Class Descriptions

PUPPY KINDERGARTEN

This Puppy-K class follows the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program to provide fun, socialization, and basic training skills for puppies. S.T.A.R. stands for Socializing, Training, Activity and Responsibility. The focus is on puppy behavior issues and learning skills for both you and your puppy. The suggested age range is seven to 16 weeks. S.T.A.R. Puppy Testing and Certification is offered at the end of 6 classes. This class runs continuously and meets on Monday night for one hour. Please see the Class Calendar for the next available class.

BEGINNER

Beginner classes teach your dog how to come reliably when called, walk politely on a loose leash, heel by your side, pay attention to you, stop nuisance behaviors, and learn the classic sit-down-stay. This is our most popular class. We offer two Beginner classes each six weeks for one hour on Monday and Tuesday nights.  Please see the Class Calendar for the next available classes.  A current Rabies vaccination is required to join this class.

 

INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED

INTERMEDIATE  provides an opportunity to work on the skills learned in the Beginner Class to achieve better precision and to improve attention. Longer stays, faster recalls, and some hand signals are taught using a fun and positive approach. This is also the class where Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog exercises are taught. This six week class meets on Thursday night for one hour. See the Class Calendar for the next available classes.

ADVANCED is for dogs who have completed Intermediate or are proficient in Intermediate skills as determined by the instructor. This class continues to work on Therapy Dog exercises and begins preparation for Novice level competition and Rally. This six week class meets twice on Thursday night for one hour. See the Class Calendar for the next available classes. PDTC Training Members are given preference to train in this class.

RALLY

This Rally class teaches you how to read and perform Rally signs. Each week a new group of signs will be broken down according to AKC regulations. You and your dog will practice as a group and at the end of each class a mini run will be setup with the signs used during that class.  This six week class meets on Tuesday night for one hour. See the Class Calendar for the next available class. PDTC Training Members are given preference to train in this class.

COMPETITION OBEDIENCE TRAINING
 
  • NOVICE:  This class covers all the AKC Beginner Novice and Novice exercises; Heeling on and off leash (including Figure 8), Sit and Stand for Examination, Recalls/Finishes, and Sit/Down Stays.
  • OPEN:   This class covers all the AKC Open Exercises; Heeling off leash (including Figure 8), Command Discrimination, Drop on Recall, Retrieve on the flat and over the high jump, Broad Jump, and Stand for Examination.  The prerequisite for this class is that the dog must be reliable off leash.
  • UTILITY:  This class covers all the AKC Utility Exercises; Signals, Scent Discrimination (articles), Directed Retrieve (glove exercise), Moving Stand, and Directed Jumping (go outs). The prerequisites for this class is that the dog must be reliable off leash, as well as having a solid retrieve.
 
Novice, Open and Utility classes are held on Wednesday night and run continuously throughout the year.  See Class Calender for times of classes. Permission of the Instructor is required to participate.  Class sizes are limited and PDTC Training Members are given preference.