TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

All Good Dogs Go To Class

ADVERTISEMENT

By LAURA FRAZIER

lfrazier@tampatrib.com

Published: October 22, 2008

BRANDON - Pet owners with dogs who charge the mailman or choose to chew shoes may want to leash the beasts and hop over to the rabbit barn at the Florida State Fairgrounds.

The Brandon Florida Kennel Club began offering dog obedience classes Tuesday nights this month at the fairgrounds. The next eight-week session starts Nov. 4.

Member Shelby Stevens said the club wants to help people who are having trouble training their dogs to behave at home and get along with other people and animals. Club members who breed and show dogs will work with individuals and in groups to teach problem-solving and training techniques and the commands sit, stay, down, come and heel.

"When you're walking down the street, you want a dog that's with you, not dragging you," Stevens said. "And when a friend walks in the front door, you don't want your dog to knock down their 3-year-old child."

Participants in the eight-week course will learn how to coax good behavior from their pets, but Stevens said they will have to do their homework.

"You have to work with the dog every day and ingrain it," she said. "Just like a child, dogs do well with repetition."

A course in dog show techniques coincides with the obedience class, but Stevens said the group wants the spotlight to shine on responsible dog owners who need some help bonding with and training their dogs.

"Dogs that are well-trained and well-behaved generally don't land in a shelter," Stevens said. "If you have an individual problem with your dog, we will work with you."

The club formed about four years ago and is working toward qualifying for American Kennel Club certification. Members hope to complete their certification in the spring and are excited about the prospect of holding AKC dog shows in the Brandon area.

Many of the club's 40 or so members breed and show purebred dogs. But make no bones about it - they do not discriminate against mutts.

"We all have a love of purebred dogs and responsible breeding and ownership," Stevens said. "But we are not snooty. We invite all kinds of dogs, purebred or not, to our classes."

BRANDON KENNEL CLUB CLASSES

WHAT: Dog obedience and show techniques classes

WHEN: 7-8 p.m. Tuesdays; next session starts Nov. 4

WHERE: Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301 N., Tampa; use the Orient Road entrance and ask the guard for directions to the rabbit barn
COST: $85 for the eight-week obedience class, payable on the first night; $8 per class or $25 a month for dog show techniques class; see instructors for special discounts for dogs adopted from shelters or rescue groups

RESTRICTIONS: Classes are open to all licensed, vaccinated dogs age 6 months or older that don't have severe aggression problems

INFO: To register or for information, contact Shelby Stevens at (813) 685-6684 or kibetsyork@aol.com, or go to www.brandonfloridakennelclub.com

Reporter Laura Frazier can be reached at (813) 657-4523.

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT