spcaLA Patricia Gorham Training Center

spcaLA offers group training classes in Obedience (basic to advanced, including AKC Canine Good Citizen® preparation), Agility (novice to competitive), Fun Nose Work (scent detection), and specialty classes such as Come When Called and Trick Training. Classes are structured as ongoing weekly sessions with prerequisites varying by level. Puppy Preschool™ introduces foundational skills to puppies. All classes use positive reinforcement and are limited to 4–8 dogs per session. No individualized or intensive programs are offered.

Pricing Summary

Pricing is not publicly listed; fees vary by class type and session length. Discounts are available for dogs adopted from spcaLA. Registration is required through their online portal, and refunds are not mentioned in policies.

Policies

Classes require vaccination records to be uploaded or emailed prior to attendance. Cancellations and refunds are not explicitly detailed, but registration is managed through Mindbody. Students must confirm their email to ensure secure communication. Classes may be canceled due to weather; updates are communicated via email or phone. Training does not address aggression toward people or other dogs.

spcaLA Patricia Gorham Training Center is a nonprofit dog training facility operated by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles, dedicated to preventing animal cruelty since 1877. They offer group dog training classes in obedience, agility, Fun Nose Work, and specialty programs like Come When Called and Trick Training, all using positive reinforcement methods. Classes are held in semi-private settings of 4–8 dogs to ensure personalized attention, and proceeds directly support shelter animals. Training is available at four locations: Long Beach, Los Angeles, Hawthorne (South Bay), and Burbank (Patricia Gorham Center). The center does not offer private in-home, board-and-train, or day-training services. All trainers are required to have no civil judgments or criminal animal cruelty convictions under California law AB-1901.

Their programs are designed for dogs of all ages and skill levels—from puppies in Puppy Preschool™ to advanced competitors in agility. They do not provide behavior modification for aggression toward people or other dogs. Clients must upload vaccination records via their online portal or email, and all registration is handled through Mindbody. The center emphasizes humane, reward-based training to build confidence and strengthen the human-dog bond.

In addition to training, spcaLA offers adoption services, lost pet resources, veterinary assistance, humane education programs, and disaster response support, making it a comprehensive animal welfare organization.

Accomplishments

spcaLA has been preventing animal cruelty since 1877. All trainers comply with California AB-1901, ensuring no civil judgments or criminal animal cruelty convictions. The Patricia Gorham Training Center is named after a dedicated leader in animal welfare. The organization is recognized for its comprehensive animal services, including adoption, disaster response, and humane education.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must visit the spcaLA Dog Training website, select a class, and register through the Mindbody online portal. Vaccination records must be submitted before attending. New clients should confirm their email address to ensure receipt of class updates. Discounts are available for dogs adopted from spcaLA.