a white logo with text at the bottom saying Helen Woodward Animal Center. There are two kids with dogs, a horse, a bird and cats under a tree.

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DogSmart

DogSmart Helps You Understand Dog Behavior and Conquer Your Fears!

Get ready to unleash your confidence around dogs with the DogSmart program at Helen Woodward Animal Center! This special program is designed to help people of all ages improve their comfort with canine behavior and dog interactions in a variety of settings. Whether you’re aiming to feel more at ease around dogs or want to empower your children to handle encounters with unfamiliar pups, the DogSmart program will be customized to fit your needs and comfort level. Join us for this enriching experience and take the first step toward building a lifelong bond with our furry friends!

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Book Now

DogSmart Program Details 

DogSmart is a 6-week (1 session per week) customized program built to meet each individual’s needs. Because everyone’s comfort level varies, the number of sessions and the subject matter is up to the participant and instructor. Our trained professionals will help you figure out the best session plans to help you accomplish your goals. Some of the most common learning outcomes of the program include:

  • Learning the proper and safe way to meet a new dog.
  • Understanding the basics of dog behavior and psychology.
  • Discover how to handle an encounter with a stray or aggressive dog.
  • Learn about dog body language.

Session Cost: $52 per session

Frequently Asked Questions

WHERE DO THE DOGS USED IN THE PROGRAM COME FROM?

In most cases, the DogSmart program uses Animal Ambassador dogs that work in our various Education programs. These dogs are staff or volunteer owned and are temperament tested in order to participate in the program.

HOW IS THE PROGRAM SCHEDULED?

A DogSmart client will be scheduled for 6 sessions upon booking. The sessions will usually occur on the same time and day of the week for 6 weeks, with 1 session running a week, unless there is a scheduling conflict. We find that our clients are most successful in the program when the sessions are booked consecutively, without large gaps of time in between.

CAN I PARTICIPATE IN MORE THAN 6 SESSIONS?

The participant and instructor will determine the maximum amount of sessions needed based on the progress of the previous 6 sessions. Our goal is to provide you with understanding and tools to use elsewhere to further your comfort by learning how to respond to scenarios in your life, and typically 6 lessons will fulfill this goal.

ARE PARENTS ALLOWED TO ATTEND WITH THEIR CHILD PARTICIPANT?

Parents may accompany a child participant for free. However, some of our children participants are more successful in the program without parent involvement.

Contact us today to book your DogSmart Session!

mail to: [email protected] or call 858-756-4117 ext. 318.

Your DogSmart program fee helps support all of our adoptable animals, as well as the many human and animal services Helen Woodward Animal Center provides.

Follow us online to get more humane education virtually including animal facts, cute animal photos and videos, and notifications about upcoming programs!

Due to Hurricane Hilary, all  departments will be closing at 3pm today.  Stay safe!