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Obedience Class Schedule

Please be aware that our classes are not intended to correct severe behavioral problems or aggression. For the safety of our instructors and the other dogs and handlers in the class, any dog that demonstrates aggression in class will be asked to leave the class. We will provide a referral to a private trainer and/or the NCSU Veterinary School Behavioral Services. In addition, the DKC offers a Managing the Rambunctious Dog 3-week Class for dogs that are over-stimulated in a class environment or are unable to focus on a task, or for an owner needing to learn how to gain the dog’s respect.

Class Descriptions

Level I--Puppy (for 12 weeks to 5 months in age) 7 Week Class- (Cost: $70.00)  
Starts June 3, 2009
This class will cover: attention, leash management, coming when called, walking through doorways without pulling, stand and sit stays, 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.
 
Level IA – Adult (for 6 months & over) 7 Week Class – (Cost $70.00)
Starts June 3, 2009
Basic obedience skills will be introduced using lures to guide and position the dog. We will cover leash management, use of games for attention, motivation and control, positions (sit, down, and stand), go to a target (bed, crate, etc), 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.

Level IB 7 Week Class – (Cost $70.00)
Prerequisites: Level I Puppy or Level IA
Starts June 3, 2009
For those dogs who have completed Level One puppy or level IA adult and have a basic understanding of the skills but need more practice and refining before going on to Level Two.  

Level II -- 7 Week Class – (Cost $70.00)
Starts Not offered this session
Prerequisite:  Proficiency in Level I skills or by permission of Instructor.
This class is for handlers who want a companion who can go many places with them and those who want to show their dog in competition.  There will be games and exercises designed to maximize attention, dependability, and fun for any dog.  We will be introducing the skills used in performing Rally exercises and games. We will cover focused attention with distractions, quick response to a single command to sit, down, front and heel with distractions, “Wait – Get It” game with distractions and alternating commands, recall off a preferred activity, heeling skill,; front skills, stay skill, moving down.

Level III - 7 Week Class – (Cost $70.00)
Starts Not offered this session
Prerequisite:  Proficiency in Level II skills or by permission of Instructor.
The first portion (half or less) of each session will focus on heeling drills (designed to improve precision and attention), mixed with play break releases and stays. During the second portion of the class students will be free to work on any Novice, Open or Utility exercise that will allow all to use floor space fairly.  The instructors will be available for any requested assistance.  This might be anything from a Novice stand for exam, practicing the broad jump, scenting/ placing of articles for Utility and assistance with proofing.  Although the instructors will be available for individual training advice or problem solving, group instruction will be minimal

Level IV- Novice-CD - 7 Week Class – (Cost $70.00)
Starts June 2, 2009  
Prerequisite:  Proficiency in Level III skills or by permission of Instructor.|
Class offered for serious handlers about showing their dog and achieving a companion dog degree (CD). AKC rules will be discussed, focusing on an individual exercise weekly. Instruction will include how to fill out an entry form, and how to prepare for the first experience of showing at an obedience trial. Handling errors will be addressed. Off lead work will be stressed, dogs should be reliable off lead for the sit, down and stand stay exercises. Instruction will also focus on achieving a reliable recall.  Individual run through's will be offered the last two sessions of the class.

Level V – Open-CDX - 7 Week Class - $70.00)
Starts June 3, 2009
Prerequisite:  Proficiency in Level IV skills and 1 leg in Novice-CD or by permission of Instructor.
This class is for dogs and handlers who are well-versed in the Novice exercises, are reliable off-lead and ready to move on.  All AKC Open exercises will be covered in this class.
 
Level VI – Utility (Introduction/Advanced) – 7 Week Class – (Cost $70.00)
 Starts June 2, 2009
Prerequisites: Proficiency in Level V skills with 1 leg in Open-CDX or by permission of Instructor.
Dogs should be reliable off-leash and have a dependable retrieve with an option for correction if needed. The class will cover the AKC Utility exercises.

Rally  - 7 Week Class – (Cost $70.00)
Starts June 2, 2009
Prerequisite: Dog should know the commands of sit, down, and be responsive to luring into positions.
Handlers should be able to give a reliable correction. The AKC Rally Signs and their execution will be covered in this class. Rally nested courses will demonstrated.

SHORT SPECIAL FOCUS CLASSES

Managing the Rambunctious Dog - 3 Week Class ($30.00)
Starts Not offered this session
Prerequisite: Instructor- or self-referral.
This class is designed to help the student develop a pleasurable companion. The dog should know the sit command even though they may not obey when excited, teaching your dog to walk on a loose lead and perfecting reliable sit/down with a single command.

Dumbbell Reliability - 3 Week Class ($30.00) 
StartsNot offered this session
Prerequisite: none
This class is designed to teach your dog a reliable retrieve. It is for both beginners and dogs having an understanding of the dumbbell retrieve.

Canine Good Citizen 3 Week Class ($30.00)
Starts Not offered this session
Prerequisites: Proficiency in Level I skills or by permission of Instructor
The class is designed to introduce the elements of the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test. We will help the dog and handler develop the skills and confidence needed to perform all ten exercises.