Established 1960
Classes
Class Schedule, Winter 2023
All winter classes are full and/or under way. Registration is closed.
Spring classes will begin in late March. If you wish to receive an email notification when the spring schedule is published (in late February), contact the Registrar. All winter students and waitlistees will be notified automatically.
Registration opening dates
When can you register? It depends on who you are and what kind of class it is.
For SOTC members, registration opens on 12/6 (all classes)
| Need help? Have questions?Try these links first: Still having trouble? Need a permission code? CancellationsNo evening classes (5pm or later) on General Membership meeting nights:
No classes at all on:
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Classes
(Puppy, Pre-Basic, Basic)
- Beyond Basic
(Intermediate, CGC, Tricks)
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, WAITLIST CLOSED PUP-TU8 Tuesday 8pm starting 1/10 (will NOT meet on 2/14)
(for puppies born between ~8/23/22 & 10/18/22)
Instructor Leah Pekarsky Smith, assistant Danielle Knobel
Pre-Basic (6-week "mini" version)
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: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
- FULL, WAITLIST CLOSED PRE-M6 Monday 6pm starting 1/16
Instructor Kryssi D'Eredita, assistant Danielle Knobel
- FULL, WAITLIST CLOSED PRE-TU7 Tuesday 7pm starting 1/10 (will NOT meet on 2/14)
Instructor Martina St. Leger, assistant Pam Renock
- FULL, WAITLIST CLOSED PRE-W630 Wednesday 6:30pm starting 1/11
Instructor Scott Schuhert, assistant CarrieJo Dowd
Basic (6-week "mini" version)
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: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
- FULL, WAITLIST CLOSED BAS-M7 Monday 7pm starting 1/16
Instructor Janine Ramsden, assistant Lisa Garofalo
- FULL, WAITLIST CLOSED BAS-TU6 Tuesday 6pm starting 1/10 (will NOT meet on 2/14)
Instructor Tim Faulkner, assistant Tom Weickert
- FULL, WAITLIST CLOSED BAS-W530 Wednesday 5:30pm starting 1/11
Instructor Patty Warner, assistant Bari Tassinaro
- FULL, WAITLIST CLOSED BAS-TH6 Thursday 6pm starting 1/5 (will NOT meet on 2/2, 2/16)
Instructor Larry Krieger, assistant Martina St. Leger
Beyond Basic
Intermediate (6-week "mini" version)
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 $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
- FULL, WAITLIST FORMING INT-W630 Wednesday 6:30pm starting 1/11
Instructor Patty Warner, assistant Bari Tassinaro
- FULL, WAITLIST CLOSED INT-TH715 Thursday 7:15pm starting 1/5 (will NOT meet on 2/2, 2/16)
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: 4 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $36 or 4 points, non-members $52
- FULL, WAITLIST CLOSED CGC-SA10 Saturday 10am starting 1/7 (will NOT meet on 1/21, 2/4)
Instructor Patty Warner, assistant Martina St. Leger
CGC Test ONLY (No Prep Class)
For those wishing to take the CGC test without the prep class. Limit 5.
PRICE: $10 (member or non-member)
- CGC-TEST 11am on Saturday 2/11 (date subject to change, will be confirmed later)
Evaluator Patty Warner, assistant Martina St. Leger
Tricks (and Maybe Clicks)
Come learn some tricks your dog does not know! Possibilities are many, and participants are welcome to request particular tricks. Each week at least one new trick will be introduced, and we will review and advance on the prior week’s tricks. Among the tricks we can consider are: shake, high five, circle around you forward or backward, spin in front or on the side of you, go around a cone, get in a box, put front feet on a pad and stand facing you (good for lots of kinds of training), circle around a pedestal while front feet stay on the pedestal (excellent for rear end awareness and keeping butt in for heeling), roll over, play dead, get on a platform, shake, high five, jump over a bar, kiss, touch fist or target stick, bow, figure of 8 through legs, weave through your legs as you walk. Limit 5.
EQUIPMENT: You will need some low-cost (or no-cost) equipment, such as a cardboard box big enough for your dog to stand in with the sides cut down low (one-quarter to one-third the dog’s leg length). It would also be useful for you to have a clicker: a small hand-held device used to mark a precise point where your dog is doing what you want. Clickers are available at pet supply stores or from chewy.com and amazon.com. Use of a clicker is not required, but the instructor highly recommends that you at least experiment with one.
PREREQUISITE: SOTC Basic grad or permission. Students must have basic control of their dogs. No dog-reactive or food-aggressive dogs (there will be some throwing of treats, and some of the dogs will be moving fast).
MEETINGS: 4 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $36 or 4 points, non-members $52
- CANCELLED TRX1-TU445 Tuesday 4:45pm starting 1/10
Instructor Lynn Miller, assistant Barb Reuter
Rally
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 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: 4 meetings, 60 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $36 or 4 points, non-members $52
- FULL, WAITLIST CLOSED RAL1-SA9 Saturday 9am starting 1/7 (will NOT meet on 1/21, 2/4)
Instructor Kathy Morse, assistant Janine Ramsden
Rally Novice / Intermediate
Work on the Novice and Advanced signs for dogs not ready to work offlead. Limit 6-8.
PREREQUISITE: SOTC Basic graduate or permission. Dogs should have had some prior obedience training and be able to walk nicely on 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
- FULL WAITLIST FORMING RAL2-TU6 Tuesday 6pm starting starting 1/10 (will NOT meet on 2/14)
Instructor Kathy Morse, assistant Lisa Williams
Rally Intermediate
For teams working on the Advanced exercises but not ready to go off-lead. Courses with instruction. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: SOTC Basic graduate or permission. Dogs should have had some prior obedience training and be able to walk nicely on lead. Students must crate their dogs while they walk the course.
MEETINGS: 4 meetings, 90 minutesPRICE: SOTC members $36 or 4 points, non-members $52
- CLOSED RAL2-TH330 Thursday 3:30pm starting 1/5
Co-instructors Pat John & Mary Walker
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: 4 meetings, 60 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $36 or 4 points, non-members $52
- FULL, WAITLIST CLOSED RAL3-SA1015 Saturday 10:15am starting starting 1/7 (will NOT meet on 1/21, 2/4)
Instructor Kathy Morse, assistant Francine Bassett
Rally Excellent
Courses with instruction. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: RA title or permission of instructor. 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
- FULL, WAITLIST CLOSED RAL4-M11 Monday 11am starting 1/9
Instructor Debbie Keith, assistant Anne Kernan
Rally Master
Courses with instruction. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: RE title; or RN and CD; or permission of instructor. 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
- FULL, WAITLIST CLOSED RAL5-M1230 Monday 12:30pm starting 1/9
Instructor Pat John, assistant Jennifer Taylor
Competition Obedience
Young Dog Competition 2
A continuation of the fall class. Limit 6.
NOTE: This is the 2nd 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 will have priority for enrolling in YDC2 and YDC3.
PREREQUISITE: For those who took the fall class.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points
- CLOSED | YDC2-TH6 | Thursday 6pm starting 1/5 (will NOT meet on 2/2, 2/16)
Co-instructors Kathy McCloskey & Donna Schmidt
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: 4 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $36 or 4 points, non-members $52
- FULL, WAITLIST CLOSED NOV2-M7 Monday 7pm starting 1/16 (will not meet on 1/23)
Co-instructors Sue Eaton & Kelly Mueller
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. Limited to students continuing from the previous session.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 90 minutesPRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
- CLOSED | OUF-M215 Monday 2:15pm starting 1/9
Instructor Dottie Hamblin, assistant Toni Tuck
Intro to Open
An introduction to the Open exercises. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE:
MEETINGS: 4 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $36 or 4 points, non-members $52
- OPN1-M5 Monday 5pm starting starting 1/16 (will NOT meet on 1/23)
Instructor Kathy Helmke
Advanced Open / Intro to Utility
For those who have learned all the Open exercises and want to start training for Utility. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: Working knowledge of all the Open exercises
MEETINGS: 4 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $36 or 4 points, non-members $52
- FULL, WAITLIST CLOSED OPN3-M6 Monday 6pm starting 1/16 (will NOT meet on 1/23)
Instructor Kathy Helmke, assistant Sue Eaton
Scentwork
Scentwork classes are held offsite, at American High (the old A.V. Zogg Middle School), 800 4th St., Liverpool.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 6-8.
PREREQUISITE: None! But no aggressive dogs.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $79 (or 6pts + $25), non-members $104
- FULL, WAITLIST CLOSED SCT1-TH3 Thursday 3pm starting 1/5
Instructor Nan Bonnell, assistant Heather Lane
Novice / Advanced Scentwork
For those who have the basics of scentwork and need more experience with different container and interior set-ups. Limit 6-8.
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Introduction to Scentwork or one leg earned at a Novice-level scentwork trial. Preference given to those who took the instructor's fall class.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $79 (or 6pts + $25), non-members $104
- FULL, WAITLIST CLOSED SCT2-TH6 Thursday 6pm starting 1/5
Instructor Terri Botsford, assistant TBA
- FULL, WAITLIST CLOSED SCT2-TH7 Thursday 7pm starting 1/5
Instructor Terri Botsford, assistant TBA
Fun Games & Practice Hides
In this class we are going to have lots of fun by using scentwork games to target and improve both fundamental and advanced scentwork skills. In addition to the games, there will be container and interior hides set up to practice and enhance both dog and handler search skills in order to achieve the best possible outcome for the team. Limit 8.
PREREQUISITE: This class is intended for dog/handler teams who already know the basics of a scentwork search and are capable of conducting a search for at least one interior hide.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 75 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $79 (or 6pts + $25), non-members $104
- FULL, WAITLIST CLOSED SCT3-TH4 Thursday 4pm starting 1/5
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 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. Non-members may use a guest crate, if available, or bring their own crate each time and carry it out after class.
Agility Foundations
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. Dogs should be at least 5 months old.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
- AFN-W630 Wednesday 6:30pm starting 1/11
Instructor Janine Ramsden, assistant Jennifer Precourt
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 Beginner Agility. Dogs should be at least 8 months old. Preference given to students repeating the class at the recommendation of the instructor.
*** Six-week versions of class:
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 90 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 9 points, non-members $102
- FULL, WAITLIST CLOSED AGL1-W5 Wednesday 5pm starting 1/11
Instructor Dottie Hamblin, assistant Janine Ramsden
- FULL, WAITLIST CLOSED AGL1-TH745 Thursday 7:45pm starting 1/5 (will NOT meet on 1/19, 2/2, 2/16)
Co-instructors Sandy Madaio & Diane Eggleston, assistant Meg Donley
*** Four-week version of class (for fall Foundations students only):
MEETINGS: 4 meetings, 90 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $48 or 6 points, non-members $68
- FULL, WAITLIST CLOSED AGL1-SA10 Saturday 10am starting 1/7 (will NOT meet on 1/21, 2/4)
Instructor Janine Ramsden, assistant Jamie Ohman
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: 6 meetings, 90 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 9 points, non-members $102
- AGL2-M630 Monday 6:30pm starting 1/16
Co- instructors Scott Reichinger & Lindsey Blaine, assistant Amy Shaw
Virtual Agility Sequences: Focus on Fundamentals
A 6-week on-line class.
Each week’s lesson will consist of a few drills (using 3 or 4 jumps and a tunnel) and one longer sequence (10-12 obstacles). Class will include an in-person Orientation consisting of two parts: one focusing on safe and efficient course building, the other (optional) focusing on the tech side: how to video, upload, post, use YouTube/Facebook, etc.).
PREREQUISITE: The drills and sequences are appropriate for students who have successfully completed SOTC's Advanced Beginner class (or beyond). Students should be able to perform most obstacles with some independence.How it will work
Registered students will get an invite to join a Facebook group set up for this class. Each week we will post course maps and videos of the drills and sequence. Students are then expected to schedule an Open Training session, set up the course, and video themselves running it. Students will then submit their videos to the Facebook group and will receive instructor feedback (verbal and visual, using video editing software) a few days later. Students are encouraged to communicate through the Facebook group and to work together when feasible. Limited in-person instruction may also be available.
What you will need
a video recording device (any tablet or smart phone will work)
a way to upload videos
a (free) YouTube account
a (free) Facebook account
MEETINGS: In-person Orientation on a date to be announced
PRICE: SOTC members $36 or 4.5 points, non-members $51 (price includes 2 hours of Open Training; price for additional OT sessions is $5 for members, $10 for non-members)
- VAS-2023WIN | Co-instructors Emily Hamilton, Ashleigh Reeve & Scott Reichinger
** New Class! ** 2on/2off Contacts
Contacts training / proofing for dogs at all levels, whether starting from scratch or retraining contacts. Method used will be 2on/2off. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: Dogs must be old enough to do full-height contacts (at least 12 months of age). Dogs must be able to work loose in the ring with other dogs, since multiple dogs will be working at the same time at different stations.
Meetings: 6 meetings, 60 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
- AGC-TU345 Tuesday 3:45pm starting 1/10 (will NOT meet on 2/14)
Instructor Karen Vanderburgh, assistant Pam Renock
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, WAITLIST CLOSED AGW-TU5 Tuesday 5pm starting 1/10 (will NOT meet on 2/14)
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
FULL, WAITLIST CLOSED AGV-TH5 Thursday 5pm starting 1/5 (will NOT meet on 1/19, 2/2, 2/16)
Co-instructors Jeri Fishack & Kris Hart
** New Class! ** Canine Body Awareness
The purpose of this focus class is to promote body awareness in dogs who are going to do or are already involved in dog sports such as obedience / rally, canine freestyle dance, and agility. Exercises will include backing up onto various obstacles for hind-end awareness, walking on and turning around on low planks, use of Cavalettis, agility poles and wings, and pivot work. Class will be tailored to the level that the dog is at.
This class will be held in the agility ring. Students may need to bring certain items to class (list to be sent prior to start of class).
Limit 6 dog and handler teams
PREREQUISITE: Open to dogs of any age, but puppies and young dogs would benefit the most. Dogs must be able to be around other dogs in the ring at the same time.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 90 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 9 points
- FULL, WAITLIST CLOSED CBA-F1030 Friday 10:30am starting 1/6 (will meet Jan 6 & 13, Feb 10 & 24, March 3 & 10)
Instructor Linda Kaufman
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 1/10 (will NOT meet on 2/14, 2/21)
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 1/10 (will NOT meet on 2/14, 2/21)
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
- AGL6-TH615 Thursday 6:15pm starting 1/5 (will NOT meet on 1/19, 2/2, 2/16)
Co-instructors Sandy Madaio & Diane Eggleston