Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
3 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Closed Thursdays
Saturday
11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunday
11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Please make an appointment to surrender your cat or dog.
Canine Training School
Canine Training FAQ
How long are the Levels?
What is a Training Pass?
How far will I go through your program during my Training Pass?
Under what circumstances will you extend my Training Pass?
What is the Canine Good Citizen Test and how do I take it?
What other classes do you offer?
What training methods do you use in your classes?
Do we use food in training?
We never used those methods before with our last dog! Will my dog still respect me if I train with food?
Why did you change formats? I liked the old format just fine!
When should I start my puppy in classes?
How long should my dog be in my home before I start classes?
What are the goals of your training school?
When and where are your classes held?
How do I get a schedule of classes?
How do I register for classes?
Can I just show up for classes without registering first?
I don't see any start dates on your calendar. When do the classes start and end?
Which class should I take?
How long are the classes and how often do they meet?
Can I come more than once a week?
How many dogs or puppies are in a class?
What are your health requirements for attending classes?
What vaccinations are required?
What proof of Rabies vaccination is required? Can I just bring my dog's tags?
My pet has had his kennel cough shot, so I don't need to be concerned if he's sneezing, right?
My pet had a sterilization surgery, how long do I have to be out of class?
Do you offer playtime in classes?
What dogs shouldn't come to class?
What should I bring to class?
What training equipment do we need to bring?
What treats should I bring to class?
What other supplies do I need for my pet?
Can my kids come to classes?
Who should train the dog? Can my partner and I alternate coming every week?
How much time should I spend training my pet?
How should I practice with my pet?
Cancellations/Refund Policy:
Accessibility:
What if I want private lessons?
Who do I talk to if I have questions?
Students move through the levels at their own pace. The average student is taking 4 weeks to complete each level, but those who need additional time are able to stay in their current level for as long as it takes for them and their dog to learn the current skill requirements.
The dog must be able to reliably perform the skill requirements before the instructor will move him up into the next level. Each level adds more skill requirements. The graduation standard for Level 4 is the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test.
Return to topWhen you enroll in our program, you are purchasing a block of time in which to train your dog. Our format is structured so students purchase a 2 month or 4 month training pass. Your training pass begins the date you first bring your dog to class, and ends the same day of the month 2 or 4 months out. We credit your pass only if your class is scheduled on a holiday, or any other day in which we cancel a class.
How far will I go through your program during my Training Pass?
We don't know. That is completely dependant on you. Our skills-based program means that the time frame is not as important as the skills that you learn. It will depend on you, your dog, and your goals.
Under what circumstances will you extend my Training Pass?
You are paying for a block of time in which to train your dog, so time is what we have to offer. We are able to be flexible in the case of emergency or illness, however, we are unable to extend passes for students taking vacations, sick days, or if your pet is being spayed or neutered. We encourage students to schedule their pet's sterilizations surgery for the day after their class, so they will have as much time between the surgery and the next class.
What is the Canine Good Citizen Test and how do I take it?
The CGC is an evaluation consisting of 10 steps that show you have control of your dog, that he is responsive to your requests and well mannered in public situations. Our instructors are AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluators, and we will offer the test as part of our program. See an instructor for the next scheduled CGC Test.
What training methods do you use in your classes?
All our classes are positive reinforcement-based classes. We find that this is suitable for all dogs, and puts all family members more in control of the dog. We are dog-friendly, but not permissive. Students using Gentle Leader head collars will also be taught to transition to a buckle collar in preparation for the Canine Good Citizen Test offered as the graduation standard for Level 4. When behaviors are reliably learned, they can be maintained with praise, petting, and an occasional food reward.
High value food rewards are used in class, but at home we encourage students to use their dog's daily ration of dry dog food for training rewards to prevent obesity and stomach upset. We encourage students to use all the things that the dog wants as Life Rewards, rather than using only food. We will teach the correct way to use food in training so you do not fall into the My dog only works for food trap.
We never used those methods before with our last dog! Will my dog still respect me if I train with food?
Dog training, like everything else, changes and improves as we learn more about training animals in general. The methods used in the training school are very current and well-established methods used by professional dog trainers all over the world. Training with rewards rather than with fear and force will build a very positive relationship with your dog. It isn't just about food, but about you using all the things your dog loves as rewards for correct behavior. Respect based on fear isn't the best way to build a relationship with your dog. We encourage you to use all the things you were going to give the dog anyway for free as rewards for correct behaviors. These Life Rewards are built into your daily life and should be given for appropriate behavior, rather than being given just because the dog is breathing or because it is five o'clock.
Why did you change formats? I liked the old format just fine!
Traditional group classes are ideal for some, but often people fall behind because they miss a class or are having difficulty with training their dog. Other students with more experienced dogs or easily trained breeds are held back by those needing more one on one attention. We want all of our students to be successful and we feel the levels program is a great way of helping everyone to achieve their goals.
We know that students have busy lives and multiple commitments. Traditionally formatted classes do not allow for make-up classes, and it is easy to fall behind. With a Levels format, students do not fall behind if they miss a class.
When should I start my puppy in classes?
We know that puppies are at their optimal learning during the first four months, so we encourage you to bring your puppy to classes as soon as possible. However, adult dogs of all ages can and do learn, so it is never too late!
How long should my dog be in my home before I start classes?
Your dog can and does begin learning right from the start. If you have recently adopted a new dog, you should wait two weeks prior to starting classes to ensure that they are not going to break with a communicable disease, such as kennel cough.
What are the goals of your training school?
We strive to provide pet dog training that will provide practical basic obedience for home and away. We encourage families to attend and train together so everyone in the household can communicate and set limits effectively with their dog. We hope to help keep dogs in their home by teaching basic skills and household manners, canine management techniques, and by providing socialization and support to their owners. Fees from our training classes help support our shelter animals.
When and where are your classes held?
Classes are held at the Humane Society of Indianapolis, located at 7929 Michigan Rd.
We currently have classes running Monday thru Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings.
How do I get a schedule of classes?
Read more about registration and view the calendar, or email Behavior.
How do I register for classes?
You can register online or by phone. Our Adoption Staff does not have information about current class openings.
Can I just show up for classes without registering first?
Please don't! All students must be pre-registered for classes. During the registration process, students receive important information about classes and we screen to be sure that the dog or puppy is appropriate for our classes.
I don't see any start dates on your calendar. When do the classes start and end?
Our classes are on a rolling enrollment so there are not start and stop dates. You choose the training night that works best for you and then choose a date from the list. We offer a variety of dates each month for you to choose from. The staggering of start dates allows us to better control the number of new students we have coming into a class and reduce stress for all of our students.
Click here to view a current training school calendar. When you proceed to registration you will be prompted to choose a start date from the list.
Classes are determined by the age of your pet. If your puppy is four months or younger you will enroll in the Polite Puppy Club Club. If your pet is older than five months, you will start in Level 1.
How long are the classes and how often do they meet?
Classes meet once weekly for 45 minutes.
Can I come more than once a week?
Yes, if there is room in another class at your level or below, you may drop-in to that class. Please call the Training School office to check for class availability. We have a finite amount of space in each classroom, and we need to know who will be attending.
How many dogs or puppies are in a class?
It depends on the class, but generally 10-12 in most classes. Each class will have one instructor and volunteer assistance. Because all students in the class will be training for the same skills, much of your time will be practicing your skills. This approach allows your instructor to spend more one-on-one time with each student - ensuring success.
What are your health requirements for attending classes?
Your dog needs to be free of signs of communicable diseases to attend classes. Even if your vaccinations are current, it is possible to pass minor illnesses among other dogs, so please do not bring your dog to class if they are ill. Please watch for signs of coughing, sneezing, discharge from the eyes or nose, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever. Even if your pet does not seem sick, if they are displaying these symptoms, please do not bring them to class, but take them to your veterinarian instead. If your dog misses class due to illness, please call us and we will add time to your pass. Please do not bring ill pets to class.
What vaccinations are required?
Distemper/Parvo Combination: Required for all dogs and puppies. Puppies should have at least one booster before attending classes.
Rabies: Required for all dogs and puppies over 4 months
Bordetella: Required for all puppies and adult dogs over 3 months
Proof of vaccination is required at the first class or your pet will not be allowed in the classroom. We expect puppy owners to continue their vaccinations and to bring in updated vaccination records.
What proof of Rabies vaccination is required? Can I just bring my dog's tags?
Rabies is a fatal disease and we absolutely must have proof of vaccination in the form of a statement from your veterinarian indicating that your pet was vaccinated. We cannot accept a rabies tag alone as proof of vaccination. Your pet will not be allowed in class without the proper vaccination records.
My pet has had his kennel cough shot, so I don't need to be concerned if he's sneezing, right?
It is not that simple! Dogs and puppies can still get kennel cough even though they have had all their vaccinations, because there are many things that can cause an upper respiratory infection in dogs. The best practice is to fully vaccinate your dog, observe for signs of illness, and keep them home if they are showing possible signs of illness.
My pet had a sterilization surgery, how long do I have to be out of class?
For a normal spay or neuter surgery, dogs do not generally need to miss classes, please ask your veterinarian what he recommends. If you schedule the surgery for the day after a class it will give your dog a week of recovery time before his next class. Dogs should not play while they still have stitches, so please talk with your instructor if your dog has recently had surgery.
Do you offer playtime in classes?
We do offer playtime in all our puppy classes. Playtime in the older classes is not always realistic due to time constraints and the behavior of adolescent dogs.
What dogs shouldn't come to class?
Dogs that are aggressive to other dogs or people are not appropriate for our group training classes. Students should call 317-876-2173 for an appropriate referral to help address this problem before bringing the dog to group classes. Currently enrolled pets should not come if they are showing signs of illness or infection.
- A hungry dog! (do not feed adult dogs at least 6 hours before class, and puppies at least 3-4 hours before class)
- A generous supply of small, tasty, soft tidbits
- Current vaccination records. Your pet will not be allowed to attend
without current vaccinations. - Collar/Harness: buckle collar, Gentle Leader™ head collar, or
front-clasp harness. - Leash: Must be 4’ long and no wider than 1/2”. No double
handles, no 1” leashes, no poop bags attached, no retractable leashes.
- We will provide class materials and have Gentle Leaders™ for you
to try and/or purchase.
What training equipment do we need to bring?
You will a 4 foot training leash, well fitted buckle collar, food rewards and a treat pouch.
We recommend but do not require Gentle Leader™ head collars. We have loaners available for you to try at no charge.
We encourage you to purchase your supplies from us and we do offer Gentle Leaders for purchase for $20.00.We also have treat pouches for $15.
Use of Gentle Leader ™ headcollars can prevent and manage undesirable behavior in puppies and adult dogs.
Students may use a body harness, providing that the clip is attached in the front of the harness for better control.
What treats should I bring to class?
Our standard of excellence for food rewards in class is that the treats need to smell better than the next dog's rear end and because that is your competition! Something that smells really wonderful and enticing will work best in class to keep your dog's attention. We recommend small tasty bits of meat, cheese, small and soft prepared dog treats, Bill Jac frozen dog food or anything else that your pet wants. Please keep in mind that treats really need to be exciting for your dog to want them around other dogs.
What other supplies do I need for my pet?
Our instructors will have selections of appropriate supplies that you should have for your dog. Please consider purchasing your pet supplies from our Training School to help support homeless shelter animals.
Yes! Our classes are family friendly, and we welcome all family members, including children. Small children may become bored, tired, or disruptive, and we recommend that you bring an extra adult who can tend to their needs. Older children are welcome to handle the dogs as long as they are able to physically control the dog and work with the dog during the week. We encourage children to be involved in all parts of training classes, but for their safety and the safety of the animals, an adult must be present and ensure physical control of the animal. Please encourage all family members not to chat while the instructor is speaking.
Who should train the dog? Can my partner and I alternate coming every week?
We encourage family members to come to class, but it is best for the dog if he has one main trainer. If you think that your partner may need to sub in for you at sometime, he/she should be attending the classes regularly so they are not confused if you are not here.
How much time should I spend training my pet?
Dogs are always learning, so we should understand that every moment is a teachable moment. Ideally, every interaction with your pet should be that type of moment in which you do not allow them to practice undesired behavior. You should spend 3 - 5 minutes multiple times per day on formally training the skills you and your dog need to know.
How should I practice with my pet?
In class, we will show you how to start teaching the behaviors. The rest of the week is the time when you will teach the behaviors to your dog. Start at home, and then take the dog someplace new every day to practice. Dogs that only practice at home will be very easily distracted and will only know the behavior at home. Practice is what makes the dog a trained dog, so we really emphasize practicing training correctly, frequently, and in a variety of different places.
After the first class session, refunds will be given only in case of medical emergency. We encourage students to observe a class without their dog if they have any questions about our training methods.
Classes are held in a downstairs room, so access to anyone is available.
What if I want private lessons?
We do offer private lessons, both in-home and at our shelter. The fee for in-home lessons is $75 per hour or $50 per hour if you come to the Humane Society of Indianapolis, 7929 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis IN 46268. For more information, contact our Animal Behavior Department or call 317-876-2173.
Who do I talk to if I have questions?
Call the Training School at 317-876-2173 or email us. Phones calls and emails will be returned within 48 hours.
