Dog training classes are being offered

Training courses at the Santa Fe animal shelter offer dog owners a chance to work with their dogs and puppies on basic issues and strengthen the bond with their pets.

The shelter’s basic training class for adult dogs starts at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Roddey Burdine Rehabilitation Center at the back of the shelter, 100 Caja del Rio Road.

The hourlong classes run for six weeks and cover basic training, such as sit, stay, down, leave it, along with leash work and at least one trick.

Owners will come away with a sense of how dogs learn, how to teach them and how to troubleshoot bad behaviors or issues happening at home.

A six-week course for puppies begins at 4 p.m. Sunday. The hourlong classes at the shelter’s rehabilitation center are aimed at socializing puppies to other dogs, people and everyday situations. Dog owners also get information about puppy-raising questions, such as housetraining, chewing and practical skills.

Classes sizes are limited, and the first one is held without dogs.

Puppy classes are open to dogs 16 weeks of age or younger.

The cost is $150 and shelter dogs that have been adopted

within one year are eligible for a 50 percent discount.

Classes are taught by the shelter’s behavior trainers. Call 505983-4309,

ext. 152 or visit www. sfhumanesociety.org for more information and downloadable applications.