FAYETTEVILLE — When Jessica Scott tells her dog to “stop,” he runs. When she tells him to “sit,” he stands.

“I just need him to listen to me,” Scott said.

Scott and her dachshund named, “Dog Dog,” were among nearly 20 owners and their dogs who received free training at the Fayetteville Animal Shelter on Saturday.

Justine Middleton, animal shelter superintendent, said the classes are being offered to residents each month as part of the shelter’s training and behavioral outreach program.

“The purpose is to address any problems people are having before they get to the point where they want to give up or get rid of their dog,” she said.

Amanda Henry, with Dogtastic Training, provided Saturday’s obedience training.

“This is our biggest turnout yet,” she said.

Henry said she hopes to improve the quality of life for both dogs and their owners.

“I love helping people realize the potential their dog has and seeing how simple changes can make a big difference,” she said.

Middleton said the shelter started the training program last year. The classes focus on behavioral topics such as children and dogs; and basic obedience skills.

“We’re open to working with any trainer or behaviorist in the area if they’re interested in volunteering to lead a class,” she said.

No registration is required for the class, but dogs must be fully vaccinated and owners should bring a nonretractable leash and dog treats, Middleton said.

Henry said dogs of any age can be trained, though younger dogs often catch on faster.

Paige Butler said her German shepherd, “Myla,” is obedient at home, but gets distracted in public.

“She won’t listen to me in front of other dogs,” Butler said.

Alison Alison said her cockapoo, “Obie,” needs socializing.

“He becomes aggressive around other dogs and snaps at them,” she said.

Finding what motivates a dog and being consistent, Henry said, are keys to better obedience.

“Bad dog behavior must be be addressed immediately,” she said. “You can’t wait 30 minutes and then punish your dog.”

Henry also said dog owners should withhold positive reinforcement until their dog completes positive behavior.

After about 40 minutes of listening to Henry and working with her own dog, Scott said “Dog Dog” was already learning to stay.

“It’s really more about training you than it is about training your dog,” she said. “I can definitely see us practicing this at home.”