The Shelby Humane Society wants to offer pets and their owners a little TLC.

The Shelby Humane Society recently started a new Training and Learning Center (TLC). The center offers low cost obedience classes, a behavior helpline and many helpful behavior related materials and resources.

Sarah Hatfield, the main trainer for the TLC, aims to improve the lives of pets and their owners through education about normal pet behavior and the use of pet-friendly training techniques.

“We get a lot of dogs surrendered here for common problems and hope to help people keep their pets and have a good relationship with them,” Hatfield said.

The obedience classes last six weeks and take place on Sunday afternoons and Tuesday evenings. They teach basic manners, such as sit, stay, lay down, come, leave it and leash etiquette.

The first class began July 26, and Hatfield said Humane Society officials expect the class to continue to grow because of low prices.

“The full price for our classes is $60, while others in the area are around $100,” Hatfield said.

Pet owners receiving public assistance may qualify to get the classes for only $15.

The center’s behavioral helpline is also able to give pet owners information for training their pet. Professionals will be able to answer any questions on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hatfield and her staff can also help owners learn easy ways to help fix behavior problems in their pets, including digging, chewing and jumping up.

The Shelby Humane Society receives over 7,000 animals a year that are homeless, neglected, abused, or abandoned. Hatfield hopes that the new training facility can help reduce that number.

“We are excited to start this new training at the shelter and be able to help the community,” Hatfield said.

The number to register for classes or to call the helpline for obedience assistance is 669-3916 ext. 33.