Summer vacation is just about over and school is about to open again. The curriculum will include the usual: reading, writing and arithmetic, as well as science, social studies and more. While those are the disciplines most of us think of when the kids head back to school, there are other classes that are also offered this time of year.

For instance, Aldens Kennels, Ringwood, is offering a full curriculum for the four-legged set. That includes basic, intermediate and advanced obedience classes. It also includes fly ball and agility coursework.

The classes are all six weeks and begin Sept. 1. Tuition is only $150.

Basic Obedience: This is the ground floor where dogs learn the basics of doggy etiquette. Sit, lay down, heel and come are lessons you’d expect to find in a basic obedience class. But, at Aldens, basic obedience also includes leave it, wait by the door and go to bed when you’re told.

Intermediate Obedience: This is where the expert trainers will expand on what a dog learned in basic obedience, of the skill set a dog already had when it came to Aldens. In a controlled atmosphere, the dogs are taught to obey commands in spite of increased distractions. Intermediate Obedience reinforces command communication between dog and handler.

Advanced Obedience: Dogs and owners make a big leap here from on-leash to off-leash training. There are no new commands to learn but the level of skill is such that dogs don’t require the physical control of a leash in order to obey.

Fly Ball: If there was a true Canine Olympic, this would be one of the competitions. Fly Ball is a team sport for dogs. And it’s intense. Fly Ball is a fast-paced relay event where teams of dogs compete for the gold. All breeds are accepted though dog-aggressive pets are not allowed. Dogs who really love to chase a stick or tennis ball tend to excel in this competition. Not only is Fly Ball a lot of fun for the dogs, it’s a thrill to watch.

Agility: At Aldens, Agility classes for beginner and intermediate dogs start Sept. 15. Agility is a competition where dogs work through obstacle courses under the direction of their owners. At the beginner level of Agility, dogs learn the basics of overcoming the obstacles. Here, the teamwork is between dog and handler. The intermediate level is where dogs learn to link multiple obstacles in a sequence teaching the dog how to run the course. In Agility, dog and handler develop a strong bond that both appreciate greatly even when they’re not competing.

For more information about classes at Aldens, call 815-728-0559 or visit http://www.aldenskennels.com.