Dog Obedience Classes Coming to Clinton in September

Does your dog need some obedience training? Well, you just might be in luck. Volunteers of Bailey's Dog Park Committee met last week with Karen Vecchiarino, an obedience chairman for 30 years at Kennilworth Kennel Club, about the possibility of offering classes here in Clinton. 

"I would like to do 6 week class and the first class would be with no dogs," said Vecchiarino  who's also done classes in Guilford. "The youngest dogs I could take would be about 4 months old, once they are finished with their first round of shots. The oldest I could take would be about 2 years old."

Committee member Carol Walter stated that though it is unclear whether or not the committee would run the classes exclusively or they would be done through Clinton's Park and Rec Department, who also had a representative at the meeting, she is hopeful classes will kick off in September. 

Vecchiarino said she would take about 10 students per class. 

"At the end of the 6 weeks, I hope to get you started to be able to work with your dog to give a command properly and have your dog carry it out," Vecchiarino explained. "We will do companion dog commands like sit, down, stand, heel, and recall. It will be a great place to start with your young dog."

The price for the class is still being decided, but prices will be reasonable and affordable, according to the trainer. Those who attend will be asked to only bring a choke collar and a simple leash (not retractable), and their dog, of course!

Discussion also took place over the location of the classes. Vecchiarino was hopeful that the committee could find a flat, large, paved area that would be available for classes. 

The time of the classes was not decided on, but they will most likely take place Saturday mornings starting after 10 AM, or after work hours on Thursday nights.