What is Good Dog-U?
Each year, five-to-seven million animals are surrendered to shelters around the country. Many of these animals are given up due to problems commonly resulting from a lack of training such as excessive barking, chewing, lack of housetraining, or hyperactivity, all of which are generally very manageable with just a little bit of education and guidance on the part of the owner.
At the Pennsylvania SPCA, we're dedicated to placing animals in the best possible homes, and keeping them there. That's why we've created "Good Dog-U", the school for every dog! Whether you've got a purebred pooch or a mystery mutt, a young "freshman" just starting their obedience career or a super senior who has already got a couple of tricks under his or her belt, or even a dog who just needs a little refinement, all dogs and their owners can benefit from a class at the Pennsylvania SPCA. All of our classes are taught using positive reinforcement techniques and are designed to be fun for the whole family...including the dog!
So keep watching our website, as we will be updating it with new classes and seminars all the time. Don't see what you're looking for? Suggestions for new classes or programs are welcome, just email them to nlarocco@pspca.org or call 215.426.6304 ext. 259.School is in Session at the Pennsylvania SPCA's Good Dog-U!
The Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is offering a new schedule of drop-in training classes for dogs of all ages. All classes are designed by Nicole Larocco, Director of Animal Training and Behavior, and are held at the Pennsylvania SPCA's Philadelphia headquarters at 350 E. Erie Avenue. They are designed to teach owners how to communicate with their canine companions in positive and results oriented ways.
Each session begins with a free orientation session (dogs do not come for orientation) on the first Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Pennsylvania SPCA headquarters. Once owners attend orientation, they can purchase six classes for $75 and attend regularly scheduled classes at their convenience. Pennsylvania SPCA members receive a discounted rate of $65 for six classes. Dogs must be friendly with people and other dogs and up to date on vaccinations to attend classes.
PUP-101: Puppy Kindergarten Class
Start your puppy off on the right paw with this class designed to teach basic commands, including sit, down, stay, come and leave-it, as well as polite leash manners and greetings with people and other dogs. The class also incorporates basic agility training in order to build the puppies' confidence. This class is open to all dogs under six months of age and small breed dogs (under 35 pounds) under nine months of age.
Dates: Wednesdays at 6:30 PM
Tuition: $75 for six classes or $65 for Pennsylvania SPCA members
DOG-101: Adult Basic
This adult basic class is designed to teach adult or adolescent dogs foundation-level obedience, including the commands sit, down, stay, come, leave-it, as well as polite leash manners and greetings with people and other dogs. Problem solving and troubleshooting for basic nuisance behaviors will be addressed as needed. Basic agility training will also be incorporated to build the dogs' confidence. Treats and positive reinforcement techniques are used to teach good manners. This class is open to all dogs over six months of age.
Dates: Wednesdays at 7:45 PM
Tuition: $75 for six classes or $65 for Pennsylvania SPCA members
Enrollment Information
For more information on all Pennsylvania SPCA courses and to enroll, call the Good Dog-U registrar at 215-426-6304, ext. 259, email training@pspca.org or stop by Pennsylvania SPCA's Philadelphia Adoption Center weekdays from 10 AM - 6 PM and weekends from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Please include your name, phone number and the course you are in which you want to register.
About Nicole Larocco, Director of Animal Training and Behavior
Pennsylvania SPCA Director of Animal Training and Behavior Nicole Larocco, CPBT (Certified Professional Dog Trainer), began working as a professional animal trainer in college. After graduating from Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, she earned her CPDT title in 2003 and worked as head trainer and obedience instructor at a boarding kennel. Longing to work in the world of animal sheltering, Larocco joined the development and marketing department for Animal Friends, a no-kill animal shelter and companion animal resource center in Pittsburgh. In 2008, she returned to the field of animal behavior and accepted the position of director of animal training and behavior at The Pennsylvania SPCA. In this role, Larocco is responsible for maintaining the behavior and enrichment of shelter animals, educating staff and volunteers on animal behavior and handling practices, and supporting the public by providing counsel for behavior modification of their animals. While her human family still lives in Pittsburgh, she resides in Philadelphia with Uluru, her rescued Australian Cattle dog.