By Richard Johnston

Summer is nearly over, and thoughts are turning to classrooms.

This is certainly true for schoolchildren, but opportunities to learn are available for pets and their owners, too. The Connecticut Humane Society offers a variety of educational opportunities for adults and children.

The Society offers dog-training classes designed to help pet owners develop a strong relationship with this companion animals. The goal is to build strong communication skills which help minimize conflict between dogs and those who care for them. Positive motivation methods are used to make training an enjoyable, rewarding experience for everyone. Courses also include information on pet behavior to help people understand the things pets do, and how to deal with them in a constructive manner.

Separate classes are held for adult dogs and puppies. Adult Basic Obedience Training is for dogs over five months old. This course covers all of the basic obedience commands necessary for regular, everyday life. Puppy Kindergarten is for puppies ten weeks to four months old. Here puppies and owners learn how to establish a good relationship as the foundation for all training. The instruction includes all obedience commands, gives advice on housebreaking, and deals with common problems such as chewing, barking, nipping and jumping, to help minimize bad behaving and help forge a lifetime bond between pet and owner.

Beyond dog classes, the Society is getting ready for “Back to School” by readying its “Adopt-A-Teacher” program. Adopt-A-Teacher allows children to become members of the Connecticut Humane Society’s KIND Club: Kids In Nature’s Defense. During the months of September through May, each “adopted” classroom receives, free of charge, KIND News, a magazine designed to teach children respect for themselves, others, the earth and animals. This program is designed to not only teach students kindness, but also integrate science, social issues, writing and reading.

In addition to classroom learning, the Connecticut Humane Society opens the doors of its Newington headquarters to groups of children of all academic levels. The tours, which include in-depth explanations of the shelter’s mission, its background, and everyday operations, is followed by a program designed to promote awareness and understanding of all animals while teaching individuals about responsible pet ownership and respect for all living things.

For information on obedience classes, contact Joanne Lincoln at 860-594-4502, extension 6202. For information on the Adopt-a-Teacher program or to schedule a tour, ca 860-594-4500, extension 6307.

Richard Johnston is the president of the Connecticut Humane Society.