"Everyday Manners" Community Dog Training
A six-week positive-reinforcement training class for dogs and their people. Learn practical skills for calmer walks, polite greetings, settling at home and more.
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“Everyday Manners” Class Details
Join us for our six-week pilot community dog training class, “Everyday Manners”, currently being offered at the York Region Animal Centre, in Stouffville. Space for eight dogs only, so apply early!
Please note: this class is not appropriate for dogs that show aggression toward people or other dogs.
When
Wednesday evenings, 6-7 p.m.
Six weekly classes:
- Oct. 28
- Nov. 4
- Nov. 11
- Nov. 18
- Nov. 25
- Dec. 2
Where
Ontario SPCA and Humane Society York Region Animal Centre
16586 Woodbine Avenue
Stouffville, ON
Classes are held indoors.
Cost
$150 per dog, tax included – that covers all six classes.
Payment is due in full once your application is approved and before your spot is confirmed.
What You’ll Learn
This is a general basic training class built around everyday manners and self-control. Everything is taught with positive reinforcement, so your dog learns by being rewarded for getting it right. Over six weeks, you’ll work on:
- Foundations
Building communication and rewarding behaviours you want to see. - Leash Skills
Practising walking together with less pulling. - Polite Greetings
Learning to greet people without jumping up. - Mouthing
Building gentler habits around hands, clothing and play. - Settling & Self-Control
Learning to relax and wait calmly. - Putting It Together
Practising your new skills in everyday situations.
Is This Class Right for Your Dog?
A good fit if your dog…
✓ Is comfortable around people and other dogs
✓ Needs help with basic manners
✓ Pulls on leash
✓ Jumps up to greet people
✓ Mouths hands, clothing or shoes
✓ Can comfortably be around up to seven other dogs
✓ Has up-to-date rabies, DHPP and bordetella vaccines
✓ Was adopted from the Ontario SPCA (especially welcome), or from anywhere else
Not the right fit if your dog…
This class is not appropriate for dogs that show aggression toward people or other dogs.
A group class can be stressful for a dog who is struggling, and it isn’t fair to them or to their classmates. If that sounds like your dog, please still get in touch: applicants who aren’t a good fit for the group class will be offered an alternative option.
How to Register
Applications close Friday, Oct. 16. Enrolment is confirmed with participants by Wednesday, Oct. 21.
Meet Your Trainer
Megan Holmes, BA, ABC-DT, IAABC Member, Elite FFCP, FDM
Animal Behaviour Coordinator, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society
Meg has dedicated their career to working with dogs and the people who care for them. As an Animal Behaviour Coordinator with the Ontario SPCA for more than 10 years, they guide the behaviour and training plans for dogs in our animal centres, from everyday manners to the dogs who need the most support.
Meg’s education in psychology, along with certifications through the Animal Behaviour College, Fear Free, and as a Family Dog Mediator, means they look at training from both the dogs’ perspective and what people can practice at home.
FAQs
Still wondering about something? Email the York Region Animal Centre at [email protected]
What do I need before I start the form?
The application asks about your dog — age, breed, spay or neuter status, health, and how they are around other dogs and people — and asks you to upload proof of current rabies, DHPP and bordetella vaccines. It helps to have those records handy before you begin.
My dog was adopted from the Ontario SPCA. Can we join?
Yes, please do. The class is open to the public, and dogs adopted from the Ontario SPCA are especially welcome. Ontario SPCA adopters receive 10% off registration.
How many dogs are in the class?
Eight. Keeping the group small means more time and attention for you and your dog.
When will I hear back?
Applications close Friday, Oct. 16. Our behaviour team reviews every application, and approved applicants are contacted to complete enrolment. Enrolment is confirmed by Wednesday, Oct. 21.
How do I pay?
The fee is $150 per dog, tax included, and covers all six classes. There’s nothing to pay when you apply — payment is due in full once your application is approved, before your enrolment is confirmed.
What is your refund policy?
Refund requests received 72 hours in advance of the scheduled class start date are eligible for refund, with a $25 administration fee. Missed classes cannot be made up and are not eligible for a credit or refund.
What if the group class isn’t the right fit for my dog?
You’ll still hear from us. Applicants who aren’t a good fit for the group class will be offered an alternative option.
Will photos or video be taken in class?
The Ontario SPCA’s digital photo release form is part of the application, so you’ll complete it when you apply.
