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 PSPCA, 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 PSPCA. 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 PSPCA's Good Dog-U!

Good Dog U classes, held at the PSPCA's Philadelphia Adoption Center at 350 E. Erie Avenue, are designed to teach owners how to communicate with their canine companions in positive and results oriented ways. Courses, ranging from one-day seminars to six-week programs, include:

PUP-101: Puppy Kindergarten Class (six sessions)

Start your puppy off on the right paw with this class designed to teach basic commands including sit, down, stay, come and leave-it; polite leash manners; and greetings with people and other dogs. We will also incorporate basic agility training in order to build confidence in and have fun with our pups. This class is open to all dogs under six-months of age and small breed dogs (adult weight under 35 pounds) under nine-months of age.

Wednesdays at 6:30 PM with Nicole Larocco
January 20, 27 and February 3, 10, 17, 24

Saturdays at 10:00 AM with Dan Meller
January 23, 30 and February 6. 13. 20. 27

Tuition: $75 or $65 for PSPCA members

DOG-101: Adult Basic (six sessions)

This adult basic class is designed to teach your adult or adolescent dog foundation-level obedience commands including sit, down, stay, come, leave-it; polite leash manners; and greetings with people and other dogs. Problem solving and troubleshooting for basic nuisance behaviors will be addressed as needed. We will also incorporate basic agility training in order to build confidence in and have fun with our dogs. Treats and positive reinforcement techniques are used to teach your dog good manners. This class is open to all dogs over six-months of age.

Wednesdays at 7:45 PM with Nicole Larocco
January 20, 27 and February 3, 10, 17, 24

Saturdays at 11:30 AM with George Todt
January 23, 30 and February 6. 13. 20. 27

Tuition: $75 or $65 for PSPCA members

DOG-102A: Canine Good Citizen & Therapy Dog International Preparation Class (Seven Sessions)

This class will prepare you and your dog to take the AKC's Canine Good Citizen Test and the Therapy Dog International certification. In this class, we will practice all exercises present on the test. The final session will include taking the certification for CGC on March 4th.

Thursdays at 6:30 PM with Nicole Larocco and Beth Strecker
January 21, 28; February 4, 11, 18, 25; March 4

Tuition: $100 or $85 for PSPCA Members

DOG-102B: Canine Good Citizen Test (One Session)

All dogs who pass the test will receive a special tag for their collar and a CGC patch, and have their name listed in the AKC's record archives. Anybody is invited to take the class whether or not your dog has attended classes at the PSPCA. Pit Bulls and Pit Mixes take the test for free! Please call for an appointment or further details.

Dates: Thursday, March 4. Please call for appointment.

Evaluator: Beth Strecker

Tuition: $25 - Pit bulls and pit bull mixes take the test for free!

DOG-102C: Therapy Dog International Test (One Session)

The Therapy Dog International or (TDI) is a certification which will enable your dog to perform canine therapy at area hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.

Date: Saturday, March 6. Please call for appointment.

Evaluator: John Bickel

Tuition: $25

Enrollment Information

Good Dog-U class sizes are limited and pre-registration is required. For more information on all PSPCA courses and to enroll, call the Good Dog-U registrar at 215-426-6304, ext. 259, email training@pspca.org or stop by PSPCA's Philadelphia Adoption Center weekdays from 1:00 - 8:00 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.