Pet Training

Pet Trainings Offered at Orange County Animal Services

These trainings are offered at OCAS at no cost for community members! 

  • DOG 101: BASIC NEEDS AND HEALTHCARE - Join our training session to learn about canine healthcare and basic needs. This event will benefit both new dog owners and those looking to deepen their bond with their canine friends. Please do not bring your own dogs to this session. We're helping people build skills that they can take home to help their canine companions.
    • WHEN: Dates coming soon!
    • COST: Free
    • WHERE: Orange County Animal Services, 1601 Eubanks Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 (the Community Room)
  • DOG 102: DOG BEHAVIOR & WORKING THROUGH BEHAVIOR ISSUES - Learn to understand canine behavior and tackle challenging behavior issues. Strengthen your bond with your canine companions. Please do not bring your own dogs to this session. We're helping people build skills that they can take home to help their dogs. This session is also for new or experienced dog owners.
      • WHEN: Dates coming soon!
      • COST: Free
      • WHERE: Orange County Animal Services, 1601 Eubanks Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 (the Community Room)
  • CAT 101: HEALTHCARE AND BASIC NEEDS - Join our training session to learn about feline healthcare and basic needs. This event will benefit both new cat owners and those looking to deepen their bond with their feline friends. Please do not bring your own cats to this session, that's too stressful for them. We're helping people build skills that they can take home to help their fabulous felines.
    • WHEN: Saturday, January 10th, 2026, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
    • COST: Free
    • WHERE: Orange County Animal Services, 1601 Eubanks Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 (the Community Room)
  • CAT 102: CAT BEHAVIOR & LIVING WITH CATS - A “meow-tivational" training session where humans learn to decode the feline language and become more effective cat companions. Strengthen your bond with your fabulous feline. Please do not bring your own cats to this session, that's too stressful for them. We're helping people build skills that they can take home to help their fabulous felines.
    • WHEN: Saturday, February 21, 2:00pm - 4:00pm - Click Here to Register for the Cat 102 Class!
    • COST: Free (donations to help shelter pets are appreciated)
    • WHERE: Orange County Animal Services, 1601 Eubanks Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 (the Community Room)

Partner Trainings (Offered at Orange County Animal Services for a Cost)

  • A Bark Beyond Bark to Basics Adult 6 Week Training - This class is designed for dogs a year or older who already have a handle on the basics and are ready to to level up their skills to more advanced obedience. The focus is on real-world manners, improving attention and focus around distractions, building better communication and making them calm, confident members of the community. This class is a weekly 1 hour class for 6 weeks at $150 total. 
    • WHEN: Dates coming soon!
    • COST: $150 / 6 weeks
    • WHERE: Orange County Animal Services, 1601 Eubanks Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 (the Community Room)

Local Pet Training

There are several local trainers who can assist with pet training and behavior: 

  • Paws4ever offers private lessons, group classes, and workshops. Their professional dog training instructors use only science-based, positive reinforcement methods in training. Email train@paws4ever.org or call 919-241-8438. Paws4ever is located in Mebane, NC. Scholarships are available! 
  • A Bark Beyond Training offers private lessons, group classes, and virtual training. Email ncdogtrainer27215@gmail.com or call 336-942-9515. The initial consultation is free! 
  • Animal Insight offers behavior modification for anxiety, fear, and aggression; training in manners and obedience; and a behavior helpline. Email liz@animal-insight.com or call 919-230-1406. The Behavior Helpline is $45 for a 30-minute consultation. Scholarships are available!