Dog Socialization Level 1: Introduction & Canine Body Postures.  Duration: 3 hours.
(There will be 15 minute break half-way through class. You are encouraged to bring snacks and drinks.)

Level 1 training provides an overview of the various Dog Socializing Levels, as well as, an understanding of Behavior Assessment and Medical Treatment Sheets. In addition, volunteers will be taught how to recognize both safe and dangerous canine body postures and how to use Classical Conditioning and Lure/Reward Training to benefit the shelter dogs.

• Prerequisite: Volunteer Orientation

• Scheduled Classes:  Must RSVP 916-782-7722 ext. 103. (Class size limited to 30 people)

• Suggested Donation: $5 (Donations help offset the cost of materials)

Dog Socialization Level 2: Safe Handling & Kennel Conditioning.  Duration: 3 hours.
(There will be a 15 minute break half-way through class. You are encouraged to bring snacks and drinks.)

Level 2 will detail how to safely enter and exit a kennel. In addition, this class will discuss how dogs learn and will introduce volunteers to a variety of training methods including Positive Reinforcement, Desensitization, and Counter-conditioning, all of which are used to increase a dog's adoption potential.

• Prerequisite: Dog Socialization Level 1

• Scheduled Classes:  Must RSVP 916-782-7722 ext. 103. (Class size limited to 20 people)

• Suggested Donation: $5 (Donations help offset the cost of materials)

Dog Socialization Level 3: Walking & Training. Duration 4 hours
(There will be two 10 minute breaks. You are encouraged to bring snacks and drinks)

This is an advanced level of training that details the training methods used at the Placer SPCA and how and why they are applied. Volunteers will be introduced to concepts such as Positive vs. Negative Punishment, Positive vs. Negative Reinforcement, Operant Conditioning, and other training techniques.

• Prerequisite: Dog Socialization Level 2

• Scheduled Classes:  Must RSVP 916-782-7722 ext. 103. (Class size limited to 20 people)

• Suggested Donation: $5 (Donations help offset the cost of materials)

Dog Socialization Level 4: Fun & Games.  Duration 3 hours.
(There will be a 15 minute break half-way through class. You are encouraged to bring snacks and drinks.)

• Prerequisite: Dog Socialization Level 3

• Scheduled Classes:  Must RSVP 916-782-7722 ext. 103. (Class size limited to 15 people)

• Suggested Donation: $5 (Donations help offset the cost of materials)

Cat Socialization & Safe Handling: Duration 3 hours.
(There will be a 15 minute break half-way through class. You are encouraged to bring snacks and drinks.)

Designed to familiarize volunteers with the Placer SPCA and its guidelines for caring for, socializing, brushing and safely handling and transporting shelter cats. Volunteers will be taught how to recognize both safe and unsafe feline body postures and how to understand shelter paperwork including Medical Treatment Sheets, Cage Cards and Behavior Assessments.

• Prerequisite: Volunteer Orientation

For more information contact Placer SPCA by calling (916) 782-SPCA (7722) or (530) 885-PETS (7387), send us email or complete our online information request.