
Established 1960
(classes starting early/mid-September)
Members
Non-members
registration for current students opens at 12:01am on Wednesday August 19 (with permission code available from the Registrar now) registration for new students opens on registration opens on Wednesday August 26 (with permission code available from the Registrar then; please do not ask before then) |
Need Help? Have Questions?Try this link first: Still having trouble? Need a permission code? Email the Registrar(SOTCRegistrar@gmail.com) | What's on the Schedule?
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Only one dog per household per Puppy, Pre-Basic, or Basic class. Owners with multiple dogs must enroll them in separate classes.
Students in Puppy, Pre-Basic, and Basic must bring proof of the dog's age-appropriate vaccinations to the first class.
Our Puppy class is offered in two versions, to provide appropriate socialization experiences for slightly different age groups:
Aside from the age cutoff and play policy, the classes are the same.
Both versions include the AKC STAR Puppy program and will introduce real-world skills for your newest family member. In order to earn the STAR Puppy certificate, you must attend at least 6 of the class meetings. All puppies should receive a minimum of one set of vaccines at least 7 days prior to the first class and a first deworming. They should be kept up-to-date on vaccines throughout the class.
PREREQUISITE: None! Just follow the age and vaccination guidelines above. Students must bring proof of puppy's vaccination to the first class.
PUPPY OPTION 2, higher age cutoff (8-week version; limit 8)
MEETINGS: 8 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $96 or 8 points, non-members $144
PUPPY OPTION 1, lower age cutoff (6-week version; limit 6)
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 6 points, non-members $108
For older puppies 5-14 months of age. Appropriate both for those who have taken our Puppy class, and for those new to our program and too old for Puppy class. Designed for the older puppy to introduce basic obedience commands while recognizing the special needs of the younger dog. Limit 6-8.
PREREQUISITE: None! Just follow the age guidelines above. Students must bring proof of vaccination (DAP and, if dog is old enough, rabies) to the first class.
MEETINGS: 8 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $96 or 8 points, non-members $144
For those continuing from Pre-Basic or new to obedience with an older dog (14 months of age and up). Includes walking under control on leash and development of basic obedience commands, including come, sit, down and stay. Limit 6-8.
PREREQUISITE: None! Just follow the age guidelines above. Students must bring proof of vaccination (DAP and rabies) to the first class.
MEETINGS: 8 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $96 or 8 points, non-members $144
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
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
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 $10 or 2 tickets, OKA members $12, other non-members $18 (per drop-in, pay as you go -- checks or exact change; no credit card payments)
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
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.
Rally students with young dogs might also consider the "Canine Body Awareness & Foundation Grids" class listed under Agility, here.
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: 6 meetings, 60 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 6 points, non-members $108
This class offers a friendly and fun intro to Rally Novice courses. We’ll use props like cones, platforms, and targets to make each skill clear for your dog and for you. You’ll build focus, precision, and teamwork while having fun together. Limit 6.
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
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: 6 meetings, 60 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 6 points, non-members $108
Teaching the Excellent Rally signs while reviewing the Advanced signs and having fun. Limit 5.
PREREQUISITE: SOTC Basic graduate, Rally Novice title, intro Rally class or permission of instructor. 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
Just in time for the SOTC Rally Only Trial. Come tweak, refine and develop your skills to help you succeed while practicing on both Excellent and Master courses in each class. Limit 4.
PREREQUISITE: Trialing at Excellent level or higher. Students must crate their dogs while they walk the course.
MEETINGS: 4 meetings, 75 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $48 or 4 points, non-members $72
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
Competition obedience students with young dogs might also consider the "Canine Body Awareness & Foundation Grids" class listed under Agility, here.
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.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 6 points
Instructors will be working their own dogs. Limit 6 (including instructors' dogs).
PREREQUISITE: Dogs between 1-2 years old. Experienced handlers having earned a UD on previous dog(s) or by permission of instructors.
MEETINGS: 4 meetings, 60 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $48 or 4 points, non-members $72
This class is designed to gradually condition a positive emotional response to perceived pressure. The goal is for our dogs to not only tolerate pressure experienced in the ring but to actually look forward to it as they learn to associate it with reward. This should be applicable to any competitive sport. Limit 6.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 6 points, non-members $108
Designed to strengthen fundamental obedience skills through positive, purposeful play. We will incorporate weekly games alongside targeted exercises that break the individual Novice exercises down into smaller, achievable pieces. The result? Better communication, cleaner performance, and joy in the process. This class offers consistent, valuable support for handlers developing or refining core skills. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: SOTC Intermediate or permission
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 60 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 6 points, non-members $108
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
An introduction to the Open exercises. Limit 6.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 6 points, non-members $108
A continuation class for those who took part 2 in the summer
(S. Eaton, A. Fowler, K. Mosher, A. Thorna, K. Vanderworken, S. Ventura)
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 60 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 6 points
An introduction to the Utility exercises. Limit 6.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 6 points, non-members $108
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
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 5.
MEETINGS: 4 meetings, 60 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $48 or 4 points, non-members $72
All levels welcome. Individual run-throughs and group stays.
Please include the level of your run through when emailing to reserve your spot.
MEETINGS: 4 meetings, 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, text or call the instructor at 315-439-4645
A continuation class for those who took the instructors' summer class
(S. Ornitz, V. Stultz, C. Black, D. Watkins)
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: $72 or 6 points, non-members $108
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.
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
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 (9/21, 10/5, 10/12, 10/26, 11/2, 11/16), 75 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $90 or 9 points, non-members $132
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
Getting ready for the Novice ring! Developing confidence on obstacles and weaves. Starting to put things together: sequencing, handling techniques, what to do and where to do it, working through distractions. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: Successfully passing SOTC Advanced Beginner Agility or run-through. Off-lead control is required. Dogs should be confident jumping at full height, going through all "hoop" obstacles, negotiating full-height contacts with mild support, doing 6 weaves with mild support, doing a sequence of 5-8 obstacles.
MEETINGS: 4 meetings, 60 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $48 or 4 points, non-members $72
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 5.
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
This class will offer body awareness activities and foundation grids.
Part 1 The purpose of this class is to promote body awareness in dogs who are going to do or who are involved dog sports such as obedience / rally, canine freestyle dance, agility, etc.
Backing up onto various obstacles for hind end awareness, walking on and turning around on low planks, use of Cavalettis, agility poles and wings, pivot work, etc. will be covered. Class will be tailored to the level that the dog is at.
Part 2 Foundation jump grids for puppies and young dogs
For dogs who are puppies younger than 10 months certain grids will be used at 4 inch or lower depending on height of the dog. Jump Grids will be presented based on Susan Salo’s Jump Grid Program for puppies and young dogs.
Jumps Grids will be according to the dog’s age. This class will be held in the agility ring. There may be items that you need to bring to class which will be listed in the handouts sent prior to class.
Limit 4 dog-and-handler teams
PREREQUISITE: This class is open to puppies 4 months old and up and young dogs. Dogs must be able to be around other dogs in the ring at the same time.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 90 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $90 or 9 points, non-members $132
Focus on a different game's rules and strategy each week. Games included are FAST, Colors, Jackpot, Full House, Snooker, Wildcard, Triple Threat (a great training game), and others we find fun and a learning opportunity for our students. Courses and rules sent by email the day before class so students can look them over before class. Students are expected to assist with course setup. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: Training at the Novice level
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 90 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $90 or 9 points, non-members $132
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
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
Not offered this time
Not offered this time
Unless otherwise indicated, classes held at Lafayette Apple Festival grounds. No classes will be held there 9/12-13 (because of the SOTC Tracking test) or 10/5-10/11 (because of the 2026 Apple Festival).
For dogs that have some scentwork experience but no trialing experience, or dogs needing to go back to foundations. Limit 8.
PREREQUISITE: No aggressive dogs.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 6 points, non-members $108
For dogs that need more experience at the Novice level and can begin learning skills to prepare them for Advanced. Limit 8.
PREREQUISTE: Successful completion of Intro to Scent Work or one leg earned at a Novice-level scent work trial
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 60 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 6 points, non-members $108
Interiors and exteriors (weather permitting) at the AKC Excellent and Master levels, with emphasis on trial strategies. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: Solid knowledge of AKC Scent Work rules (available online) and AKC trialing experience
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 60 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 6 points, non-members $108
Working inaccessible hides is considered a more advanced level skill in scent work training. In this class, we will work on developing the dog's sourcing ability, timing of the marker, and communication between dog and handler when working inaccessible hides. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: Dogs must be actively working at the Advanced/Excellent level. Dogs must be able to recognize target scent and pinpoint its location with accuracy, and also be able to readily move on to find multiple hides in a search.
MEETINGS: 4 meetings, 90 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $48 or 6 points, non-members $72
Introductory course to teach basics of tracking and the skills needed to continue on independently. Limit 6.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 60 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 6 points, non-members $108