Parks and Rec. Accepting Dog Obedience Class Registrations

The Berlin Parks and Recreation Department is accepting registrations for residents beginning on Monday, March 4 and non–residents on Monday, March 11, for the following Dog Obedience classes held at the former Pistol Creek Golf Course, 600 Spruce Brook Rd. Dog handlers should be at least 16 years of age. Instructors are Wendy McGurgan, Professional Dog Trainer & Obedience Instructor and Shirley Coulombe, Assistant Trainer.

Kindergarten Puppy Training – The class is for puppies 2 ½ months to 6 months old. We will work on leash walking and the come, sit and down commands. Your puppy will also develop social skills and confidence. Learn how to praise and correct your puppy appropriately. Start a great relationship with your pup! We will address problems like chewing, housebreaking and crate training. You will need a six-foot leash and we will discuss leashes and collars at the first class. The first class is mandatory unless you are excused by the instructor  and is held without dogs! Please bring a copy of your dog’s current vaccinations to the first class. Fee is $55.00 for residents, $65.00 for non residents. The class will run for seven weeks, on Thursdays, from April 4-May 16 from 6:00-7:00 p.m.  Limit of 12. Program #165001B

Basic Dog Obedience – The class will cover basic obedience commands for the family dog. Commands include sit, down, stay, heel, come and stand.  You will learn how to correct bad habits such as jumping up and pulling on the leash.  Learn how to praise, correct and discipline your dog appropriately. Dogs should be at least 6 months old. You need a 6-foot leash and we will discuss leashes and collars in the first class. The first class is mandatory unless you are excused by the instructor and is held without the dogs. A copy of your dog’s current vaccinations including Bordetella must be given to the instructor at the first class. Fee is $55.00 for residents, $65.00 for non residents. The class will run for seven weeks, on Tuesdays, from April 2-May 14 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Limit of 12. Program #165001A

Better Basic Dog Obedience – This class is for dogs and handlers that have completed Basic Dog Obedience. Emphasis will be on improving and sharpening the skills learned in basic class. We will concentrate on the stay, heel, come and recall exercises. We will work with a greater level of distraction and work on skills that you and your dog need help on by giving you more insight into your dog’s behavior. We will reward our dogs with verbal and physical praise, not food. You will need a six-foot leash and should bring a copy of your dog’s vaccinations, including Bordetella, to instructor at first class unless the instructor already has this on file. Fee is $55.00 residents, $65.00 non residents. The class will run for six weeks on Wednesdays from April 10-May 15 from 6:00-7:00 p.m.  Limit of 12. Program #165001D