Training Services

Little Traverse Bay Humane Society offers a number of training services to pet owners in the community to help dogs put their best paw forward!

Thanks to valuable clients, our training service provides critical revenue to provide care for the shelter animals who are awaiting their forever homes.

  • 1 hour | $100

    Located on LTBHS Campus


    Hands-on training with your dog right here on LTBHS’ campus. Trainers work directly with both you and your dog to build skills, strengthen communication, and support real-world success.

    Session objectives may include:

    • Any of our Tutor Topics (obedience, leash skills, cooperative care, enrichment, and more)

    • Polite manners and everyday behaviors

    • Confidence-building and engagement

    Please note: More complex behavior concerns—such as aggression, reactivity, or fear-based behaviors—may require prior evaluation and approval by a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) or Certified Behavior Consultant (CBCC) to ensure the safest and most effective plan for your dog.

  • 15 minutes | $30

    Location: LTBHS Campus


    One-on-one enrichment and training sessions led by our trainer, tailored to your dog’s needs. Choose from the following focus areas:

    The Basics
    Loose-leash walking, basic obedience, polite greetings, and social skills.

    Cooperative Care
    Positive practice for exams and grooming: getting on tables, bath time comfort, paw handling for nail trims, brushing, and gentle introductions to cooperative muzzle conditioning.

    Pattern Games
    Structured, predictable games that build recall, impulse control, emotional regulation, and confidence with crates and transitions.

    Extra Curriculars
    Trainer’s choice of fun and enriching activities such as agility, scent work, tricks, and confidence-building games.

  • 1 hour | $100

    Located on LTBHS Campus


    An extended, highly customized training session for dogs ready to take things further. This session includes any combination of four or more Tutor Topics, tailored to your dog’s individual needs, learning style, and your personal goals.Item description

  • 30 minutes | $50
    Located on LTBHS Campus

    Prepare your dog for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test while they’re already with us! Dogs will work through the 10 CGC skills and receive a report card highlighting strengths and areas to practice:

    1. Accepting a friendly stranger

    2. Sitting politely for petting

    3. Exam and grooming acceptance

    4. Loose-leash walking

    5. Walking through a crowd

    6. Sit, Down, and Stay on cue

    7. Recall

    8. Reaction to another dog

    9. Reaction to distractions

    10. Supervised separation from owner

    Bonus: Complete four or more CGC prep sessions and receive a free pretest!

  • 1 hour | $100

    Located on LTBHS Campus


    A focused, one-on-one session designed to prepare you and your dog for the official Canine Good Citizen test. Your trainer will walk through CGC skills, identify strengths and gaps, and provide personalized coaching and practice strategies to help your dog feel confident and ready on test day.

  • 30 minutes–1 hour | $50


    The official Canine Good Citizen test, administered by an AKC-approved evaluator. Dogs will be evaluated on all 10 CGC skills. A great milestone for well-mannered pets and a strong foundation for therapy work, housing requirements, or personal goals.

  • 1 hour | $150


    A virtual consultation with a Certified Behavior Consultant and Dog Trainer, ideal for behavior questions, training guidance, or developing a personalized plan from the comfort of home. This option is especially helpful for early intervention, follow-ups, or households needing flexibility.

  • 1 hour | $200


    A comprehensive, hands-on consultation with a Certified Behavior Consultant and Dog Trainer. This session allows for in-depth assessment, coaching, and practical strategies tailored to your dog, environment, and goals. Recommended for more complex or ongoing behavior concerns.

  • All training is subject to availability. Click the link above to fill out the training inquiry sheet or email the staff trainer, Sarah, at training@ltbhs.org if you are interested in starting training with your dog or if you have any questions!

    For dog training, in your home, LTBHS requires your dog have record of a current rabies vaccine, if age appropriate. For training on-site, your dog must have a current rabies vaccine as well as the following: Bordetella Vaccine (Annual), Distemper Vaccine (Annual or 3 year), and Negative Fecal Sample (Annual) All records can be emailed prior to training or submitted to our trainer upon first session. Records can be sent to training@ltbhs.org.