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Training, Behavior, & Enrichment

Welcome to the Behavior & Enrichment Department at Greenville Humane Society! At the Greenville Humane Society, our mission to preserve the lives and enhance the well-being of animals goes beyond providing shelter. The Behavior & Enrichment department is dedicated to enriching the lives of our resident dogs and cats as well as setting them up for success with their forever families. Through our rotating schedule of daily enrichment, training and behavior modification treatments, and daily playgroups, we ensure that every animal in our care receives the attention, skills, and love they need to thrive.

Additionally, we now offer private training, in home or at our facility, as well as group classes!

Training & Behavior

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Class

Designed for puppies 4-12 months old

Join us for a six-week, positive-reinforcement-based puppy training class focusing on socialization, basic training, activity, and responsible ownership, culminating in a certification test. Dogs must be fully vaccinated including DA2PPV, Bordetella, and Rabies.

Cost: $150

Click here to register

Brick House Basics Class

Designed for dogs 6 months and older

This class is ideal for dogs 1 year and older. Your teen or adult dog will learn basic manners and life skills as well as build their confidence in new environments. All dogs must be spayed or neutered and fully vaccinated including DA2PPV, Bordetella, and Rabies.

Cost: $150

Click here to register

Behavior Sessions

Is your dog experiencing fear, anxiety, hyper-arousal, or aggression? We can help! Our Certified Dog Behavior Consultant will meet with you and your dog in your home or at the Greenville Humane Society. We can also do consultations and sessions remotely. Initial consultations are $225 for a 90-minute in-depth appointment to learn about your dog’s history, current behaviors, and to discuss an individual behavior modification plan. New clients must start with a consultation before booking private sessions.

Ongoing behavior sessions are 60-minutes and $125 each.

Click here to register

Training Sessions

Does your dog need help with manners and life skills? We will develop an individualized training plan for you and your dog and support you to meet your goals! Our certified trainers will meet with you and your dog in your home or at Greenville Humane Society. We can also do sessions remotely! Initial consultations are $125 for a 90-minute in-depth appointment to learn about your dog’s needs. New clients must start with a consultation before booking private sessions.

Ongoing training sessions are 60-minutes and $95 each.

Click here to register

Why choose GHS?

Expert Training Instructors
Our classes are led by third-party certified trainers with extensive experience in canine behavior and training.

Positive Reinforcement
We use humane, science-based training methods that promote a healthy bond between you and your dog. We believe in the power of kind leadership, fairness, and treating your dogs like family.

Community-Focused
By participating in our classes, you’re not only enhancing your dog’s life but also supporting our mission to preserve the lives and enhance the well-being of animals in our care.

Meet Our Team

Daisy Wise CDBC, FDM, FFCP

I have been involved in animal welfare as a volunteer and foster since 1995. My career in animal behavior started in 2005. I have had the pleasure of working for The Humane Society of the United States helping dogfighting survivors as well as working on the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Behavioral Sciences Team. I am a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. I am also a certified Family Dog Mediator and a Fear Free Certified Professional Trainer. I moved to Greenville from Pittsburgh in 2024 after falling in love with the mission of Greenville Humane Society. I am proud to lead our team and excited to bring our commitment to modern dog training to the community of GVL. I can’t wait to meet your dog!

When I’m not working with dogs, I’m usually spending time with my husband and our three incredible adopted dogs – Batgirl, Justin Bieber, CGC, and Penny Wise, CGC.

Callison “Bree” Taylor CPDT-KA

I am a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. As a child, I dreamed of becoming both a veterinarian and a teacher—two passions that naturally collided when I discovered the world of dog training and behavior. I am committed to using compassionate training methods that prioritize emotional well-being. I strive to help create lasting connections between dogs and the humans they adopted, helping families navigate challenges and build stronger, more trusting relationships. I’m actively pursuing continuing education to maintain my CPDT-KA certification and am currently working toward additional credentials in dog behavior.

When I’m not helping other people’s dogs, I enjoy training with my dog, Grover, and my up-and-coming dog trainer and son, Kyson.

Melanie Weeks

I have volunteered at animal shelters since I was in middle school. I started at GHS as an Adoptions Counselor in May of 2023 and moved to the Behavior & Enrichment Team in July 2024. I have become so passionate about dog and cat training and behavior since joining this department and am looking forward to my career! I am currently working toward my IAABC-ADT Certification (Accredited Dog Trainer) through the IAABC.

I share my life with my dog and two cats. In my spare time I love crafts, coffee, and hiking.

Griffin Ballard VSA-CDT

I have been training dogs full-time for 8 years. I’m an SPCA Training Partner/Preferred Trainer and a Victoria Stilwell Academy-Certified Professional Trainer. I am currently working towards my International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants-Accredited Dog Trainer credential. I also am passionate about nutrition and am in the process of obtaining my Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist certificate. During my 8 years of training, I have focused on behavior modification and basic manners. My training philosophy is to set both ends of the leash up for success through my 4 pillars of training: Confidence, Comfort, Communication and Consent.

When I am away from work, I am an avid hiker, I have a major passion for fitness/working out. My wife and I are really into Pokemon right now and are actively trying to collect various sets. We share our lives with our dog, Nova, and two cats, Lila and Bee.

Resources

Efficacy of Dog Training With and Without Remote Electronic Collars vs. a Focus on Positive Reinforcement

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Evidence-Based Paradigm Shifts in Veterinary Behavioral Medicine

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Study by DEFRA Into the Use of Shock Collars and Punishment Based Training

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The Welfare Consequences and Efficacy of Training Pet Dogs with Remote Electronic Training Collars in Comparison to Reward Based Training

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Electronic Training Devices: Discussion on the Pros and Cons of Their Use in Dogs

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Considerations for Shock and ‘Training’ Collars: Concerns From and For the Working Dog Community

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The Effects of Combining Positive and Negative Reinforcement During Training

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If You’re Aggressive, Your Dog Will Be Too, Says Veterinary Study

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Training Methods and Owner–Dog Interactions: Links with Dog Behaviour and Learning Ability

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Effects of 2 Training Methods on Stress-Related Behaviors of the Dog (Canis Familiaris) and On the Dog–Owner Relationship

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The Effects of Using Aversive Training Methods in Dogs

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Pet Enrichment

What Is Enrichment?

We believe that every dog and cat deserves the best possible experience while in our care – that’s where the magic of enrichment comes in! Enrichment activities are not just fun: they play a crucial role in enhancing the overall well-being of our shelter residents while they wait to meet their forever families.

Every pet at the Greenville Humane Society receives enrichment at least once a day, and they never get the same thing two days in a row. All of our pets are on a rotating enrichment schedule to keep their brains and bodies busy. In our bustling shelter environment, pets can sometimes feel overwhelmed. Enrichment creates a more relaxed atmosphere so our residents feel at ease and secure, while also empowering them. Simple activities allow them to make choices – fostering confidence and happiness and leading to forever homes.

Enrichment isn’t just for sheltered animals, it’s also great for your pets at home!

Enrichment For Dogs

Stuffed Tubes

Stuff toilet tissue or paper towel tubes with 1/4 cup of kibble and a handful of dog treats or Cheerios. Crimp ends to close. You can also use wet dog food and freeze for a longer lasting treat. Frozen treats are great for crate time!

Busy Boxes

Stuff a box with one or two small Treat Tubes and a handful of small dog treats wrapped in brown paper or hidden in smaller boxes. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of basil, sage, cilantro or cinnamon. Be sure you remove any tape from your boxes before using.

Frozen Dinner

Put your dog’s kibble in a freezer-safe container and cover with low-sodium chicken or beef broth, yogurt, or water. You can also smear a tablespoon or two of peanut butter at the bottom so when they’re done they have dessert waiting!

Enrichment For Cats

Stuffed Tubes

Stuff toilet tissue tubes with 1 tbsp of cat treats and a pinch or spritz of catnip. Crimp ends to close.

DIY Toys

Use feathers, pompoms, and chenille craft stems to make fun toys for your feline friend!

Box Forts

Cut “doors and windows” out of large boxes and allow cats to play hide and seek. Be sure to remove any tape from your boxes before using.

Support Shelter Pets!

With an ever-changing rotation of daily enrichment, we are committed to keeping our shelter pets’ brains and bodies busy. In a bustling shelter environment, pets can sometimes feel overwhelmed. Enrichment creates a more relaxed atmosphere so our residents feel at ease and secure, while also empowering them.

With hundreds of cats and dogs to enrich, we’re always in need of donations to support their well-being.

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QUESTIONS ABOUT TRAINING OR BEHAVIOR?

We’re here to help! Whether you have a puppy in need of basic training, or are experiencing more serious problems like anxiety, fear, or aggression, we’re here to help!

Contact our team

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