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!

Whether you've got a new puppy who needs to learn the ropes, or you've got an adult dog who could use some continuing education, the PSPCA has something for you! Our classes are designed to teach you how to communicate with your four-footed family member in a positive and results oriented way.

Be sure to sniff out our website for additions to our current class schedule.

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.

Dates: Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. (September 23, 30, and October 7, 14, 21, 28)
Professor: Nicole Larocco

Dates: Saturdays at 10:00 AM: September 19, 26, and October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Professor: George Todt

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.

Dates: Wednesdays at 7:45 p.m. (September 23, 30, and October 7, 14, 21, 28)
Professor: Nicole Larocco

Dates: Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. (September 19, 26, and October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31)
Professor: Dan Meller

Tuition: $75 or $65 for PSPCA members

Private Lessons

Does your dog need a little one-on-one help to solve a particular problem? The PSPCA is proud to offer private lessons as an intensive training session for you and your dog. Private lessons are customized to meet the needs of the individual owner and his or her dog. Lessons can be used to work on issues like housetraining, stopping basic nuisance behaviors, walking on leash, or even aggression issues with people or other dogs. All private lessons are instructed by certified animal professionals or those who are working towards their certification. Each lesson lasts approximately one to one-and-a-half hours. Please call for details about date and time availability.

Tuition: Lesson with Dave Leichter, $55; Lesson with Nicole Larocco, CPDT, PSPCA Director of Animal Training and Behavior, $100

Enrollment Information

"Good Dog U" class sizes are limited and pre-registration is required. There are three easy ways to register your dog for classes!

1. By phone: Leave your name, phone number, and the course you are interested in registering for on the Good Dog-U registration hotline at 215.426.6304 ext. 259. Someone will contact you back within five days.

2. By email: Send an email to training@pspca.org including your name, a phone number you can be reached at, and the course you are interested in registering for. Someone will contact you back within five days.

3. In person: You may register by stopping into the PSPCA's headquarters at 350 E. Erie Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19134, during the hours of: Mon.-Fri. 1-8 p.m. and Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.