Mentor Recreation is offering Canine Education, a fun, educational, basic canine training class to help your dog evolve into an obedient member of the family by mastering commands using positive reinforcement training. The next six-week series of classes begins at 2 p.m. April 30 or 2 p.m. May 1.

Basic Canine Education classes are for dogs ages 6 months and older. Pet parents should bring a choke chain or flat collar and leash, soft training treats, and a copy of the dog's current vaccination record. No prong collars or retractable leashes, please.

Instructor Kristen Hasasneh-Polsner has been a certified dog trainer for more than four years. She volunteers and has participated in training dogs at the Lake Humane Society.

Register online at cityofmentor.com/play, or call the Mentor Recreation Department at 440-974-5720. Cost is $25 for residents and $36 for nonresidents.


-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Geauga Humane Society's Rescue Village is hosting a training class beginning March 13 for those who would like their canine companion to work as a therapy dog.

Dogs must be screened by the trainer prior to the class. Screening will take place at 9:30 a.m. Feb. 6. To make an appointment for the screening, call Barbara Collins at 440-285-4679.

The six-session, Sunday-morning class will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. at Rescue Village, 15463 Chillicothe Road in Russell Township.

Cost of the class is $125 and registration is required prior to class date. To register, call the number listed above. At the completion of the class, dogs who are at least 1 year old will be tested to receive therapy dog certification.

Geauga Humane Society's goal in hosting the class is to recruit graduates as Rescue Village volunteer Ambassadors.