The City of Airdrie will offer a number of summer camps this year, including some for dogs.

"They're looking for ways to make our off leash areas better of course, so we're working with a Certified  Dog Trainer to offer, they're called Manners Classes for Dogs," said Mayor Peter Brown.

The City is hoping that the sessions will help make pet owners ambassadors for the off leash areas, and improve the overall experience at the off leash parks. Mayor Brown says working alongside the Certified Professional Dog Trainer, owners can expect to learn a lot.

"The class helps an owner to understand a dog's body language, what play and bullying look like in dogs, and how to defuse dangerous situations."

There are some requirements participants need to meet before they can take part in the sessions. Dogs need to be friendly to other dogs, and any behavioural issues will need to be disclosed up front so that the dog trainer can do an assessment. Dogs also can't have aggression or extreme fear of other dogs or people. Also, the dogs need to have a collar with registered tags and up to date vaccinations.

There will be four days of sessions, each at a different park. On July 23, the sessions will take place at Place for Paws, with another date on August 13 at the Nose Creek Off Leash Park. There will also be two dates in September, at the Kings Heights Off Leash Park on September 10 and at the East Lake Off Leash Park on September 24. Each date will have three sessions throughout the day with 45 minutes of training and 15 minutes of questions. Each session has room for four to six participants. 

Mayor Brown hopes members of the community will take part in the free sessions.

"I'd really encourage people, if you've got a dog that's like my dog that loves to run and jump on people, this is a great session for you to learn how you can control your pet."

Registration is happening for the sessions at the Municipal Enforcement office.

 

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