to work excited to train the shelter animals and counsel owners on pet behavior issues. Terri currently reside in Daly City with her PHS adopted dogs Skye (Australian Shepherd) and Rusty (Shiba Inu), BunBun a 13 year old Californian bunny, Franklin a Red-eared Slider turtle, and numerous species of goldfish (they are a symbol of good fortune and wealth in the Chinese culture).
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Maria
has an advanced degree in biology from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina, with a specialization in animal behavior. She has also been certified as an Animal Behavior Consultant by IAABC (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants). During her 15 years in the animal behavior field, she has focused on ethology, enrichment programs, training, and consulting for wild animals in captivity and pets. She worked on behavior research projects for several zoos in Argentina and the U.S.A. Among the species she has worked with are gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, American ostriches, red pandas, and Patagonic hares. She is currently head of the Behavior Department for the Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA. Her responsibilities include temperament assessments for cats and dogs going up for adoption, developing and implementing training plans for animals who need behavior modification before being placed up for adoption, teaching training classes for shelter and public dogs, consultations with the public during the adoption process and follow-up after the adoption has been completed, as well as consultations for people whose pets present challenging behavior issues.
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Janet
holds an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, developed an interest in dog training and behavior modification after adopting a two year old German Shepherd with serious behavior issues. In the process of successfully rehabilitating him, she worked with UC Davis’ veterinary behaviorists and a Bay Area based dog behavior counselor. This inspired a desire to learn more about dog behavior and how to change unwanted behavior using science based methods recommended by veterinary behaviorists and animal behaviorists including those who work at shelters throughout the country.
In 2007 Janet completed the Canine Behavior Academy, Marin Humane Society. Janet has attended the UC Davis Behavior Medicine Symposium (2004, 2005, 2007), APDT Conference (2005) and seminars by internationally respected behavior specialists including Patricia McConnell, Ian Dunbar, Jean Donaldson, Nicholas Dodman, Pia Silvani, and Steve White. Additionally Janet has attended training related seminars including canine freestyle and Introduction to Noseworks (K9 Noseworks). Janet has volunteered for Peninsula Humane Society’s Behavior Department since 2008. Volunteer activities include helping dog owners with training problems, developing informational material for dog owners and assisting behavior consults.
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Martina
Martina Contreras is a certified dog trainer offering group classes, private consultations, and workshops in and around Redwood City, California. She has trained hundred of clients and numerous shelter dogs in basic obedience, and has rehabilitated special-needs dogs with a wide range of behavior problems such as fear biting, dog/child agression, extreme shyness, and more. She has also trained both deaf and blind dogs. Martina is also a volunteer trainer with Peninsula Humane Society's TAILS program, which pairs dogs with behavioral issues with county inmates who provide intensive training.
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