Dog Training Program

Wayside Waifs offers dog training for you and your dog. From one-time seminars to multi-class sessions to private training, we’re sure we have something to fit your needs. The affordable classes will have a positive impact on pet retention in Kansas City. All proceeds go to help future homeless animals in Wayside’s care.

Wayside’s Canine Public Training Coordinator, Molly Lienemann, CPDT-KA, and members of Wayside’s Canine Behavior team lead all training classes, seminars, and private training.

Training Philosophy

At Wayside Waifs, our mission is to prepare pets and people for the bond of their lives. Our training program fully supports this mission by exclusively utilizing positive reinforcement, reward-based training methods. These methods have been scientifically proven to be the most humane and effective methods for modifying behavior while also encouraging a healthy and happy relationship between dog and owner.

We consider the needs of each individual dog and tailor our approach to fit each dog as an individual, utilizing a variety of rewards from food to praise to play. This individualized approach allows us to encourage your dog’s very best behavior.

We want to create a life-long relationship of trust and happiness between you and your dog. Methods that involve fear, pain, force, or coercion do not support this mission and are not part of our training philosophy.

Because we use reward-based, force-free training methods, we do not allow retractable leashes, prong or choke collars in our dog training classes and private sessions.

Current Available Classes:

Use the button below if the calendar below is not viewable.

Learn More or Register

Private Training Sessions

Wayside is offers limited, private, 1 on 1 training for you and your dog! This is a great way to work on common issues like:

  • Leash reactivity
  • Life skills
  • Tailored basic obedience
  • Confidence boosting
  • Impulse control

Our trainer will create a customized training plan. You and your dog will learn to work together effectively while having fun. Click the button below to email our team or call 816-986-4467 for more information or to schedule.

Please note, behaviors that we are not able to address in our private training include:

  • Any form of aggression directed at humans or other animals (snapping, biting, bite history)
  • Self-harming behaviors
Contact Us

FAQ

Can I bring my whole family to the class?

We are able to allow two people, over the age of 13, per dog to attend class. Each class will have homework and handouts that can be shared with the whole family once back at home.

My dog barks and growls at other dogs and/or strangers. Can I still come to a group class?

Dogs that are reactive towards strangers or other dogs may not be the best fit for group class settings.  Email us
 to discuss your dog’s specific situation to determine the best fit for them. We do offer 1-on-1 training options that may be a better fit.

Why doesn't my dog come to the first class?

The first class is reserved for humans only so that we can prepare for the rest of the course. Think of it as an orientation and your first taste of what is to come. We will go over goals, expectations, and other housekeeping items needed to make class successful.

Can I bring my dog to a seminar?

The seminars are for humans only. These are learning opportunities for people and we find that if pets are present, it is too distracting for both the presenter and the attendees. See our class listings for opportunities to learn with your pet.

What does my dog need to come to class?

Your dog will need proof of being up-to-date on all age-appropriate vaccines. Please come to class with your dog wearing a flat or martingale collar (no chains or prongs) and with a 4′ or 6’ flat lead (no flexible or retractable leashes). Bring with you a bath rug or towel, favorite chew toy, and a variety of tasty treats. Because we use force-free, rewards-based training methods, we do not allow prong or choke collars in our dog training classes or private sessions.

What if I miss a class?

Whenever possible, please notify the instructor in advance. We will work with you to fina a solution. You are welcome to reach out via email for missed class content. If you would prefer an in-person private make-up lesson, we charge $30 for a 30-minute lesson. To schedule this or request missed content, Email us

Are there any prerequisites? What if I've taken class somewhere else?

Some classes may require prerequisites. If a class does, it will be listed in the class description. If you’ve taken classes somewhere else and believe you meet the prerequisite criteria, reach out to us at Email us

Please Read Our Policies

Class Cancellations & Date Changes
We require at least a minimum number of registrants per class. If that minimum is not met 72 hours before the class is scheduled to start, we may cancel the class or push the start date back one week. We will contact you 24-48 hours before a class start date to notify you if a class is canceled or if we need to adjust the start day due to low registration. In the event of severe weather that requires the cancellation of a session, we will contact you via email and phone as early in the day as possible and we will reschedule that session at the earliest possible opportunity. You will have the option of enrolling in a different class, receiving credit toward a future class, or receiving a full refund if the class is canceled or the new dates do not work for your schedule.
Refund & Transfer Policy
Unfortunately, we do not offer make-up classes. If you need to miss a class, please let your instructor know and they will send you the class homework/information. We will refund your class fee or transfer you to a new class if you cancel in writing at least three days before the class starts. If you enroll within three days of the class, you are not eligible for refunds or transfers for any reason. We are unable to offer any refunds or transfers after the class begins. If you adopt from us and return the dog, your fees are not refundable for any reason.
Behavior Disruptions

Some dogs may struggle in the group class environment. In the event that your dog does not get along with other dogs, barks incessantly at the other dogs, or is extremely fearful, Reactive Dog class or private sessions may be more appropriate for your dog. If you are unsure about the most appropriate class for you and your dog, please reach out to us at [email protected] before registering for a class. If your dog is too disruptive in the class setting, your instructor may suggest alternative classes or private sessions.

Vaccinations & Alteration Status

In order to keep all dogs as safe as possible, we require proof of at least two DA2PP vaccines before attending class. This vaccine must include Distemper and Parvo. We highly recommend both Bordatella, especially for puppies, as well as Canine Influenza vaccines but these are not required. For all dogs over 4 months old, proof of rabies is also required. Please email or bring your vaccination papers to your first class.

We recommend but do not require that all dogs older than 6 months be spayed or neutered. Feel free to contact us at [email protected].

For more information about Wayside’s low-cost vaccination and spay/neuter services, click here. 

Wayside Waifs

3901 Martha Truman Road
Kansas City, MO 64137
816-761-8151

Adoption Hours:

Monday: Closed
Tuesday - Friday: 11am - 7pm
Saturday  & Sunday: 10am - 5pm

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Our Programs and Services

Pet Adoptions     Animal Rescue
Behavior Enrichment     Foster Care Program
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