Pet Training & Resources

We’re here to help pet families! By working together, we can set your pets up for success — and get ahead of behavior challenges before they become a problem.

BC dogs

Training Offerings

San Diego Humane Society offers a variety of tools to help support your pet behavior questions and training needs.

We offer in-person and online classes, lectures, events and training consultations, all giving the community direct access to our professional trainers. These vital resources are an important way we help ensure pets can stay where they belong — with the people who love them.

Our training classes for dogs and cats of all ages range from the basics to unique specialty courses to address all your training needs. With a wide variety of class options, we have something for every pet!

Kitten Training

Dog or Cat Group Training Classes

With over 35 different classes, we've got something for everyone! With in-person classes at several of our campuses and online options for every pet everywhere, we have a format that will fit your needs.

Beautiful smiling woman sitting at the desk and using her laptop computer for work or an online call. Cute yellow puppy is sitting in her lap and looking at the screen with her.

Virtual Trainer Consults

New Virtual Trainer Consult requests are currently paused. Thank you for understanding.

Join our professional trainers on Zoom for a low-cost assessment of your pets behavior, to help you determine what the best next steps are, or to address other behavior and training questions.

Trainer Tip: Check out our helpful videos below and our library of training articles! You'll find education, answers and resources around some of the most common questions we receive and challenges pet owners face. Resources are added and updated regularly.

Person running with dog

Private Training

If you're looking for one-on-one support with your dog or cat's behavior, you can schedule either an in-person (dogs only) session at our San Diego Campus, or an online session (dogs or cats) with one of our expert trainers. Our trainers will refer out to trusted experts for cases of aggression directed towards humans, resource guarding and separation anxiety.

More Resources

A dog wearing a pink bow on their ear

Five Steps to Solve Behavior Issues

If you’re struggling with behaviors like destructive chewing, excessive barking or pulling on the leash, this guide will help you navigate these and other common behavior challenges with patience, positivity and a better understanding of your dog’s point of view!

A brown and black dog laying on grass and looking at the camera

Quick Tips for Common Behavior Concerns

Got some tricky behaviors popping up? This article breaks down common challenges into simple, easy-to-try strategies so you can address them with patience, consistency and plenty of positive reinforcement.

A cat looking at the camera and meowing

Behavior Challenges: Excessive Meowing

Does your cat meow nonstop for food? Are they waking you at 3 a.m. with their special song? There are many reasons why cats are vocal, and this guide is here to help you troubleshoot.

Resources for Pets and Children

Did you know we have certified Family Paws Parent Educators on our training team? To set your pets and kids up for success, we've compiled a number of helpful resources for families with young children and also offer a monthly virtual Dogs & Storks class through Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for expectant parents. And for parents with young children, we offer a virtual Dogs & Toddlers class through San Diego Humane Society.

Sdhs Gift Card

Give the Gift of Training!

Purchase a training class gift card for a loved one here! Gifts can be fixed amounts or customized.

Behavior & Training Videos

Training & Behavior Foundations
Learn About Our Classes
How Animals Learn & Why Behavior Works!
Reading Body Language
Sociability, Reactivity, Leash Skills and Play
Body Handling for Grooming & Medical Husbandry
Enrichment Resources
Impulse Control, Overstimulation, DSCC & Choice
Separation Related Behaviors
Resource Guarding Resources
Well-Socialized Pet Resources
Pets & Children

Get the Scoop!

Wanna stay in the training loop? Sign up to receive our Scoop newsletters, including our monthly Training Scoop! Each one features training tips, upcoming classes and events, and other behavior and training resources.