Registration is open for June/July term.
Registration closes June 16 after 5pm. The drop in classes are posted after the limited enrollment classes.
June/July term classes begin: Mon, June 22 (classes meet weekly for 6 weeks, unless otherwise noted) and end Fri, July 31.
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: Click HERE to register for classes
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 June 16 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 June/July 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 5:00-5:30 pm (puppies 3-6 months old ) Deb Hughes Limit 6
MON 5:30-6 pm (puppies 6-10 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.
THUR 7:00-7:30 pm Roxann Wilkinson 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!
THUR 7:45-8:15 pm Roxann Wilkinson Limit 8
CGC & Community Canine (CGCA) Preparation and Skills
Pre-requisites: Have taken a basic obedience class. Tune up your loose leash walking while working on the other skills required for passing the AKC CGC or CGCA test. This class will improve the bond between you and your dog through training. The Obedience Training Club of Greater Lansing offers the CGC/ CGCA test periodically and this class will get you ready to take that test.
TUE 7:15-7:45 pm Linda Alkema Limit 5
Understanding Your Insecure Dog
Have you ever wished your dog could tell you how they are feeling? Have you ever been surprised by an outburst, or left scratching your head? This class is a deep dive into canine body language, and is a recommended first step before reactive dog classes. This class is most appropriate for any dog that is shy, fearful, anxious, or struggling with aggression, but anyone looking to understand their dog better is welcome. This is not a training class where we focus on commands. Instead, it is a learning experience focused on helping you become an expert at reading your own dog’s subtle communication signals.
You will learn about the Fear, Anxiety, and Stress Scale and Ladder of Aggression to identify reactions before they escalate. By learning to step in the moment your dog feels uncomfortable, you become their advocate and build a bond based on trust. To keep everyone relaxed, dogs will stay in private, sight-blocked pens. We use short, controlled exercises to help you observe your dog’s unique triggers in real-time, without pushing them past their limit. You will be provided with weekly homework to help you practice these observation skills at home.
Please use a flat collar or well-fitted harness with a standard 6-foot leash. No retractable leashes.. Bring plenty of high-value rewards like chicken or cheese, plus a favorite chew or non-squeaky toy to help your dog settle in their pen.
You will walk away with the understanding needed to support your dog in the real world, and the confidence to move forward into more advanced training with your canine partner. Join us to bridge the communication gap and start seeing the world through your dog’s eyes.
WED 7:00 - 7:30 pm Instructor: Jamie Kiefer 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. This is a 5 week class. No class June 24. Fee: $65
WED 6:15-6:45 pm Jan McLean Limit 10
Therapy Dog 2: Evaluation Practice
Prerequisite: Dog must be at least 2 years old, have either successfully completed Therapy Dog 1 and/or be able to demonstrate basic obedience skills in a group training environment. If handler did not complete Therapy Dog 1 contact the instructor prior to sign up to ensure understanding of therapy dog requirements. Canine Good Citizen (CGC) testing is recommended but not required.
This class is for handlers who have decided they are ready to pursue requirements for therapy dog evaluation. It will practice skills needed to make a good therapy dog and a good therapy dog handler. Handlers will be expected to regularly practice tasks outside of class and off site training opportunities may be offered. Love on a Leash (LOAL) controlled evaluation can be coordinated at the completion of this class.
THUR 6:30-7:15 pm Celeste Gerlach Limit 6
COMPETITIVE CLASSES
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
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 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 3:15-3:45 pm Vicki Bowerman Limit 6
FRI 10:00-10:45 am Margo Maidlow Limit 12
UKC Beginner Novice & Novice
This class is for juniors and other totally novice handlers who want to show in UKC events. Dogs should know heel and sit. We will focus on Beginner Novice for 2 or 3 weeks, then focus on Novice. Beginner Novice requires a jump, so dogs should be at least 8-9 months old.
WED 11:30-12:15 pm Shirley Robertson Limit 4
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 6:45-7:30 pm No class July 7. Make up Aug 4. Dick Hemmer Limit 10
WED 12:30-1:15 pm No class July 8. Make up Aug 5. Dick Hemmer Limit 10
FRI 11:00-11:45 am Margo Maidlow Limit 12
Preparation for the Novice Obedience Trial Ring
We will practice the basics (heelwork, stays, and recalls) each week, with some proofing along the way. Prerequisites: Dogs must know sit, down, recall, and be able to heel on a reasonably loose leash. This is not a beginner class.
WED 5:15-5:45 Marty Siegrist Limit 6
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
AKC 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
TUES 6:15-7:00 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 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
Jump Chute Class 2
Pre-requisite: Must have taken Jump Chute 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.
THURS 10:30-12:00 pm Terri Korthals Limit 3
SCENTWORK & RALLY
Intro to Odor
This class will introduce dogs to birch odor for nosework using a marker-based approach, in a way that lends itself towards developing a "nose freeze"-type indication. We will focus on fostering independent hunting from the start, as well as good habits regarding structuring nosework training sessions and odor hygiene. Handlers should be prepared to do a small amount of "homework" with their dogs outside of class to progress most efficiently. (Odor supplies to do so will be provided.)Bring your dog's FAVORITE treats and/or toy!Dogs should be very comfortable in the OTC training environment, since we want to avoid any negative associations with odor. Dogs should work in a back-connection harness, or flat/buckle/martingale collar - whatever the dog is most comfortable in.I recommend a lightweight line of 10-15 feet for searches - but some line options can be provided if handlers new to nosework want to try a couple line types before obtaining their own.
THUR 7:00-7:30 pm Carrie Pfeiffer/Shelly Barton Limit 4
THUR 7:30-8:00 pm Carrie Pfeiffer/Shelly Barton Limit 4
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.
WED 10:00-10:45 am Sandy Culver Limit 8
AKC Rally: Master
This class will focus on the Master level of Rally signs, including the proper performance of signs as needed.
TUES 5:30-6:30 pm Marilyn DeRoover 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.
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
AKC Open & Utility Floor Time
A drop in style class to help students who are currently competing or ready to compete at the Open or Utility level. Both rings will be set as if it were a trial. This class will focus on run throughs and trouble shooting exercises. Students will be encouraged to steward and assist one another. Please bring treats and/or toys for rewards.
THUR 1:00-1:45 pm Renee Baenen & Mary Ann Schropp
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. No class July 31.
FRI 12:00-12:45 pm Shirley Robertson
Conformation
MON 5:45-6:30 pm Deb Hughes
WED 6:00-6:45 pm Andria Carpenter
Table Top Conformation
FRI 4:00-4:45 pm Kimberly Bling
Rally
AKC Run Throughs: all levels
For those training or competing at the Novice, Intermediate, Advanced levels, as well as Excellent and Masters, upon request.
MON 7:00-8:00 pm Stacie Coates
AKC: Excellent & Master
For those training or competing at the Excellent or Master level.
WED 2:00-4:00 pm Sharon Atkins
AKC: Novice-Advanced
For those training or competing at the Novice, Intermediate, or Advanced level.
THUR 2-2:45 pm Diane Ahti/Brenda Royer
UKC: RO1 and RO2
For those training or competing at the R01 or R02 levels of UKC Rally.
WED 2:00-3:00 pm Sharon Atkins
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. No class May 13.
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