Help with Behavior Modification

Under Santa Cruz County Code 6.19.020 persons that own dogs that have been declared Potentially Dangerous or Vicious are required to do the following:

“The owner of the dog and the dog must complete a Department-approved obedience course for a minimum of 10 hours of training, at the owner’s expense, within 60 calendar days of the Director’s determination. If the dog was impounded, the course must be approved by the Department before the release of the dog to the owner. If the dog was not impounded, the owner must obtain approval of the course within 14 calendar days after the Director’s determination.”

Below is a list of free resources available that help complete at least 10 hours of obedience training. If you would like to take it a step further and have the time and resources to hire a dog trainer, please go to our Resources page for more information.

If you have an aggressive dog, we highly recommend hiring a trainer that specializes in aggressive dogs. While these 10 hours of obedience training are a great place to start, specialized trainers will be able to provide the best, safest options for you and your companion dog.

Free Resources

Top Dog Academy Membership: dunbar.info/SCCAS
This link offers you one month of the Top Dog Academy Membership for free. It gives you access to multiple classes in dog obedience and behavior modification.
HOW TO ACCESS FREE MONTH: Follow this link which will take you to a page offering the option to subscribe. Click on the Subscribe Now button and you will automatically receive a free month shelter coupon! You can participate without paying for a full month!

Articles
Aggressive Dog Training Articles – Michael Shikashio
This offers a list of articles on how to work with problem behaviors in dogs.

Resources Archive – San Francisco SPCA

Dunbar Academy E-Books for Downloading
Before You Get Your Puppy by Ian Dunbar
After You Get Your Puppy by Ian Dunbar
Good Little Dog Book by Ian Dunbar
How to Teach a New Dog Old Tricks by Ian Dunbar