Beginner
For dogs that have had little or no formal group obedience training
The focus of this class is to teach your dog to work with you as a team and to learn how to live in your household as a civilized member of the family.
Distance, distraction and duration will be added as class progresses.
Learn how to do these exercises in a group setting:
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walk on a loose leash without pulling / controlled walking (+ distractions)
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sit / stay (+ distractions)
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down / stay (+ distractions)
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come when called (+ distractions)
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heel with attention (dog walks on your left side looking up at you without pulling)
We will also address issues such as jumping, lunging, “leaving” unwanted objects and going to their “place.”
Completion of this class might qualify your dog for the AKC Star Puppy test if (s)he is under one year of age or or Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test.
Novice
Advanced Skills for non-competitors or AKC Companion Dog (CD) Title Prep
Stepping into Novice work transforms standard obedience into a synchronized partnership, turning training into an engaging sport you and your dog enjoy together.
Core competition exercises covered in class:
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Heel on leash with formal halts & turns
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Figure 8 on leash
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Stand for examination (off-leash stationary exam at 6 feet)
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Heel off leash
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Recall to front with a precise finish to heel
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Sit/stay while handler retrieves leash from the ring gate
Admission into this class is at the discretion of the instructor or the training director.
Open
AKC Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) Title Prep
Designed for teams ready to compete for the , this course takes off-leash precision and jumping skills to the next level. Navigating complex challenges together builds deep mutual trust and elevates the communication between you and your dog.
Advanced CDX skills taught in class:
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Off-leash heeling & off-leash Figure 8
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Command discrimination (position changes: stand, down, sit at varying distances)
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Drop on recall (immediate down on command during recall)
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Retrieve on the flat (dumbbell retrieve)
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Retrieve over the high jump
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Broad jump execution
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Stand / stay while handler retrieves leash outside the ring
Prerequisite: Dogs must reliably perform all Attention/Novice exercises and work completely off-leash. Admission is at the discretion of the instructor or training director.
Utility
AKC Utility Dog (UD) Title Prep
The pinnacle of traditional AKC obedience, this course prepares teams to earn the prestigious Utility Dog (UD) title. Mastering scent discrimination and silent signals requires total harmony and understanding, forging an unbreakable bond that reflects the highest level of teamwork.
Master-level skills covered in class:
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Signal exercise (complete off-leash heeling and positions using non-verbal cues only)
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Scent article discrimination (scent identification from identical metal and leather articles)
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Directed retrieve (retrieving designated numbered gloves)
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Moving stand for examination
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Directed jumping (go-out and targeted bar/solid jumps)
Prerequisite: Dogs must have reliable verbal control at a distance and a solid retrieve. Admission is at the discretion of the instructor or training director.
Rally
Obedience on the Move
AKC Rally is an energetic, fast-paced dog sport where you and your dog navigate a numbered course of obedience exercises as a synchronized team. It offers a fun, supportive atmosphere that turns training drills into a lively obstacle-course game, strengthening your daily connection with every turn.
Rally skills and coursework cover:
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Introduction to all official AKC Rally station signs and rules
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Proper handling, footwork, ring cueing, and attention
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Precision maneuvers including pivots, circles, spirals, and serpentines
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Trial scoring insights (where points are won and lost)
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Mini-course walk-throughs with individual handler critiques and coaching
Preference for admission to this class will be given to club members and previous students. New students will be accepted only if space permits.