Obedience Classes

We try to maintain a number of different levels of obedience classes so everyone can get advice suited to their current needs. Please talk to one of the instructors if you are unsure which class is best for you.

Introductory class

This class is suited to people with young puppies or older dogs with little experience in obedience training. It aims to teach handlers how to communicate with their dogs and begin training basic behaviours. Please note that we accept puppies as soon as final vaccinations have been given, so if you have taken advantage of early vaccination, your pup can begin the vital socialization process from as young as 11 weeks.

Level 1

This class focuses on improving handler skills, emphasizing use of voice and body language, correct timing, and use of praise and other reinforcements on a variable schedule.

Level 2

Here we work on perfecting the dog's performance. Students will have mastered the basics of voice, body language and timing, but careful observation of the dog's errors will indicate where communication or motivation are breaking down.

Level 3

All the basic obedience competition exercises will be perfected, emphasizing strategies to keep the dog's interest and motivation through long sequences of behaviours (behaviour chains).

Triallers

People at competitive trial level share problems and ideas in a more informal class setting.

Comp Days

The last week of every 8-week class session is a club competition day, where everyone gets the opportunity to see if they are ready to advance to the next class level.