“An operating education center available for the community was always part of the New Home New Hope shelter campaign. It’s so rewarding to see this dream come to fruition.” — Carolyn Haugen, Past APS-FH Board President
“Within four weeks of launching our shelter’s Nose Work program, three dogs who had been with us for over six months were adopted. We credit Nose Work with helping them succeed in their new homes.” — Cristin Felso, APS-FH Executive Director
When you enroll in a class, you’re not only creating a rewarding experience for your own dog—you’re also helping shelter dogs thrive and increase opportunity for adoption.
Train your dog. Support a shelter dog.
Build a stronger bond.
The Animal Protection Society – Friday Harbor (APS-FH) is excited to announce the launch of community classes at our new Education Center, designed to support both pet owners and shelter dogs.
This program is led by scent detection expert Lisa Holt, who has generously donated her time to train APS-FH staff and equip our facility with support from PADs for Parkinson’s and the SJI K9 Detection Club. APS-FH staff member Brittney Ducote is also on track to become a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI) from the NACSW (National Association of Canine Scent Work) and is also obtaining her certificate in Training and Counseling (CTC) from Jean Donaldson’s Academy for Dog Trainers – helping build a lasting, self-sustaining program.
Why It Matters
Our classes provide more than just training—they offer enrichment, confidence-building, and fun for your dog, while directly supporting the APS-FH mission. When you enroll in a class, you’re not only creating a rewarding experience for your own dog—you’re also helping shelter dogs thrive and increase opportunity for adoption.
Class fees directly fund programs like K9 Nose Work, which is proven to increase optimism in dogs (Finding Hidden Food in Nosework Increases Dogs’ Optimism), reduce stress and improve adoptability for dogs in our care. Dogs who participate in these enrichment activities are more likely to succeed in new homes.
In This Section
Upcoming Classes
Whether you’re just starting out or continuing your dog’s training journey, our Education Center offers a variety of engaging classes focused on real-life skills, enrichment, and fun. A “team” is you and your dog.
K9 Nose Work
Scent work changes dogs. It rewires behavior. It builds confidence. It gives anxious dogs a way forward, energetic dogs a sense of control, and disconnected dogs a way back in. It’s not just about finding an odor. It’s about who the dog becomes on the way there.
Puppy Einstein
Essential puppy life skills and socialization! Set you and your new fur baby up for success by laying down the foundation for healthy behaviors and socialization during key stages of their development. Lots of learning and fun for everyone!
Sheep Ball
Island Sheep Ball is an Island-born game with roots in Treibball. But unlike Treibball, which requires many hundreds of hours of training, Island Sheep Ball requires only three cues for you and your dog to learn to play the game.
Loose Leash Walking
This series of three levels of classes is designed to help you and your dog learn to respond to leash pressure by slowing down, turning, stopping and walking alongside you while keeping the leash loose. As you progress, you will learn how to walk your dog in various places with distractions.
Coming Soon in 2026!
Manners, a Foundational 6-week class and Puppy Einstein, a fun and positive training for pups and young dogs!
All classes may be audited for $75—a great way to learn by observing.