BEYOND BASIC

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Intermediate

Introduction to on-lead heeling, off-lead recalls, and stays; continued work on basic obedience skills. Limit 6-8.

PREREQUISITE: SOTC Basic or permission

MEETINGS: 8 meetings, 45 minutes

PRICE: SOTC members $96 or 8 points, non-members $144

• INT-W630   |   Wednesday 6:30pm starting 9/17  (will not meet on 10/1)   |   Co-instructors Bari Tassinaro & Jackie Upwood / Sue Eaton 

• INT-TH715  (limit 6)  |  Thursday 7:15pm starting 9/4 (note early start date; will not meet on 9/11, 9/18, 10/30,  11/13)  |  Co-instructors Larry Krieger & Martina St. Leger 

Therapy Dog

Would your dog make a good therapy dog? This class will explore and practice exercises expected of most therapy dogs. This class is not specific to any one therapy dog organization, nor will your dog be certified at the end of the class. Dogs will need reliable basic skills including loose-leash walking and a sit or down stay at the handler’s side. Dogs may be crated during part of the class. If you have a portable crate, bring it so you can crate in the ring. Limit 6.

PREREQUISITE: SOTC Basic or permission

MEETINGS: 4 meetings, 60 minutes

PRICE: SOTC members $48 or 4 points, non-members $72

• TD-W7 | Wednesday 7pm starting 9/17 | Instructor Judy McManus, assistant Ann Hardy

Canine Good Citizen / CGC Advanced

CGC training provides the framework for your dog to become a polite member of society. The ten test items are practical, functional behaviors that every dog should know. The CGC Advanced title is for dogs who already have a CGC title, and test items will reflect a more advanced level of accomplishment. Tests for both titles will be given at the last class. Limit 6.

PREREQUISITE:  SOTC Basic or permission

MEETINGS:  6 meetings, 60 minutes

PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 6 points, non-members $108

• CGCA-F12  |  Friday 12 noon starting 9/26 (will not meet on 10/31)  |  Instructor Linda Aloi, assistant Janine Ramsden

Canine Good Citizen (Review Class with Test)

A review class for those already familiar with the CGC requirements but in need of some fine-turning for the test (offered at the last class meeting).  Limit 4.

PREREQUISITE: SOTC Basic or permission

MEETINGS: 4 meetings, 60 minutes

PRICE: SOTC members $48 or 4 points, non-members $72

• CGC-SU815  |   Sunday 8:15pm starting 9/21   |   Instructor Pam Renock, assistant Sandy Madaio

Happy Heeling

Ready to have some serious fun with your dog? This class is perfect if you dream of a dog who loves to heel - Whether you're into obedience, rally, freestyle, or just want a super-confident, happy dog by your side. We'll be using games and playful techniques to make training fun for both you and your furry friend. Think of it as a fun, engaging way to build an amazing bond with your dog while mastering those heeling skills. Limit 6.

PREREQUISITE: SOTC Intermediate or permission

MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 60 minutes

PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 6 points, non-members $108

• FULL, WAITLIST FORMING  HH-TU6  |  Tuesday 6pm starting 9/16   |  Instructor Kathy Morse, assistant TBA

Conformation

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Conformation Drop-ins

Drop in class for training dog and handler for the conformation (breed) ring.  If appropriate for class make-up, breed standards, conformation rules, grooming of dog and handler will be discussed.

PREREQUISITE:   None! Dogs should be at least 12 weeks of age and should have received age-appropriate vaccinations.

MEETINGS:   8 meetings, 45 minutes

PRICE:   SOTC members $12 or 2 tickets, non-members $18 (per drop-in, pay as you go -- checks, exact change, or  click HERE to pay on-line with a credit card)

TO REGISTER:  To reserve a spot for a particular meeting and to confirm that class will be held, email the instructor via the link below

• CON-TU7   |   Tuesday 7pm starting  9/16 (will not meet 10/14)  |   Instructor Mary Walker, assistants Mary Kobis & Lynn Coates

RALLY

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Rally students must crate their dogs while they walk the course. Non-members may use a guest crate, if available, or bring their own crate each time and carry it out after class.

Intro to Rally Skills 

We will work on the skills needed to start competing in Rally. We will work on basics like heeling and stays in addition to learning the Novice signs and the Rally rules. Limit 6-8.

PREREQUISITE: Dogs must be able to do sustained heeling and have reliable sit, down and stay. Dogs must be able to be crated during class.

MEETINGS: 4 meetings, 60 minutes

PRICE: SOTC members $48 or 4 points, non-members $72

• RSK1-F215 | Friday 2:15pm starting 9/26   |  Instructor Judy McManus, assistant  Ann Hardy

Rally Novice 

An introduction to AKC Rally, with an emphasis on learning the signs and how to run a smooth and efficient course. Students will work their way through the Rally Novice signs and will learn to walk a course. Dogs will be leashed on course. Limit 6-8.

PREREQUISITE: SOTC Basic graduate or permission. Students must crate their dogs while they walk the course.

MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 60 minutes

PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 6 points, non-members $108

• RAL1-TU5 | Tuesday 5pm starting 9/16   |  Co-instructors Kathy Morse & Paul Vautrain

Rally Skills, Advanced Through Master

Each class meeting will focus on a single skill, and students working on all the exercises (regardless of level) related to that skill.  For example, if working on the Excellent-level “backup 3 steps,” we will also work on the Master-level backup signs. We will work sequences, not full courses. Limit 6-8.

PREREQUISITE: Must be working at or above Intermediate and must be able to work off lead. Dogs must be able to be crated during class.

MEETINGS: 4 meetings, 60 minutes

PRICE: SOTC members $48 or 4 points, non-members $72

• RSK3-F1 | Friday 1pm  starting 9/26    |   Instructor Judy McManus, assistant  Ann Hardy

Rally Master: Learning the Signs

Emphasis will be on learning and practicing 2-3 master signs per week and then incorporating them into a short sequence so handlers can practice them in flow with lower level signs interspersed for ease of transition. Any questions, please call or email Pat. Limit 4.

PREREQUISITE:   RE title; or RN and CD; or permission of instructor

MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 60 minutes

PRICE:   SOTC members $72 or 6 points, non-members $108

• RAL5-TU315   |  Tuesday 3:15pm starting  10/7  (note later start date)   |   Co-instructors Pat John & Jennifer Taylor

Ready to RACH

Considering going after your Rally RAE and RACH? This class will use and review all level signs and start to build your dog’s stamina to run more than one course in a day. Format will be three courses, Advanced, Excellent, and Masters, run during the 90-minute class. Time will be spent on skills necessary to properly execute the “harder” signs, and hone your basics. Limit 4 teams.

PREREQUISITE: Students must crate their dogs while they walk the course.

MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 90 minutes

PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 6 points, non-members $108

• FULL, WAITLIST FORMING  RAL6-M1130  |  Monday 11:30am starting 9/15  |   Co-instructors Debbie Keith & Kathy Mosher

• FULL, WAITLIST FORMING  RAL6-M1  |  Monday 1pm starting 9/15   |  Co-instructors Debbie Keith & Kathy Mosher

COMPETITION OBEDIENCE

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Young Dog Competition 1

This class is designed to introduce young dogs to the foundations of competitive obedience. The class focuses on making obedience fun and exciting, building drive and motivation. The primary objective is to develop teamwork, focus, flexibility and body awareness, and attention. The class will focus on foundations skills for heeling, signals, go-outs, recalls, dumbbell work, etc. Limit 6.

This is the first class in a 3-class sequence. The sequence starts once a year, in the fall, with follow-on classes offered in the winter and spring sessions. Students enrolled in YDC1 have priority for enrolling in YDC2 and YDC3.

PREREQUISITE: SOTC members only. Dogs should be between 3 and 18 months of age.

MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 45 minutes

PRICE:  SOTC members $72 or 6 points

• FULL, WAITLIST FORMING  YDC1-TH6   |   Thursday 6pm starting 10/16   (note later start date; will not meet on 10/30, 11/13, 11/27)  |  Instructor Kathy McCloskey, assistant Jennifer Taylor

Intermediate Novice

For those familiar with the Novice exercises but not ready for competition. This class will continue work on Novice skills, including the recent changes to the CD requirements. Limit 6-10 (we will split the class into two sections if need be).

PREREQUISITE: Prior Novice class, BN/PN title, or permission. Students must have Novice skills prior to sign-up.

MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes

PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 6 points, non-members $108

• NOV2-M7  |  Monday 7pm starting 9/15    |  Co-instructors Sue Eaton & Kelly Mueller

Improving Your Heelwork 2 
(continuation class, part 2 of 2)

A continuation class for those who took the instructor's summer heelwork class.  Auditors welcome!

PREREQUISITE:  For the students who took part 1 in the summer (J. Bender, R. Hennigan, K. Mueller, S. Peios, J. Ramsden, A. Thorna) 

MEETINGS:   4 meetings, 60  minutes

PRICE:  SOTC members $48 or 4 points

• HWK2-F2  |  Friday 2pm starting 9/26   |  Instructor Nancy Frakes, assistant Debbie Waters

Intro to Open

An introduction to the Open exercises. Limit 6.

MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes

PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 6 points, non-members $108

• FULL, WAITLIST FORMING  OPN1-M6  |  Monday 6pm starting starting 9/15  |  Instructor Wendy Longden, assistant TBA

Intro to Utility

An introduction to the Utility exercises. Limit 6.

MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 45 minutes

PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 6 points, non-members $108

• UTL1-M5 | Monday 5pm starting  9/15   |  Instructor Kathy Helmke, assistant Sue Eaton

Advanced Open / Utility

A proofing and polishing class for Open and Utility. Limit 6.

PREREQUISITE: Working knowledge of all the exercises

MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes

PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 6 points, non-members $108

• OU3-M6 | Monday 6pm starting 9/15   |  Instructor Kathy Helmke, assistant Roberta Hennigan

Open & Utility Problem Solving

Students should email their Open or Utility problem to Steph. This is a problem-solving class, not a class designed to teach the exercises. Handlers must already understand the Open or Utility exercise they want to troubleshoot and must already have taught their dogs the exercises. Limit 6.

MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 90 minutes

PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 6 points, non-members $108

• FULL, WAITLIST FORMING  OUP-TU10 | Tuesday 10am  starting  9/16   |  Instructor Stephanie Podejko

FLYBALL

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No flyball classes offered this time

AGILITY

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Agility students must arrive on time so as to be available to help with equipment setup if required.

Dogs must be crated while students walk the course or move equipment. Students may use a guest crate or bring their own crate each time and carry it out after class.

Agility Foundations 1

This class will cover the foundation skills required for competition agility, such as teamwork, self-control, body control, and shaping. The class is appropriate for all handlers (experienced agility competitors as well as those new to the sport) and is required for inexperienced handlers. If you have never competed in agility, you must take Foundations before enrolling in any other agility class SOTC offers. Limit 6.

PREREQUISITE:  SOTC Basic graduate or permission

MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 75 minutes

PRICE:   SOTC members $90 or 9 points, non-members $132

• AFN1-TH615   |   Thursday 6:15pm  starting 9/25 (will not meet on  10/30)   |   Instructor Janine Ramsden, assistant Lisa Garofalo

**NEW!**
The Sexy Is in the Relationship: A Games-Based Start to Agility

For teams just starting out / no experience or those looking to revisit some foundation skills. Building communication systems, understanding, fitness fundamentals, and great handler mechanics, this class uses games to teach and grow the foundation skills needed for competition agility. Limit 4.

PREREQUISITE:  Any prior SOTC class or permission of the instructor (don't hesitate to ask). Open to all ages and experience levels.

MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 60 minutes

PRICE:   SOTC members $72 or 6 points, non-members $108

• AGG-W630  |   Wednesday 6:30pm starting 9/17  |  Instructor Rumpelstiltskin Morgan

Beginner Agility

Introduction to contact equipment, jump training, practicing lead-outs, and basic handling. Building drive while maintaining focus and control.  Limit 6.

PREREQUISITE:   Students who have not previously competed in agility must have taken SOTC Agility Foundations or an equivalent class elsewhere before enrolling in this class. Dogs should be at least 8 months old. 

MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 75 minutes

PRICE: SOTC members $90 or 9 points, non-members $132

• FULL, WAITLIST FORMING  AGL1-M815   |   Monday 8:15pm on 9/22, 10/6, 10/20, switching to 6:30pm on 10/27, 11/3, 11/17)  |  Co-instructors Amy Shaw & Jennifer Precourt  *** Note change of time slot for the last 3 meetings of the class ***

Beginning Agility Cohort  3 
(continuation class, part 3 of 3)

This is part 3 of a three-session class working with the same group of students from the beginner through the intermediate-level agility curriculum. Teams completing this series will be ready for the Novice agility class. Limit 6.

PREREQUISITE:   For students who completed part 2 of this class in the summer (K. Dolan, T. Boyce-Smith, P. Centola, D. Pridgen). If openings remain after these students have responded, additional students who have taken SOTC Intermediate Agility or an equivalent class may be admitted by permission of the instructors. 

MEETINGS:   8 meetings, 90 minutes

PRICE:   SOTC members $120 or 12 points, non-members $176

• AGC3-W330  |  Wednesday 3:30pm starting 9/10  (note early start date)  |  Co-instructors Dottie Hamblin & Diane Eggleston

Advanced Beginner Agility

Building confidence on contact equipment, introduction of weave poles, developing dog and handler skills, beginning simple sequencing, and doing grid work. Limit 6.

PREREQUISITE:   Successfully passing SOTC Beginner Agility or permission / run-through

MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 90 minutes

PRICE: SOTC members $90 or 9 points, non-members $132

• AGL2-M630   |   Monday 6:30pm starting 9/15     |   Co- instructors Jennifer Precourt, Scott Reichinger & Amy Shaw

Intermediate Agility

Not offered this time

Weave Pole Proofing & Starting 2x2 Poles 

This class is for teams just starting their weave career with 2x2 poles or more experienced teams looking to proof hard entrances and added distractions. Limit 4.

PREREQUISITE:   Dogs must be at least 12 months of age

MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 60 minutes

PRICE:   SOTC members $72 or 6 points, non-members $108

• FULL, WAITLIST FORMING  AGW-TU445   |   Tuesday 4:45pm starting  9/16 (will not meet on 10/7)   |   Co-instructors Karen Vanderburgh & Sue DeRienzo

Skills Builder

For dogs that can sequence at least 3-4 obstacles, or are trialing but have holes in their skills. This will be a handling class only (no contacts or weaves). We will work skills and do short sequences. This will include wraps, threadles, serpentines, front cross, blind cross, and rear crosses. The class will be adjusted to the skill level of the handler and dog team. Limit 4.

MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 60 minutes

PRICE:   SOTC members $72 or 6 points, non-members $108

• AGSB-TU345   |   Tuesday 3:45pm starting  9/16 (will not meet on 10/7)   |   Co-instructors Karen Vanderburgh & Sue DeRienzo

Jump Sequences

This jumping class is for dogs 18 months old and up who have been actively jumping. The class will focus on sequences usually seen in AKC / CPE. Students can send me a sequence that they are interested in from a trial map and we can do that as well as other sequences which will be presented. We will be working on skills with these sequences for each team.

Limit 4 dog and handler teams.

PREREQUISITE: Dogs must be 18 months old and up, and actively jumping either in other classes or self-trained. Handlers should have some basic handling skills. The sequences will include pinwheels, wraps, front crosses, rear crosses, etc.

MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 90 minutes

PRICE:   SOTC members $90 or 9 points, non-members $132

• AGJ-M1030  |  Monday 10:30am starting 9/8  (note early start date; will not meet on 9/22, 9/29, 10/13)  |  Instructor Linda Kaufman, assistant Barb Reuter

Agility Drop-ins, Novice to Masters

Nested courses will be built, course maps will be provided. Run the courses or train as you wish. Please be prompt for setup. Limit 10 teams per meeting.

MEETINGS: 6 meetings (9/4, 9/25, 10/2, 10/23, 12/4, 12/11), 90 minutes

PRICE:   SOTC members $12 or 2 tickets, non-members $18 (per drop-in, pay as you go; checks, exact change, or  click HERE to pay on-line with a credit card)

TO REGISTER:   To reserve a spot for a particular meeting and to confirm that class will be held, email the instructor via the link below

• ADI-TH730   |   Thursday 7:30pm starting 9/4 |  Instructor Andrea Lee, assistant Tom Weickert

Novice Agility

For students preparing for Novice. Limit 6.

PREREQUISITE:   Successfully passing SOTC Intermediate Agility or permission. Dogs must be able to perform full-height contacts, do 6 weave poles, and negotiate sequences of 8-10 obstacles.

MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 60 minutes

PRICE:   SOTC members $72 or 6 points, non-members $108

• AGL4-TU645   |   Tuesday 6:45pm starting 9/16 (will not meet on 10/14)   |   Instructor Becky Konst, assistant Tom Canino

Open Agility

For students preparing for Open. Limit 6.

PREREQUISITE:   Novice agility titles or permission

MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 60 minutes

PRICE:   SOTC members $72 or 6 points, non-members $108

• AGL5-TU8   |   Tuesday 8pm starting  9/16 (will not meet on 10/14)   |   Instructor Becky Konst, assistant Tom Canino

Excellent / Masters Agility

Not offered this time 

Introduction to ISC Agility

This class will focus on identifying differences between AKC titling agility classes and AKC ISC (international sweepstakes class) Level 1 + 2 courses, understanding what skills are needed for the challenges presented, and further breaking those skills down to begin a training plan. This class is appropriate for all levels from pre-novice to competition level teams, as every challenge begins with foundation skills. Each week, we will discuss a different set of challenges found in an ISC level 1 or 2 course, try it out, evaluate where each team is, and lay out the progression for learning that skill or set of skills! All teams will go home with a training plan.

The ISC program offered through AKC agility provides teams the opportunity to train for and run courses that are aligned with designs/challenges presented by international organizations, such as FCI. This has historically been used by teams that have goals to compete internationally, but is open to everyone! 2024 featured the first AKC ISC National Championships in October, and there are more trials including those classes every year!

Skills include but are not limited to: the concept of distance/layering, discriminations, verbal independence, understanding commitment, and backside options.

Limit 4.

PREREQUISITE:  At least Advanced Beginner Agility, or with instructor permission

MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 60 minutes

PRICE:   SOTC members $72 or 6 points, non-members $108

• AGISC-W130  |   Wednesday 1:30pm starting 9/17  |  Instructor Rumpelstiltskin Morgan

ISC Agility Run-throughs (Level 1 & 2)

An international-style agility course designed by an FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale) judge will be set up on the turf arena (130 foot x 80 foot). This will be an excellent opportunity for those interested in learning about AKC’s International Sweepstakes Class (ISC), a non-regular class providing a dog and handler an opportunity to demonstrate their advanced training and handling skills on various international-style standard and jumpers with weaves courses. Limit 10 dogs. Two-minute sessions on the floor (maximum of 3 runs total).

MEETINGS: Sunday 1:30pm on 10/19 & Saturday 1:30pm on 11/29, 180 minutes

PRICE:   SOTC members $15 or 3 tickets, non-members $25 (per dog, pay as you go; checks, exact change, or click  HERE to pay on-line with a credit card)

TO REGISTER:   To reserve a spot for a particular meeting and to confirm that class will be held, email the instructor via the link below

• ISC (2025AUT)   |   Instructor Rumpelstiltskin Morgan