Humane Society Silicon Valley

This class is designed specifically for dogs struggling with reactivity.

Online Class through Zoom for dogs 8 months and older
No prior bite history on dogs or people 

This supportive online course helps reactive dogs build confidence and cope with the world in a calmer, more controlled way. You’ll learn science-based, positive reinforcement strategies including threshold work, impulse control, calm exits, and real-life coping skills. We focus on reducing stress, improving safety, and helping you and your dog navigate everyday situations with more ease. 

Course details: 
• All online format for safety and control
• Six-week course; One session per week; First session is 90 minutes, then 5 sessions of 50 minutes each
• Dogs younger than 8 months require instructor approval
• This class is for dogs who bark, lunge, or worry – but have not caused injury

Pricing: 
• $300 for general registration.

Prerequisite: Completion of Top Dogs Level 1 or instructor’s approval. 

In this IN-PERSON class, you and your reactive dog will work to become more comfortable in a variety of environments. In a controlled group setting, you will receive real-time coaching on the exercises you learned in Top Dogs Level 1, while adding new skills, and learning how to use them in the real world. With an emphasis on management and safety, skills taught will include impulse control, threshold management, coping skills, emergency exits, and much more. Take this next step on your journey to having a dog who is calmer and less reactive on walks.  

NOTE: Please be sure to respond to the introductory email you will receive before the first meeting. 

IMPORTANT: If your dog has a bite history towards other dogs or people, contact the dog training department at dogtraining@hssv.org for further evaluation and guidance.  

This class is for dogs with (only) reactivity towards other dogs or people. It does not address aggressive behaviors. 

Course details: 
• Six-week course; One 50-minute session per week in person 
• Dogs younger than 8 months require instructor approval
• Best suited for dogs who bark, lunge, or worry – but have not caused injury
• Skills covered include impulse control, threshold management, coping skills, emergency exits and more.

Pricing: 
• $300 for general registration.

“Topics” courses for reactive dogs 

Prerequisites: Completion of Top Dogs Level 1 and Level 2 or instructor’s approval. 

Top Dogs 3 Topics can include ‘Rally Obedience’, ‘Urban Agility/Parkour’, ‘Tricks’, and more. 

Each section of Top Dogs 3 will teach your dog new skills with an emphasis on a specific dog sport or activity. The classes will continue to teach focus and improve your dog’s ability to work around other dogs through the selected sport or activity. You and your dog will develop new skills, improve your relationship and communication, and just plain have fun together! While your dog is having fun, we will be continuing their counterconditioning and desensitization journey so that they finish class not only more proficient at specific skills, but more relaxed around other dogs in general. 

Course details: 
• Six-week course; One 50-minute session per week in person 
• Dogs younger than 8 months require instructor approval
• Best suited for dogs who bark, lunge, or worry – but have not caused injury

Pricing: 
• $300 for general registration.

Separation anxiety is one of the most difficult dog behavioral issues for guardians to work with and there is a lot of misinformation out there. In this class, we help you learn how to get started helping your dog with the most up-to-date information and training methods. This four-week introductory class will include answers to your most common questions about Separation Anxiety.

Course details: 
• Four-week course; One 60-minute session per week online
• Please Note: The first session of this class is 1.5 hours long
• There is no age limit for this class

Pricing: 
• $250 for general registration.

A supportive class for dogs who struggle with fear, worry, or separation from their people. You’ll learn practical strategies to build confidence, reduce stress, and create calmer routines at home and in the world. Coming soon.