Everyone I know, by now, has heard about my dog. Aside from his many adorable qualities, he can often exert his own mind.

"Come" seems to translate into "I'll come when I feel like it," and "No" seems to translate into "You can't tell me what to do!" I also know I have tried my best to steer my dog away from my shoe rack. From his perspective, however, it is "Mommy was so good to lay out a shoe-buffet for me."

Does this scenario sound familiar? Perhaps you are considering getting a dog this summer, or would like to train your existing one? At the Glenwood Community Center, instructor Eileen Milligan will teach you about what goes on inside a dog's world in her class A Pet's Perspective. The four-week class will begin June 1 at 2 p.m. In this class, you will experience the true joy of dog ownership. You will learn fast, gentle techniques to train your dog by using the language he or she understands. No choke collars, no food, no clickers, no electric shock used. A step-in harness is preferred. First class is for handlers only -- no dogs. Ages 12 and up; cost is $50.

The dog-gone days of summer seem to be creeping up on us with Memorial Day being just around the corner. A pool is usually a favorite place for many to spend time and a beach is a favorite destination. Although the great outdoors has many activities to offer, the indoor gym at the center makes a nice cool place for recreational sports. At the center, you can gather your teammates for some summer fun and exercise with the Men's Summer Indoor HC Basketball League beginning June 12 at 8:15 p.m. Ages 18 and older; cost is $550 per team. Fee includes officials, staff, awards, equipment, facility rental and more. All teams get to participate in post-season playoffs. The registration deadline is May 16.

For those who want to participate in a team sport on a drop-in level, the center offers Co-Rec. Basketball and Co-Rec. Volleyball for ages 18 and up. Basketball begins June 17 from 8-10 p.m. for 10 weeks. Volleyball begins on June 18 from 8-10 p.m. for 10 weeks. A center ID is required and there is no registration fee.

Perhaps volleyball and basketball are not your style, but you still would like to participate in a cardio and toning program? Tammi Merritt offers a Cardio X-Training class that is for ages 12 and up. The class meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m., beginning June 17. In this class you can have fun burning maximum calories with kick-boxing, interval training, Pilates and weight training. Three five-pound weights and a mat are required. Fee is $34.

Along the same intensity is the Cardio Fusion class taught by Marianne Larkin. In this class, cardio and toning exercises are combined into one challenging, power-packed workout for ages 12 and older. You will burn fat with a mix of step moves, core strengthening and balance and agility exercises. Class meets on Mondays and Wednesdays at 9:35 a.m., beginning June 16. The fee is six classes, $27 and 12 classes, $49.

Recently, I asked my teenage son what he considered to be a fun evening. He responded by saying going to the movies was the best, especially when it is shown outdoors on a big screen. At the outdoor movies, he enjoys the benefits of all worlds -- the movie, popcorn, drinks and freedom to move. If you are between the ages of 12 and 18, and like the sound of a great evening under the stars, you would be interested in what the center has to offer. On May 23 from 9-11 p.m., the center will feature "Transformers" -- an extraordinary adventure that features some of the most spectacular action. Best of all, it's free. Light refreshments will be provided at an additional fee.

The Glenwood Community Center is located at 2400 Route 97, Cooksville. For more information, call the front desk at 410-313-4840 or go to www.howardcountymd.gov/rap.

E-mail Shyami Codippily Murphy at shyami1@comcast.net.

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