Dogs of all sizes came tugging at their leashes with owners in tow for the first free dog training session sponsored by the City of Airdrie.

A Place for Paws was the first of four venues to hold the sessions during July, August and September.  Certified Dog Trainer Jennifer Fraser put the pooches through their paces and said it was a great day for both dogs and their two legged friends.

"Everything went wonderful. We had fabulous dogs and fabulous owners and the owners that came today were fully prepared to manage their dogs and have fun. They rewarded with treats and without treats and with a ball reward and with their own voice.  They had fun and the dogs here were absolutely amazing so we have really good owners who are invested in the best for their dogs."

Fraser felt the initiative by the City of Airdrie is a good one.  

"To have dog educational individuals in the dog park or to have people stand up to make sure our dog parks are safe is very important.  I've had good experiences but I've also had really bad experiences at the dog park and when I go to the dog park I want to go as an owner.  Seeing some of the things that go on at the dog park that aren't nice, dogs that are being bullied, people that think it's normal play, our dogs aren't enjoying it then and I think it's great that we can go to the dog park and help people with education.  I think this program is great."

Fraser went over things like connection between dog and owner and making the dogs feel safe in dog parks.  

"We're kind of like their parents, we're making this environment safe and happy and fun for them so they know when we go back to the dog park our dogs know that we're there to be their guardians, their saviors, their helpers but also the ones there that also let them go play and be dogs."

The City hopes the sessions will make pet owners ambassadors for the off leash areas, and improve the overall experience in the off leash parks. 

Three more sessions are planned, August 13th at the Nose Creek Off Leash Park,  September 10th at the Kings Heights Off Leash Park, and at the East  Lake Off Leash Park on September 24th. 

Registration for the sessions can be done at the Municipal Enforcement office.

 

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