Pets can be a lot like children. You love them, but sometimes they just don’t do what you want them to do. Unlike your children, however, they won’t ever reach the age where they understand the meaning of the words coming out of your mouth.

To help dog owners teach their pets how to sit, stay and be good, the Suffolk Humane Society will begin hosting training classes Jan. 18.

“A primary reason people turn dogs in to shelters is because the dog isn’t behaving well,” said Kay Hurley of the Suffolk Humane Society. “Dog are dogs. Most desperately want to please us, but they don’t understand what we expect. It’s up to us to communicate to the dogs what we want them to do and teach them how to do it.”

Suffolk Humane Society will offer two dog obedience classes for four weeks, each on Monday nights. Classes will be held from 6:30–7:30 p.m. and 7:45–8:45 p.m. at the Magnolia Ruritan Club building. The cost is $50 per dog, or $40 with proof of adoption.

“It’s been in the works for several months, since the trainers approached us with the idea,” Hurley said.

Vanessa Vance, who has a dog adopted from a shelter, and Paula Dayton are members of the Suffolk Humane Society and members at the Merrimac Dog Training Club in Hampton. Hurley said they were the ones who approached the shelter about conducting the classes free of charge. All proceeds will go to the Suffolk Humane Shelter.

“Out hope is that in the long run this will decrease the number of animals turned in to the shelters,” Hurley said. “We want to strengthen the bond between people and their pets. When you work with them, you will develop a better relationship with them.”

For more information call 538-3030.