Popular Dog Training Classes Now Available in Scotia and Burnt Hills
The Animal Protective Foundation, a not-for-profit humane society providing services to Schenectady County and the greater Capital Region, is partnering with Country Acres Farm & Pet Center in Burnt Hills for a second location for the APF’s popular Canine Academy Program. The partnership will allow APF to better serve the community’s need for dog training classes.
The APF Canine Academy Program offers an array of classes designed to help dog owners develop well-mannered family pets and good canine citizens. The classes teach important socialization skills with both people and dogs. The classes are in high-demand and frequently sell out.
Basic Manners 101 and Get In The Zone will be the first programs launched at Country Acres. These classes will be taught by Kathy Snowden and Sheila Leguire, who possess certifications through Animal Behavior College and the American Kennel Club.
Registration for the six-week sessions that begin October 5 at Country Acres is now open. Pre-registration is required for all Canine Academy classes and is handled by APF. For more information on class schedules and to register, visit https://www.animalprotective.org/dev/canine-academy/ or call the APF at 374-3944 x111.
“We are thrilled to expand our Canine Academy Program to a second location, and appreciative to Country Acres for partnering with us to support the dog-owning community,” said Deb Balliet, APF Executive Director. “Behavioral problems are one of the biggest reasons why people give up their dog to a shelter, so APF offers a variety of classes to address this issue. Adding a second location will allow APF to help even more people in the community keep their dog in a supportive, loving home.”
Country Acres Farm & Pet Center has a climate-controlled 2,400-square-foot indoor play area and 2,000-square-foot fenced outdoor area that are used for the store’s Doggie Day Care program. When these facilities are not in use, APF will utilize the space to offer the dog training classes.
“We are excited for APF to offer dog training classes here,” said Terry Breen, owner of Country Acres Farm & Pet Center. “We have a large space available, and we are happy to extend this service to our customers and pet owners across the region.”
The full range of classes offered year-round, and now in two locations, through the APF Canine Academy Program includes:
• Agili-O
• Basic Manners 101
• Basic Manners 102
• Canine Good Citizen Certification
• Get in the Zone
• Nosey Dogs
• Puppy Basics
• Therapy Dog International Certification
• Tricks & Games
• Walking Workshop
Classes range from four to seven weeks in duration, and cost $100 – $150. Half of the cost per enrollee goes back to the APF shelter to help pay for homeless pets’ food, vaccines and medical care.
