Puppy Class Graduates (Click For Larger Image) Left to Right. Beaut (Beau) - Handlers: Marnie, Hunter, Mackenzie & Randy Villeneuve. Buddy - Handler: ??. Cleo - Handlers: Melissa Nelson & Cam Zimmer. Kookie (Cookie) - Handler: Dottie Hawley. Griffin - Handler: Vicki Collens & Darcy Killegrew. Timber - Handler: Linda Ellesworth. Instructor: Dixie Penner with her assistant Mackenzie Villeneuve	Adult Class Graduates (Click For Larger Image) Left To Right. Max - Handler: Rayanna Patterson. Lilly - Handler: Giesla Becker. Monty - Handler: Moire Jones. Bailey - Handler: Bernie Sheehan. Kali - Handler: Janelle Minute. Instructor - Dwade Hawley

^{The Fort Smith Animal Society obedience classes were in doubt this fall. Aurora College which has sponsored the classes through community education were not interested in doing so this year. Dixie Penner as usual stepped up and decided that the society would offer the classes directly to the public. Advertising, registration, finding an indoor location for the classes, Dixie managed it all. THANK-YOU DIXIE!}

^{Advertising was under taken, posters around town and on the local cable advertising screen brought forth a flood of people interested in taking the classes. More than could be realistically accommodated. Two classes were finalized, Puppy class for dogs under one year old. Adult class for dogs over one year old. The Fort Smith Cadet Corp was gracious enough to rent the armoury for the classes at a great rate. Thanks to them for their assistance and help without which classes would have had to be cancelled.}

^{Classes were run from October 5th through November 23rd with testing on the last day. Dixie Penner taught the puppy class and Dwade Hawley taught the adult class. The first night was MAYHEM. It seemed that dogs were every where and barking and twisting and wanting to play. Behaved and obedient they were NOT and doubts were expressed by more than a few that they ever would be.}

^{By the end of the classes however those that stuck with it and did their home work were more than successful.}

^{Exam requirements were basically the same for both classes, however for adults the down and stay times were extended.}

The puppy class was exceptional. The youngest participant being just 10 weeks at the start of the class! This does go to show that it is never to young to start. The improvements in these dogs was simply amazing to behold. Our special thanks to Mackenzie Villeneuve for her assistance in the classes. Mackenzie helped in break training, distractions, socializing, and handing out treats. Her assistance was greatly appreciated.

In the adult class Kali was voted the most improved dog. It is amazing the gains made by this wonderful dog which was close to being put down prior to her adoption by Janelle and Bernie Minute. Kali has found a loving home and the effort in training truly shows through

.It was gratifying to see that the classes were composed of such a high number of adoptions from the Fort Smith Animal Society. Of the eleven dogs completing the course to the final testing day 8 were adoptions from the Fort Smith Animal Society. 72.8%

There were a significant number of dogs and handlers in both classes who did not complete the course for various reasons. While unfortunate most have expressed a desire to take the classes again. Next classes Spring 2005. Stay Tuned.

For more obedience class photos jump here; Obedience Class Fall 2004

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