Our competition classes are generally full, you can contact
Elissa [email protected] to be put on a waiting list
for when a spot may open.
Thank you! SOC
Elissa [email protected] to be put on a waiting list
for when a spot may open.
Thank you! SOC
 COMPETITIVE OBEDIENCE Our Competitive Obedience classes are designed to help dog-and-handler teams develop the skills needed to succeed in AKC and other registry Obedience trials. By emphasizing the concept of “training in place,” each team is encouraged to advance at a pace that aligns with their individual goals and needs. With guidance from the instructor, teams can progress through the AKC competitive levels of Beginner Novice, Novice, Open and Utility within their designated time block. Classes are taught by Robyn Beeler, Mary Thompson, and Sherry Britton. Classes are held on Monday evenings, and Thursday mornings at the times indicated. Cost is $130 per class. Pre-registration only. Entry into these classes is at the permission/discretion of the Instructor and Class Coordinator. Please contact Elissa Gifford ([email protected]) for information, and to register. |
Class 1
Prerequisites: Dogs must have foundation obedience skills such as sit, down, stand, stay, heel and recall. Dog and handler may have earned a CGC (Canine Good Citizen title) or have permission from the instructor to join the class. Class minimum is 4 dogs and class maximum is 7 dogs. What you will learn: Dog and handler teams will learn to perform and perfect Beginner/Pre Novice exercises as outlined by AKC, as well as other foundation skills needed to move to higher levels such as novice, open and utility. This class will prepare teams to enter AKC Beginner Novice competition. Equipment: Appropriate collar and 6’ leash. Miscellaneous training aids as discussed in class. Class 2 Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Competition Foundations, or Dog and handler have earned a BN (Beginner Novice title) or PCD (Preferred Novice title) or have permission from he instructor to join the class. Class minimum is 4 dogs and class maximum is 7 dogs. What you will learn: Dog and handler teams will learn to perform and perfect Novice exercises as outlined by AKC, as well as other foundation skills needed to compete at higher levels, such as dumbbells, retrieving and jumps. This class will prepare teams to enter AKC Novice competition and include Open and Utility skills. Equipment: Appropriate collar and 6’ leash. Miscellaneous training aids as discussed in class. Appropriately size dumbbell (fitting to be discussed in class) Class 3 Prerequisites: Dog and handler have earned a CD (Novice title), or are working on Open exercises, or have permission from the instructor to join the class. What you will learn: Dog and handler teams will learn to perform Open exercises as outlined by AKC, as well as work on utility exercises. This class will prepare teams to earn their CDX title. Class minimum is 4 dogs and class maximum is 7 dogs. Equipment: Dumbbell, gloves, scent articles, and miscellaneous training aids as discussed in class. Class 4 Prerequisites: Dog and handler have earned a CDX (Open title), or are ready to or already competing in Utility, or have permission from the instructor to join the class. What you will learn: Dog and handler teams will learn to perform Utility exercises as outlined by AKC. Open skills will be reinforced as necessary for those working toward a UDX title. Class minimum is 4 dogs and class maximum is 7 dogs. Equipment: Dumbbell, gloves, scent articles, and miscellaneous training aids as discussed in class. Thursday Day Classes Next session: Nov 6, 2025 Class 1: 9:30-10:30 Class 2: 10:30-11:30 Class 3: 11:30-12:30 Class 4: 12:30-1:30 Session: 6 weeks Fee: $130.00 Instructors: Robyn Beeler and Mary Thompson |
|
SCENT WORK
Inspired by working detection dogs, Scent Work is the fun search and scenting activity for virtually all dogs and people. This easy to learn activity and sport builds confidence and focus in many dogs, and provides a safe way to keep dogs fit and healthy through mental and physical exercise. Scent Work starts with getting your dog excited about using his nose to seek out a favorite toy or treat reward hidden in one of several boxes, expanding the game to entire rooms, exterior areas, and vehicles. As your dog grows more confident with his nose, target odors are introduced, and competition skills are taught. And, if your goal is to compete in canine scent work sports the Scent Work method will build the foundation needed for all venues, NACSW, AKC, UKC, C-wags, USCSS, and SDDA. Students need to bring crates, lots of soft treats and a non-restrictive harness. NOTE: To enroll in an advanced scent class dogs need to be on odor. Beginner Scent Work: This class is open to anyone interested in learning how to participate in this sport with their dog. No prior experience with scent work is required. The only prerequisite is that your dog understands basic obedience commands and is under your control. This class will explore the basics of scent and how it concentrates and disperses in a search area and how a dog works odor to source. You will learn how to work as a team with your dog in searching, how to get started with training, line handling to assist, but not interfere with the dogs searching, understanding when your dog is working odor and when it has gotten to the source. For AKC competition dogs will learn Container, Interior, Exterior and Buried searches. You will also be introduced to the odors used for dogs to detect. You will need to bring to class treats for your dog as we use positive reinforcement to reward the search behavior. Please also bring a portable crate to secure your dog when it is not working. This will allow you to hear all group instruction and commentary on the searches, as well as observe the other dogs working. If you have a lead longer than six feet and a non-restrictive harness that does not interfere with the dog’s searching capability, please bring as well. Scent Work 2: Participating dogs must be familiar with all four AKC target odors: Birch Anise, Clove and Cypress: Searches will be conducted on Containers, Interiors, Exteriors, Buried and Vehicles. Instruction will include multiple hides, inaccessible hides, elevated hides, unknown number of hides, suspended hides and searches of blank areas in Interiors. Food and non-food distractions will be included. Scent Work 1: Participating dogs must be at least familiar with scent work searches utilizing Birch as the target odor and ready to introduce Anise into training. Searches will be conducted on Containers, Interiors, Exteriors, Buried and Vehicles. Instruction will include up to two hides and elevated hides no more than 36 inches. Non-food distractions such as dog toys will be included. Thursday Day Classes Starting November 6th: Beginner Scent Work: 9:30-10:20 Starting on October 9th: Scent Work 2: 10:30- 11:30 (this class is full) Scent Work 1: 11:45 - 12:45 (this class is full) Session: 6 weeks Fee: $130 Instructor: Bob Cuzner, AKC Tracking Judge and AKC Scent Work Judge Class sizes are limited, register early! Please note that 4 people are needed to run an hour class. Contact Brandy - [email protected] for information and potential open spots. |
|
RALLY CLASSES
SOC is pleased to now offer year round with Jamie Soucie. This is a 4 week session learning how to properly execute the rally signs and sequencing them together. Please note: If there are class cancellations, missed weeks will be added to the end of the session. New 5-Week Session Next Session: Monday Jan 12 to Feb 2 Session: 5-Weeks Advanced/Excellent/Masters: 5 - 6 pm Novice/Intermediate: 6 - 7 pm Fee per session: $110 for non-members, $83 for members Instructor: Jamie Soucie Class sizes are limited, register early! Contact Elissa - [email protected] for information and to register |
|
Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced training with Sherry Britton
An Entry to Intermediate level training class for those interested in Reward-based Training for better general control of their dog or in preparation for exhibiting in dog show venues. The instructor, Sherry Britton, has been training dogs of all breeds professionally for 40 years, as well as teaching classes. Sherry and her students have earned multiple AKC Championships in Obedience and Confirmation as well as many advanced obedience titles, in Novice, Open, and Utility. Sherry has also handled dogs in advertising contexts, for catalogs and promotional videos. The class environment is open and friendly; designed to inspire cooperation and tractable results. Beginner Training Class Next Session: Nov. 10, 2025 Time: 4:45-5:30 Session: 6 weeks Fee: Members $75; Non Members $97 This class is full This class is for beginners who have never taken an obedience class, or those who are currently at the Beginner Novice level. Instruction focuses on developing a working connection between each individual dog and handler. Homework will be necessary, and is based on the instructor's observations and suggestions. Intermediate Training Class Next Session: Nov. 10, 2025 Time: 5:30-6:15 Session: 6 weeks Fee: Members $75; Non Members $97 This class is full Advanced Training class Next Session: Nov. 10, 2025 Time: 6:15-7:00 Session: 6 weeks Fee: Members $75; Non Members $97 This class is full |
BREED HANDLING
Learn how to handle your dog in the conformation ring like a pro! Cindy will teach you how to properly stack your dog, gait your dog and give you little tricks and tips to make you and your dog stand out in the ring.
Two 3-week classes
Session 1: November 10 - November 24
Session 2: December 1 - December 15
Time: 6:45 - 7:45 pm
Session: 3 weeks
Fee: $88 for non-members and $75 for members
Instructor: Cindy Lester -long time breeder/owner/handler
Class sizes are limited, register early!
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Learn how to handle your dog in the conformation ring like a pro! Cindy will teach you how to properly stack your dog, gait your dog and give you little tricks and tips to make you and your dog stand out in the ring.
Two 3-week classes
Session 1: November 10 - November 24
Session 2: December 1 - December 15
Time: 6:45 - 7:45 pm
Session: 3 weeks
Fee: $88 for non-members and $75 for members
Instructor: Cindy Lester -long time breeder/owner/handler
Class sizes are limited, register early!
REGISTRATION INFORMATION