CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

For puppies 10 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.   

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 and Utility with Group Heelwork- These classes offer step-by-step instruction of the skills necessary to earn AKC advanced obedience titles.  Every exercise will be broken down into small components which will be taught separately.  When the dog understands and can perform each of the individual parts, the parts will be assembled into the final exercise. This approach provides greater clarity for the dog, allows reinforcing specific areas of an exercise as the dog is learning it and later when, inevitably, an exercise “falls apart”, it makes fixing only the “broken” skill easier.  While the classes are meant for handlers who have never trained a dog in Open or Utility, they also would benefit handlers whose dogs have been taught the exercises but are struggling with performance errors due to a lack of mastery of the beginning skills.

The Heelwork component of this class is intended to help handlers sharpen their heeling using games and drills.  The aim is to isolate common problems encountered in heeling and explore a variety of solutions in order to improve ring performance.  This class is part of the Open and Utility classes and may be attended by students enrolled in either of those classes. 

All handlers must have some proficiency using a Flexi-lead.  Much of the teaching of beginning skills involves food rewards—handlers should come prepared to dispense treats easily and rapidly; the rewards should be of a size and consistency allowing for effortless consumption by the dog.  Dogs should be capable of taking treats from their handlers with no biting of or snapping at fingers.  All dogs must be capable of working 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.  These classes will not include run throughs; they are for skill instruction only.

• Open-  Dogs must have solid novice obedience skills—position changes (sit, down, stand), a reliable sit/stay, a recall and heeling.  The class WILL NOT teach the basics of any of those skills nor will it deal with any behavior issues.

• Utility - Dogs must have all of the skills required for the Open class.  In addition, a dog must be able to retrieve a dumbbell off the ground and jump over a jump on command.

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 behavior on finding behavior. This class is limited to 5 dogs. 

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.

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