SPCA Tampa Bay knows that adopting a new dog is just the beginning of your journey together.  That's why we are proud to offer dog training classes at our very own training school, Sniff University. At Sniff University, our qualified and compassionate trainers teach you to bring out the best in your dog using positive reinforcement training.  We offer classes geared towards dogs in all stages of life. Take a look around – we’re sure you’ll find something paws-itively perfect for you and your furry friend.

WE'RE EXPANDING! Sniff University is now proud to offer a select number of classes at a NEW satellite location in St. Petersburg.   Look below for class options that are now being offered at the Metro Wellness Center in St. Petersburg.

View our training calendar

 

SPCA Tampa Bay Classes

Agility for Fun!

Fun is the key word here! Dogs and handlers both have a blast in this class as we teach dogs to jump over hurdles, run through tunnels, and balance on the teeter totter. Do you have a shy or fearful dog? Agility training is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to build confidence and help their personalities bloom! A great option for dogs that have high energy levels, or just for teams looking for something new to mix it up. All classes are held indoors, in a temperature controlled facility, so you can run and play no matter the weather. Come join us today! To be eligible for this course dogs must have taken the Starting from Sit class or received prior approval from Behavior & Training Manager.

Price: $135

More coming soon!

Canine Good Citizen Prep Course

This 4-week dog training course is designed to help you and your canine companion pass the American Kennel Club’s widely recognized certification – the CGC test. The goal of the Canine Good Citizen program is to promote responsible dog ownership. There are ten tests as part of the CGC exam and all tests must be completed without the use of treats.

Price: $135

Clicks and Tricks

Our tricks class is designed to be a fun, challenging, and rewarding class for you and your dog while increasing your communication as a team. Beginning tricks class starts with some basics such as touch, spin/twirl, say your prayers, rollover, the shell game, target and more. This class introduces the use of a clicker to help capture your dog’s attempts. The clicker acts like a camera and takes a picture of a behavior your dog offered as a way to reward their effort.

Price: $135

More coming soon!

Puppy Pre-School

This six week class gives puppies from the ages of 10 weeks to 20 weeks old a chance to play, interact and learn new things in a fun and safe environment! We will cover topics such as crate training, house training, preventing future behavior problems, and mouthing/biting. We’ll also teach puppies how to sit politely, come when they are called, and leave objects alone. Week one is an orientation so please leave the pups at home.

Price: $135

Puppy Social

Puppies and owners learn how to create a positive social setting when meeting new friends. Learn how to interact with unknown dogs and encounter unfamiliar situations in a safe, fun environment. *All dogs must between 10 weeks–20 weeks old and have up-to-date vaccinations

Price: $20

Rally-O!

A great way to improve your dog’s loose leash walking skills. We’ll learn how to navigate various changes in direction and pace, all while working together as a team. Rally-O! consists of a series of signs that give directions to dog and handler. At the end of each class, dogs and their handlers will be challenged with completing a course of 10-15 numbered signs.

Price: $135

More coming soon!

Reaction to Distraction

Your dog knows sit, but does he really know sit? This course is designed for dogs who have taken an introductory class and are ready to challenge themselves. In Reaction to Distraction our instructors will teach you how to increase your dog's reliability in the face of all kinds of distractions.  We take training out of the class room and into the world. Each week we will work on increasing the levels of distance, duration and distraction. Can your dog remain sitting when another dog walks by? How about when a goat walks by? This course will test your dog's reaction to distraction! *To be eligible for this course dogs must have taken the Starting from Sit class or received prior approval from Behavior & Training Manager.

Price: $135

More coming soon!

Reactive Rovers

This four-week series will focus on reactivity to people. It is designed to help owners with reactive dogs - dogs that growl, bark, lunge, shake, or shut down. Owners will learn better management and handling skills. Because of the sensitive nature of this course, the dogs must be evaluated prior to enrollment and must strictly adhere to all required safety protocol.

Price: $135

Starting from Sit

Teach your dog all of the basics, starting from sit!  This six week class will be one where our instructors teach you to train your dog using positive reinforcement techniques.  We consistently reward good behavior using treats and praise, knowing that behavior that is rewarded is behavior that repeats itself.  This enables us to build a strong training foundation for dogs to learn all of the basic skills that give them good doggy manners. The following five weeks will be a hands-on course where dogs will learn sit, down, leave it, coming when called, waiting at doorways, walking on a loose leash and to sit politely for petting instead of jumping. Week one is an orientation so please leave the pups at home.

Price: $135

Starting From Sit - Metro Wellness

The same great trainers and Starting from Sit class, now offered at our satellite location. This six week course will be a hands on experience where dogs will learn sit, down, leave it, coming when called, waiting at doorways, walking on a loose leash and to sit politely for petting instead of jumping. Week one is an orientation so please leave the pups at home. The Metro Wellness Center is located at 3251 3rd Ave N, St. Petersburg, 33713.    

More coming soon!

   

Questions about any of our classes?

Send us a message with the form below or call (727) 586-3591 x.167.  

Please read our policies & procedures before registering.