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Scroll down for Oct/Nov class schedule.
Oct/Nov term classes begin: Mon, Oct 19 (classes meet weekly for 6 weeks, unless otherwise noted) and end Wed, Nov 25. No classes on Thanksgiving Day and the day after Thanksgiving (Nov 26 & 27).
Fees: $100 for six 30 min sessions. $125 for six 45 min sessions. Due to Thanksgiving, Thurs & Fri classes this term will have 5 sessions. $200 for Reactive Dog, Tracking, & other special classes.
REGISTRATION PROCESS
Note: Platinum Pass holders will receive a coupon code to use when registering. The code is in your confirmation email. It is labeled as “certificate code.”
Step 1: Review class descriptions and decide which class(es) you wish to take.
Step 2: Registration is closed
Payment: Payment is required at the time of registration. You can use a debit/credit card or Apple Pay. No checks or cash payments. Platinum pass holders will use a coupon code.
Confirmation: An e-mail confirmation will be sent after submitting your registration form. If you do not receive a confirmation you are NOT registered. Try to register again and send an e-mail to: otcglreg@gmail.com
Wait List: If a class is full, you may send an email to be placed on a wait list. No registrations permitted after registration closes on Oct 13 EXCEPT those on a waitlist. The wait list is maintained only for the current term. Classes with less than 3 students when registration closes will be cancelled.
Scroll down for Oct/Nov class schedule
Read class descriptions carefully. Changes are possible before registration opens. Do NOT register for a class if you do not meet the pre-requisites. Students who do not meet the pre-requisites, may be excused by the instructor and their fee refunded, less a $10 administrative fee. Not all classes are offered each term.
PET CLASSES
STAR Puppy
The STAR Puppy program is designed to get dog owners and their puppies off to a good start. It is an excellent first training class for puppies and provides a lead-in to the AKC Canine Good Citizen program. Handlers must attend all 6 class sessions to take the test and obtain the certificate.
MON 5:30-6:00 pm (puppies 6-10 months old) Jennie Weisenberger Limit 6
MON 6:00-6:30 pm (puppies 3-6 months old ) Deb Hughes Limit 6
WED 5:30-6:00 pm (puppies 12 weeks to 6 months old) Peggy Cushard Limit 6
Puppy Jump Start
This class is designed to help you raise a calm, confident, and well-behaved dog. Instead of group play, we focus on teaching your puppy to ignore distractions, stay relaxed in new places, and feel comfortable with gentle handling for grooming and vet visits - giving your puppy real-world skills they'll use forever. Puppies must wear flat collar or harness and be on 4-6 foot leash. No retractable leashes. Please bring: High-value treats: Soft, small treats (or their dinner) in a treat pouch; stationing mat (small blanket/bath mat/pad) for puppy’s home base; and a quiet chew (stuffed kong, lickimat, or their favorite non-squeaky toy) for rest breaks.
WED 6:30-7:00 pm (puppies 8 weeks to 6 months on week 1 of class) Jamie Kiefer Limit 8
Let’s Play! Using Games to Teach Obedience
Like small children, most dogs learn best in short, active sessions. If the games are fun and interesting your dog will learn and remember them much more quickly, and because the dog is an active part of the process, they are more likely to comply when asked to do something that isn’t as much fun (like staying still or going into their crate). All you need is some enthusiasm, a big bag of small soft treats, a 4-6 foot leash, and a buckle or martingale collar or harness (no prong or slip collars) A willingness to act a bit silly is a bonus!
This term there will be 3 Let’s Play classes to choose from:
Let’s Play: Impulse Control
This class is for dogs (or puppies) who are struggling with self control (jumping on people, losing their minds when they get excited, etc) The games will focus on self control (sitting for greeting, lying quietly on a mat, waiting for permission, etc)
WED 6:30-7:00 pm Roxann WIlkinson Limit 6
Let’s Play: Focus and Engagement
This class is for dogs (or puppies) who do fine at home but once they walk out the door, the brain turns off and they have no idea what “sit” or “come” means. The games will focus on paying attention to you while ignoring the other dogs and people in the environment.
WED 7:15-7:45 pm Roxann Wilkinson Limit 8
Let’s Play: Come and Go
This class is for dogs (and puppies) who have taken a Let’s Play or Family Dog class who need to work on coming when called or walking politely on leash. We will cover both but focus on whichever is most needed by the dogs in the class.
WED 8:00-8:30 pm Roxann Wilkinson Limit 8
Musical Freestyle Foundations
Would you like to learn to dance with your dog? This class will cover the basics of putting together a routine, combining basic obedience, dog tricks and creative movement to music. It is a great way to increase the bond between handler and dog. Tricks, transitions, and choreography will be discussed so bring your creative mind. This class is open to beginners as well as those who have taken the class before and are looking for more ideas and practice.
WED 5:30-6:00 pm Jan McLean Limit 10
Put It In Your Mouth! Building Cooperative Toy Play
Does your dog not bring the toy back? Do they not care about the toy at all? Have you struggled to teach the dog to hold a retrieve item? Would you love to play cooperative fetch/tug games in way that’s fun for both you and the dog? This class will help you teach your dog the ‘structure’ of fetch and tug – whether purely for fun, to use toys as a training reward, or to build towards a formal retrieve. Pre-requisites: Dogs need to be willing to eat treats with enthusiasm and generally be comfortable in a small group class. Handlers will need some ability to move dynamically, including some bending over and walking backwards. It will be helpful if the dog is reliable enough to work on a dropped leash/drag line for some portions of the class. The dog does not need to have tons of "toy drive" and does not need to have a formal retrieve! Please bring lots of high value treats (ideally soft/ moist). Optional: back-clip harness the dog is comfortable with (to attach a drag line). No class Thanksgiving Day. 5 session class. Fee: $85.
THUR 7:45-8:15 pm Carrie Pfeiffer Limit 8
Loose Leash Walking/Focused Heeling
This class will identify aids to help correct lagging behind, forging ahead, sniffing the ground, and dealing with distractions. Bring soft treats. If your dog is NOT food oriented bring their favorite toy.
MON 7:15-8:00 pm Pat Mann Limit 8
Movement Puzzle Class
No prerequisites. Movement puzzles help build proprioception, confidence and real-life problem-solving skills! Starting with simple bowl to bowl shaping over simple obstacles transitioning to complex courses to engage your pet’s mind. There are many benefits to movement puzzles. In addition, it helps build proprioception which is just a fancy word for body control & awareness! Strong body control and awareness can be the thing that helps your dog catch themselves before they slip on a wet floor, adjust on uneven ground, or recover from a stumble instead of turning it into an injury. In addition to proprioception, dogs benefit from errorless learning to build confidence with unfamiliar surfaces and movements and build engagement for future training. Thinking while moving is the game!
WED 7:15-8:00 pm Shelly Barton Limit 6
COMPETITIVE CLASSES
Designed for those who compete, but all are welcome.
Put It In Your Mouth! Building Cooperative Toy Play
Does your dog not bring the toy back? Do they not care about the toy at all? Have you struggled to teach the dog to hold a retrieve item? Would you love to play cooperative fetch/tug games in way that’s fun for both you and the dog? This class will help you teach your dog the ‘structure’ of fetch and tug – whether purely for fun, to use toys as a training reward, or to build towards a formal retrieve. Pre-requisites: Dogs need to be willing to eat treats with enthusiasm and generally be comfortable in a small group class. Handlers will need some ability to move dynamically, including some bending over and walking backwards. It will be helpful if the dog is reliable enough to work on a dropped leash/drag line for some portions of the class. The dog does not need to have tons of "toy drive" and does not need to have a formal retrieve! Please bring: Lots of high value treats (ideally soft/ moist). Optional: back-clip harness the dog is comfortable with (to attach a drag line).No class Thanksgiving Day. 5 session class. Fee: $85.
THUR 7:45-8:15 pm Carrie Pfeiffer Limit 8
Movement Puzzle Class
No prerequisites. Movement puzzles help build proprioception, confidence and real-life problem-solving skills! Starting with simple bowl to bowl shaping over simple obstacles transitioning to complex courses to engage your pet’s mind. There are many benefits to movement puzzles. In addition, it helps build proprioception which is just a fancy word for body control & awareness! Strong body control and awareness can be the thing that helps your dog catch themselves before they slip on a wet floor, adjust on uneven ground, or recover from a stumble instead of turning it into an injury. In addition to proprioception, dogs benefit from errorless learning to build confidence with unfamiliar surfaces and movements and build engagement for future training. Thinking while moving is the game!
WED 7:15-8:00 pm Shelly Barton Limit 6
Musical Freestyle Foundations
Would you like to learn to dance with your dog? This class will cover the basics of putting together a routine, combining basic obedience, dog tricks and creative movement to music. It is a great way to increase the bond between handler and dog. Tricks, transitions, and choreography will be discussed so bring your creative mind. This class is open to beginners as well as those who have taken the class before and are looking for more ideas and practice.
WED 5:30-6:00 pm Jan McLean Limit 10
AKC Beginner Novice
Pre-requisite: Dogs should be able to sit, down, come when called, have a short stay, walk on a loose leash, and have taken a beginning obedience class. Class covers the skills needed to compete in Beginner Novice: heel on leash, figure 8, sit/down/stay, recall with fronts, and sit for exam. Focus is on competitive obedience, but non-competitive handlers are welcome. Focus is on building engagement through rewards and praise. Bring LOTS of high-value soft treats. Due to Thanksgiving holiday, these classes will have 5 sessions. Fee: $105.
THUR 6:00-6:45 pm Renee Baenen Limit 6
FRI 10:00-10:45 am Margo Maidlow Limit 12
AKC Beginner Novice/Intro to Novice
Pre-requisite: Dogs should be able to sit, down, come when called, have a short stay, walk on a loose leash, and have taken a beginning obedience class. This class will focus on the skills to compete in Beginner Novice (heel on leash, figure 8, sit/down/stay, recall with fronts, and sit for exam), as well as beginning the skills necessary to compete in Novice, including off-leash heeling, fronts/finishes, and stand for exam. Focus is on competitive obedience, but non-competitive handlers are welcome. This is a positive reinforcement class which will build engagement through rewards and praise. Bring lots of high-value, soft treats.
TUES 5:45-6:15 pm Vicki Bowerman Limit 6
WED 1:30-2:00 pm Vicki Bowerman Limit 6
AKC Novice
Dogs should be at least 6 months old and able to sit, down, stay, come when called, & walk on a loose leash. Beginner Novice is NOT a pre-requisite to take this class. This class focuses on the Novice exercises (heel on leash, figure 8, heel free, stand for exam, recall with finish, sit/stay get your leash, and group sits & downs). Focus is on competitive obedience, but non-competitive handlers who want to improve their skills are welcome.
TUES 7:00-7:45 pm Dick Hemmer Limit 10
FRI 11:00-11:45 am Margo Maidlow Limit 12 No class Nov 27 (day after Thanksgiving). 5 session class. Fee: $105.
AKC Novice/Intro to Open
This class will focus on the Novice exercises and introduce students to the Open exercises.
MON 6:15-7 pm Cindy Jones Limit 8
Grad Novice/Intro to Open
This class will focus on the skills necessary to move from Novice to Grad Novice and/or Open. Dogs and handlers should be ready to compete or already competing at the Novice level. Dogs should be able to work on and off leash. Completion of a Novice obedience class is recommended.
TUES 7:30-8:15 pm Linda Alkema Limit 5
Open Prep
Pre-requisites: Dogs and handlers should be ready to compete or already competing at the AKC Novice level. Dogs should be able to sit, down, stand, stay, come when called, and work on and off leash. It is recommended to have completed a Novice obedience class, but not required. This positive reinforcement class focuses on the skills necessary to move from AKC Novice to Open. We will focus on off leash obedience with special attention on heelwork, while introducing retrieves on the flat and over a jump, position changes, recall with a drop, and the broad jump. No class on Thanksgiving. 5 session class. Fee: $105.
THUR 5:00-5:45 pm Renee Baenen Limit 6
AKC Open
Pre-requisite: Must have taken Intro to Open class. Dogs should be able to work off leash. This class uses positive reinforcement to teach the Open exercises: off leash heeling, off leash figure 8, command discrimination, drop on recall, retrieve on flat, high jump, broad jump, and stand/get your leash.
MON 10:00-10:45 am Marty Siegrist Limit 4
TUES 6:30-7:15 pm Cindy Rice Limit 5
WED 11:30-12:15 pm Cindy Jones Limit 6
AKC Utility
Pre-requisite: Must have taken Open or Intro to Utility class and be able to perform Open exercises. This class focuses on training and proofing the Utility Obedience exercises: signals, scent discrimination, directed jumping, directed retrieve, and moving stand.
MON 11:00-11:45 am Marty Siegrist Limit 4
WED 12:30-1:15 pm Cindy Jones Limit 4
THUR 6:00-6:45 pm Jodi Brunson Limit 4 No class on Thanksgiving. 5 session class. Fee: $105.
UKC Utility
This class will introduce the Utility exercises for UKC, including the Marked and Signal Retrieves, Consecutive Recalls, plus the more familiar Signal Exercise (Signals and Heeling), and Directed Jumping. Dog needs to be a reliable off leash heeler and able to retrieve. Owners must have three gloves and at least one of the following: 6 metal or leather or wood articles.
TUES 10:30-11:30 pm Terri Korthals Limit 3
Jump Chute Class 1
This class is for dogs who have a jumping problem, or are naturally clumsy jumpers. The purpose is to correct established problems or to encourage and develop proper jumping styles. There is some set up required, and each dog is measured and jumped separately. It is good for obedience, agility or any other dog sport that requires jumping. A chute of five jumps will help the dog learn to adapt his body to use the most efficient style to jump. Rhythm, impulsion, and adaption to various jumps will be taught. Fee: $105
THURS 10:30-12:00 pm Terri Korthals Limit 3 No class on Thanksgiving. 5 session class.
SCENTWORK & RALLY
Scentwork Games
This class is for dogs that are experienced in searching for odor and looking for fun challenges. Based on CWAGS, searches will combine games as well as develop skills for all venues of nosework.
MON 12:30-1:15 pm Kathy Hannah/Marty Siegrist Limit 6
AKC: Intro to Rally Obedience
This class is for those who want to learn Rally Obedience. Focus will be on understanding Rally signs and proper execution. Dogs must be able to walk on a loose leash and know basic obedience commands.
TUES 6:00-6:45 pm Pat Mann Limit 6
AKC Rally: Intermediate/Advanced
Pre-requisite: Dogs should have taken an Intro/Beginning Rally class or a beginner obedience class and have basic knowledge of what Rally is about. Dogs should be able to sit, down, have a short stay, and walk on a loose leash. This class will have a different Intermediate/Advanced Rally course set up each week so students can continue to learn/practice all the signs used in the Intermediate/Advanced Rally level for competition. We will add a few Excellent signs as students progress and as time permits.
WED 10:00-10:45 am Sandy Culver Limit 8
AKC Rally: Excellent
This class is for students working or competing at the Excellent level. A different Excellent course will be set up each week. A walk-through will be provided during the first 5 minutes of the class. Dogs must be crated during the walk through.
TUES 5:00-6:00 pm Marilyn DeRoover Limit 8
AKC Rally: Intro to Master Rally Signs
This class is for students who have been working or competing at the Excellent level and are ready to learn the Master signs. No class on Thanksgiving. 5 session class. Fee: $105.
THUR 5:00-5:45 pm Marilyn DeRoover Limit 5
DROP IN CLASSES
These classes begin Mon, Oct 19 and are for those who already have basic knowledge or skills. Instructors lead class and answer questions, but may not offer individual attention. Registration not required. $15 per session (juniors $10). Free unlimited drop in classes with Platinum Pass. No classes on Thanksgiving or day after Thanksgiving.
Competitive Obedience
AKC Run Throughs: Beginner Novice to Utility
This class allows dogs/handlers to do a competitive obedience run through at the Beginner Novice (no signs), Novice, Open, or Utility level. Depending on the number of participants each week, students may receive 1 or 2 run throughs.
MON 7:15-8 pm Pete Ostlund
UKC Novice and Open
This class is for people and dogs already familiar with AKC Novice and Open who want to try UKC. We will focus on the differences including Greeting the Judge, Jump in Novice, Socialized greeting in Open, Walker in Open for heeling and drop on recall, and Honor down in Novice.
FRI 12:00-12:45 pm Shirley Robertson
Conformation
Weekly practice for both novice and experienced handlers. Learn the basics of ring etiquette including: hand stacking, free stacking, ramp or table work, and gaiting patterns. Please bring your dog on a show chain and use a comfortable lead. Bring lots of bait (treats).
THUR 7:00-7:45 pm Jean & Tim Musson
Rally
AKC: Novice-Advanced
For those training or competing at the Novice, Intermediate, or Advanced level. NOTE: class will start 15 minutes earlier this term!
THUR 2:00-2:45 pm Diane Ahti
UKC: RO3 and ROM
For those training or competing at the R03 or R0M levels of UKC Rally.
WED 2:00-4:00 pm Sharon Atkins
Musical Freestyle
This class will concentrate on planning and refining routines, working on more difficult tricks, and practice routines.
WED 6:15-7:00 pm Jan McLean
Flyball
Does your dog love tennis balls? Looking for something fun to try with your dog? Come check out fly ball! It’s a fast paced relay race where teams of dogs run over a series of jumps, release the ball, and get back as fast as they can. This class generally is held continuously (including the breaks between terms), however is sometimes cancelled due to set up requirements for week-end events such as OTC trials and matches.
FRI 6:30-9 pm Terri Korthals