Class Descriptions

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AKC Star Puppy class

Instructors: Brooke and Rachel

 

Designed for puppies starting at 4 months of age and under 9 months. This class focuses on socialization, basic obedience, and building a strong bond. Using positive reinforcement methods, you’ll learn essential skills that set the foundation for good behavior and a happy, well-adjusted puppy. The AKC Star Puppy title is earned at week 6, with an additional two more weeks of class to use learned skills with fun activities for you and your pup! To learn more about the AKC STAR Puppy program click here

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Level 1 Beginner Obedience class

Instructors: Meg, Annabel, and Rachel

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​Designed for dogs 9 months and older (or graduates of our STAR Puppy program), this class is the essential foundation for a well-behaved companion. Whether you are starting with a new rescue or transitioning from puppyhood, Level 1 focuses on introducing basic manners: Sit, Down, Stand, Stay, Come, heel position, and Walking on a Loose Lead. You will learn how to effectively communicate with your dog using positive reinforcement, building a relationship based on trust and clear expectations. We will also work on focus, engagement, impulse control, and social neutrality. This is a repeatable, foundational class for dogs ready to start training for real world situations.

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Please note, enrollment for Level 1 precedes in the following order:

 

Repeating foundational students retain their spot in class

Then...

Current STAR Puppy students enroll

Then...

Current DOTC members dogs enroll

Then...

Any available spots will be opened to the public.

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Limit 8-10 dogs 

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Level 2 Obedience class

Instructor: Allen Armistead

Level 2 Obedience class is designed for graduates of Level 1 who are looking to polish their skills and increase their dog’s reliability. In this course, we move beyond the basics by increasing distance, duration, and distraction. We focus on sharpening your dog’s response time and precision. You will work on advanced leash handling, introduce off-lead transitions, more formal finishes and positions. This class is ideal for owners who want a truly dependable companion in public spaces, or those considering moving toward competitive obedience, rally or other certification classes (AKC Tricks, CGC/Therapy Dog, etc). Key skills covered are reliable recalls, stay with distance, heeling and position, plus refined impulse control. 

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Limit 6-8 dogs

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Level 3/4

Instructor: Candy and Sally

Continuation of engagement exercises, ring prep and preparing for beginner novice or novice obedience competition.

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Limit 6-8 dogs

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Rally Classes

Instructors: Dorothy Blackwell, Brooke Patterson​

For information about AKC Rally

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 Prerequisite for Beginner Rally class is the completion of Level 2 obedience. 

Prerequisite for Master Rally is Beginner Rally class and/or completion of AKC Rally titles in Novice and Intermediate. 

 

Master Rally class is for dogs competing in off leash level Rally classes and have received their titles in Rally Novice and Rally Intermediate. 

 

Beginner Rally class is on-leash for dogs just getting started in rally through those competing at the novice and intermediate level. At the conclusion of beginner rally, students are able to participate in an AKC virtual rally course with the option to record and submit their run for judging! Learn more about AKC Virtual Rally 

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A CRATE is required for rally class. 

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Masters Level class Limit is 5 dogs per one hour time slot. 

5:00-6:00 

6:00-7:00

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Rally Novice/Intermed. is max 6 dogs 

8:00-9:00

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CGC/CGCA/CGCU/Therapy Dog Prep

Coming FALL of 2026

Instructors: TBD

Description coming soon!

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Trick Dog Class

Coming FALL of 2026

Instructors: TBD

Description coming soon!

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