The Naperville Area Humane Society uses reward-based, positive reinforcement training methods based on an understanding of how animals learn. Below are the classes we are currently offering.
Puppy 101 classes
Start your puppy off on the right paw! Puppy 101 is for puppies up to 5 months of age. Each week features a particular topic, as well as integrates appropriate, monitored puppy socializing.
5-Week Course - Please sign up 24 hours in advance. Only 4 spots in each class. Please arrive early.
Fall Session 2 - Mondays at 5:15 p.m. September 23, 30, October 7, 14, 21 - (In session)
Fall Session 3 - Saturdays at 10 a.m. November 9, 16, 23, December 7, 14
Cost: $160.00 for a 5-Week Course / Each class is 50-minutes long (Pre-registration is required).
Course Description: Each 50-minute class focuses on a specific topic each week and, if time allows, some appropriate puppy play. What to bring to classes: Blanket or mat, lots of treats, a clicker, 6ft leash, collar, and/or harness. Limited to 2 people per dog (children under 10 are not allowed at this time). Absolutely no retractable leashes, prong collars, or choke chains allowed.
For more information about taking Puppy 101, please contact Ashley Olson at aolson@naperhumane.org or 630-420-8989 x 1009.
Our AKC Star Puppy Class is for puppies 6 months to 1 year of age. AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy is an exciting program designed to get dog owners and their puppies off to a good start. AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy provides a good lead-in to earning the Canine Good Citizen title.
6-week course - Please sign up 24 hours in advance. Each class is 40-minutes.
Only 4 spots available.
Fall session 2 - Thursdays at 6:15 p.m. - October 17, 24, 31, November 7, 14, 21 - (Only 1 spot left )
Cost: $200 for a 6-Week Course / Each class is 40-minutes long (Pre-registration is required).
Course Description: Each 40-minute class focuses on a specific topic each week.
In classes aimed at earning the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy distinction, you’ll receive information on all of your puppy-raising questions, including housetraining, chewing, and the most effective way to teach practical skills such as coming when called. AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy training is a natural lead into the AKC® Canine Good Citizen® Program. At the end of the course, we will administer the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test.
What to bring to classes: Blanket or mat, lots of treats, a clicker, 6ft leash, collar, and/or harness. Limited to two people per dog (children under 10 are not allowed at this time). Absolutely no retractable leashes, prong collars, or choke chains allowed.
For more information about taking the AKC Star Puppy Class please contact Ashley Olson, at aolson@naperhumane.org or 630-420-8989 x 1009.
Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Prep course
Do you want to have fun training with your dog while earning an AKC title by passing the Canine Good Citizen Test? The CGC Prep Course is the first step in having your dog become a therapy dog, and it is also a great introduction to other dog sports and activities. Whether you decide to test for the CGC or not, at the end of this class, these skills will give you the power to feel comfortable bringing your dog into public places such as the vet office, dog-friendly stores, and regular walks.
4-Week Course - Please sign up 24 hours in advance. (Only 4 spots in each class)
Fall Session 2 - Mondays at 6:15 p.m. - Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14, 21 (In session)
Fall Session 3 - Mondays at 6:15 p.m. - Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25 (2 spots left)
Cost: $150.00 4-Week Course / Each class is 50 minutes long. (Pre-registration is required).
This is a 4-week prep course to help prepare the dog (6 months or older) and handler to take their Canine Good Citizen Test. Within the 4 week course, the handler and their dog will be provided guidance on how to successfully pass the test. Each class will be held for 50 minutes. Dogs that are in this course, should have a basic manners foundation. This is not a course for the novice dog and this is not a class for dogs with behavioral issues such as reactivity or separation anxiety.
For more information about taking the Canine Good Citizen Prep Course, please contact us via email at bcerrillos@naperhumane.org or aolson@naperhumane.org
Canine Good Citizen (CGC) TEST
Available Dates:
Monday, October 28th at 6:15pm (Full)
Monday, October 28th at 6:45pm (2 spots available)
Monday, December 2nd at 6:15pm (2 spots available)
Monday, December 2nd at 6:45pm (2 spots available)
Cost: $50
The AKC Canine Good Citizen™ (CGC) program provides a perfect framework for training your dog to become a polite member of society. CGC is open to all dogs purebred and mixed breed. There are no age minimums or limits for participating in the Canine Good Citizen program, because yes, you can always teach an old dog new tricks! The 10 test items on the CGC test are practical, functional behaviors that every dog should have to be welcomed in the community.
1. Accepting a friendly stranger
2. Sitting politely for petting
3. Appearance and grooming
4. Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)
5. Walking through a crowd
6. Sit down on cue and stay in place
7. Coming when called
8. Reaction to another dog
9. Reaction to distraction
10. Supervised separation
For more information about taking the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, please contact us via email at bcerrillos@naperhumane.org or aolson@naperhumane.org