Obedience Class Schedule
All Classes must be pre registered

AKC FIT DOG

P:rerequisite none

The AKC FIT DOG program was developed by the American Kennel Club and is taught by AKC FIT DOG Instructors. AKC FIT DOG courses are fun and fitness-focused to help you get your dog into shape! You will learn proper form and safety while doing various fitness exercises to improve your dog’s balance, flexibility, stamina, and overall body fitness. Improvements in these areas can help prevent future injuries, while dog and owner have fun training with positive reinforcement-based methods at the same time. Attending the FIT DOG six-week course makes your dog eligible for points towards their AKC FIT DOG titles too!

Puppy Kindergarten (8 weeks to 23 weeks of age at start of class)

Prerequisite: none

This class will cover: attention; leash management; coming when called; walking through doorways without pulling; sit, down, and stay, with approach and touch by a stranger.  In addition to basic learning skills, we will work on confidence and manageability in the face of new experiences.  The primary emphasis of this class will be to develop a positive relationship between the handler and dog.

Senior Puppy( 24 weeks to 12 months of age at start of class)

Prerequisite :none 

This class has a fun approach to teaching basic commands to young dogs. Skills include attention, recall, controlled walking on leash, sit, down, and stay. We build a positive connection between the puppy and the handler.  The class includes AKC STAR Puppy Certification.

Performance Dog

Prerequisite :none 

This class is designed for young dogs 10 months and older who will be pursuing a performance career.

Performance Dog II

Prerequisite :successful completion of a previous Performance Dog II class, one leg towards CD, or permission of instructor.

This class is designed for those dogs and handlers who wish to compete in novice and open obedience. Class will be a mixture of novice and open exercises.

Performance Dog III

Prerequisite :At least one leg towards CD.

Emphasis will be on teaching the open and utility exercises.

Beginner Adult Dog (over 12 months ) of age

Prerequisite:Successful completion of Senior puppy or open to any dog greater than 1 year old.

Basic obedience skills will be introduced using lures to guide and position the dog. We will cover leash management;stay in crate or car until called out; sit quietly at handler’s side until released; walk quietly by handler’s side on a loose leash; and come when called. The primary emphasis of this class will be to develop a positive relationship between the handler and dog.

Beginner Novice and Novice Skills: Introduction to AKC Novice Obedience

Prerequisite: Dleash control and interest in AKC competition.

This class will refine recalls, attention, heeling, and sit/down stays to prepare you for Beginner Novice trials and Novice classes.

Novice CD: A preparatory class for those planning to achieve a Companion Dog (CD) title

Prerequisite: Dogs should demonstrate a knowledge of all the Beginner Novice and Novice exercises and getting ready to compete. This class is NOT for introducing the exercises! The dog's performance is NOT dependent on the use of a lure (food/toy/voice). Use of food/toy/voice as a REWARD only, is accepted and expected!

This is a competition obedience class. This class is geared toward helping the less-advanced dog solidify their Novice skills such as heeling on & off leash, stand/sit for exam, the recall, heel position, fronts, finishes, group stay (sit/down) and the get your leash stay exercise. AKC rules will be discussed as well as pre-trial warmup suggestions. Proofing methods will be introduced, and training gaps will be identified and worked. 

Open:

Prerequisite: Dog must have successfully completed the Novice CD title or leg, be proficient in the CD exercises; or by permission of the instructor.

All AKC exercises will be covered. This class is divided into Beginning and Advanced Levels according to proficiency.

Open CDX:

Prerequisite: Dog must have earned a CD

A preparatory class for those planning to achieve a Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) title.

 Each of the 7 open exercises will be broken down, taught, and proofed according to the AKC rules.

Utility:

Prerequisite:CDX title, or by permission of instructor.

This class will cover all AKC Utility exercises. Class will be divided into Beginning and Advanced Levels according to proficiency.

Open/Utility: daytime class

Prerequisite: Refer to Open and/or Utility classes

This class offers 8-10 minutes of individual instruction in Open or Utility exercises, with time for practice on your own. Limit of 1 dog per handle

Healing Your Heeling:

Prerequisite: Dogs & handlers should demonstrate knowledge of Basic Obedience skills and be familiar with Beginner Novice and Novice exercises with the intent to compete. Or with Instructor permission. 

This class is for handlers wishing to improve their dogs’ competitive heeling. Is your dog struggling with heeling? Are they easily distracted? Do they lag behind you, forge forward or just wander away when off leash? Are you losing more points on heeling than any other exercise? If yes, this class is for you! Each week we will work on skills that will progress into competition heeling with attention while on leash, off leash and in the Figure 8 exercise..

Rally Foundations

Prerequisite: Dogs should have verbal cues for ‘Sit, Down & Stand’ and be able to work under control on leash in a room with other dogs. Knowledge of Rally Novice signs is encouraged but not required. Targeting Equipment is provided.

Rally Foundations will offer skills to improve behaviors used in Rally Obedience. We will look at rear end awareness for pivoting into heel position, tucked sit and kick back stand. We’ll use motivational games for fast fronts and go around to heel. This class is geared toward Novice teams, or any team wanting to add some new tools to their Rally performance tool box.

Rally Novice(RN)

Prerequisite: Dog must be able to demonstrate sit & down on first or second command, hold posture for at least 15 seconds, and be able to demonstrate controlled walking for 25 feet. Dogs must have successfully passed a basic obedience class or CGC test, or by permission of instructor.

This class will be is for anyone new to Rally and also for those handlers familiar to Rally but with Novice dogs. This class will cover the 42 Novice signs. Class will start short sequences, giving handlers experience moving from sign to sign. Handlers will be given constructive feedback during the course.

Rally Intermediate(RI)

Prerequisite: Handlers need to have completed a Rally Novice class with a current or a previous dog.

This is a new AKC title class. This level uses the same 23 signs as the Rally Advanced level but will be on-leash without a jump. Classes will have offer various length courses and handlers will be critiqued during the course.

Rally Advance (RA)

Prerequisite: Handlers need to have completed a Rally Novice class with a current or a previous dog.

This class will use the same 23 signs as the Rally Intermediate level, but will include the jump. Dogs will be off-leash in trials, but can be on-leash in class. Classes will have offer various length courses and handlers will be critiqued during the course.

Rally Excellent (RE)

Prerequisite: Handlers need to have completed a Rally Advanced class, or by permission of the instructor.

This class is for anyone who wants to continue to learn the additional 18 Excellent signs. Classes will have short courses and handlers will be critiqued during the course.

Rally Masters (RM)

Prerequisite: Handlers need to have completed at least a Rally Exccellent class, or by permission of the instructor.

Instruction on executing the AKC Rally Masters stations and running Masters courses.

Rally Championship (RACH) Prep

Prerequisite: Dogs should have the Rally Excellent title and handlers should be familiar with the Masters stations.

This course is designed for students who want to pursue the RAE and/or RACH titles in rally.Emphasis on running courses: Masters, Excellent and Advanced.

Rally Choice

Prerequisite: Dogs should have the Rally Excellent title and handlers should be familiar with the Masters stations without the jump station.

This course is for those who would like to achieve a Rally Choice title.

Pet Therapy

Prerequisites: Mastery of basic obedience skills (sit, down, brief stay, on-leash come, walk on loose leash, sit to accept petting, polite behavior around other dogs).

Dogs in this class must be at least one year old.  This class will introduce the skills required for various therapy situations and the requirements for a team to become credentialed for therapy work.  Prospective dog/handler teams will be tested and then observed in medical, and possibly other, therapy settings.  Please note the minimum age for handler credentialing is 16 years old..

Rally Advanced/Excellent Virtual Titling Prep & Taping

Prerequisites: Dogs must have a Rally Novice title and off-lead heeling skills.

Instruction on Advanced & Excellent stations; practice on running the AKC Virtual courses; and taping provided during course so opportunities to earn titles possible!

Foundation Exercises for Rally and Obedience

Prerequisites: Dogs must walk on a loose lead, have an on lead recall, and show no aggressive behavior towards other dogs.

This class will introduce foundation exercises for handlers who wish to compete in rally or obedience. Exercises will include attention work, heeling, fold back down, kick back stand, finishes to both the right and left, turns, spirals, pivots, figure 8’s, proper footwork, change of pace, and stay. This class will all be on lead.

Foundation II Exercises

Prerequisites: Foundation Exercises for Rally and Obedience class or permission or instructor.

This class will introduce foundation exercises for handlers who wish to compete in rally or obedience. Exercises will include attention work, heeling, fold back down, kick back stand, finishes to both the right and left, turns, spirals, pivots, figure 8’s, proper footwork, change of pace, and stay. This class will all be on lead.

Canine Good Citizen

Prerequisites: Proficiency in Level I skills or by permission of Instructor.

Basic obedience skills required. Emphasis for this class will be on developing the skills necessary to become good citizens of the community. We will follow the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test elements in perfecting these skills.

Performance Puppy for puppies 10 weeks to 6 months

Prerequisites: none

Open to experienced handlers (i.e. any individual who has participated in any dog competitive event)

We will cover basic dog obedience commands and introduce higher level fun activities (for example, go-outs and directed jumping).  The goal of this class is to teach puppies that learning is fun even amid mild distractions.

Scent Work Sniffing Games

Prerequisites: Open to dog of all ages. Must have completed a basic obedience class.

A fun alternative to structured obedience class. Fun activity for keeping your dog engaged, working independently finding hidden targets. A great introduction to scent work.

Introduction To Scent Work

Prerequisites: none

Scent Work is a sport that mimics the task of working detection dogs to locate a scent (e.g., explosives or narcotics) and communicate to the handler that the scent has been found. Scent Work is a positive, challenging activity that allows dogs the opportunity to use their strongest natural sense in a way that’s fun and engaging, and that builds and strengthens a foundation of trust between the handler and dog.
The class will cover a variety of topics including: equipment for your dog, do and don’ts in handling odor and techniques for introducing your dog to odor.

SCENT WORK INTRODUCTION TO HANDLER DESCRIMINATION

Prerequisites: none

Classes in which the target odor is the handler's scent rather than odor of a scented oil. The handler will provide the scented article (cotton gloves or socks).

Scent Work Introduction to Anise

Prerequisites: proficient in birch odor

Dog and handler will be introduced to Anise scent.The goal is to be able to do an advanvced level search.

Scent Work Beginner Novice

Prerequisites: Completion of the Intro to Scent Work class or by permission of the instructor.

The class is designed for novice handlers to prepare them to compete in all elements at the novice levels. Help the handler to develop handling skills and to recognize when the dog is in odor.

Scent Work Multiple Hides(Birch/Anise/Clove)

Prerequisites: Dog should be proficient in finding single hides and hold at least one Novice level title. 

nterior and/or Exterior hides will be setup each week. Teams will be asked to move from one hide to another and puzzle out converging and lingering odors. Birch, Anise and Clove odors may be used.  This is not an introduction to Scent Work. 

Intermediate Scent Work

Prerequisites: Dog understands the game is to actively search for the first target odor, birch, has trialed in AKC Scent Work or is interested in trialing in AKC Scent Work. Instructor approval required.

In this four week course, we will set up practice searches in one AKC SW element per week.   We will play with various handling techniques, strategies to practice at home, adding the second target odor, and more.

Scent Work-Recognizing when Dogs are in Odor

Prerequisites: Dog must be proficient in actively searching for target odor (birch).This class is designed to help handlers to recognize when their dog is in odor under different conditions.

This class is designed to help handlers to recognize when their dog is in odor under different conditions. Different scenarios will be setup each week.

Scent Work Excellent Class

Prerequisites: Participants must have at least one AKC excellent leg or NW2 title.

This class is for teams that have started to compete at the excellent level: multiple hides, inaccessibles, and even unknown number of hides. If the weather allows, we'll go on field trips near the club. Dogs must be on three odors, cypress optional, and be comfortable to search in public spaces such as Ayr Mount where we might encounter other dogs. Auditors welcome. 

Scent Work Master Class

Prerequisites: Participants should be competing at the excellent level or higher.

Congratulations on making it this far with your super sniffer! Now you're in Master/NW3 or getting ready for the higher levels and it gets complicated! Unknown number of hides, blank rooms, larger search areas, and complicated hides. This class will focus on the advanced challenges you'll encounter in a master search. We'll look at time management and tackle converging odor, pooling odor, eddying odor, channeling odor, and inaccessible hides. If the weather allows, we'll go on field trips near the club. Dogs must be on three odors, cypress optional, and be comfortable to search in public spaces such as (not busy) parks where we might encounter other dogs.

AKC Trick Dog

Prerequisites: none

Trick dog class is a fun, fairly unstructured class open to dogs 6+ months, no experience needed.  We help you learn not just “fun tricks” but tricks that have their roots in obedience, rally, agility, pet therapy and scent work. Your dog will build confidence and have fun training.  During the 6-week class you can be tested on tricks you’ve learned to earn AKC Trick Dog Titles!

Introduction to Dog Sports

Prerequisites: none

Class will give a brief introduction and tie it to dog sports available in the local area.  Dogs must be over 1 year and have basic obedience skills. We will have "feet on" all the AKC Family Dog Program offerings including FetchIt, FITDog, Trick Dog, as well as information on all canine activities available for dogs and their owners including  Flyball, FastCAT, Earthdog, UpDog, Dock Dogs , along with the core sports. Limit 6 dogs.

Functional Fitness for Dog Sports

Prerequisites: none

Creating exercises for coordination, endurance, strength and function.

Scent Work Multiple Hides or Not

Prerequisites: Participants should be competing at least at the Advanced level.

Class will focus on finding multiple hides and/or determining whether or not a room has a hide.

Novice Ring Prep: A class for those preparing to show in AKC Novice Obedience

Prerequisites: Dogs should demonstrate a knowledge of all the Beginner Novice and Novice exercises and be preparing for competition.

This is a competition obedience class focused on the teamwork needed to master the complete novice obedience performance. All Novice skills such as heeling on &; off leash, stand/sit for exam, the recall, fronts, finishes, group stay (sit/down), and the get your leash stay exercise will be reviewed. AKC rules will be discussed as well as pre-trial warmup suggestions. Proofing methods will be introduced, and training gaps will be identified with suggestions offered to progress the team’s performance. 

S.T.A.R. Puppy Class

Prerequisites: Participants must have completed their vaccination protocols and be under one year of age.

Socialization, Training, Activity and Responsibility.
Puppy socialization and beginning manners preparing to complete and pass the S.T.A.R. Puppy test.  

Fun Skills for Rally, Obedience, and Agility Injury Prevention

Prerequisites: None

Three week class aimed at preventing injuries. Dogs need to be well behaved and comfortable working in a group setting.