STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Think your dog can be taught to ignore a plate of meat being dragged right by his nose? A bunny rabbit standing in the middle of a circle of dogs? A playground of chew toys, balls and more?

Stephanie of Scotch Pines Dog Training can teach owners and their dogs all this, in addition to the basics of “Sit,” “Down” and “Come”—the perfect anecdote for dog owners who want to allow their dogs off leash with the confidence they won’t run off or get into a mess.

And it’s all done without shock collars, whistles, clickers or food treats.

The nine-week training starts Saturday, April 6, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Founders Field in Hailey. There also will be a class from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturdays, beginning April 6, at Harry Barry Park in Twin Falls and one from 6 to 8 p.m. beginning Friday, April 5 at Freedom Park in Burley.

Those who take the class are invited to come back every year free of charge to review training.

To learn more, go to www.spdogtraining.com.