The Winnipeg Humane Society is expanding to include a behaviour training centre after a generous donation was given to the society.

Jim Gauthier donated $1 million to the humane society to build the Joyce Gauthier Behaviour and Training Centre, in honour of his late wife. (Meagan Fiddler/CBC) Jim Gauthier, in memory of his late wife Joyce, donated money to increase programming at the shelter with more training and agility courses.

"I married her 54 years ago and for 54 years, she loved animals. I guess she was born with it…. We've always had dogs," said Gauthier.

"My wife's support of The Winnipeg Humane Society has been based on the kindness, love and the extra effort made by staff and volunteers to the animals in their care."

Construction has begun on the Joyce Gauthier Behaviour and Training Centre. It's opening will give shelter animals more opportunity to work on socialization and behaviour skills while in care.

"We are incredibly grateful for this generous gift from Mr. Gauthier," said Javier Schwersensky, CEO of the Winnipeg Humane Society.

"We are always looking at ways of enriching the human-animal bond and this space will allow us to accomplish this."

In the current building, one monthly training class is offered to animals.

"It's completely full," said Schwersensky, adding that there is typically a three- or four-month wait list.

Gauthier said the new facility will not only increase accessibility to workshops, but it will also help the humane society improve its socialization programs for dogs that aren't initially as desirable to adopt.

"We do get a lot of dogs from up north, dogs that are skittish, dogs that have not been around people, that have to be trained and get confidence in people," said Gauthier, adding that "this is what this will do for us."

Gauthier said he believes proper training will mean once non-adoptable dogs will have a better chance of finding a family.

The Joyce Gauthier Behaviour and Training Centre is scheduled to open this fall.