Seger Park Dog Owners Association

The PSPCA Philadelphia Adoption Center Now Enrolling Students for Fall Classes

Back to school time isn’t just for kids. Whether you have a behaviorally challenged pooch that needs complete obedience training or just need help conquering a specific training challenge, the Pennsylvania SPCA’s (PSPCA’s) “Good Dog-U” obedience training program can put your dog at the head of the class.

“Each year, five-to-seven million animals are surrendered to shelters around the country,” said PSPCA Director of Training and Animal Behavior Nicole Larocco, CPDT. “Many of these animals are given up due to problems commonly resulting from a lack of training such as excessive barking, chewing, lack of housetraining or hyperactivity, all of which are generally very manageable with just a little bit of education and guidance on the part of the owner. The PSPCA’s Good Dog-U series offers a variety of programs for dogs of all ages and training levels.”

Good Dog U classes, held at the PSPCA’s Philadelphia Adoption Center at 350 E. Erie Avenue, are designed to teach owners how to communicate with their canine companions in positive and results oriented ways. Courses, ranging from one-day seminars to six-week programs, include:

· PUP-101: Puppy Kindergarten Class (six sessions):

Start your puppy off on the right paw with this class designed to teach basic commands including sit, down, stay, come and leave-it; polite leash manners; and greetings with people and other dogs. We will also incorporate basic agility training in order to build confidence in and have fun with our pups. This class is open to all dogs under six-months of age and small breed dogs (adult weight under 35 pounds) under nine-months of age.

Dates: Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.: September 10, 17, 24 and October 1, 8, 15
Saturdays at 10 a.m.: September 20, 27 and October 4, 11, 18, 25

Tuition: $55 or $50 for PSPCA members

· DOG-101: Adult Basic (six sessions):

This adult basic class is designed to teach your adult or adolescent dog foundation-level obedience commands including sit, down, stay, come, leave-it; polite leash manners; and greetings with people and other dogs. Problem solving and troubleshooting for basic nuisance behaviors will be addressed as needed. We will also incorporate basic agility training in order to build confidence in and have fun with our dogs. Treats and positive reinforcement techniques are used to teach your dog good manners. This class is open to all dogs over six-months of age.

Dates: Wednesdays at 7:45 p.m.: September 10, 17, 24 and October 1, 8, 15

Saturdays at 11:30 a.m.: September 20, 27 and October 4, 11, 18, 25

Tuition: $55 or $50 for PSPCA members

· MAN-101: “Easy & Off!”(one session)

When out for a walk, does your dog walk you instead of you walking him? Does your pup have a hard time controlling her exuberance when visitors come over? This informative seminar will teach your dog how to walk on the leash without pulling and greet visitors without jumping all over them. During class, students will have the opportunity to practice many repetitions of leash walking and polite greeting supervised by our training instructors. Suggestions for proper training collars and tools will be made on a case-by-case basis. Dogs must be at least four months of age, current on vaccines and friendly towards other dogs and people.

Date: Saturday, September 20, 2008 from 1-2 p.m.

Tuition: $10

· MAN-102: “Come!” (one session)

Is your dog too busy chasing squirrels at the park to come when you call him? Maybe you can’t call your dog away from another dog while on walks. Or perhaps your precious pooch ignores your calls even in the house! This class will offer tips and tricks to help you solidify your dog’s “come” command, even when they are distracted. Participants will have opportunities to practice many repetitions of “come” supervised by training instructors. Dogs must be at least four months of age, current on vaccines and friendly towards other dogs and people.

Date: Saturday, September 27, 2008 from 1-2 p.m.

Tuition: $10

· MAN-103: “Eliminating Nuisance Behaviors” (one session)

Bring your toughest canine questions to the PSPCA for this exciting roundtable discussion with our panel of expert trainers. Based on your questions, we can give you tips, ideas, and demonstrations on how to best resolve troublesome behaviors, and teach appropriate new behaviors. Friendly dogs are welcome to join us at this class as long as they are at least four months of age and current on vaccinations.

Date: Saturday, October 11, 2008 from 1-2 p.m.

Tuition: $10

· MAN-104: “Home Alone & Housebreaking” (one session)

Does your precious pup turn into a terror when you leave them alone in the house? Are you having trouble housebreaking your new puppy? Perhaps, you are struggling with separation anxiety in your dog. This informative one-hour session will offer you tips and advice on leaving your dog home alone so that your house is intact when you get back. There will be ample time for questions, so come prepared. Friendly dogs are welcome to join us at this class as long as they are at least 4 months of age and current on vaccinations.

Date: Saturday, October 25, 2008 from 1-2 p.m.

Tuition: $10

· FUN-101: Small Dog Social (one session)

Are you tired of taking your pint-sized pooch to the dog park only to be trampled by the rough and rowdy big dogs? Bring your small breed dog (adult weight under 35 pounds) to the PSPCA for this fun and relaxing evening of play with same-sized friends. Remember, even though your pup may be small, he or she is still a dog! Small dogs need to socialize with others and run out their excess canine energy. Pre-registration is required. Dogs must be at least 4 months of age, friendly with other dogs, and current on age-appropriate vaccinations.

Good Dog-U class sizes are limited and pre-registration is required. For more information on all PSPCA courses and to enroll, log on to www.pspca.org, call the Good Dog-U registrar at 215-426-6304, ext. 259, email training@pspca.org or stop by PSPCA’s Philadelphia Adoption Center weekdays from 1-8 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Please include your name, phone number and the course you are in which you want to register.