It isn't well known, but there is a FREE class presented by our Humane Society once a month, on the second Saturday at the Community Center.
So many lives could be saved if only people took the time to train their dogs. So many dogs would be less likely to be returned to the pound if people knew what to do. Spending time like this helps form and/or strengthen the bond between human and dog. It is one of the best things a person and their rescued friend can participate in.
Copied right off their page...
Sponsored by Bay County Animal Control and The Humane Society of Bay County.
For that "desirable dog" that you have always dreamed of. Get information from instructors and handlers regarding behavior and control problems, first aid, and lots of other essential information for you and your pet. Be exposed to what causes the problem, how to recognize which cause you are dealing with, a variety of options to help correct the problem, and help in the proper execution of the option best suited for your situation.
These workshops are designed for the education of the owners of dogs that display undesirable behaviors. Through a community effort, many undesirable behaviors can be overcome. The intent of overcoming negative behaviors is to keep the dog intact in its home.
Every 2nd Saturday of the month
10:00 a.m. til 12:00 noon
Bay County Community Center
800 JFK Drive
Bay City, MI 48706
Orientation
Orientation will take place every month for those who are first time visitors. This is a time for JUST you to come and get information regarding the workshop and to have your questions answered. Please DO NOT bring your dog to orientation.
At the orientation, you will receive a packet of information regarding the Desirable Dog Workshop and watch a video. There will be speakers to give you all the necessary information of how the workshop is handled and what you can expect. You will fill out a form to help determine what issues you are encountering with your dog and to gain necessary vaccination history about your dog. Please bring your proofs of vaccinations against rabies and parvo and distemper with you for verification. These proofs must be shown before it is acceptable for you to bring your dog to the workshops.
Workshops
When you attend your first workshop, you can be assured that all the dogs there are current on their vaccinations. All owners are expected to have their dog under leash control at all times.
An instructor will give general information and demonstration on the basic "sit" and "stay" commands. Immediately following that instruction, you will break out into individual workshop groups that address your specific concern. Here your instructor will work with you to understand the undesired behavior and its cause; will give you options to choose from to help correct the behavior; and may even demonstrate how to execute the proper way of correcting your dog. Your questions may be asked at this time.
There may be more than one person in your group. This is expected and can actually help you gain a broader based understanding of the different causes and solutions to your concern.
You may have more than one undesired behavior that needs to be addressed. This is also expected. When you are finished at one workshop, you may continue to another instructor for help on another issue; or if you feel that you have enough information, you may leave for the day. The choice is yours.
You may continue to attend the workshops until you feel your issues have been resolved. You may even accomplish a "Good Canine Citizenship" certification. More information about certification as a "Good Canine Citizenship" is available at the workshop.
Bay County Animal Control and the Humane Society of Bay County appreciate your interest and commitment in educating yourself and your dog.
For more info...
http://www.co.bay.mi.us/bay/home.nsf/publi...A0?OpenDocument
or call
989-894-0679 Voice
989-895-4049 TDD/TTY
Besides obedience, some may wish to use this opportunity for socialization (which doesn't fall too far outside the obedience circle), as i have chosen to do, and others before me. Who knows, even a seasoned trainer could learn something new from these classes. ; - )
It would be nice if other communities had something like this. : - )