Single Session Classes

These are one-session classes that provide owners with assistance on a variety of pet-related topics. Unless otherwise noted, all of these classes are people only and pets should not attend. All family members are covered under one registration fee. Due to the format of these sessions, many are not suitable for children under the age 10. Walk-in students not permitted in any class except Behavior and Training 101 . There are no prerequisite classes for taking any of the single session training classes listed in this section.

Important Note: The single session Behavior and Training 101 is a prerequisite for enrolling in many of our regular group classes.

Click to view the Macklind Avenue class schedule

Click here to register and pay online

Puppy Classes

All of the classes in this series operate on a punch card system. Owners purchase a punch card for 5 classes and have 8 weeks to complete these 5 classes. The initial cost for classes is $95 and includes all of the books and written materials you will need for the entire series. Future punch cards are available for only $75. Humane Society of Missouri adopters receive a 10% discount on their first punch card if they register for class within 90 days of adoption. Walk-in students not permitted in any class except Behavior and Training 101. PREREQUISITE for all Puppy Class Sessions: Behavior and Training 101

Pre-Kindergarten
This 45-minute class is for the very young, very small or shy puppies that need a more controlled play environment. Emphasis is on building confidence, dog and people socialization, bite inhibition and a few basic obedience commands. Puppies must be at least 8 weeks of age and have received their first series of immunizations at least 10 days prior to the start of class.
PREREQUISITE: Behavior and Training 101

Puppy Kindergarten
This hour long class was developed to provide puppies with more opportunities for socialization with other puppies and people. Special emphasis is placed upon developing good bite inhibition. A wide range of puppy issues from house training to chewing and nipping are addressed, and basic skills introduced include sit, down, and come when called. Puppies must be under sixteen weeks of age the first day of class and have received their first set of shots.
PREREQUISITE: Behavior and Training 101

Puppy Primary
Continues training and socialization where Puppy 1 left off while increasing the emphasis on obedience skills. This class is open to puppies that have attended at least four sessions of our Puppy Kindergarten and begin Puppy Primary less than four weeks after the last day of Puppy Kindergarten.
PREREQUISITE: Puppy Kindergarten or Pre-Kindergarten graduate

As soon as a dog and handler are able to pass the skills test for each level they may move up to the next.

We proudly participate in the AKC STAR Puppy Program

Click to view the Macklind Avenue class schedule

Adult Dog Classes

The Family Dog classes in this series operate on a punch card system. Owners purchase a punch card for 5 classes and have 8 weeks to complete these 5 classes. The initial cost for one of the Family Dog classes is $95 and includes all of the books and written materials you will need for the entire series. Future punch cards are available for only $75. New Humane Society of Missouri adopters receive a 10% discount on their first punch card if they register for class within 90 days of adoption.
Walk-in students not permitted in any class except Behavior and Training 101. PREREQUISITE for all Adult Dog Classes: Behavior and Training 101

Family Dog Basics (Levels 1 through 2)
This series of classes takes dogs and their owners from the foundation of all training "attention" to loose leash walking, wait, come when called and stay. Level 1 teaches focus and attention to owner despite multiple distractions and introduces some basic commands (sit, go to a mat, spin, touch, and no jumping). Level 2 builds on the basic commands introduced in Level 1 and includes: wait; leaving an object alone on the floor; stay; moving attention and coming when called. A dog who graduates from Level 2 is ready to move to our Family Dog Advanced Classes.
PREREQUISITE: Behavior and Training 101

As soon as a dog and handler are able to pass the skills test for each level they may move up to the next level. .

Clicker Fundamentals

Clicker Training is a highly effective, humane, and fast way to teach your dogs.  With this method, the handler will mark desirable behavior with a "clicker," a mechanical device that makes a distinct sound, which tells your dog exactly when they're doing the behavior you want .

Combined with positive reinforcement, Clicker Training is an effective and fun way to train your dog to do everything from the sit-stay to jumping through hoops. 

This 5-week class introduces owners to clicker training and how to use it in everyday obedience. It also helps owners become more consistent in rewarding good behavior. PREREQUISITE: Behavior and Training 101 or Trainer Recommendation

Private Family Dog Training
We currently offer private lessons at Macklind Headquarters for owners of dogs that don't want to or are unable to attend a group class. Knowledgeable instructors offer private training tailored to meet your specific needs. Lessons can be arranged around your busy schedule.

These sessions are for dogs that need basic family dog skills. They are not appropriate for dogs that have demonstrated any threatening or aggressive behavior, show excessive fearfulness of strangers or to new situations.

Each training sessions last approximately 45 minutes and cost $50. A package is available that includes 5 private sessions and free admission to the Behavior and Training 101 Class for $225. That's a savings of $45!
Call (314) 802-5709 or e-mail the Training Department for information.

Click to view the Macklind Avenue class schedule

Classes for Dogs with Issues

These classes were developed to provide vital assistance to owners of dogs with a variety of specialized behavior issues that interfere with everyday life. They provide specialized training that cannot easily be found elsewhere. These classes have a definite start and stop date and do not operate on a punch card system. Class instructors are highly experienced in their individual area of expertise. Specific class information is listed along with the class descriptions. Humane Society of Missouri adopters receive a 10% discount on their first class if they register within 90 days of adoption. Walk-in students not permitted in any class except Behavior and Training 101. Prerequisite for any of the Classes for Dogs with Issues: Behavior and Training 101

Dogs with Issues
This owner-only class was developed for both Growly and Shy Dog owners. The class consists of 2 individual three-hour classes where owners learn to recognize signs of arousal and how to apply management techniques. Special attention is given to each owner's situation. The total cost for the class is $85 ($60 for the class and supplies/$25 for the book) and includes printed materials, appropriate comprehensive workbooks, food tube, treat apron, clicker and wrist coil to use in class and hands-on demonstrations with live dogs.
PREREQUISITE : Behavior and Training 101.

Reactive Dog (Levels 1-2)
Does your dog bark, growl or lunge at toher dogs or people? In Reactive Dog Class we will teach you how to safely manage your dog's behavior, how to build your dog's confidence (when that is the underlying issue) and how to teach your dog new behaviors, including self-restraint. Level 1 focuses on buidling the basic skills you and your dog need to to successfully change your dog's old behavior. You andyour dog will move up to Level 2 when you can complete all the required skills taught in Level 1. Level 2 focuses on increased real-world situations you and your dog may encounter. You work on implementing your dog's new skills in these situaitons. Both levels of the class can be repeated until you achieve the comptency with all the skills. Upon completion of both class levels, some dogs may be eligible to attend Family Dog classes or specialized advanced classes for Dogs With Issues. The cost for these 6-week classes is $90. PREREQUISITE: Behavior and Training 101 and Dogs with Issues and a private evaluation of your dog by appointment with the class instructor

Shy Dog (Level 1)
Is your dog afraid of strange dogs, people or places? In Shy Dog 1 owners learn basic, classical conditioning techniques to help their shy dogs relax and gain confidence. Once dogs have accomplished the skills necessary to become comfortable in the classroom setting, they can move on to the next levels. The cost of this 6 week class is $90.00.
PREREQUISITE: Behavior and Training 101 and Dogs with Issues

Shy Dog (Levels 2-3)
Class focuses more on training but also helps the dogs to continue building self-confidence. Dogs that complete the necessary skills for these levels are ready to move on into the Family Dog Class. Our Shy Dog instructors offer lots of expert, personalized attention tailored to the the needs of each student. The cost of this 6 week class is $90.00.
PREREQUISITE: Behavior and Training 101 and Dogs with Issues

Private Behavior Consultations and Training
We offer private behavior consultations and training to address a variety of behavior problems including threatening or aggressive behavior and fearful responses. These sessons were developed for owners who are unable or prefer not to attend our Reactive Dog or Shy Dog Classes.

Owners will be required to complete and submit 2 behavior questionniares to the instructor prior to attending the consultation.

Call (314) 802-5709 or e-mail the Training Department for information.

Click to view the Macklind Avenue class schedule

Family Dog Advanced Classes
These classes were developed to allow owners to continue training their dogs by selecting from a variety of fun and interesting topics. Each class has a definite start and stop date and owners can register and attend multiple classes during the week. Class instructors are highly experienced in their individual area of expertise.
Walk-in students not permitted in any class except Behavior and Training 101. PREREQUISITE: (Unless specified otherwise) Behavior and Training 101, Family Dog Level 2, Equivalent Skill or Trainer Recommendation

Canine Good Citizen Test
Is your dog a Canine Good Citizen? Here is your opportunity to prove it. Take the CGC Test. This test is open to ALL dogs of ALL ages; mixed breeds as well as purebreds. For information on the next CGC test, check out the Humane Society of Missouri CGC Information Page. To print out a copy of the registration form, click here. Dogs do not need to be attending our group classes to register for the CGC Test.

Superdog Class
This 5-week class takes up where the Family Dog 2 Class ends. Dogs that successfully complete this class will follow commands quickly and reliably. Skills taught include: 1 minute sit-stay and a 2 minute down-stay off-leash and with distractions; navigating a course off-leash in the training room; walking outside on-leash with a slack leash; coming when called off-leash with distractions; dog will allow an examination by the instructor without showing fear or resistence; and other advanced skills. This class can be repeated until profeciency with all skills is achieved. Dogs that successfully perform all skills will earn the title of Super Dog. Cost for this class is $75.

Obedience for Agility Class
This class teaches the commands you and your dog need to know and look for when running an agility course. There are many basics that come into play: obviously focus is the key. Sit, Down and Come are just a few of the essential commands. We will work on the course from start to finish and have fun!

Rally Obedience-Novice and Advanced/Excellent
Rally is a fun and fast-growing sport. Dogs and owners navigate a marked course on-leash and perform various exercises as they go through. The fact that owners can talk to and encourage their dogs during competition makes this sport more relaxed than traditional competition obedience. This class is a great choice for owners who would like to have fun with their dogs while practicing manners, as well as obedience enthusiasts who would like to compete in the sport. Dogs must have completed Novice Rally level prior to enrolling in the Advanced/Excellent level. For more information Click Here

Tricks Workshop (Levels 1 and 2)
Dogs and their owners have a great time learning tricks in these classes. Tricks include: shake hands, spin, roll over, and jump through a hoop. Dogs must have completed Tricks Level One class prior to enrolling in the Tricks Level 2 class.

Dog Sports Sampler
Owners can try out fun sports with their dogs - Agility, Rally Obedience, Tricks, Shaping Behaviors and Games. Discover what you and your dog enjoy most while learning about many other activities available for dogs and their people. Class runs for 5 weeks and costs $75.

Novice for the Obedience Ring
This 10-week class offers owners and dogs the opportunity to enter the world of advanced obedience! Graduates of this highly-structured class are ready to participate in obedience trials at the Novice level. PREREQUISITE: Super Dog Graduate, Equivalent Skill or Trainer Recommendation

Click to view the Macklind Avenue class schedule

Single Session Classes

These are one-session classes that provide owners with assistance on a variety of pet-related topics. Unless otherwise noted, all of these classes are people only and pets should not attend. All family members are covered under one registration fee. Due to the format of these sessions, many are not suitable for children under the age 10. Walkin students not permitted in any class except Behavior and Training 101. There are no prerequisite classes for taking any of the single session training classes listed in this section. Dogs may wear head halters, martingale of flat buckle-type collars. No choke, pinch collars or flexi-leads allowed.

Important Note: The single session Behavior and Training 101 is a prerequisite for enrolling in many of our regular group classes.

Click to view the Chesterfield Valley class schedule

Click here to register and pay online

Puppy Classes

All of the classes in this series operate on a punch card system where owners purchase a punch card for 5 classes that they have 8 weeks to complete. The initial cost for classes is $120 and includes all of the books and written materials you will need for the entire series. Future punch cards are available for only $100. Humane Society of Missouri adopters receive a 10% discount on their first punch card if they register for class within 90 days of adoption. Walkin students not permitted in any class except Behavior and Training 101. PREREQUISITE for all Puppy Class Sessions: Behavior and Training 101

Pre-Kindergarten
This 45-minute class is for the very young, very small or shy puppies that need a more controlled play environment. Emphasis is on building confidence, dog and people socialization, bite inhibition and a few basic obedience commands. Puppies must be at least 8 weeks of age and have received their first series of immunizations at least 10 days prior to the start of class.
PREREQUISITE: Behavior and Training 101

Puppy Kindergarten
This hour long class was developed to provide puppies with more opportunities for socialization with other puppies and people. Special emphasis is placed upon developing good bite inhibition. A wide range of puppy issues from house training to chewing and nipping are addressed, and basic skills introduced include sit, down, and come when called. Puppies must be under sixteen weeks of age the first day of class and have received their second set of shots.
PREREQUISITE: Behavior and Training 101

Puppy Primary
Continues training and socialization where Puppy 1 left off while increasing the emphasis on obedience skills. This class is open to puppies that have attended at least four sessions of our Puppy Kindergarten and begin Puppy Primary less than four weeks after the last day of Puppy Kindergarten.
PREREQUISITE: Puppy Kindergarten or Pre-Kindergarten graduate

As soon as a dog and handler are able to pass the skills test for each level they may move up to the next.

We proudly participate in the AKC STAR Puppy Program

Click to view the Chesterfield Valley class schedule

Adult Dog Classes

All of the classes in this series operate on a punch card system where owners purchase a punch card for 5 classes that they have 8 weeks to complete. The initial cost for one of the Family Dog classes is $120 and includes all of the books and written materials you will need for the entire series. Future punch cards are available for only $100. New Humane Society of Missouri adopters receive a 10% discount on their first punch card if they register for class within 90 days of adoption. Walk-in students not permitted in any class except Behavior and Training 101. PREREQUISITE for all Adult Dog Classes: Behavior and Training 101

Family Dog Basics (Levels 1 through 2)
This series of classes takes dogs and their owners from the foundation of all training "attention" to loose leash walking, wait, come when called and stay. Level 1 teaches focus and attention to owner despite multiple distractions and introduces some basic commands (sit, go to a mat, spin, touch, and no jumping). Levels 2 builds on the basic commands introduced in Level 1 and includes: wait; leaving an object alone on the floor; stay; moving attention and coming when called. A dog who graduates from Level 2 is ready to move to our Family Dog Advanced Classes.
PREREQUISITE: Behavior and Training 101

As soon as a dog and handler are able to pass the skills test for each level they may move up to the next.

Clicker Fundamentals
Clicker Training is a highly effective, humane, and fast way to teach your dogs.  With this method, the handler will mark desirable behavior with a "clicker," a mechanical device that makes a distinct sound, which tells your dog exactly when they're doing the behavior you want .

Combined with positive reinforcement, Clicker Training is an effective and fun way to train your dog to do everything from the sit-stay to jumping through hoops. 

This 5-week class introduces owners to clicker training and how to use it in everyday obedience. It also helps owners become more consistent in rewarding good behavior. PREREQUISITE: Behavior and Training 101 or Trainer Recommendation

Private Training
We currently offer private lessons at Chesterfield Valley for owners of dogs that don't want to or are unable to attend a group class. Knowledgeable instructors offer private training tailored to your specific needs. Lessons can be arranged around your schedule.

These sessions are for dogs that need basic family dog skills. They are not appropriate for dogs that have demonstrated any threatening or aggressive behavior, show excessive fearfulness to strangers or of new situations.

Private family dog training sessions last 45 minutes each and cost $60. A package is available that includes 5 private sessions and free admission to the Behavior and Training 101 Class for $270. That's a savings of $50!
Call (636)530-8200 or e-mail the Training Department for information

Click to view the Chesterfield Valley class schedule

Classes for Dogs with Issues

These classes were developed to provide vital assistance to owners of dogs with a variety of specialized behavior issues that interfere with everyday life. They provide specialized training that cannot easily be found elsewhere. Some have a definite start and stop date and do not operate on a punch card system. Class instructors are highly experienced in their individual area of expertise. Specific class information is listed along with the class descriptions.Walk-in students not permitted in any class except Behavior and Training 101. Prerequisite for any of the Classes for Dogs with Issues: Behavior and Training 101

Dogs with Issues
This owner-only class was developed for both Growly and Shy Dog owners. The class consists of 2 individual three-hour classes where owners learn to recognize signs of arousal and how to apply management techniques. Special attention is given to each owner's situation. The total cost for the class is $95 ($70 for the class/$25 for supplies) and includes printed materials, appropriate comprehensive workbooks, food tube, treat apron, clicker and wrist coil to use in class and hands-on demonstrations with live dogs.
PREREQUISITE: Behavior and Training 101

Reactive Dog (Levels 1-2)
Does your dog bark, growl or lunge at other dogs or people? In Reactive Dog Class we will teach you how to safely manage your dog's behavior, how to build your dog's confidence (when that is the underlying issue) and how to teach your dog new behaviors, including self-restraint. Level 1 focuses on buidling the basic skills you and your dog need to to successfully change your dog's old behavior. You andyour dog will move up to Level 2 when you can complete all the required skills taught in Level 1. Level 2 focuses on increased real-world situations you and your dog may encounter. You work on implementing your dog's new skills in these situaitons. Both levels of the class can be repeated until you achieve the comptency with all the skills. Upon completion of both class levels, some dogs may be eligible to attend Family Dog classes or specialized advanced classes for Dogs With Issues. The cost for these 6-week classes is $120. PREREQUISITE: Behavior and Training 101 and Dogs with Issues and a private evaluation of your dog by appointment with the class instructor

Shy Dog (Level 1)
Is your dog afraid of strange dogs, people or places? In Shy Dog 1 owners learn basic, classical conditioning techniques to help their shy dogs relax and gain confidence. Once dogs have accomplished the skills necessary to become comfortable in the classroom setting, they can move on to the next levels. Cost for this class is $140.
PREREQUISITE: Behavior and Training 101 and Dogs with Issues

Shy Dog (Levels 2-3)
Class focuses more on training but also helps the dogs to continue building self-confidence. Dogs that complete the necessary skills for these levels are ready to move on into the Family Dog Class. Our Shy Dog instructors offer lots of expert, personalized attention tailored to the the needs of each student. The cost for these 8-week classes are $140.
PREREQUISITE: Behavior and Training 101 and Dogs with Issues

Private Behavior and Training Consultation
We offer private behavior consultations and training to address a variety of behavior problems including threatening or aggressive behavior and fearful responses. These sessons were developed for owners who are unable or prefer not to attend our Reactive Dog or Shy Dog Classes.

Owners will be required to complete and submit 2 behavior questionniares to the instructor prior to attending the consultation.

Call (314) 802-5709 or e-mail the Training Department for information.

Click to view the Chesterfield Valley class schedule

Family Dog Advanced Classes
These classes were developed to allow owners to continue training their dogs by selecting from a variety of fun and interesting topics. Each class has a definite start and stop date and owners can register and attend multiple classes during the week. Class instructors are highly experienced in their individual area of expertise.
Walkin students not permitted in any class except Behavior and Training 101. PREREQUISITE: (Unless specified otherwise) Family Dog Level 2, Equivalent Skill or Trainer Recommendation

Canine Good Citizen Prep Class
This 3-week class prepares owners to take the Canine Good Citizen (see below). We practice all aspects of the test and offer help in areas where the dog may need more work. You do not need to be attending our group classes to register for the CGC Prep Class. 

Since this class is meant to prepare for the actual test, students may not use pinch, choke or other correction collars, Gentle Leaders, other head halter-type collars, or harnesses. Instead, dogs should be fitted with Martingale or flat buckle type collars. 

Students in this class are able to register at no charge to take the next Canine Good Citizen Test we offer. Cost for class is $75
.

Canine Good Citizen Test
Is your dog a Canine Good Citizen? Here is your opportunity to prove it. Take the CGC Test. This test is open to ALL dogs of ALL ages; mixed breeds as well as purebreds. For information on the next CGC test, check out the Humane Society of Missouri CGC Information Page. To print out a copy of the registration form, click here. Dogs do not need to be attending our group classes to register for the CGC Test.

Superdog Class
This 5-week class takes up where the Family Dog 2 Class ends. Dogs that successfully complete this class will follow commands quickly and reliably. Skills taught include: 1 minute sit-stay and a 2 minute down-stay off-leash and with distractions; navigating a course off-leash in the training room; walking outside on-leash with a slack leash; coming when called off-leash with distractions; dog will allow an examination by the instructor without showing fear or resistence; and other advanced skills. This class can be repeated until profeciency with all skills is achieved. Dogs that successfully perform all skills will earn the title of Super Dog. Cost for this class is $100.

Obedience for Agility Class
This class teaches the commands you and your dog need to know and look for when running an agility course. There are many basics that come into play: obviously focus is the key. Sit, Down and Come are just a few of the essential commands. We will work on the course from start to finish and have fun!

Rally Obedience-Novice and Advanced/Excellent
Rally is a fun and fast-growing sport. Dogs and owners navigate a marked course on-leash and perform various exercises as they go through. The fact that owners can talk to and encourage their dogs during competition makes this sport more relaxed than traditional competition obedience. This class is a great choice for owners who would like to have fun with their dogs while practicing manners, as well as obedience enthusiasts who would like to compete in the sport. Dogs must have completed Novice Rally level prior to enrolling in the Advanced/Excellent level. Click here for more information about the sport of Rally

Tricks Workshop (Levels 1 and 2)
Dogs and their owners have a great time learning tricks in these classes. Tricks include: shake hands, spin, roll over, and jump through a hoop. Dogs must have completed Tricks Level One class prior to enrolling in the Tricks Level 2 class.

Dog Sports Sampler
Owners can try out fun sports with their dogs - Agility, Rally Obedience, Tricks, Shaping Behaviors and Games. Discover what you and your dog enjoy most while learning about many other activities available for dogs and their people. Class runs for 5 weeks and costs $100.

Outdoor Manners
This active class is only offered during the spring, summer and fall. Dogs and owners will visit a variety of public venues where there will be opportunities to practice and perfect good manners under the guidance of an expert instructor. Since this is an outdoor class, it will be subject to changes based upon weather conditions.

Novice for the Obedience Ring
This 10-week class offers owners and dogs the opportunity to enter the world of advanced obedience! Graduates of this highly-structured class are ready to participate in obedience trials at the Novice level. PREREQUISITE: Super Dog Graduate, Equivalent Skill or Trainer Recommendation

Click to view the Chesterfield Valley class schedule