Registration is closed.
The March/April classes are posted below. The drop in classes are posted after the limited enrollment classes.
March/April term classes begin: Mon, March 2 (classes meet weekly for 6 weeks, unless otherwise noted) and end Fri, April 10.
Fees: $80 for six 30 min sessions. $100 for six 45 min sessions. $150 for Reactive Dog and Tracking classes.
Click for Platinum Pass info.
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, link will be posted here when available
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. 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 March/April class schedule
Read class descriptions carefully. 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 pm (puppies 12 weeks to 5 months old) Deb Hughes Limit 6
MON 5:30-6 pm (puppies 5-10 months old) Jennie Weisenberger Limit 6
WED 5:30-6 pm (puppies 12 weeks to 6 months old) Peggy Cushard Limit 6
Family Dog
This class focuses on impulse control & manners for the family dog. Before your dog can walk politely down the street, they need to learn to ignore those tempting distractions that cause them to drag you down the sidewalk! We will focus on exercises & games to help your dog learn to keep their attention on you! Dogs must wear buckle or martingale collar or a harness (no prong or slip collars). Must be able to be around other dogs without barking. Bring lots of small, soft, high-value treats. Pre-requisite: 6 months old or completed puppy class
WED 7:00-7:30 pm Roxann Wilkinson Limit 6
Loose Leash Walking
Pre-requisite: Dogs should be at least 1 year old and have attended at least one class which introduced walking skills. This class is not suitable for those interested in improving obedience heeling or dogs with reactivity concerns, especially to other dogs.
Walking is a valuable skill for any dog to get appropriate exercise. If you are struggling to control your dog when they pull or drag you or just need some fine tuning of walking skills, this is the class for you. You will be introduced to options for equipment as well as training techniques to keep your dog close, gain attention/focus, and maintain a loose leash.
WED 7:15-7:45 pm Celeste Gerlach Limit 6
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). This class will cover sit, down, come, and stay (loose leash walking will be worked on as time allows) and your dog will think the two of you are just playing! 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!
WED 7:45-8:15 pm Roxann Wilkinson Limit 6
Come When Called
This class is for puppies & young adults who need a little extra help in training a happy recall, which can save your dog's life. A “stay” is not required but can be helpful. Not intended for competition obedience training, but may help. As the weeks progress, we add distance and distractions, as we teach you to teach your dog. There will be homework! No head halters allowed so dogs must be trained to a flat buckle or martingale collar. Up to two handlers per dog allowed in ring. This class meets 4 times: March 6, 13, 20, & April 10.
FRI 9-10 am Kelly Clark/Charlie Williams Limit 4 Fee: $85
Getting Started: Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Foundations & Skill Building
Pre-requisites: Dogs must be at least 6 months old, wear a flat collar and a 6-foot non-retractable leash, and be able to participate safely in a group class setting. Overly disruptive dogs may be excused at the instructor's discretion. This class focuses on teaching and strengthening the skills required for the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test. Over six weeks, teams will work on core CGC behaviors, including loose-leash walking, polite greetings, handling and grooming tolerance, reliability around distractions, and calm behavior in public settings. Instruction will be tailored to each team’s current skill level, making the class appropriate for brand-new beginners as well as those looking to refine existing skills.
THUR 6:30-7:15 pm Jamie Kiefer Limit 8
Tricks for the Home
Pre-requisites: Dogs must wear a flat collar and a 6-foot non-retractable leash, be comfortable working in a group setting, and have solid intermediate obedience skills. This is an advanced class for teams ready to move beyond the basics. This class teaches practical, real-world behaviors that can be used in everyday life at home. Teams will work on skills such as pushing doors closed, pressing buttons, turning lights on or off, pulling laundry from a basket, and other fun, useful tricks. Rather than strict obedience, this class will focus on shaping new behaviors, encouraging dogs to solve problems on their own, and supporting teams as they work through challenges — all while having fun and strengthening the bond between you and your dog.
THUR 7:15-8 pm Jamie Kiefer Limit 8
Canine Good Citizen: Prep and Skills
Pre-requisites: Dogs must be under control, understand basic obedience commands, and be able to walk on leash. Dogs should be at least 6 months old and have successfully completed a beginning obedience class. Due to differences in obedience class content and achievement the first class may include a screening to determine your dog's initial skills.
The CGC is a ten-skill training program that focuses on basic good manners and obedience, instilling the values of responsible ownership, and strengthening the bond between you and your dog at home and in the community. This class prepares you to take the CGC test offered by OTCGL several times a year and testing may be offered by the instructor at the completion of the class.
WED 6:15-7 pm Celeste Gerlach Limit 6
COMPETITIVE CLASSES
The classes below are designed for those who compete, but all are welcome.
AKC FETCH
This class will include an overview of FETCH rules and practicing throwing and retrieving for the AKC FETCH tests. Prerequisites: The dog must have a reliable retrieve of a ball, toy or bumper. This is not a class to teach a retrieve. The dog would also need to sit and a recall. AKC Fetch titles were created as another activity in which owners could have fun with their dogs in the AKC Family Dog Program. Earning AKC Fetch titles provides opportunities for both physical and mental exercise. While some dogs are natural retrievers, AKC Fetch, especially at the advanced levels, will involve teaching new skills such as retrieving.
MON 12:30-1:15 pm Kathy Hannah/September Kish Limit 5
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 uses positive reinforcement to teach skills 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 on building engagement through rewards and praise. Bring LOTS of high-value soft treats.
TUES 5:30-6:00 pm Vicki Bowerman Limit 6
WED 2:00-2:30 pm Vicki Bowerman Limit 6
FRI 10:00-10:45 am Margo Maidlow Limit 8
UKC Pre-Novice and Beginner Novice
This class is for juniors and other totally novice handlers who are just starting and want to show in UKC events. Dogs should know heel and sit. We will focus on Pre Novice for 2 or 3 weeks, then focus on Beginner Novice. BN requires a jump, so dogs should be at least 8-9 months old.
Tue 4:45-5:15 pm Shirley Robertson Limit 4
Errorless Learning Games
If you have ever heard the terms "errorless learning" or "loopy training" and wondered if these strategies could benefit your dog, this course is for you! This class will allow handlers to pick which of several errorless training "loops" they want to practice with their dog. Each of these "loops" can grow into several different goals, including tricks, competition skills, fitness, and cooperative care skills:
Movement puzzle loop: Can grow into jumping (directed jumping, broad jump), cavaletti, or environmental confidence/fitness challenges!
Dopamine box loop: Can grow into a confidence game for noise/touch sensitivity, marking for go-outs, or into the "put your toys away" trick!
Rear-foot target loop: Can grow into backing up, backing in heel position, or kickback stand!
Chin-rest loop: Can grow into a settle behavior, the "take a bow" trick, a cooperative exam, or a calm dumbbell hold!
Some handlers may want to try all the loops, or just focus on a couple. Some brief theory will be provided as needed to help handlers understand errorless training practices. To help handlers visualize how to "grow their training loops" towards their desired training goals, video examples of each progression will be available here.
No specific pre-requisite skills; just bring lots of treats and an open mind!
THUR 7-7:30 pm Carrie Pfeiffer Limit 5
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 positive reinforcement 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 6:30-7:15 pm Dick Hemmer Limit 8
WED 12:30-1:15 pm Dick Hemmer Limit 8
FRI 11:00-11:45 am Margo Maidlow Limit 8
Novice
This positive reinforcement class focuses on the skills necessary to execute the AKC Novice obedience exercises. Skills include: fronts, finishes, heel on and off leash, pivots, figure 8, stand for exam, recall, sit/stay get your leash, group sits & downs, and attention under distractions. Focus is on competitive obedience, but non-competitive handlers who want to improve their skills are welcome. Dogs should be at least 6 months old and should be able to sit, down, have a short stay, come when called, and walk on a loose leash. It is recommended to have taken a household manners/obedience or Beginner Novice class, but is not required.
WED 6:15-7 pm Renee Baenen Limit 6
THUR 10-10:45 am Renee Baenen Limit 6
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
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 Limit 6
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.
THURS 11:15-12:00 pm Renee Baenen Limit 6
Open
Pre-requisite: Must have taken Intro to Open class. Dogs should be able to work off leash. This class uses positive reinforcement and 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
WED 11:30-12:15 pm Cindy Jones Limit 6
C-WAGS - Level 3
CWAGs is another obedience/rally & scentwork venue that is a lot of fun to try and provides different challenges and games as well. The rules overall tend to be less strict and dogs can have a food reward at certain points in the ring. Teams can begin at level 1-3. Level 3 is off leash and exercises include: heeling, drop on recall, directed jump, go out-sit, find front, retrieve over broad jump & signal exercise. Some of these exercises tend to be like “beginner utility” level compared to other organizations. In this class, plan is to review basic overview and rules of CWAGs, teach & practice the exercises of level 3, do other related exercises. Prerequisites: ability to be off-leash around other dogs in the ring, retrieve dumbbell, jumping foundations. Ideal dog has foundation for starting drop on recall, go outs and signals. class description coming soon
TUE 7:30-8:15 pm Linda Alkema Limit 4
Competitive Problem Solving
Is there an exercise in Open or Utility you can’t seem to get a handle on? A new exercise that you would like to start teaching your dog? This is the class for you. Let’s put our heads together and see if we can help you solve your issues if that is what you would like to work on. If it is a new exercise, we will help you put the steps in place to lay a great foundation. If you are already competing at these levels we can also provide some proofing exercises.
THURS 6:00-6:45 pm Jodi Brunson Limit 5
Beginner Utility
Students will continue to refine and further learn the Utility exercises. Prerequisite: Intro to Utility class, or both dog and handler knowledegable in beginning all the AKC Utility exercises
TUES 6:30-7:15 pm Terri Korthals Limit 4
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 1:00-1:45 pm Cindy Jones Limit 4
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 do retrieving. 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
OTHER SPORTS
Intro to Rally
Pre-requisite: Dogs should have taken a beginning obedience class and be able to sit, down, have a short stay, and walk on a loose leash. Rally is a team sport where handlers and their dogs perform tasks using basic Rally Novice signs, such as sit, down, turns, and heel. Communication with commands, praise, and treats is encouraged. Benefits include stronger bonds, improved obedience, more exercise, and mental stimulation. This introductory class uses positive reinforcement and requires dogs to walk on a loose leash, sit, and down and have a short stay.
WED 10-10:45 am Sandy Culver Limit 6
AKC Rally: Novice
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 Novice Rally course set up each week so students can continue to learn/practice all the signs used in the Novice Rally level for competition.
WED 5:15-6 pm Marilyn DeRoover Limit 6
AKC Rally: Intermediate
This class will focus on the Intermediate level of Rally signs, including the proper performance of signs as needed.
TUES 5:30-6:15 pm Shirley Robertson/Karen Friderici Limit 6
DROP IN CLASSES
These classes 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.
Conformation
Brush up on your skills for the weekend shows! Beginners and junior handlers welcome!
MON 6:15-7 pm Deb Hughes
WED 12-12:45 pm Donna Colt
FRI 5-5:45 pm Denise Hawkins NO class March 27
Table Top Conformation
This class is focused on table top dogs, but other well-mannered dogs are welcome! Brush up on your skills for the weekend shows. Beginners and junior handlers welcome.
FRI 4-4:45 pm Kimberly Bling NO class March 27
Competitive Obedience 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 Rally: all levels
For those training or competing at any level of UKC Rally.
WED 2:15-4 pm Sharon Atkins
AKC Rally: Novice-Advanced
For those training or competing at the Novice, Intermediate, or Advanced levels of Rally.
THUR 2-2:45 pm Diane Ahti/Brenda Royer
Scentwork Practice
For dogs who have already had an odor introduction. This class will focus on preparing for competition. We will practice AKC elements, including containers, buried, and interiors. If weather permits we will also do vehicle searches.
WED 4:30-5:15 pm Shelly Barton
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 No class March 27