ViewFinder: Dog Training With Rosalie Alvarez

Roughly 20 dogs of different sizes and their owners can be found on the freshly cut grass of the baseball field every Wednesday and Thursday morning, lead by Rosalie Alvarez.

Wednesdays at 9 a.m. are reserved for rallies, otherwise known as obstacle courses; Thursdays at 8 a.m. are geared toward obedience. Alvarez has been leading these groups for several years now. 

Alvarez shouts out directions to owners and their dogs in order to simulate real-life situations. The group also practices Figure Eights, which replicate walking dogs through busy downtowns. 

Some of the dogs are show dogs that have already competed; others are just puppies with no self control. Alvarez says many show dogs come out of her training.

Alvarez grew up with animals, and as a child, she would entertain her father with the chickens, dogs and cats. Her love for animals then took her into dog training.

After her first husband died, she says she kept her dogs close to help her through her loss. "They're the best friends you can have," says Alvarez. 

New six-week obedience and rally classes begin Sept. 15 and Oct. 27 through the ; $66 for residents and $84 for non-residents.