Professional dog trainer Jean Conte will hold her Canine Good Citizen and Pet Therapy preparatory classes, in partnership with Spectrum Generations Coastal Community Center and the Lincoln Home, beginning Thursday evening, Dec. 1 at the Lincoln Home in Newcastle.

Begin your journey into responsible canine ownership and a pathway to volunteering in your community, sign up today for one of the following workshop series:

Canine Good Citizen Training

The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program helps pet owners feel confident that their dog is trained well enough to accompany them out in public. The CGC is the first step for handlers wishing to train their dogs for therapy work. CGC teams are ambassadors for dog friendly communities. This six-week class, co-sponsored by Spectrum Generations, will be held at the Lincoln Home. 22 River Road in Newcastle. The class will focus on the 10 requirements for passing the American Kennel Club's (AKC) CGC test. Participation fee is $80. Thursdays through Jan. 19, 2017 beginning at 6:30 p.m. No class December 22 and 29.

Therapy Dog Team Training

There are basic guidelines to follow as you and your canine friend get ready to become a therapy dog team. Join Professional Dog Trainer Jean Conte for six sessions at the Lincoln Home in Newcastle to practice the 15 exercises one needs to perform in order to obtain one's pet therapy certification. Canine Good Citizens and their human friends welcome. Fee is $80. Thursdays through Jan. 19, 2017 beginning at 6:30 p.m. No class December 22 and 29.

For more information and to register for these classes, call 563-1363.