Training and Resources

Dog walking on leash

Training classes provided by 1UP Dog Training. View the latest dates, times, and fees here. (Recent adoptions receive a discount!)

Training Secrets

  • Human-only workshop
  • Are you ready to dive into training your dog and want to get the best head start you can? Or maybe you've had dogs your whole life but want to know more! Learn the secrets and science behind why we use the methods we do and how to best utilize them when working with your own dog. And you'll have plenty of opportunity to pick the trainer's brain while you're there!

Best Dog (1yr and up)

  • This is the ideal starting place for a new adult pup in your life or to refresh your old friend's skills! We cover all the basics like: focus work, come when called, loose leash walking, sit, down, stay, leave it, and other important manners to help you and your four-legged pal live in harmony.
  • Rabies and DHPP vaccines required.

Best Growing Puppy (6mos to 1yr)

  • Continue with your puppy's training or get your older puppy started! As your puppy enters adolescence, you'll find them pushing boundaries and in need of some gentle guidance. This class will cover the basics like: focus work, come when called, loose leash walking, sit, down, stay, leave it, drop it, as well as continued socialization.
  • Rabies and DHPP vaccines required.

Best Little Puppy (8wks to 5mos)

  • This class focuses on early puppy socialization to help your pup mature into a confident and well-mannered adult dog. We will also cover important puppy behaviors like bite inhibition, crate training, self-control, and beginner basics like sit, down, and come. This class is all about you and your puppy learning how to work together so that you can have a long and happy life together!
  • First round of puppy vaccines required.
 
Dog Resources

Scotty with a volunteer

Dog Behavior Resources

This section is here to guide you through the next step of adoption - helping your new dog become a member of your family! It takes work from all of your family members and your new pup. Scroll through for plenty of resources, tips, and tricks.

Pet Care for Dogs

Your dog gives you a lifetime of unconditional love, loyalty, and friendship. In return, she counts on you to provide her with food, water, safe shelter, regular veterinary care, exercise, companionship, and more. Take care of these ten essentials, and you'll be guaranteed to develop a rewarding relationship with your canine companion.

  • Outfit your dog with a collar and ID tag that includes your name, address, and telephone number. No matter how careful you are, there's a chance your companion may become lost—an ID tag greatly increases the chance that your pet will be returned home safely.
  • Follow local laws for licensing your dog and vaccinating him for rabies. Check with your local shelter or humane society for information regarding legal requirements, where to obtain tags, and where to have your pet vaccinated.
  • Follow this simple rule—off property, on leash. Even a dog with a valid license, rabies tag, and ID tag should not be allowed to roam outside of your home or fenced yard. It is best for you, your community, and your dog to keep your pet under control at all times.
  • Give your dog proper shelter. A fenced yard with a doghouse is a bonus, especially for large and active dogs; however, dogs should never be left outside alone or for extended periods of time. Dogs need and crave companionship and should spend most of their time inside with their family.
  • Take your dog to the veterinarian for regular check-ups. If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter or a pet-owning friend for a referral.
  • Spay or neuter your dog. Dogs who have this routine surgery tend to live longer, be healthier, and have fewer behavior problems (e.g., biting, running away). By spaying or neutering your dog, you are also doing your part to reduce the problem of pet overpopulation.
  • Give your pooch a nutritionally balanced diet, including constant access to fresh water. Ask your veterinarian for advice on what and how often to feed your pet.
  • Enroll your dog in a training class. Positive reinforcement-based training will allow you to control your companion's behavior safely and humanely, and the experience offers a terrific opportunity to enhance the bond you share with your dog.
  • Give your dog enough exercise to keep him physically fit (but not exhausted). Most dog owners find that playing with their canine companion, along with walking him twice a day, provides sufficient exercise. If you have questions about the level of exercise appropriate for your dog, consult your veterinarian.
  • Be loyal to and patient with your faithful companion. Make sure the expectations you have of your dog are reasonable and remember that the vast majority of behavior problems can be solved. If you are struggling with your pet's behavior, contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter for advice, and check out The HSUS's Pets for Life campaign information.

PDFs

 
cat Resources

Adult Cat

Pet Care for Cats

Caring for your Cat

Your cat brings you joy as she curls up on your lap and purrs herself to sleep. She provides you with endless entertainment as she chases her feather wand with enthusiasm. But from time to time, she might also drive you crazy as she scratches your favorite chair, executes sneak attacks on your ankles, or stops using the litterbox.

Whatever "issues" you or your cat may have, we have information that can help you address them. Our tip sheets are designed to empower pet caregivers to solve the problems that threaten their relationships with their companion animals. Solving your cat's behavior problems may take a renewed commitment on your part, but it can be done. And it's worth it. After all, research shows that most dogs and cats are relinquished to animal shelters—or otherwise given up—because of common behavior problems their families didn't know how to solve.

Don't let challenges threaten the bonds you have with your feline companion. With some effort and patience, and the advice on these tip sheets, you can address problem behaviors and keep your cat where he or she belongs—with you.


PDFs

Why is my cat so aggressive towards people? 
Destructive cat scratching 
How should I choose toys for my cat(s)? 
Why is my cat so fearful? 
Should I allow my cat to roam? 
Introducing new animals into the home 
Rough playing kittens 
How can I make my cat use her litter box? 
Litterbox problems 
Using positive reinforcements to train 
How can I prevent my cat from marking (urine)? 
Removing pet stains/odors 
Solving cat aggression (towards other cats) 
Understanding kitten behavior 
Why does my cat 'talk' so much? 
Unusual eating habits

 
Virtual Pet Behaviorist

bailey

Need Advice? Now you can get pet behavior advice from ASPCA experts 24 hours a day, right from your computer. ASPCA's nationally recognized team of animal behaviorists offers possible solutions to a wide range of issues at no charge. Click here to visit their site.