Class Prerequisites

Each handler must start in a beginner obedience class unless certification or demonstration (of the dog) shows that the dog may enter a more advanced class.  It is strongly recommended that dogs be at least five (5) months of age before being enrolled in the beginner class.  All dogs are required to have proof of current rabies vaccination before attending a training class.   The rabies vaccination is required to be current at all times or the dog will be suspended from class until proof is rendered.   Additional vaccinations recommended to be current include DHPL, Parvo, Corona, and Bordetella.

Each class has certain requirements that the dog/handler should meet before entering.

• Beginners
  • Appropriate for dogs and handlers with little or no obedience training.
  • Dogs and handler who want a refresher course in the basics.
  • Occasionally this class is taught with a clicker.
• Advanced Beginners
  • Knows the "heel" position.
  • Can walk on a loose leash without pulling.
  • Will sit and down on command.
  • Can sit stay (on lead) for a short time.
  • Can down stay (on lead) for a short time.
• Novice
  • Knows the "heel" position.
  • Can walk at heel position (on-lead).
  • Can stay (handler 5-10 feet away).
    • Sit: 30 seconds.
    • Down: 1 minute.
• Open
  • Heels on-lead (Novice pattern) and knowledge of footwork.
  • Reliable recall.
  • 'Fronts'.
  • Stands for examination.
  • Can perform 'Novice' stays.
    • Sit: 1 minute.
    • Down: 3 minutes.
• Utility
  • Heels off-lead (Novice pattern).
  • Recall (as per Novice) with finish.
  • Retrieves on flat.
  • Static retrieve.
  • Can perform stays with handler in sight
    • Sit: 2 minutes.
    • Down: 5 minutes.
• Attention & Handling
  • Knows the "heel" position.
  • Can walk at heel position (on-lead).
  • Will sit and down on command.
  • Can sit stay (on lead) for a short time.
  • Can down stay (on lead) for a short time.
• Rally
  • Skills
    • The dog should be able to walk on a loose lead at or near Heel position at the handler's left side.
    • The dog should "Sit" and "Down" reasonably promptly on command or hand signal.
    • The dog should "Stay" in both the Sit and Down positions for a short time, on lead.
  • Advanced
    • The handler should understand AKC Rally signs #1 through 31.
    • The dog should be able to perform the exercises described in Signs # 1 through 31.
    • The dog should be able to perform a Novice level Rally course or a Novice obedience heeling pattern on a totally loose lead, and be ready to start off lead heeling.
• Conformation
  • Dog can walk on leash.
  • Dog will allow an exam.
  • Dog will stand.

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