HSPCA’s Behavior and Training Program works to keep pets in forever homes and prepare homeless pets for adoption. The behavior and training program adds tremendous value to the community and HSPCA’s life-saving mission through public classes, staff and volunteer training, enrichment programs for shelter residents, and behavioral support to adopted dogs and their new pet parents.
The behavior and training initiatives are under the direction of Manager of Behavior and Training Skip Daiger, CPDT-KA, ABCDT. Daiger is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. He serves as a professional mentor trainer for the Animal Behavior College and is also a founding member of the Heartland Positive Training Alliance here in Kansas City.
Daiger completed his BA at the University of Maryland and graduate work at Pennsylvania State University. He has attended a full range of educational conferences and professional seminars in pursuit of his love of ethology and canine behavior. Educational offerings are provided through Daiger Dog Training, LLC.
To learn about HSPCA’s Manager of Behavior and Training and enrollment in newly-formed classes, contact Manager of Behavior and Training Skip Daiger at (913) 742-7308 or sdaiger@heartlandspca.org. To learn more about public class schedules, please see below.
Heartland SPCA Public Training Classes
| Day | Time | Class | Location | Start Date |
| Sunday | 9-10 a.m. | Reactive Dog – Level 1 | HSPCA | 3/18 |
| 1-2 p.m. | Puppy 1 | Wayside Waifs | 4/15 | |
| 2:30-3:30 p.m. | Basic Dog | Wayside Waifs | 4/15 | |
| 4-5 p.m. | Puppy 2 | Wayside Waifs | 4/15 | |
| Wednesday | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Reactive Dog – Level 2 | H SPCA | TBD |
| Thursday | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Puppy 1 | HSPCA | 3/8 |
| 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Puppy 1 | HSPCA | 4/19 | |
| 8-9 p.m. | Basic Dog | HSPCA | 3/8 | |
| 8-9 p.m. | Basic Dog | HSPCA | 4/19 | |
| Saturday | 9-10 a.m. | Puppy 2 | HSPCA | 4/14 |
| 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Basic Dog | HSPCA | 4/14 | |
| 1- 2 p.m. | Puppy 1 | GSAC | 4/14 | |
| 2:30-3:30 p.m. | Basic Dog | GSAC | 4/14 | |
| 4-5 p.m. | Puppy 2 | GSAC | 4/14 |
*Please note, public classes are coordinated through Daiger Dog Training, LLC. Registrations will also be processed under this name.
Additional Resources
Beyond the Dog, LLC is a full-service dog training company under the direction of Sean Savage, CDBC, CPDT-KA and Kristyn Echterling-Savage, Ph.D., CPDT-KA. Beyond the Dog views animals as life companions whose behavior is impacted by modifiable factors. By understanding these factors, the duo works to compassionately alter dog behavior. Their all-inclusive training program, private consultations, and white glove service give human companions the tools needed to maintain behavior over time. Visit www.BeyondtheDogTraining.com for more information.
