CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

For puppies 12 weeks to 4 1/2 months at beginning of session. Puppies are socialized with people and each other. Puppies are introduced to basic obedience commands and get to play on puppy agility obstacles. Basic behavior issues such as house-training, chewing and barking are addressed.  Puppies must have received their second immunization (parvo and distemper must both be included) two weeks before they can participate in a puppy class. 

 Join us for our exciting Trick Dog Class, designed for dog lovers who want to engage their canine pal in fun and rewarding activities! This class is perfect for dogs of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced performers. Over six weeks, participants will have the opportunity to teach their dogs a variety of impressive tricks, enhancing their obedience and building a stronger bond between handler and dog.

In our Trick Dog Class, we emphasize a positive reinforcement approach, ensuring that both you and your dog have a delightful and enriching experience. Each week, you will work on different tricks, such as "Sit Pretty," "Spin," and "Go Around an Object." We also encourage participants to suggest additional tricks they would like to learn, making the class tailored to your dog’s interests and capabilities. 

By the end of the course, you and your dog will not only have mastered a series of exciting tricks but also increased your dog's confidence and socialization skills. Whether you’re looking to impress friends and family with your dog’s newfound talents or simply seeking a fun way to bond, our Trick Dog Class is the perfect opportunity. Sign up today and let the training adventure begin!

Introduction to Scentwork Class - For dogs with no prior experience. Seeking behavior is taught, using food, then transitioned to the target odors used in competition. Dogs and handlers gain experience in container searches and an alert behavio. This class is limited to 5 dogs. 

Beginning - For dogs 6 months and older. Dogs are introduced to obedience commands such as Come, Sit, Down, Stay and Heel. The instructor is available to answer specific dog behavior questions and help you deal with problems such as barking, chewing and pulling on the leash.  

Intermediate - For dogs who are promoted from Beginning training. In this class the trainer will polish basic obedience skills, practice hand signals and other advanced exercises, and prepare for off-leash control. 

Novice -  Novice (and for many competitors, Beginning Novice), is the entry class into the sport of Obedience. This class is for handler/dog teams working at the Novice level. Perhaps you are working with your first Novice dog or even your 10th, this skills class will focus on the skills necessary to earn the BN and CD titles. Obedience trainers are people who not only want to improve their dogs’ skills but understand that this improvement starts with our own handling.  If you are new to this level, then your dog must have completed an Intermediate level obedience class or equivalent; and be able to work around other dogs and people without undue barking, lunging, or fearful behavior.   

Open Skills & Utility Skills - The Open and Utility classes teach the use of ‘splitting’ to polish and perfect the exercises. The intent of the classes is to help handlers learn how to (1) break an exercise into reasonable bite-sized pieces of the goal behavior, (2) decide which piece(s) the dog performs poorly, (3) devise a plan of action to improve the dog’s performance of the ‘broken’ bit(s), (4) practice until the dog performs the piece(s) well, and (5) put the improved component(s) into the exercise chain and productively evaluate progress.

Each week the instructor (with student input) will select one exercise for the class to practice.  Each student will work the exercise at their individual skill level with instruction/feedback from the instructor.  Not all exercises will be worked each month.   Each month, one week’s class will focus solely on heeling skills using games and drills to improve attention and positional accuracy.

• Skills:  Class work will be tailored to the needs of each individual working team.  The instructor will gladly introduce beginning advanced students to basic Open/Utility skills such as retrieve, jumping, position changes, marking, etc.  However, the structure of the class does not ensure systematic progression on individual skills.  
• Crating:  Dogs must be in a crate or tethered on a tie-down if they are not on the floor working. 
• Behavior:  All dogs must be able to work calmly around other dogs.
• The instructor reserves the right to direct handlers to more appropriate classes if their dogs’ skills are insufficient for them to progress appropriately.

Once a Month Obedience Run-Throughs - Practice your competition skills at any level of Obedience. Each handler/dog team is assigned a specific time for ring work with instruction.  Registration will open 2 weeks prior to the class and will close on the Tuesday before the class. 

Rally I -  For handler/dog teams working at the Novice through Advanced levels of Rally. You can be brand new to the sport of Rally or can be working on your Advanced title with your third rally dog, or anywhere in between. If you are brand new to rally training and competition, then you and your dog must have completed an Intermediate level obedience class or equivalent. Your dog should also be controlled enough to be able to work around other dogs and people without undue barking, lunging, or fearful behavior. 

This class is designed to teach rally skills and improve your overall obedience skills with your dog. Many obedience competitors enjoy teaching their dogs rally skills to better their obedience and in turn, rally competitors will see their rally teamwork improve by working on their dogs’ obedience skills. And while we may do run-throughs occasionally, please note that this is not designed to be a Rally Run-Through course, but is a skills class.

Rally II -  For handler/dog teams working on their Excellent and Masters levels. This class is designed to teach and practice the more advanced rally skills at these levels as well as to improve your overall handling and obedience skills with your dog. And while we may do run-throughs occasionally, please note that this is not designed to be a Rally Run-Through course, but is a skills class focusing on the variety of higher level rally signs.

Once a Month Rally Run-Throughs - Practice your competition skills at any level of Rally. Each handler/dog team is assigned a specific time for ring work with instruction.  Registration will open 2 weeks prior to the class and will close on the Tuesday before the class 

Dogs 6 months and older, who weigh 20 pounds or less.  Dogs are introduced to obedience commands such as Come, Sit, Down, Stay and Heel. The instructor is available to answer specific dog behavior questions and help you deal with problems such as barking, chewing and pulling on the leash. This class is limited to 10 dogs. 

Ring Ready AKC Obedience  -  Class focus is practicing and polishing skills needed to successfully compete in AKC Obedience. Not all exercises will be covered every class. Students are those preparing for AKC Obedience competition who have signed a waiver with ODTC. Dogs must already have 'pet manner' skills (or higher) and be able to work in a group setting without being aggressive or disrupting other students or dogs. Limit 6 dogs total (1 dog per class per handler), determined by lottery. If the same person has more than one dog enrolled in multiple Ring Ready classes, please keep one dog safely in your car or crate while working your other dog.

Novice - preparation for AKC Novice competition
Open -   preparation for AKC Open competition
Utility -  preparation for AKC Utility competition