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Animal Behavior Programs

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)
Wednesdays 6pm - no class on June 4th
May 14th

Wednesdays 6pm - no class on August 6th
July 16th

Puppy Kindergarten (4-8 months)
Saturdays 1:15 pm
April 26th

Mondays 6:15 pm
June 2nd

Thursdays 6:30 pm
July 10th

Mondays 6:15 pm
July 21st

Companion Dog Level 1
Saturdays 12 noon
April 26th

Mondays 7:30pm
June 2nd

Saturdays 1:15pm
July 12th

Wednesdays 7:15pm - no class August 6th
July 16th

Mondays 7:30pm
July 21st

Companion Dog Level 1 for Small Dogs -
class for dogs 6 months and older – under 25 lbs.

Thursdays 7:45 pm
May 8th

Thursdays 7:45 pm
July 10

Intermediate (will accept older dogs also)
TBA

Dog Training in Spanish
TBA

Dog Training for Children
TBA

Training Bully Breeds -
class for dogs 6 months and older

TBA

Beginner Clicker Training Level 1 –
special exercises for shy dogs

TBA

Canine Good Citizen (CGC) NEW!
Thursdays 6:30 pm
May 8th

Saturdays 12 noon
July 12th

Puppy Playground (2-5 months) NEW!
TBD

There are three easy ways to register!

  1. Email training@peninsulahumanesociety.org and provide your full name, mailing address and phone number.
  2. Call 650-340-7022 x 0
  3. Download registration form and return to
    Behavior Department
    12 Airport Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94401

Behavior Helpline

. . .at the end of  the tunnel. . . 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: TBD. This is a people only class. No pets please. To sign up call 650/340-7022, ext. 306 or training@peninsulahumanesociety.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!

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

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12 Airport Boulevard
San Mateo, CA 94401
650.340.7022