Calgary hosts free dog training sessions this summer

If you're having trouble getting Fido to come when you call, you might want to take advantage of one of the three free dog training sessions the City of Calgary is hosting this summer.

Calgary's Off-Leash Ambassador Program will host its first free training of the year June 11 at Bowmont off-leash park. 

A professional trainer from the city will provide tips and training tools on how to get your dog to respond to commands and signals. 

The free sessions are meant to cut down on complaints that councillors and bylaw officers have received about problems in off-leash areas, said Cheryl Herperger with the City of Calgary.

Register by June 3

"We are a dog city. We are proud to have the highest number of off-leash parks in North America: 150," Herperger said.

But in order to use those areas, dogs must be able to respond to their owner's voice, sound or visual commands at all times, Herperger said.

"Having your dog come to you when called is required so that your dog isn't creating a nuisance. You're preventing any kind of altercations," she said.

"We do have a lot of squirrels, and rabbits, and rodents in our parks, and the dogs can get quite distracted."

Herperger said city staff have seen a reduction in the number of complaints related to dogs in off-leash parks since the ambassador program began in 2013.

Registration for the sessions is mandatory, and your dog must be licensed through the city. Signing up for the first session, to be held in Bowmont Park on June 11, must be completed by Friday.

"We want to maintain this great experience, this positive experience in the park for dog owners, park users, so that everyone is healthy and safe in the park."