Class Descriptions
All breeds welcome — pure bred or mixed breed — from Puppy Kindergarten through Competition Obedience
Puppy Kindergarten AKC S.T.A.R.
Follows the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program — fun, socialization, and basic training skills for puppies. S.T.A.R. stands for Socializing, Training, Activity and Responsibility. Focuses on puppy behavior issues and learning skills for both you and your puppy.
S.T.A.R. Puppy Testing and Certification is offered at the end of six classes. This class runs continuously.
Beginner Most Popular
Teaches your dog 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.
We offer two Beginner classes each six-week period. A current Rabies vaccination is required.
Intermediate
Provides an opportunity to work on the skills learned in Beginner to achieve better precision and improve attention. Longer stays, faster recalls, and hand signals are taught using a fun and positive approach.
This is also where Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog exercises are taught.
Advanced
For dogs who have completed Intermediate or are proficient in Intermediate skills as determined by the instructor. Three tracks meet for 45 minutes each. PDTC Training Members are given preference.
Advanced 1 — 5:00pm
For trainees new to Advanced, non-PDTC Training Members, or those not wishing to train in the other Advanced classes.
Advanced BN — 5:45pm
For trainees preparing for their AKC Beginner Novice title.
Advanced 2 — 6:30pm
For trainees with at least one year in Advanced 1, proficient in ALL Advanced 1 exercises.
Rally
Teaches you how to read and perform AKC Rally signs. Each week a new group of signs is 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 set up with the signs used during class.
This class runs continuously. PDTC Training Members are given preference.
Competition Obedience
Covers all AKC exercises across three tracks. Class sizes are limited and PDTC Training Members are given preference. Permission of the instructor is required to participate.
- Novice — Heeling on and off leash (including Figure 8), Sit and Stand for Examination, Recalls/Finishes, and Sit/Down Stays.
- Open — Heeling off leash (Figure 8), Command Discrimination, Drop on Recall, Retrieve on the flat and over the high jump, Broad Jump, Stand for Examination. Dog must be reliable off leash.
- Utility — Signals, Scent Discrimination, Directed Retrieve, Moving Stand, and Directed Jumping. Dog must be reliable off leash with a solid retrieve.