Established 1960
Classes
Registration for summer classes is CLOSED. Fall classes will begin in mid/late September. The new schedule will be posted around August 18.
Class Schedule, Summer 2022
(classes starting mid-June, ending late August)
When can you register?It depends on who you are and what kind of class it is:
| CancellationsNo evening classes after 7pm on General Membership meeting nights: Monday July 11, Tuesday August 9 No
classes at all (due to trials & other events): Monday July 4; Thursday July 7; Friday July 8; Saturday July 9; Friday August 5; Saturday August 6; Friday August 12; Saturday August 13. |
Find a class & register
| Need help? Have questions?Try these links first: Still having trouble? Need a permission code? |
Basic Obedience
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 vaccination to the first class.
Puppy
For puppies that will be between 12 and 20 weeks of age on the first day. The class is based on the AKC STAR program, the puppy level of the Canine Good Citizen program. To qualify for the STAR certificate, students must attend at least 6 of the scheduled class meetings. Puppies must have received at least the 2nd DAP shot by the start of class. Limit 6-8.
PREREQUISITE: None! Just follow the age and vaccination guidelines above. Students must bring proof of puppy's vaccination (2nd DAP at a minimum) to the first class.
MEETINGS: 8 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 8 points, non-members $104
- FULL, REGISTRATION & WAITLIST CLOSED
PUP-M8 Monday 8pm starting 6/20 (will not meet on 7/4, 7/11)
(for puppies born between 1/31/22 & 3/28/22)
Instructor Leah Pekarsky Smith, assistant TBA
- FULL, REGISTRATION & WAITLIST CLOSED
PUP-M7 Monday 7pm starting 6/20 (will not meet on 7/4, 7/11)
(for puppies born between 1/31/22 & 3/28/22)
Instructor Roberta Hennigan, assistant Janine Ramsden
Pre-Basic
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.
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 $72 or 8 points, non-members $104
- FULL, REGISTRATION & WAITLIST CLOSED
PRE-M6 Monday 6pm starting 6/20 (will not meet on 7/4)
Instructor Janine Ramsden, assistant Lisa Garofalo
- FULL, REGISTRATION & WAITLIST CLOSED
PRE-TU6 Tuesday 6pm starting 6/21
Instructor Judy McManus, assistants Ann Hardy & Jennifer Precourt
- CANCELLED
PRE-W730 Wednesday 7:30pm starting 6/15
Instructor Janine Ramsden, assistant Jennifer Precourt
- FULL, REGISTRATION & WAITLIST CLOSED
PRE-TH7 Thursday 7pm starting 6/16 (will not meet on 7/7)
Instructor Tim Faulkner, assistant Danielle Knobel
Basic
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.
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 $72 or 8 points, non-members $104
- FULL, REGISTRATION & WAITLIST CLOSED
BAS-TU7 Tuesday 7pm starting 6/21 (will not meet on 8/9)
Instructor Renee Louise, assistant Tom Weickert
- FULL, REGISTRATION & WAITLIST CLOSED
BAS-W530 Wednesday 5:30pm starting 6/15
Instructor Patty Warner, assistant Bari Tassinaro
- FULL, REGISTRATION & WAITLIST CLOSED
BAS-TH6 Thursday 6pm starting 6/16 (will not meet on 7/7)
Instructor Larry Krieger, assistant Rachael Beattie
Beyond Basic
Intermediate
Introduction to on-lead heeling, off-lead recalls, and stays; continued work on basic obedience skills. Limit 6-8.
PREREQUISITE: SOTC Basic graduate or permission
MEETINGS: 8 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 8 points, non-members $104
- FULL, REGISTRATION & WAITLIST CLOSED
INT-W630 Wednesday 6:30pm starting 6/15
Instructor Patty Warner, assistant Bari Tassinaro
- FULL, REGISTRATION & WAITLIST CLOSED
INT-TH715 Thursday 7:15pm starting 6/16 (will not meet on 7/7)
Instructor Larry Krieger, assistant Martina St. Leger
Canine Good Citizen (Prep Class with Test)
Teaching you how to train your dog to be a Canine Good Citizen as defined by the AKC. At the last class meeting you will be able to take the AKC test for CGC certification. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: SOTC Basic graduate or permission
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
- FULL, WAITLIST FORMING CGC-SA1130 Saturday 11:30am starting 6/18 (will not meet on 7/9)
Instructor Patty Warner, assistant Martina St. Leger
Tricks
Clicks for Tricks
The clicker is a small hand-held device used to mark very precisely a point where your dog is doing what you want. It can be used in typical training of any household dog and can be very useful in training tricks or skills for dog sports such as obedience, agility and scentwork. In the time span of the class, you should be able to teach a few tricks. We will be concentrating on tricks for the AKC Trick Dog Novice title and perhaps a couple of tricks useful in obedience training such as going to a pad and/or rotating on a perch. Limit 4.
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: You will need to supply some equipment. Bring your own clicker (available at most pet supply stores or at Amazon.com or Chewy.com). Bring a a box big enough for your dog to get into comfortably and cut down the sides to one-quarter to one-third your dog’s leg length.
PREREQUISITE: SOTC Basic grad or permission. No dog-reactive or food-aggressive dogs (we will be tossing treats for the dogs to chase). Students must have basic control of their dogs.
MEETINGS: 4 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $36 or 4 points, non-members $52
- TRX1-F515 Friday 5:15pm starting 6/17
(will not meet on 7/8; decision about meeting on 7/1 TBA)
Instructor Lynn Miller
Advanced Tricks
For students looking to add some higher-level tricks to their freestyle routines or Rally-FrEe courses, anyone wanting some more pizzazz for their trick titles, or anyone looking to work on some fancy moves. We'll cover tricks like the back-around, reverse front, rebound, alternative heel positions, and more. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: Dogs and handlers should have a strong understanding of how to use platforms, training gates, and target sticks and be familiar with shaping.
MEETINGS: 4 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $36 or 4 points, non-members $52
- TRX2-TU7 Tuesday 7pm starting 6/21
Instructor Jamie Ohman
FLYBALL
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 6.
PREREQUISITE: SOTC Basic graduate or permission. Handlers must have basic control of the dog. Dogs should be at least 1 year old. No people- or dog-aggression.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
- FLY1-W630 Wednesday 6:30pm starting 6/15
Instructor Jessie Burgess, assistant Jessica Sielawa
Conformation
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: 6 meetings (6/23, 6/30, 7/14, 7/21, 7/28, 8/11), 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $9 or 1 point, non-members $13 (per drop-in, pay as you go -- checks, exact change, or click here to pay on-line)
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-TH8 Thursday 8pm starting 6/23 (will not meet on 7/7, 8/4)
Instructor Ann Marie Letto, assistant TBA
Rally
Rally students must crate their dogs while they walk the course (non-members must bring their own crate and carry it out at end of class).
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 $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
- FULL, REGISTRATION & WAITLIST CLOSED
RAL1-SA9 Saturday 9am starting 6/18 (will not meet on 7/9)
Instructor Kathy Morse, assistant Peggy Anderson
Rally Advanced / Excellent
Work on the Advanced/Excellent signs. Limit 6-8.
PREREQUISITE: Dogs should be able to work off-lead. Students must crate their dogs while they walk the course.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 60 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
- RAL3-SA1015 Saturday 10:15am starting 6/18 (will not meet on 7/9)
Instructor Kathy Morse, assistant Peggy Anderson
Rally Excellent
Courses with instruction. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: Rally Intermediate/Advanced title or permission. Dogs must be able to work off-lead. Students must crate their dogs while they walk the course.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 90 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
- RAL4-M9 Monday 9am starting 6/20 (will not meet on 7/4)
Instructor Debbie Keith, assistant Jean Rand
Rally Master
Courses with instruction. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: Students must crate their dogs while they walk the course.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 90 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
- RAL5-M1030 Monday 10:30am starting 6/20 (will not meet on 7/4)
Instructor Pat John, assistant Jean Rand
Competition Obedience
Intro to Novice Obedience
Beginning off-lead heeling; continued work on recalls; refining and adding distractions to stays. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: SOTC Intermediate graduate or permission
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
- CANCELLED NOV1-TU6 Tuesday 6pm starting 6/21
Instructor Kathy Morse, assistant Carolyn Pover
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.
PREREQUISITE: Prior Novice class, BN/PN title, or permission. Students must have Novice skills prior to sign-up.
MEETINGS: 5 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $45 or 5 points, non-members $65
- NOV2-M7 Monday 7pm starting 7/18 (note later start date; will not meet on 7/25, 8/22)
Co-instructors Sue Eaton & Kelly Mueller
Advanced Novice
A class for dogs that need proofing for Novice or work on particular exercises that are weak.
PREREQUISITE: Working knowledge of the Novice exercises
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
- NOV3-TU5 Tuesday 5pm starting 6/21
Instructor Nan Bonnell, assistant Rachael Beattie
Open & Utility Foundations
An ongoing class that will break down each of the Open and Utility exercises into the skills necessary to perform it. The skills will be taught before they are chained together into a full exercise. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: This class is appropriate for students who have never competed in Open/Utility or for those with green dogs. Preference given to students continuing from the previous session.
MEETINGS: 8 meetings, 90 minutesPRICE: SOTC members $72 or 8 points, non-members $104
- FULL, REGISTRATION & WAITLIST CLOSED
OUF-M215 Monday 2:15pm starting 6/20 (will not meet on 7/4)
Instructor Dottie Hamblin
Foundation Jump Grid
Listed among the Agility classes HERE, but appropriate for students jumping their dogs in obedience as well.
** NEW ** Intro to Open
An introduction to the Open exercises. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE:
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
- OPN1-M5 Monday 5pm starting 7/11
(note later start date; will not meet on 7/25, 8/22)
Instructor Kathy Helmke
Open Proofing & Polishing
For those who have learned all the Open exercises and are getting ready to show. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: Working knowledge of all the Open exercises
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
- OPN3-M6 Monday 6pm starting 7/11 (note later start date; will not meet on 7/25, 8/22)
Instructor Kathy Helmke
Intermediate / Advanced Utility
For dogs and handlers who understand and can perform the Utility exercises but need refinement. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: Prior Utility class, CDX/PCDX, or permission. Students must have Utility skills prior to sign-up.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
- CANCELLED
UTL2-M5 Monday 5pm starting starting 7/11 (note later start date; will not meet on 7/25, 8/22)
Instructor Kathy Helmke
Scentwork
*** Registration for Scentwork classes will open on June 1) ***
Scentwork classes are held offsite, at American High (the old A.V. Zogg Middle School), 800 4th St., Liverpool.
We cannot admit non-member scentwork students at this time.
Introduction to Scentwork
For those who have never done Scentwork before or who need a refresher. At the end of the class there will be a basic Novice container test. Limit 8.
PREREQUISITE: None! But no aggressive dogs. Preference given to students repeating the class with the same dog.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $79 (or 6pts + $25)
- SCT1-TH3 Thursday 3pm starting 6/16 (will not meet on 6/23)
Instructor Nat Lussier, assistant Jean Rand
- SCT1-TH630 Thursday 6:30 starting 6/16 (will not meet on 6/23)
Instructor Terri Botsford, assistant TBA
Novice / Advanced Scentwork
For those who have the basics of scentwork and need more experience with different container and interior set-ups. Limit 8.
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Introduction to Scentwork or one leg earned at a Novice-level scentwork trial. Preference given to students repeating the class, or moving up from the prior class, with the same dog.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $79 (or 6pts + $25)
- FULL, REGISTRATION & WAITLIST CLOSED
SCT2-TH4 Thursday 4pm starting 6/16 (will not meet on 6/23)
Instructor Terri Botsford, assistant Jean Rand
Novice/Advanced Practice Hides
Hides only, no instruction. Limit 8. Preference given to students moving up from the prior class with the same dog.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $79 (or 6pts + $25)
- SCT3-TH530 Thursday 5:30pm starting 6/16 (will not meet on 6/23)
Instructor Jean Rand, assistant Janine Crane
Agility
With the exception of Agility Foundations, we are unable to admit any new non-member agility students at this time.
Agility Foundations
Agility Foundations is a prerequisite for all future agility classes. The class will cover such aspects as teamwork, self-control, body control, and shaping, as well as several other agility foundation skills. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: SOTC Basic graduate or permission. Dogs should be at least 5 months old.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
- FULL, REGISTRATION & WAITLIST CLOSED
AFN-W630 Wednesday 6:30pm starting 6/15
Instructor Janine Ramsden, assistant Jenna Hassett
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. Dogs should be at least 8 months old. Preference given to students repeating the class, or moving up from the prior class, at the recommendation of the instructor.
MEETINGS: 8 meetings, 90 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $96 or 12 points, non-members $136
- AGL1-W5 Wednesday 5pm starting 6/22
Instructor Dottie Hamblin, assistant Janine Ramsden
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 run-through. Preference given to students repeating the class, or moving up from the prior class, at the recommendation of the instructor.
MEETINGS: 8 meetings, 90 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $96 or 12 points, non-members $136
- AGL2-M630 Monday 6:30pm starting 6/20 (will not meet on 7/4, 7/11)
Instructor Linda Aloi, assistants Leah Pekarsky & Tom Weickert
** NEW CLASS! **
Intermediate Agility (8-week 90-minute version)
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. Preference given to students moving up from the prior class at the recommendation of the instructor.
MEETINGS: 8 meetings, 90 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $96 or 12 points, non-members $136
- AGL3-M445 Monday 4:45pm starting 6/20 (will not meet on 7/4)
Co-instructors Donna Deal & Michele Maier
Intermediate Agility (6-week/60-minute version)
Same description as above, but shorter.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 60 minutesPRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
- AGL3-TH745 Thursday 7:45pm starting 6/16 (will not meet on 7/7)
Instructor Meg Donley, assistant TBA
2x2 Weaves
For teams learning 2x2s or not weaving 6 poles with confidence. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: Dogs must be at least 12 months of age
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 60 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
- FULL, REGISTRATION & WAITLIST CLOSED
AGW-TU5 Tuesday 5pm starting 6/21
Co-instructors Karen Vanderburgh & Sue DeRienzo
Verbals & Crosses
Learning crosses and when to use verbals. Appropriate any level after beginner level.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 60 minutesPRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points
AGV-TH5 Thursday 5pm starting 6/16 (will not meet on 7/7)
Co-instructors Jeri Fishack & Kris Hart
Foundation Jump Grid
The Foundation Jump Grid class is for dogs around 12 months and up who have never jumped or who have been actively jumping. The jump heights are generally kept low but will be adjusted based on the height and age of the dog. The grids can be useful to train jumping skills for agility,
obedience / rally and flyball. The jump grids teach a dog to adjust his stride to cover ground more efficiently, jump cleanly and find the perfect take-off spot. Several types of jump grids will be covered such as the foundation grids, stride grids and bend work. Grids will be progressed throughout the class. Limit 4.
PREREQUISITE: Dogs must be at 12 months of age.
MEETINGS: 5 meetings, 90 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $60 or 7.5 points
- FULL, REGISTRATION & WAITLIST CLOSED
AGJ-F1030 Friday 10:30am starting 6/24 (will meet 6/24, 7/1, 7/15, 7/29, 8/19)
Instructor Linda Kaufman, assistant Janine Ramsden
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 $54 or 6 points
- AGL4-TU645 Tuesday 6:45pm starting 6/21
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 $54 or 6 points
- AGL5-TU8 Tuesday 8pm starting 6/21
Instructor Becky Konst, assistant Tom Canino
Excellent / Masters Agility
For students preparing for Excellent/Masters. Students are expected to help set up the course. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: Open agility titles or permission
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 75 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 9 points
- FULL, WAITLIST FORMING AGL6-TH615 Thursday 6:15pm starting 6/16 (will not meet on 7/7)
Co-instructors Sandy Madaio & Diane Eggleston