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Baby Meets Dog Seminar

Man’s best friend: Listens without judging. Always up for a cuddle. Also chews up your favorite sneakers, pees on your couch and growls at your friends. Resist those pouty puppy-dog eyes and walk Fido over to one of these classes. He’ll get some exercise, you’ll learn some obedience skills. And your friends? They’ll get to come over to your place again.

Basic Obedience
Fido runs out in the street, dragging you by the leash at the first sign of the garbage truck. Don’t worry, he’s probably just in need of a little instruction. Enroll him at K9 University, a doggy daycare and training facility where classes are designed to make urban pets more comfortable in their Chicago surroundings. He’ll learn how to heel, sit and stay, behave around other dogs, and obey despite the distractions of the big city. $150, six-week class on Mondays beginning Mon 18, 7:30–8:30pm. K9 University, 2945 W Lake St (773–533–5959, k9uchicago.com).

Agility Classes
Once Spot has the basics down, he can start to show off his skills on tricky seesaws, tunnels and jumps at agility class. Bond with your canine buddy as you learn how to direct him through an obstacle course with different stations that test his obedience. Who knows? You might end up competing on Animal Planet—or just showing off at Wicker Bark Park. $250, eight-week class on Saturdays beginning July 28, 10:45–11:45am. Call of the Wild School for Dogs, 3027 N Rockwell St (773–539–1088, callofthewildschool.com).  

Baby Meets Dog Seminar
There’s only one little critter more important than Rover: your first-born child. Since it’s important they get along, prepare the dog before the spawn arrives. Baby Meets Dog, the next seminar at Collins Canine, a dog-training facility, will show you how to familiarize your dog with baby objects and teach him how to greet the baby appropriately. Other upcoming seminars include Reactivity and Play Nice. $25 or free with purchase of another class. Jun 23, 2:30–4pm, Collins Canine, 1618 W Diversey Ave (773–398–8852, collinscanine.com). Call to check for off-site class location.

Doggie Yoga
“Downward dog” takes on new meaning when you breathe and stretch with your favorite companion. At this special yoga class held by dog-training facility DOPA Dogs, instructors will help you walk your dog through 13 unique poses, including paw pressure, scruff and ear pull. You’ll even get a bit of a workout as you stretch and strengthen your relationship with your pet. $300 for seven classes. Classes are Mon 11am; Wed 6 and 7pm; and Sat 10, 11am, noon. DOPA Dogs, 5572 N Elston Ave (773–775–6312, nobegging.com).—Kat McCullough