CDTC offers a wide range of classes for your puppy or adult dog in obedience, rally, agility, conformation handling, and freestyle (dancing). See descriptions of all of our offerings; check back frequently as we add new things for you to do with your dog!
Puppies
PUPPY KINDERGARTEN WITH ARLEE. CDTC’s renowned 2 hour puppy class!This is an education-training class for new puppies and their owners and children. This is a comprehensive course for dogs under 16 weeks old; older small (toy) breed puppies permitted at the instructor’s discretion. The course covers all aspects of raising a well-behaved and well-socialized puppy.Includes classes for children of enrolled families.Eight weeks of classes. Pre-registration 24 hours in advanced is required.
Instructor: Arlee Recktenwald
Basic Obedience
HOUSEHOLD MANNERS. This class is for any dog over 16 weeks of age (20 weeks for toy breeds) and focuses on eliminating some of the most common problems dog owners face, including jumping on people, not coming when called, running out the door as soon as it’s opened, and begging. You will learn some simple skills that you can use, and pass on to other family members for long lasting results. Please, no dogs with aggression issues towards people or other dogs. Four weeks of classes. Pre-registration 24 hours in advanced is required.Offered in accordance with demand. Please email to request this class.
Instructor:Phyllis Zusman
BEGINNER OBEDIENCE.For puppies and dogs over 16 weeks old (20 weeks for toy breeds) and their handlers who would like to begin training toward a well behaved family pet or learn the foundation skills for advanced obedience. Eight weeks of classes. Pre-registration 24 hours in advanced is required.
Instructors:Tracy Mulrenan (evenings) or Janice Ritter (daytime)
SMALL DOG OBEDIENCE.For small breeds (all of the toy breeds plus dwarf breeds like mini-dachshunds, corgis, etc.) age 4 months and older and their handlers who would like to begin training toward a well behaved family pet or learn the foundation skills for advanced obedience. We developed this special class to keep the little guys from feeling intimidated by larger dogs. Eight weeks of classes. Pre-registration 24 hours in advanced is required.
Instructors:Janice Ritter
AGILE-O I (BEGINNERS).For puppies and dogs over 16 weeks old (20 weeks for toy breeds) and their handlers who would like to begin training toward a well behaved family pet (30 minutes) and learn the basics of agility (30 minutes). Eight weeks of classes. Pre-registration 24 hours in advanced is required.
Instructor:Tracy Mulrenan
AGILE-O II (ADVANCED BEGINNERS). For dogs and their handlers who have successfully completed the Agile-O - Beginners class. You will continue to build your obedience and basic agility skills. Eight weeks of classes. Pre-registration 24 hours in advanced is required.
Instructor:Tracy Mulrenan
ADVANCED BEGINNER OBEDIENCE. For dogs and their handlers who have successfully completed our Beginner Obedience class (or have the equivalent skills – see questionnaire) and want to learn new techniques plus develop and practice more skills. Students who have trained their dogs at home or another facility are welcome to attend if they have the same basic skills.Eight weeks of classes. Pre-registration 24 hours in advanced is required.
Instructor:Tracy Mulrenan (evenings) or Janice Ritter (daytime)
LOOSE LEASH WALKING. Does your dog still not walking calming at your side with a loose leash?Does he/she still pull you in the direction that they want to go and ignore your commands?Try this four week clinic that focuses exclusively on building proper skills and behavior to make “walking the dog” a pleasant experience for everyone. Pre-registration 24 hours in advanced is required.Offered in accordance with demand. Please email to request this class.
Instructor:Tracy Mulrenan
CANINE GOOD CITIZEN – TEST PREPARATION. This class is offered for dogs and their handlers who have successfully completed an Advanced Beginner Obedience session and wish to continue training toward an AKC Canine Good Citizenshipã Award.Eight weeks of classes; can be repeated as needed to be ready to pass the CGC test. Pre-registration 24 hours in advanced is required.Offered in accordance with demand – please contact the club if you would like us to offer this class or you have a specific need for your homeowners insurance.
Instructor: Tracy Mulrenan or Janice Ritter
ATTENTION I - For your Pet. If your or your dog feel that obedience work is boring or if your dog is distracted by the environment when you train or compete, this class is for you! Your dog will learn to become 100% attentive to you, even when distractions are present. We will build a foundation for attentive competition heeling, too. We use focus-building exercises and training approaches that will benefit any dog. Eight weeks of classes. Pre-registration 24 hours in advanced is required.
Instructor: Janice Ritter
ATTENTION II - Competition Preparation. A continuation of Attention I with an emphasis on being well-prepared for the competition obedience ring. Eight weeks of classes. Pre-registration 24 hours in advanced is required.
Instructor: Janice Ritter
Advanced Obedience
NOVICE COMPETITION / INTERMEDIATE OBEDIENCE. This class gives you the new skills required to transition from basic obedience to the AKC CGC test or competition obedience, including traditional and rally trials.This is a fun class where you will learn to build a strong foundation before taking the CGC test or attending the Novice Obedience class.You will also learn all of the exercises required for the AKC Pre-Novice competition.Eight weeks of classes. Pre-registration 24 hours in advanced is required.
Instructor:Tracy Mulrenan
POWER HEELING & PROOFING. This class includes up to 60 minutes of high energy heeling to upbeat music, establishing good attention for your dog and building endurance for both of you. Group stay exercises and distraction training (visual and audible) will also be included. For the obedience competitor working from Pre-Novice to Utility. Eight weeks of classes. Pre-registration 24 hours in advanced is required.
Instructor:Tracy Mulrenan
INTRODUCTION TO RALLY. This class is for dogs and their handlers who have basic obedience skills who would like to learn how to perform the AKC Rally exercises and read a Rally course. Intended as a bridge between the Canine Good Citizenship test and formal obedience, Rally combines aspects of obedience and agility in a fun, interactive exercise between you and your dog. Four weeks of classes. Pre-registration 24 hours in advanced is required.
Instructor: Betty Johnston
RALLY RUN-THROUGHS. The volunteers will set up a rally course for you and your dog to hone your Rally skills for the next competition.Beginners can also attend – the volunteer will provide on-the-spot training in Rally on each of the night’s Rally signs. Drop-in class.No pre-registration is required.Please check the Schedule for dates that run-throughs will be offered.
Conformation Handling
CONFORMATION HANDLING CLINICS. These classes are for people wishing to show their unaltered, American Kennel Club (AKC) registered dog in conformation shows.Handlers learn many different aspects of showing and competing to earn points towards a breed championship. Drop-in class.No pre-registration is required.
Instructor: M. Phyllis Wright, PHA
INTRODUCTION TO SHOWING YOUR DOG, INCLUDING JUNIOR SHOWMANSHIP. This class will introduce you to all aspects of showing your dog in AKC conformation shows.Topics will include selecting equipment, evaluating your dog’s strengths and weaknesses, dog show entry procedures (fees, classes, judges), how to read a premium list and judging program, tips on grooming, and proper ring procedures. This is a great way to get started in dog shows.Everyone is welcome and we especially encourage children to join in the class. Four or Six weeks of classes, depending upon offering. Pre-registration 24 hours in advanced is required.Offered in accordance with demand. Please email to request this class.
Instructor: M. Phyllis Wright, PHA
Other Training
FEARFUL/SHY DOG COURSE. These classes are designed to provide handlers with an overview of fear based behaviors in dogs and introduce them to positive reinforcement training theory and skills. Owners will learn a variety of skills which will help lower their dog's anxiety along with practical skills for dealing with daily events in their dog's lives. People with extremely fearful or reactive dogs, or with newly acquired fearful dogs, are encouraged to audit without their dogs (at a reduced fee) the course. There is value in having the opportunity to watch other dogs and handlers without the stress of managing a dog which may not have enough skills presently for achieving success in a group setting. All information and activities can be applied at home with their dog. Pre-registration 24 hours in advanced is required.Offered in accordance with demand. Please email to request this class.
Instructor: Debbie Jacobs
CANINE FREESTYLE (DANCING WITH YOUR DOG) - BEGINNER. This class will introduce you to all aspects of the sport of Canine Freestyle.Learn multiple techniques and movements and find the best music to support the teamwork of dancing with your dog.Perform individually and also perform a group routine with the other class participants.This is a really fun class for you and your dog and everyone loves watching this activity.Six weeks of classes. Prerequisites:Your dog must have basic obedience skills including loose leash walking.Pre-registration 24 hours in advanced is required.Offered in accordance with demand. Please email to request this class.
Instructor:Jo Gaebel
CANINE FREESTYLE - ADVANCED BEGINNER. This class will continue building on the skills you learned in the Beginner class.Six weeks of classes. Prerequisites:CDTC's Canine FreeStyle - Beginner class.Pre-registration 24 hours in advanced is required.Offered in accordance with demand. Please email to request this class.
Instructor:Jo Gaebel
INTRODUCTION TO AGILITY. Learn more about this fun sport for you and your dog! This class includes targeting, footwork, flatwork, tippy boards and more. Please bring the plastic lid to a food container (margarine, sour cream, cottage cheese container, etc.) and lots of soft tasty treats for your dog. Four weeks of classes. Pre-registration 24 hours in advanced is required.Offered in accordance with demand. Please email to request this class.
Instructor: Tracy Mulrenan
INTERMEDIATE AGILITY. Follow-on extensive course for graduates of the Introduction to Agility class or any of the Agil-O classes. Eight weeks of classes. Pre-registration 24 hours in advanced is required.
Instructor: Tracy Mulrenan
KIDS & DOGS: CLICK TO TRICK KIDS CLASS. This class gives your child the opportunity to train your dog to do fun tricks while building a close bond. Your child must be able to control the dog on leash (i.e., not be dragged around the room by the dog). Clickers will be provided as part of the course. Four weeks of classes. Pre-registration 24 hours in advanced is required.Offered in accordance with demand. Please email to request this class.