(In and around Scottsdale, Arizona --- As of 9/01/09)

Here are great places to spend time and learn with your dog, using positive reinforcement methods. Praise, praise. All dogs feel proud of themselves for having the nicest manners on their block and you will too! Be the Alpha and give your dog the chance to learn what is expected of him/her. Teach – Come, Stay, Sit, Down, and Heel. One hour a week at class and 15 minutes a day at home.

Most classes require a metal link training collar and a 6-ft leather leash. Feed the chain through the end ring (the other ring is attached to the lead). Place the loop over the dog's head so the part of the chain attached to the lead goes over the top of the dog's neck, then around the underside with the end ring under the dog's neck. Take some water in the car for before and after class drinks.

IMPORTANT -- Before returning home, replace the training collar with your dog's regular collar (with ID, license, and rabies tags). The training collar should never be on the dog except for training. The slip ring can get caught on a nail and be fatal.

CITY OF SCOTTSDALE PARKS/RECREATION —

• Eldorado Park
• Miller & Oak in Scottsdale To register call: 480-312- 7957 or 2483
• Also at Cactus Park, Scottsdale Rd & Cactus Instructor: Stacie Strauss
• Fee: $34 for residents 6 weeks Wednesday evening classes.
• Class start times: 6:45PM and 8:00PM Throughout the year

PETSMART —

• All locations conduct classes. Pick up a brochure at your nearest location
• Scottsdale: 90th & Shea Blvd. Starts Weekly 480-391-1647
• Fees: Basic 8 weeks $109
• Intermediate 8 weeks $109
• Expert 6 weeks $109 (No Canine Good Citizen Training

PETCO —

• Some locations conduct classes.
• Scottsdale: 8910 E. Indian Bend Starts Weekly 480-368-8015
• Basic: 6 wks for $105 Intermediate (incl CGC) 6 wks $99.95

CITY OF PHOENIX PARKS/RECREATION —

• Roadrunner Park 36th St. & Cactus Rd., Phx. 602-262-6661
• Classes $79 for 8 weeks 7PM Wednesday & Thursday evenings
• Basic, Intermediate, & Advanced, plus Pet Therapy classes
• You need: Proof of up-to-date shots, chain slip collar, 6' leather lead
• Instructor: Donna Anderson
• Web site: www.phoenix.gov/parks/register
• Can also register at nearest City of Phoenix Recreation Bldg.
• Handled by Sunnyslope Community Ctr., 802 E. Vogel, Phoenix

PHOENIX FIELD & OBEDIENCE CLUB — (Recommended)

• Encanto Park, 1202 W. Encanto Blvd. 15th Ave & Encanto Blvd, Phoenix, AZ
• Classes: September through April 7-8:30 and 8:15-9:15 p.m. Evenings - Outdoor
• Fee: $40 6 weeks First class: Wednesday, September 21, 2009
• Call: 623-412-3288 (leave name, address, phone, & class interested in)
• Registration info on the web site: www.pfoc.org Click on Class Information

BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS ---

• Ken Desch
• 4K9Solutions.com
• 602-618-0446