Sign your puppy up for classes in the new year
With the new year, make a resolution to train that adorable puppy that you think is the smartest little thing in the world.
Realize that he isn't going to stay that way unless he gets the necessary puppy class socialization, manners and all, and you can teach him anything as long as you have patience and use positive reinforcement.
Cruelty in training is the wrong route to take.
As for classes, you can be sure to find them practically next door. If you have a problem, check with your breeder, shelter or your veterinarian.
New classes: Leash and Collar Dog Training, 238 Saunders Road, Riverwoods, has a class for puppies under 6 months starting at 6:30 p.m. and basic obedience for those 6 months and older starting at 7:45 p.m. Jan. 10. To enroll and/or for information, call (847)945-4544.
Super Match: Elgin Kennel Club's Super Match is just days away on Jan. 5 at DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton. For the schedule and fees, call Mary Jo at (847)519-0676 or visit ElginKennelClub.org.
A first in 2008: North Central Illinois Pekingese Club's breed specialty will be among the first for 2008. It will be Jan. 19 in the American Legion Harwood Post 5, 705 S. Larkin Ave., Joliet. Included will be conformation and Puppy Sweepstakes. Entry deadline is Wednesday. The entry fee is $21 for the first entry plus $15 for the second entry of the same dog. Send entries to Christine L. Hann, show secretary, 1435 Quincy Ave., Racine, WI 53405-5031.
Club meetings: The Chicagoland Shih Tzu Club's first meeting in 2008 will be 8 p.m. Jan. 7 in the Arlington Heights Public Library, 500 N. Dunton (at Euclid). For information about the meeting or the club in general, call Diane (847)438-7077.
• The Siberian Husky Club of Greater Chicago will have its first meeting in the new year at 8 p.m. Jan. 11 in the village of Glen Ellyn Civic Center, 5335 Duane St., in the Slowinski East Room on Floor 1. Call Carol (847)551-2469 or e-mail CPREB@allstate.com.
Ben's Friends: Lyons Township Dog Training Club has a group of volunteers with therapy dogs that have gone through Delta tests and are certified to present demonstrations at local nursing homes, schools, etc. Referred to as Ben's Friends, their next demonstration will be Jan. 10 at Lexington Square in Lombard. If you are interested in getting involved in these activities, call Gail at (708)449-5066 or e-mail daldog2@sbcglobal.net so you can observe the demonstration to see what they are all about.
People notes: Sulie Greendale-Paveza of Marengo has been approved by AKC on a provisional basis and can now accept assignments to judge black and tan coonhounds, bloodhounds, borzois, Irish wolfhounds, otterhounds, Rhodesian ridgebacks, Salukis and Scottish deerhounds.
Eleanor Jackson of Woodstock has also been approved on a provisional basis and can now accept assignments to judge boxers.
To you and your canine friends, best wishes for a super 2008!