Behavior & Training Program
At San Diego Humane Society, we believe every animal deserves the chance to thrive — even those with the most complex behavior challenges
Our nationally recognized Behavior & Training program is one of the few of its kind in the country, and it’s saving lives every single day.
Many of the animals who enter this program arrive with deep fear, anxiety or stress. For them, our Behavior & Training program is a source of hope. Through this life-changing program, a dedicated team of experts across our four shelter campuses creates individualized rehabilitation plans and works patiently for weeks, months and sometimes even years to help them learn, trust and heal.
Because of this program, animals who once had nowhere else to turn are given a second chance to become adoptable, to find a family and to know love. It is a cornerstone of our commitment to Stay at Zero euthanasia of healthy or treatable shelter pets — and a shining example of what’s possible when compassion and nationally leading expertise come together.
About Our Behavior Center
The Behavior Center at our San Diego Campus is a cornerstone of our work. One of just a few centers of its kind in the country, this specialized facility enables us to save hundreds of animals each year who might otherwise be out of options.
The Behavior Center is a uniquely designed space that removes the noise, unpredictability and other barriers to rehabilitation found in a traditional shelter and replaces them with an environment that supports the intensive work these animals require. Here, our behavior team works intensively to address complex challenges such as anxiety, fear, resource guarding, overstimulation and other behavior issues.
Behavior Center Features
44 dog habitats, specifically designed with:
- Privacy and sound-proofing to reduce stimulation.
- Access directly into shaded outdoor play yards, allowing trainers to work with dogs in a safe environment when they are too shy or fearful to be leashed without extreme anxiety.
Cat housing for more than 30 cats in an isolated wing that provides separation from dogs to reduce stress and facilitate their individualized training plans. This cat housing provides unique features, including:
- Hiding places for shy and fearful cats.
- Use of primarily horizontal bars on habitats – research shows that cats naturally scan their surroundings horizontally, and that vertical bars interrupt this process and cause unnecessary stress.
- A community cat room with access to the outdoors for enrichment.
There is no other comprehensive animal behavior rehabilitation center like this in San Diego, making us the only hope for hundreds of our community’s most at-risk animals who would otherwise be unadoptable. What’s more, our center is one of just a few in the country, and we share our lifesaving practices with organizations nationwide.
Classes, Videos and Resources
In addition to caring for animals across San Diego Humane Society’s shelters, the Behavior & Training Program provides community resources and support through public training classes and workshops, online training resources and access to our professional trainers. By giving people the tools and support necessary to resolve behavior challenges in the home, we help families keep the pets they love.
Behavior & Training Articles
Explore our extensive article library that address many of the most common questions we receive and challenges pet owners face.
Cats and Kittens
From scratching and litter box challenges to kitten socialization and enrichment, our cat behavior resources are designed to help you understand and support your feline companion. Explore practical, cat-friendly training tips and expert guidance to address common behaviors and build a happier home for you and your cat.
Dogs and Puppies
Whether you’re welcoming a new puppy or working through challenges like potty training, chewing or separation anxiety, our free behavior resources provide detailed information to support dogs and puppies at every stage of life. Each article is designed to help you better understand your dog’s behavior and build trust and confidence.
All Behavior Resources
Our full library of behavior and training resources offers expert advice on common behavior concerns, enrichment ideas and foundational training. Browse articles designed to help animals thrive — and give pet families the tools they need to feel confident along the way. Each one provides clear, practical guidance you can trust.
Resources for Pets and Children
To set your pets and kids up for success, we've compiled a number of helpful resources for families with young children.
Dogs & Storks Class
Preparing families for life with dog and baby.
Dogs & Toddlers Class
Virtual class for families with young children.
Pets & Children Resources
Handouts, videos, and activity sheets.
Behavior & Training Videos
Our Behavior & Training YouTube playlists are here to help you better understand your pet and build a stronger, more positive relationship. From foundations and body language to leash skills, grooming, enrichment and more, these videos are designed to give you practical tips you can start using right away. Explore our full range of video resources below: