Ready to compete! AKC Dog Show Conformation class is an opportunity for handlers and their dog to have a simulated show ring experience. The first and most important thing to bring to class is you - happy and enthusiastic. Conformation showing will be easy after that to earn the Champion (CH) title.

Dogs in this class must be a breed recognized by the AKC and your dog is already registered with the AKC.

NOTE:

• Almost ready for participating in obedience trials, we suggest our Ring Ready or Run Throughs class
• This is not an obedience training class, see our class offering for Obedience training
• This is for registering for individual single classes. You can choose each class date you would like to attend and pay for each individually. There is also a 7 week discounted session available

Individual classes registered in advance on the website are $15 plus a $1.99 registration fee.  You can also pay at the venue on the date of class by scanning a QR code; however, classes will be $25. Pre-paid classes here are significantly discounted.

What to bring to class: Collar should be what will be used in the ring (slip collar), 4 to 6 foot leather leash, Dog Toy, preferably on a rope/string, Dog Crate - optional, Soft treats (bait) and treat pouch.  Note: Don't feed your dog within three hours of training.

Cancellation & Refunds: 

Cancellations made the day before the first class of a session are eligible for a refund, minus processing fees (currently about $3). No refunds, credits, or prorated fees are available once a session has started, including for missed classes.

Registration is limited to one handler per dog. Any additional handler registrations for the same dog will be canceled and refunded, minus fees.

AKC Open Obedience is the second level in competition obedience. It follows AKC Beginning Novice (BN) or AKC Novice Obedience (CD). Open Obedience is the class you need if you’re ready to train for and compete to earn the AKC Open (CDX) title. The level of focus required notches up as the dog is expected to compete in more & harder exercises. Beyond the variable-pace, off-leash heeling, your dog and handler team will complete:

• Command Discrimination
• Drop on Recall
• Retrieve on Flat
• Retrieve over High Jump
• Broad Jump
• Stand Stay - Get Your Leash

We recommend this class for those competing in Novice Obedience, getting ready to compete in Open Obedience or those currently competing in Open Obedience who are looking to improve their skills and scores.

Price:  $140 + 2.50 registration fee for 7 week session, classes are held on Tuesdays. 

Prerequisite: Instructor recommendation required and have already mastered the Novice requirements.

What to bring to class: Retractable leash, crate so your dog is safely put up during rotations and a positive attitude! Dumbells will be used in class, consult with the trainer on how to choose the right size.  Dumbbells available from J & J dog supply, Max 200, or Training Treasures.

Cancellation & Refunds:  Cancellations made the day before the first class of a session are eligible for a refund, minus processing fees (currently about $13). No refunds, credits, or prorated fees are available once a session has started, including for missed classes.

Registration is limited to one handler per dog. Any additional registrations for the same dog will be canceled and refunded, minus fees.

Scent Work (nose work) is an exciting and engaging sport inspired by the work of real-world detection dogs. Instead of searching for drugs or explosives, Scent Work for dogs uses four essential oils—birch, anise, clove, and cypress—for dogs to locate hidden scents in various environments.

In Scent Work training, the handler’s role is to assist rather than direct the dog. The dog learns how to signal to the handler when they’ve found a scent, even with distractions like toys and food around. This activity is not only fun but also helps build confidence and stimulate your dog’s mind, making it a great choice for dogs of all ages.

In this class, dogs will be introduced to these essential oils and begin practicing basic scent detection skills through beginner searches. Whether your dog is young or old, this sport offers both mental and physical stimulation while strengthening the bond between you and your dog.

Classes should be repeated to become proficient in all skills before advancing to the next level class.

Price:  $140 + 2.50 registration fee for 7 week session, classes are held on Tuesdays. 

Prerequisite: Proficient in skills taught in Beginner Obedience or GCG ready. Must have mastery of obedience commands such as sit, stay and heel.

What to bring to class: Flat collar, martingale, or slip collar.  No e-collar, choke chain, prong collars or harnesses restricting the shoulders. 6 foot leash that is easy to take on and off, no retractable leashes,  treat pouch, crate so your dog is safely put up during rotations.

Cancellation & Refunds: 

Cancellations made the day before the first class of a session are eligible for a refund, minus processing fees (currently about $13). No refunds, credits, or prorated fees are available once a session has started, including for missed classes.

Registration is limited to one handler per dog. Any additional handler registrations for the same dog will be canceled and refunded, minus fees.

Class transfers may be available if you need a different skill level, subject to space and any price differences. Contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

The Utility class is the most challenging level of obedience, requiring precision, focus, and a strong bond between dog and handler.  This class covers the following requirements:

• Signal exercise: The dog learns to respond to hand signals to stand, stay, down, sit, and come
• Scent discrimination: The dog finds the handler's scent among other items and returns the correct item
• Directed retrieve: The dog follows a signal to retrieve an item and return it to the handler
• Moving stand and exam: The dog heels, stands, and stays while the handler moves away

Note: Directed Jumping is not included

Price:  $140 + 2.50 registration fee for 7 week session, classes are held on Tuesdays. 

Prerequisite: Must have prior instructor recommendation before registering for this class, no exceptions.

What to bring to class: Dumbbell & Gloves - available from J &J dog supply, Max 200, or Training Reasures.  Long retractable leash, high value treats, treat pouch, water, crate so your dog is safely put up during rotations and a positive attitude! 

Cancellation & Refunds: 

Cancellations made the day before the first class of a session are eligible for a refund, minus processing fees (currently about $13). No refunds, credits, or prorated fees are available once a session has started, including for missed classes.

Registration is limited to one handler per dog. Any additional registrations for the same dog will be canceled and refunded, minus fees.

If you're interested in fine-tuning your Focus & Heeling skills and learning new skills for AKC Obedience or AKC Rally competition, this class will focus on all the skills necessary in both sports. Focus & Heeling will not focus on specific ring exercises but instead on the handling aspects needed in dog sports. 

 Emphasis will be on:

• Heeling: keeping your dog in position and making footwork adjustments to communicate with your dog
• Attention: working to keep the focus on you and minimize distractions
• Motivating your dog: refreshing skill and improving engagement
• Deliver rewards: Use of treat position, a positive tone of voice, and body language as a reward for your dog
• Setting yourself up for success with ring presence and preparation

This class can be taken on its own or concurrently with another class such as AKC Rally Novice,  Intermediate & Advanced or AKC Novice Obedience. 

Price:  $140 + 2.50 registration fee for 7 week session, classes are held on Tuesdays. 

Prerequisites:  Dogs must be at least 6 months of age prior to the start of first class.  Completion of at least one Intermediate Obedience class or CGC title. 

What to bring to class: Flat, martingale, or slip collar, 6 foot leash, high value treats, treat pouch, and water.  No e-collars or retractable leashes

Cancellation & Refunds:  

Cancellations made the day before the first class of a session are eligible for a refund, minus processing fees (currently about $13). No refunds, credits, or prorated fees are available once a session has started, including for missed classes.

Registration is limited to one handler per dog. Any additional handler registrations for the same dog will be canceled and refunded, minus fees.

In this Scent Work (nose work) class, teams will learn to identify and indicate specific scents used by AKC Scent Work and other trialing organizations. Teams will focus on refining key skills such as team handling, handler body movement, alert recognition, and reward timing.

Mastering these techniques will increase your proficiency and can lead to the achievement of AKC Scent Work titles and titles from other trialing organizations. Whether you're preparing for a trial or simply looking to improve your scent detection skills, this class will help you and your dog excel in the sport.

Price:  $140 + 2.50 registration fee for 7 week session, classes are held on Tuesdays. 

Prerequisite: Referral from ScentWork Level 3 Novice/Intermediate instructor or equivalent experience.

What to bring to class: What to bring to class: Flat collar, martingale, or slip collar.  No e-collars. At least a 10 foot leash that is easty to take on and off, no retractable leashes,  treat pouch, crate so your dog is safely put up during rotations.

Cancellation & Refunds: 

Cancellations made the day before the first class of a session are eligible for a refund, minus processing fees (currently about $13). No refunds, credits, or prorated fees are available once a session has started, including for missed classes.

Registration is limited to one handler per dog. Any additional handler registrations for the same dog will be canceled and refunded, minus fees.

Ready to compete! Conformation Handling class is an opportunity for handlers and their dog to have a simulated show ring experience. The first and most important thing to bring to class is you - happy and enthusiastic. Confirmation showing will be easy after that to earn the AKC Champion (CH) title.

Dogs in this class must be a breed recognized by the AKC and your dog is already registered with the AKC.  

Price:  $90 + 2.50 registration fee for 7 week session, classes are held on Tuesdays. 

NOTE:

• Almost ready for participating in obedience trials, we suggest our Ring Ready or Run Throughs class
• This is not an obedience training class, see our class offering for Obedience training
• This is a 7 week session at a discounted price. You can also sign up for this same class and pay for individual single classes at chosen dates instead of the entire 7 week session. See the "Conformation -Individual Single Classes" class on this site to do so.

What to bring to class: Collar should be what will be used in the ring (slip collar), 4 to 6 foot leather leash, Dog Toy, preferably on a rope/string, Dog Crate - optional, Soft treats (bait) and treat pouch.  Note: Don't feed your dog within three hours of training.

Cancellations & Refunds: Cancellations made the day before the first class of a session are eligible for a refund, minus processing fees (currently about $13). No refunds, credits, or prorated fees are available once a session has started, including for missed classes.

Registration is limited to one handler per dog. Any additional handler registrations for the same dog will be canceled and refunded, minus fees.

Ready to compete! Guided Run Through class is designed to help handlers and dogs prepare for the AKC Novice, AKC Open (CDX) and Utility (UD) obedience titles with a trial-like experience. In this class, you'll have the chance to practice competition obedience exercises in a realistic, trial simulation environment.

Each session provides students the opportunity to perform the required exercises while receiving personalized feedback from the instructor. You'll get approximately ten minutes of individual attention per dog, allowing for targeted improvements and valuable training suggestions.

Whether you're aiming for your first AKC Open title or working on mastering the Utility level exercises, Run Through classes are an excellent way to boost your dog's trial performance and ring readiness.  This class will be outside on grass and may include jumps. 

Price:  $140 + 2.50 registration fee for 7 week session, classes are held on Tuesdays

What to bring to class: Dumbbell, dog crate and a positive attitude.

Cancellation & Refunds: 

Cancellations made the day before the first class of a session are eligible for a refund, minus processing fees (currently about $13). No refunds, credits, or prorated fees are available once a session has started, including for missed classes.

Registration is limited to one handler per dog. Any additional handler registrations for the same dog will be canceled and refunded, minus fees.