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!

• UPCOMING CLASSES

  May 31	Friday	MANSELL CAMPUS	10:00am*	Spaces available! Register now! NOTE: This class will NOT meet on July 5th due to the Independence Day holiday. It will graduate on July 12th.
  June 1	Saturday	HOWELL MILL CAMPUS	10:00am*	FULL. Wait-list available; email us for registration information. NOTE: This class will NOT meet on July 6th due to the Independence Day holiday. It will graduate on July 13th.
  June 11	Tuesday	HOWELL MILL CAMPUS	6:45pm*	Spaces available! Register now!
  June 11	Tuesday	HOWELL MILL CAMPUS	8:00pm*	Spaces available! Register now!
  June 13	Thursday	MANSELL CAMPUS	7:15*pm	Spaces available! Register now! NOTE: This class will NOT meet on July 4th due to the holiday. It will graduate on July 25th.
  July 10	Wednesday	HOWELL MILL CAMPUS	7:00 pm	Spaces available! Register now!
  July 26	Friday	MANSELL CAMPUS	10:00 am*	Spaces available! email us for registration information. NOTE: This class will NOT meet on August 30th due to the Labor Day holiday. It will graduate on September 6th.
  July 27	Saturday	HOWELL MILL CAMPUS	10:00 am*	Spaces available! Register now! NOTE: This class will NOT meet on August 31st due to the Labor Day holiday. It will graduate on September 7th.
  August 20	Tuesday	HOWELL MILL CAMPUS	6:45pm*	Spaces available! Register now!
  August 20	Tuesday	HOWELL MILL CAMPUS	8:00pm*	Spaces available! Register now!
  August 22	Thursday	MANSELL CAMPUS	7:00 pm	Spaces available! Register now!

  *The start time of all classes in this session AFTER week 1. Week 1 orientation is always 7pm to 9pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 9 am to 11 am on Friday and Saturday mornings.

  You may also email us to ask questions about your pet’s behavior.

• COST

  AHS Basic Obedience Classes are a great bargain at only $119 (though they are worth twice that) and include things other classes do not. The classes 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.

• TRAINING DETAILS

  • The first week of every session is always a 2-hour mandatory orientation (without your 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 held from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
  • For all evening classes, this orientation is held from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
  • The * times referenced above in the table are when the rest of that session’s classes will begin. For instance, Tuesday 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.
  • 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 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 contact us 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. Please email us at training@atlantahumane.org if you have questions or concerns.

• REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT

  • Classes fill up 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 people and their pets for 30 years, teaching professionally for almost 15 years, 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. She is devoted to improving the relationship between pets and owners through calm, positive communication, not dominance. 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!