Behavior and Training
Our Philosophy
Champaign County Humane Society (CCHS) believes that the best way to train and rehabilitate homeless animals is through reward based training. Positive reinforcement involves immediately rewarding (i.e. food, praise, toys, etc.) an animal when it responds with a desired behavior. The beauty of positive reinforcement training is that it increases the likelihood that a good behavior will be repeated.
Through reward based training, shelter staff and volunteers are able to increase adoptability and enhance overall well-being of shelter animals during their stay at the shelter while at the same time decreasing unwanted behaviors. Many animals arrive at the shelter and find themselves surrounded by unfamiliar people. Harsh training techniques and positive punishment are strongly discouraged, cause unnecessary stress and can be unsafe for both the animal and the handler. Reward based training is a calmer, more gentle approach that helps to promote a bond between animals and people.
At the Champaign County Humane Society, environmental enrichment (i.e. food dispensing puzzle toys, auditory stimulation, socialization, etc.) is used to help minimize stress of shelter animals, promote exploration, increase physical activity, and decrease boredom. Studies show that the physical and psychological well-being of homeless animals can be greatly enhanced through contact with humans and other dogs. At CCHS our goal is that all dogs are walked at least twice per day and staff members and experienced volunteers supervise dog-to-dog playtime when appropriate. To learn more about how you can help CCHS with training and enrichment for shelter animals, please visit our volunteer page.
Dog Training Classes:The Champaign County Humane Society (CCHS) offers two different beginner level dog training classes. Both training classes are open to dogs who have been adopted from CCHS as well as dogs from the general public. Group classes cost $99 ($10 discount for adopted dogs), last for 6 weeks and meet for one hour per week at the same time every week. Owners will be taught how to apply motivational training techniques to teach their dogs new behaviors and how to change or manage unwanted behaviors. Most important of all, obedience classes will be fun and will undoubtedly help build a stronger human-animal bond.
Puppy Dog Training Class:
If you have an energetic, wiggly, wormy, puppy that needs to learn some basic commands and become properly socialized then this is the perfect class for you! Puppies that are 2 to 4 months old and current on vaccinations are eligible to be enrolled in this class.
You will learn how to teach your new best friend commands such as; sit, lie down, loose leash walking, come when called, leave it, drop it, and stay. Basic handling, grooming techniques and management of typical puppy behavior such as nipping, house training and barking will also be addressed.
Owners will also learn how to properly socialize their puppies with other puppies and novel environmental stimuli – as socialization is invaluable in preventing the development of problem behaviors later on.
To register you and your dog for a CCHS Puppy dog training class please view the calendar for start dates/times and contact CCHS to enroll. Please note that payment is due in full in order to reserve your spot in any CCHS dog training class.
Basic Manners Dog Training Class:
Do you have a dog that is over 4 months old that needs to learn how to be well-mannered at home or while out in public?
Or, perhaps you are the proud adopter of an adult shelter dog that just needs some extra training and special time to bond one-on-one with you?
The CCHS adult manners class teaches you to train your dog to respond to their name, sit and lie down (even with distractions), leave it, drop-it, and stay. During class we will also discuss teaching your dog not to jump up on people or pull on leash. Adult dogs in this class must be current on vaccinations and must be able to be around other dogs without barking or acting aggressively.
To register you and your dog for a CCHS Basic Manners dog training class please view the calendar for start dates/times and contact CCHS to enroll. Please note that payment is due in full in order to reserve your spot in any CCHS dog training class.
