Where dogs can learn to behave

It can be difficult to get your little one in a learning frame of mind after time off for summer. It can be twice as hard if your little one has four legs and walks with her tail in the air. So, if your doggy doesn't come when called, has more energy than common sense, these classes are just what the trainer ordered.

AGILITY CLASSES: 11:30 a.m.- 12:45 p.m. every Sunday (weather permitting), at the field behind Whitman Atrium on Route 110, just north of Jericho Turnpike, 631-427-5672, liagility.com. Cost: $10 a class

A playground for dogs, who learn to do activities under the direction of their owners. Obstacles include a dog walk, an A frame, tunnels and a seesaw.

"Aside from the fun you have working with your dog, they learn to listen to you, focus on you and play directly with you and blank out all the other dogs and distractions," says Pat Weiss of Long Island Agility.

BOOT CAMP: 1-4 p.m. Sundays (weather permitting) at Crocheron Park, 215th Street and 35th Avenue, Bayside, 718-454-5800, dogschoolny.com. Cost: Donation

This class is designed to tame leash-pulling, dominance issues and aggression toward people and other dogs.

"We help owners who are dogged by unruly pets," says Anthony Jerone, who owns Anthony Jerone's School of Dog Training and Career Inc. "These are for dog owners whose pets are more nuisances than beloved pet." Jerone says.

THERAPY TRAINING: Prescreening by appointment for classes starting in October at Bideawee, 3300 Beltagh Ave., Wantagh (516-785-4079) and 118 Old Country Rd. in Westhampton (631-325-0200), bideawee.org. Cost: $250 for six classes

Specially trained dogs, cats and rabbits visit medical sites and schools to allow patients and residents to interact with animals.

Once you and your pet complete all the classes and pass an exam, you can take your pet on therapy visits, which tend to have a calming effect on patients. It also makes for a well-socialized animal.

PUPPY KINDERGARTEN: Bideawee's Puppy Kindergarten Class will help socialize little ones. The next sessions are tentatively set for Sept. 26 (Wantagh) and Sept. 27 (Westhampton), costing $120 for four sessions. Registration required (516-785-7822, ext. 314).

HERDING TRAINING: By appointment, 55 Montauk Ave., Central Islip, 631-277-4594. Cost: $25 for 30 minutes

Beginner herding lessons teach dogs how to tap into their instincts by trying to corral sheep into a penned enclosure.

The dog learns self-control around the animals, partnering with the owner to control the sheep, then working independently.

POOCH STORYTIME: Coordinated at Long Island schools and public libraries by Bideawee, next program is 4:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Mineola Memorial Library, 195 Marcellus Rd., 516-785-4199, bideawee.org; or the library at 516-746-8488, ext. 319. Cost: Free

Children learning to read can practice by reading to a dog or other therapy animals who make a captive audience. Bideawee coordinates sessions primarily designed for ages 7 and younger. Check with your school district or local library about scheduling a visit - advance registration is required.