Free dog etiquette classes aimed at helping pets play safely

If you have a boisterous dog or merely want to add more polish to its behavior, free dog etiquette classes are planned at least monthly through Dec. 14 at Dog Fanciers Park, 5800 E. Flamingo Road, to teach pet owners safe ways of helping their canines interact at Clark County parks.

The next two training sessions are set for 7:30 to 9 a.m. Wednesday and 4 to 5:30 May 12.

The classes are offered through a partnership between Clark County and professionals from Sit Means Sit, a Las Vegas-based dog-training company with 65 locations nationwide.

The training and education sessions are aimed at helping socialize dogs so they can remain calm and under the control of their owners, even during distractions at a park, said Joe Boteilho, the county’s chief code enforcement officer.

The program also will teach dogs to sit politely for petting, remain in place while being groomed or examined, walk cooperatively on a leash, walk politely through a crowd, follow basic commands and come when beckoned.

For more information, visit sitmeanssit.com or call 262-6502.