Alexandria’s animal shelter is launching a brand new Alexandria Animal Academy, aimed at providing a cost-effective option for helping with dog behavior and training courses.
The program is now enrolling with classes starting Sunday, Jan. 12.
The program is open for anyone in the community that wants help training their dog and noted that participants do not need to be Alexandria residents.
The program offers multiple classes, with an 8-week virtual course for $200, two course tracks for $300, or all three for $340.
“If you would like to audit the course (access course content and attend live Zoom sessions, but not receive feedback or a personalized training plan), the fee is $100 for one course, $150 for two course, or $175 for three courses,” the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria website said. “(You can choose to fully enroll in one track and audit a second or third track.) You can enroll multiple dogs in the same track.”
Scholarships are available via [email protected].
According to the release:
The canine courses have been crafted to teach dogs and people to live better – more harmoniously – together. The 8-week virtual training course offers three different learning tracks to choose from. You can participate in one, multiple, or all of the educational tracks. The learning tracks include Confidence Building, Chilling Out, and Leash Reactivity. Learn a little more about each track below. Find the full course description for each here.
Confidence Building:This track is for shy, fearful, and/or nervous dogs who might act in aggressive ways (growling, snapping, barking) when faced with new people, places, or things. If your pup cowers or hides (or panics) when visitors are over or in public, or snaps “out of nowhere,” the Confidence Building track might be the right fit for you. This is also a great course for dogs who are new to you and your home!
Chill Out: This track is for dogs who are always on the go or who lack manners and impulse control. If your dog has a hard time calming down at the end of the day, gets over excited about everything, or you just need a break from their energy level, “Chill Out” might be the right fit for you.
Leash Reactivity: This track is for pups who have big feelings on walks. If your dog snarls and snaps when they see a stranger or dog, or pulls your arm off to get closer to them, “Leash Reactivity” might be the right fit for you.
The courses are taught by our on-staff behavior and training coordinator Beth Tumlin, CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed).
