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 4/1  (will not meet on 4/22, 5/6)  |  Co-instructors Bari Tassinaro & Martina St. Leger

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 4/24   |  Instructor Linda Aloi, assistant Janine Ramsden

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  4/7 (will not meet on 4/15)  |   Instructor Mary Walker, assistants Lynn Coates & Mary Kobis

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 4/24  |  Instructor Judy McManus, assistant  Ann Hardy

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 4/24  |   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.

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

MEETINGS: 4 meetings, 60 minutes

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

• RAL1-W1145 | Wednesday 11:45am  starting 4/8    |  Instructor Dawn Watkins, assistant Anne Kernan

Rally Intermediate / Advanced 

Teaching the Advanced Rally signs while reviewing the Novice 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

• RAL2-W1030 | Wednesday 10:30am  starting 4/8    |  Instructor Pat John, assistant Jessica Sielawa

Rally Master Drop-ins

Rally Master courses will be used to teach students how to perform signs correctly to gain maximum points to work toward the RM title. For those students not familiar with some of the signs on the course, a separate ring and instructor will teach those skills. 

Questions or permission requests: Please contact Pat John.

PREREQUISITE:   RE title preferred but dogs with a CD and/or RN will be considered with permission of the instructor

MEETINGS:  2 meetings (4/18, 5/30), 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

• RAL5-SA10   |  Saturday 10am  4/18, 5/30  |   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

• RAL6-M1130  |  Monday 11:30am starting 4/6  |   Co-instructors Debbie Keith & Kathy Mosher

• RAL6-M1  |  Monday 1pm starting 4/6   |  Co-instructors Debbie Keith & Kathy Mosher

COMPETITION OBEDIENCE

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Young Dog Competition 3
(continuation class, part 3 of 3) 

A continuation of the fall class. Limit 6.

NOTE: This is the 3rd 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.

PREREQUISITE: For those continuing from Young Dog 2 (T. Boyce-Smith, J. Fishack, M. Martin, S. Podejko, A. Shaw, M. St. Leger in Tuesday class; L. Coates, R. Hennigan, D. Knobel, P. Mooney, J. Precourt, D. Schmidt in Thursday class).  

MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 45 minutes

PRICE:  SOTC members $54 or 6 points

• YDC3-TU9   |   Tuesday 9am starting 4/7    |  Instructor Kathy McCloskey, assistant Bari Tassinaro

• YDC3-TH6   |   Thursday 6pm starting 4/9  (will not meet on 4/30)  |  Instructor Kathy McCloskey, assistant Jennifer Taylor

Happy Heeling & Novice-Level Skills

The ideal environment for reinforcing fundamental obedience, improving handler-dog communication, and building a strong foundation for all participants. We're committed to ensuring this class continues to provide valuable support for those developing core skills. Limit 6.

PREREQUISITE: SOTC Intermediate or permission

MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 60 minutes

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

• HH-TU6  |  Tuesday 6pm starting 4/7 (will not meet on 4/14)   |  Co-instructors Kathy Morse & Emily Whittaker

NEW! Advanced Body Awareness & Precision Work

This class will dive deep into various aspects of pivot training, utilizing specialized pivot platforms, navigating training gates, and incorporating challenging platform work. These exercises are not only incredibly fun but are also instrumental in building your dog's core strength and focus. Limit 6.

PREREQUISITE: 

MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 60 minutes

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

• ABA-TU5  |  Tuesday 5pm starting 4/7 (will not meet on 4/14)   |  Co-instructors Kathy Morse & Paul Vautrain

NEW! Pressure, Pressure

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

• PP-TH7  |  Thursday 7pm starting 4/9   |  Co-instructors Larry Krieger & Martina St. Leger

NEW!  Go-Outs & Directed Jumping (Part 1 of 2)

This class will break down all the skills needed to teach both parts of this exercise so the dog will have a good foundation and understanding of his job. This class is for dogs who are just learning this exercise but is also good for dogs who are having issues with this exercise, either in training or in showing. Dogs must be comfortable working off-lead with people in the ring. Other dogs waiting their turn will be crated. Limit 6.

PREREQUISITE:  Students must be at the level where they are starting to train parts of Utility, or at least thinking about it!

MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 60 minutes

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

• GO1-FR230  |   Friday at 2:30pm starting 4/10 (will not meet on 4/17)  |  Instructor Nancy Frakes 

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 4/6 (will not meet on 5/11)    |  Co-instructors Sue Eaton & Kelly Mueller

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

• OPN1-M6  |  Monday 6pm starting starting 4/6   |  Instructor Wendy Longden, assistant Natalie Gilman

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  4/6   |  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 4/6    |  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 5.

MEETINGS: 4 meetings, 60 minutes 

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

• OUP-TU10 | Tuesday 10am  starting  4/21   |  Instructor Stephanie Podejko

Obedience Drop-in Run-thrus

All levels welcome. Individual run-throughs and group stays.

Please include the level of your run through when emailing to reserve your spot.

MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 90 minutes

PRICE:   SOTC members $9 or 2 tickets, non-members $13 (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

• ODI-TH7   |   Thursday 7pm starting 5/7 (will not meet on 6/4)   |   Instructor Colleen Clemett

FLYBALL

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Beginner Flyball

This class will teach the basics: retrieving a tennis ball; coming back with the ball; going over jumps to get the ball; doing a swimmers turn off the flyball box while catching; and doing all of this while running fast. Limit 4.

PREREQUISITE:   SOTC Basic graduate or permission. Dogs must have basic obedience skills (sit, down, stay) and an off-leash recall. They must be food and/or toy motivated and be able to work around other off-leash dogs without concerns or signs of aggression. Both dog and handler must be physically able to play the game. To participate fully, dogs should be at least 12 months of age. Puppies as young as 6 months may attend class but will be limited in what they can do until their growth plates close (at about 1 year of age). 

MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 60 minutes

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

•  FLY1-W630  |   Wednesday  6:30pm starting 4/8  |  Co-instructors Emily Reynolds & Jessica Burgess

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:   8 meetings, 75 minutes

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

• AFN1-TH615   |   Thursday 6:15pm  starting 4/9   |   Instructor Janine Ramsden, assistant Lisa Garofalo

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

• AGL1-M745   |   Monday 7:45pm starting 3/30 (note early start date)   |  Co-instructors Amy Shaw & Jennifer Precourt, assistant Dawn Evans  

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-M6   |   Monday 6pm startingstarting 3/30 (note early start date)    |   Co-instructors Jennifer Precourt, Scott Reichinger & Amy Shaw

Intermediate Agility

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: 6 meetings, 60 minutes

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

• AGL3-TH1230   |   Thursday 12:30pm starting 4/9  |   Co-instructors Jeri Fishack & Kris Hart

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 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

•  AGW-TU430   |   Tuesday 4:30pm starting  4/7 (will not meet on 4/14)    |   Co-instructors Karen Vanderburgh & Sue DeRienzo

Parallel Games & Jump Sequences for Dog Sports

This is a combo class based on games from Leslie McDevitt (author of “Control Unleashed”) and jump sequences taken from actual course maps. It is distraction training while doing agility obedience, rally, or flyball activities, etc.

Distraction will be provided by another dog working on the other side of ring gating, use of toys, objects, etc.

You will learn pattern games you can do with your dog to keep them engaged with you through distractions in the environment. The use of remote reinforcement will also be covered. The goal is that you can utilize what you learned in training, in trial environments. A different agility sequence will be offered every week.

Depending on the level of the dogs in class we will build this up slowly for some and quicker for others.

Limit 4 dog-and-handler teams

PREREQUISITE: Dogs must be 18 months and up to any age and actively jumping for agility. They should have a recall, walk on a leash, and must be good with other dogs in the ring at the same time. 

MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 90 minutes

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

• AGPG-M1030  |  Monday 10:30am starting 4/13 (will not meet on 4/20, 5/4)   |  Instructor Linda Kaufman, assistant Barb Reuter

Agility Fun Games

Focus on a different game's rules and strategy each week. Games included are FAST, Colors, Jackpot, FullHouse, 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:  8 meetings, 90 minutes

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

• AGFG-M130  |  Monday 1:30pm starting 4/6  |  Instructor Diane Eggleston, assistant Francine Bassett

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: 5 meetings (4/9, 4/23, 5/7, 5/21, 6/18), 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 |  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 4/7 (will not meet on 4/14)   |   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  4/7 (will not meet on 4/14)   |   Instructor Becky Konst, assistant Tom Canino

ISC Drop-ins (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: 2 meetings (dates to be announced), 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

• ISCDI  |  Saturday / Sunday 1:30-4:30pm, dates TBA   |   Instructor Rumpelstiltskin Morgan, assistant Dawn Evans

SCENT WORK

Classes held at Lafayette Apple Festival grounds

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Introduction to Scent Work

Not offered this time

Novice Scent Work

For those who have the basics of scent work and need more experience for competing at the Novice level. Limit 8.

PREREQUISTE:  Successful completion of Intro to Scent Work or one leg earned at a Novice-level scent work trial

MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes

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

• SCTN-SU1  |  Sunday 1pm starting 4/12  (will not meet on 5/17)  |  Instructor Logan Michelon, assistant Sue Eaton

Advanced Scent Work

A class open to teams working at the Advanced level. Limit 6.

PREREQUISTE:  Advanced teams should have at least one Novice Leg or have taken our Novice Class and be ready to work with multiple hides and anise scent.

MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 60 minutes

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

• SCTA-SU215  |  Sunday 2:15pm starting 4/12 (will not meet on 5/17)   |  Instructor Logan Michelon

Excellent & Master Interiors/Exteriors 

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

• SCTEM-TU3 |  Tuesday 3pm starting 4/7 (will not meet on 4/14)|  Instructor Amir Findling, assistant Sandy Madaio  

• SCTEM-TU5 |  Tuesday 5pm starting  4/7 (will not meet on 4/14)  |  Instructor Amir Findling, assistant Debbie Keith
  (students in the 5pm class are asked to arrive after 4:30 to allow the previous class to leave first)

NEW!  Converging Scent

Dogs and handlers will learn and develop skills to best navigate multiple converging hides in one search area. Limit 6.

PREREQUISITE: Dogs must already be capable of readily finding multiple simple hides in one search area

MEETINGS: 4 meetings, 90 minutes

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

• CSCT-M10  |  Monday 10am starting 4/6   |  Instructor Jean Rand, assistant Janine Crane