Promoting Responsible Pet Ownership Since 1984
Congratulations on making the responsible decision to train your dog. Well-trained dogs are a pleasure to be around and they have happy owners who spend time with them. The weekly group training classes are fun, enjoyable and good exercise for you and your dog.
The Arlington Humane Society runs on-going obedience training classes for puppies starting at 7 weeks of age and for adult dogs. If you are willing to put in the time working with your dog, we can help you to have a well-behaved pet. All classes taught by the Humane Society are by donation. We ask that you make a tax deductible donation to help support this and other programs (however it is not required). The Humane Society operates solely on donations. We receive no tax money or other government funding. We can only do what we have the funds to do.
General Overview: It takes time, patience and repetition to properly train a dog. There are no short cuts. Don’t fall victim to the TV dog trainers who promise to train dogs in a week or two for $500 to $1500. Most probably, you will wind up wasting your money and can ruin your dog, especially if you opt for any aggression training. Every dog is different and learns at a different rate. Over the years we have found most owners who attend weekly classes regularly and spend time working with their dog at home usually accomplish their goal of a well-behaved dog in 6 to 8 weeks. After the initial training period, consistency must be reinforced on a regular basis. We will work with you to accomplish your goal of having a well-trained dog, but you must be willing to spend the time necessary working with your dog. Hands-on field work includes the commands heel, sit, sit-stay, down, down-stay and come when called and is introduced at the proper age and experience level of your dog .Our classroom series includes weekly lectures on dog psychology, behavioral problems, grooming, nutrition, flea and tick control, veterinary care and first aid. Once you have attended the orientation class you are welcome to attend field training until you attain the desired level of control with your dog.
Puppy Kindergarten: This class is for puppies between the ages of 7 – 16 weeks. The class meets Saturdays at 9:30 AM at Country Acres Kennels. Your puppy should attend this class until reaching 4 months of age. Classes cover early socialization and proper bonding techniques with humans and pets. We also cover such topics as housebreaking, chewing, biting, digging and other puppy problem behavior and the lecture classes mentioned above.. Leash breaking and the commands heel and sit are introduced. When we teach proper behavior early we don’t have to go back later and correct problems. Don’t miss this all important time to get your puppy started in the correct direction toward being a well-behaved dog. Between 7 and 16 weeks of age we are molding behavior, after 16 weeks we are changing established behavioral patterns. Whatever you teach a puppy, you are going to have to live with in an adult dog. The American Kennel Club (AKC) “S.T.A.R. Puppy®” Certificate will be awarded upon successful completion of this course.
Adult Dog Training: This class is for dogs 4 MONTHS AND OLDER. This class works on general control, heel, sit, stay, down, come when called and addresses all behavioral problems. The class starts with a two hour Behavioral Psychology class on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month at 10 am. Thereafter the classes are Saturday morning at 9 am. The classes include the lecture series and age/experience related field work including heel, sit, sit-stay, down, down-stay and come when called. Once your dog achieves the required level of training you will be promoted to ADVANCED training. Owners and their dogs can attend these classes for as long as they wish. Owners are required to PRE-REGISTER for this class.
The Humane Society sponsors several low-cost vaccination clinics and a low-cost spay/neuter program if you wish to save money. Call (817) 468-0444 for more information on these programs. Orientation class is required for adult dog class participants. This class lasts 2-2 ½ hours and is taught by one of several behavioral psychologists on staff at Country Acres Kennels and concentrates on the academic side of dog behavior. Classes fill up quickly so please pre-register for all classes as early as possible.. At the time of registration, the Humane Society asks that you to make a tax deductible donation. Your generous donations go directly to support our programs. If you cannot afford this, let us know at the time of registration. We will not turn anyone away.
Important Notice: Due to insurance restrictions and for the safety of all owners and their dogs no overly aggressive dogs or breeds – such as pit bulldogs – are allowed in class.