If your dog could benefit from some obedience training, then the Canine Academy is just what the doctor ordered.

The Canine Academy will be a feature of the Pike Animal Shelter Fur Fest at the Troy Sportsplex on Nov. 1. The 45-minute dog obedience and training sessions will be led by Canine Coach Doug Williams, a professional dog trainer.

Dogs enrolled in the Canine Academy will learn basic commands and dog-appropriate manners.

Enrollment in the hands-on obedience and training sessions is limited to 15 dogs per session. Two sessions will be offered at 10:30 a.m. and a noon and are $20.

“The Pike Animal Shelter Fur Fest on Nov. 1, promises to be one of the best pet-friendly events of its kind in our area,” said Donna Schubert, Founder’s Society chair. “We have a variety of venues and activities so there’s something for everyone.”

Schubert said that, for many years, dog owners in the Pike County area have wanted the opportunity to take obedience classes with their dogs.

“Thanks to Doug Williams’ commitment to the Pike Animal Shelter project, obedience classes are becoming a reality and the Canine Academy at the 2008 Fur Fest is our first step. Doug’s willingness to give his time and talent shows how much he values our community and the wellbeing of our animals.”

Participants in the Canine Academy will receive training slip leads as well as the opportunity for questions and answers.

“With a professional trainer of Doug’s caliber, the modest $20 per session cost is a real bargain,” Schubert said. “Because Doug is giving his time as well as the slip leads, 100 percent of the funds that are raised will go toward the construction of the Pike Animal Shelter.”

Each dog may be accompanied by no more than two people. Children and youths are welcome but the dog’s primary handler must be at least 14 and able to maintain control of the pet.

All dogs must be close to the owner at all times, on a leash and under control. Owners are asked to arrive early at the training area in order to give their dogs time to exercise and relax.

Enrollment is limited in order to ensure manageable class sizes, advance tickets are available at Epix Salon and Sears in Troy. Advance tickets are also available by calling 334-808-8898.

The 2008 Pike Animal Shelter Fur Fest will feature professional pet photos, a pet parade and contest, microchipping, drug dog demonstration, blessing of the animals, beauties and beasts (presentation of pageant winners), dogs available for adoption and bone mountain.”

Fundraising awards will be presented and sponsors will be recognized.

“We will also have music and dance entertainment provided by SheBANG! Championship Clog Dance Company and by the Troy School of Dance and the Arts,” Schubert said. “Bonnie Blue Barbecue will provide food.”

All proceeds from the Shelter Fur Fest will benefit the construction of the Pike Animal Shelter on the Henderson Highway.