Classes
The winter class session is abbreviated!
- Most classes will run for only 4 to 6 weeks. Students taking the abbreviated version of a class that normally ends with a graduation (Basic, Intermediate A, Intermediate B) will probably need to repeat the full class in the spring before moving on to the next level.
- Puppy classes will run for the standard 8 weeks.
- Sorry, no CGC, Introductory Flyball, or Conformation drop-ins offered this winter. These classes will return in the spring. Start looking for the spring schedule in February.
DatesRegistration for basic obedience classes (Puppy, Pre-Basic, Basic) opens: Tuesday December 10 Registration for all other classes opens: Tuesday December 10 for SOTC members, Saturday December 14 for everyone else Orientation for new students: Thursday January 9 at 7pm Classes begin: Week of January 13 Communicating with UsConfirmations, invoices, and other announcements about your registration will be e-mailed to the address you provide. To ensure that our messages reach you, not your spam folder, please:
Search the ScheduleBasic Obedience(Puppy, Pre-Basic, Basic) Beyond Basic / Pre-Competition Obedience(Intermediate A/B, Tricks) Rally | How to Register & Pay
Registration is done on-line, via links embedded on this page. To go to the registration page for a particular class, click or tap the highlighted class code in the schedule below, then at the next page click the REGISTER button. If you don't see a REGISTER button but do see the message Registration is closed, registration for that class has not yet opened. Check the opening dates listed on this page, and try again later. If you are not a member, the first time you register you will need to provide an email address and jump through a few hoops. If you are not a member and the class you want has any kind of prerequisite, you'll need to obtain a registration code from the Registrar. If you are a member, you will need to be logged in for access to member pricing. Payment may be done either on-line (by credit card) or off-line (by check/money order sent through the mail).
Contingencies. If your registration is contingent on (say) passing a run-through or class graduation that hasn't occurred yet, choose the INVOICE ME option (rather than PAY ONLINE), and tell the Registrar about the situation. Payment can wait until you have had the run-through or passed the graduation. |
Puppy (regular 8-week version)
The AKC STAR program (Socialization, Training, Activities, Responsibility), designed to encourage socialization, beginner obedience training, and responsible care for your new puppy. This is the puppy level of the Canine Good Citizen program. For puppies that will be between 12 and 20 weeks of age on the first day. Puppies must have received at least the 2nd DAP shot by the start of class. Limit 8.
PREREQUISITE: None! Just see the age and vaccination guidelines above.
MEETINGS: 8 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: Public $124, SOTC members $72 or 8 points
- PUPTU630a | Tuesday 6:30pm starting 1/14 | Instructor Roberta Hennigan, assistant Renee Louise
(For puppies born between 8/27/19 & 10/22/19)
(Will meet 15 minutes early on 2/11)
- PUPW630a | Tuesday 6:30pm starting ~ 3/4 | Instructor & assistant TBA
(For puppies born between ~ 10/16/19 & 12/11/19)
Pre-Basic ("mini" 6-week version)
For dogs 5-14 months of age who have taken our Puppy class, or those new to our program and too old for Puppy class. Designed for the older puppy to introduce basic obedience commands while recognizing the special needs of the younger dog. Limit 8.
PREREQUISITE: None! Just see the age guidelines above.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: Public $98, SOTC members $54 or 6 points
Non-member (public) price includes training collar, 4-foot leash, and fanny pack. SOTC members may purchase supplies at additional cost.
Basic ("mini" 6-week version)
For those continuing from Pre-Basic or new to obedience with an older dog (14 months of age and up). Includes walking under control on leash and development of basic obedience commands, including come, sit, down and stay. Limit 8.
PREREQUISITE: None! Just see the age guidelines above.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: Public $98, SOTC members $54 or 6 points
Non-member (public) price includes training collar, 4-foot leash, and fanny pack. Non-members repeating the class with the same dog or continuing from Pre-Basic with the same dog may deduct $20 from the price (e-mail the Registrar for the discount code). SOTC members may purchase supplies at additional cost.
Intermediate A ("mini" 6-week version)
Introduction to on-lead heeling, off-lead recalls, and stays; continued work on basic obedience skills. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: SOTC Basic graduate or run-through
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: Public $78, SOTC members $54 or 6 points
- INT1W7 | Wednesday 7pm starting 1/15 | Instructor Patty Warner, assistant Bari Tassinaro
Intermediate B ("mini" 6-week version)
Beginning off-lead heeling; continued work on recalls; refining and adding distractions to stays. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: SOTC Intermediate A graduate or run-through
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: Public $78, SOTC members $54 or 6 points
- INT2TU6 | Tuesday 6pm starting 1/14 | Co-instructors Sallie Lennox & Kathy Morse
Tricks Workshop, Intermediate to Performer
For dog-and-handler teams who have earned the AKC Novice Tricks title and want to keep going! Choose the tricks you want to work on. Need ideas? The instructor will bring some Advanced and Performer tricks for the more advanced dogs/handlers to try. We’ll spend most of the time working on our tricks, and then we’ll demonstrate them. Limit 8-10.
PREREQUISITE: AKC Novice Tricks title
MEETINGS: 4 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: Public $52, SOTC members $36 or 4pts
- TRX2M5 | Monday 5pm starting 1/13 | Instructor Terri Botsford, assistant TBA
Introduction to Rally
An introduction to Rally, with an emphasis on learning the signs and how to run a smooth and efficient course. Students will work their way through the Novice and Intermediate Rally signs and will learn to walk a course. Dogs will be leashed on course. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: SOTC Basic graduate. Students must arrange for the dog to be crated or held while they walk the course.
MEETINGS: 4 meetings, 90 minutes
PRICE: Public $52, SOTC members $36 or 4 points
- RAL1TH7 | Thursday 7pm starting 1/23 | Instructor Sue Eaton
(Will NOT meet on 1/30, 2/20)
Rally Advanced/Excellent
A mixed Advanced/Excellent course will be set up. Instruction will be provided to perform the signs. Limit 7.
PREREQUISITE: Rally Novice title or permission of instructor
MEETINGS: 4 meetings, 90 minutes
PRICE: Public $52, SOTC members $36 or 4 points
- RAL2TU230 | Tuesday 2:30 pm starting 1/14 | Instructor Pat John, assistant Pam Hottois
Rally Advanced/Excellent/Master
This class will work with the Advanced, Excellent and Master signs. Emphasis will be placed on running a course proficiently and with flow. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: Dogs must be able to work off-lead. Students must arrange for the dog to be crated or held while they walk the course. **Students will be asked to help set up and tear down the course.**
MEETINGS: 4 meetings, 90 minutes
PRICE: Public $52, SOTC members $36 or 4 points
- RAL3TH530 | Thursday 5:30pm starting 1/23 | Co-instructors Lisa Williams & Kathy Morse
(Will NOT meet on 1/30, 2/20)
Young Dog Competition 2
A continuation of Young Dog 1. The class focuses on providing a foundation appropriate for young dogs to compete in all levels of obedience. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: SOTC members only. Young Dog 1 or instructor permission. For dogs under 2 years of age. Priority given to students continuing from the prior class.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points
- SORRY, FULL YDC2M6 | Monday 6pm starting 1/13 | Co-instructors Kathy McCloskey & Donna Schmidt
Introduction to Novice Obedience
Class will be structured for students training for the CD. The Novice exercises will be broken down, and there will be a practice run-thru. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: Intermediate B graduate or instructor permission. A 6-foot leash is a must!
MEETINGS: 4 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: Public $52, SOTC members $36 or 4 points
- NOV1M7 | Monday 7pm starting 1/20 | Instructor Sue Eaton, assistant Kelly Mueller
(Will meet on 1/20, 2/3, 2/10, 2/17)
Beginner/Intermediate Open
For dogs and/or handlers who have not had much experience with the Open exercises. Exercises will be taught from the beginning stages. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: Novice title (CD/PCD) or instructor permission
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: Public $78, SOTC members $54 or 6 points
- OPN2TU6 | Tuesday 6pm starting 1/14 | Instructor Wendy Longden, assistant Kelly Mueller
Open Proofing & Polishing
For those who have learned all the Open exercises and are getting ready to show. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: Working knowledge of all the Open exercises
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: Public $78, SOTC members $54 or 6 points
- OPN3M6 | Monday 6pm starting 1/13 | Co-instructors Kathy Helmke & Judy Harvey
Intermediate/ Advanced Utility
For dogs and handlers who understand and can perform the Utility exercises but need refinement. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: Prior Utility class, CDX/PCDX, or instructor permission. Students must have Utility skills prior to sign-up.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: Public $78, SOTC members $54 or 6 points
- UTL3M5 | Monday 5pm starting 1/13 | Instructor Kathy Helmke, assistant TBA
UDX Drop-ins
A drop-in class focusing on proofing the Open and Utility exercises. Limit 4 dogs, first come, first served.
MEETINGS: 4-6 meetings (exact dates TBA), 45 minutes
PRICE: Public $13, SOTC members $9 or 1 point (per drop-in, pay as you go)
TO REGISTER: To reserve a spot for a particular meeting and to confirm that class will be held, email the instructor via the link below
- ODITU730 | Tuesday 7:30pm starting 1/14 | Co-instructors Mary Kobis & Stephanie Podejko
Handler's Choice 1: Novice
The class will offer introduction, development and proofing of the Beginner Novice and Novice exercises. Specific areas of concentration will depend on registrants' prior training and requests. Tell us what you want to work on! Limit 4-6.
PREREQUISITE: Intermediate B graduate or permission of instructor
MEETINGS: 4 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: Public $52, SOTC members $36 or 4 points
- HC1TH12 | Thursday noon starting 1/23 | Instructor Nan Bonnell, assistant Mary Yates
(Will NOT meet on 1/30, 2/20)
Handler's Choice 2: Beyond Novice
The class will offer introduction, development and proofing of the Open and Utility exercises. Specific areas of concentration will depend on registrants' prior training and requests. Tell us what you want to work on! Limit 4-6.
PREREQUISITE: Dogs must be able to work off lead
MEETINGS: 4 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: Public $52, SOTC members $36 or 4 points
- HC2TH1 | Thursday 1pm starting 1/23 | Instructor Janice LaFave, assistant TBA
(Will NOT meet on 1/30, 2/20)
Advanced Heeling 2
A continuation of the instructor's fall class. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: Priority given to enrollees and auditors from the instructor's fall class
MEETINGS: 4 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: Public $52, SOTC members $36 or 4 points
- SORRY, FULL ADH2TH6 | Thursday 6pm starting 1/23 | Instructor Nancy Frakes
(Will NOT meet on 1/30, 2/20)
Agility
Agility classes limited to 6 dogs unless otherwise noted. Class times include equipment set-up and tear-down. Agility students are required to help set up and tear down. Failure to assist (without instructor permission) will result in ineligibility for next session’s agility classes. DOGS ARE TO BE CRATED WHEN NOT WORKING (handlers may bring their own crate or use an SOTC guest crate).
Agility training takes time and practice. Six to eight weeks is not enough for most dogs to master the skills covered in a class. Most dog/handler teams will repeat a class before they move on.
Agility Foundations
Agility Foundations is a prerequisite for all future agility classes. The class will cover such aspects as teamwork, self-control, body control, and shaping, as well as several other agility foundation skills.
PREREQUISITE: SOTC Basic graduate or instructor permission. Dogs should be at least 5 months old.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: Public $78, SOTC members $54 or 6 points
- AFNW6 | Wednesday 6pm starting 1/15 | Instructor Pam Renock, assistant Michelle Cappa
Beginner Agility
Introduction to contact equipment, jump training, practicing lead-outs, and basic handling. Building drive while maintaining focus and control. Limit 6 (minimum 4).
PREREQUISITE: SOTC Agility Foundations or equivalent class. Dogs should be at least 8 months old. Preference given to students repeating the class at the recommendation of the instructor.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 90 minutes
PRICE: Public $102, SOTC members $72 or 9 points
AGL1W6 | Wednesday 6pm starting 1/15 | Co-instructors Heather Lane & Sue Taylor, assistant Emily Hamilton
Advanced Beginner Agility
Building confidence on contact equipment, introduction of weave poles, developing dog and handler skills, beginning simple sequencing, and doing grid work.
PREREQUISITE: Successfully passing SOTC Beginner Agility or run-through. Preference given to students repeating the class, or moving up from the prior class, at the recommendation of the instructor.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 90 minutes
PRICE: Public $102, SOTC members $72 or 9 points
- AGL2M6 | Monday 6pm starting 1/13 | Instructor Scott Reichinger, assistants Ashleigh Reeve & Lindsay Reichlein
(Meeting on 1/13 will last only 1 hour, time to be made up at last meeting)
Intermediate Agility
Getting ready for the Novice ring! Developing confidence on obstacles and weaves. Starting to put things together: sequencing, handling techniques, what to do and where to do it, working through distractions. Limit 6 (minimum 4).
PREREQUISITE: Successfully passing SOTC Advanced Beginner Agility or run-through. Off-lead control is required.
MEETINGS: 4 meetings, 90 minutes
PRICE: Public $68, SOTC members $48 or 6 points
AGL3M730 | Monday 7:30pm starting 1/20 | Instructor Scott Reichinger, assistant Ashleigh Reeve
Novice Agility
For students ready (or nearly ready) to start trialing in AKC Novice, CPE level 1-2, or the comparable level in other venues. The class will involve negotiating Novice courses, trying out various handling techniques, building drive, progressing from 6 weave poles to 12, and proofing contacts and start lines.
PREREQUISITE: Successfully passing SOTC Intermediate Agility or permission. Dogs must be able to perform full-height contacts, do 6 weave poles, and negotiate sequences of 8-10 obstacles.
MEETINGS: 4 meetings, 90 minutes
PRICE: Public $68, SOTC members $48 or 6 points
(Will NOT meet on 2/11)
Jump Grid 2
Continued work on jumping.
For dogs who have never jumped as well as those who have been actively jumping. The jump heights are generally kept low but will be adjusted based on the height and age of the dog. The grids can be useful to train jumping skills for agility, obedience / rally and flyball. The jump grids teach a dog to adjust his stride to cover ground more efficiently, jump cleanly and find the perfect take-off spot. Several types of jump grids will be covered including foundation grids, stride grids and bend work. Limit 4-5.
PREREQUISITE: Dogs must be over 12 months old and must be able to wait in the ring with their handler around other dogs. Preference given to students continuing from the instructor's previous class.
MEETINGS: 4 meetings, 90 minutes
PRICE: Public $68, SOTC members $48 or 6 points
- AGJ2TH730 | Thursday 7:30pm starting 1/23 | Instructor Linda Kaufman
(Will NOT meet on 1/30, 2/20)
Weaves: 2x2's
For teams learning 2x2s or not weaving 6 poles with confidence. Limit 5. Preference given to students from fall session wishing to repeat the class.MEETINGS: 4 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: Public $52, SOTC members $36 or 4 points
- AGW1TU515 | Tuesday 5:15 pm starting 1/14 | Co-instructors Karen Vanderburgh & Sue DeRienzo
(Will NOT meet on 2/11)
Weaves: 2x2's and Beyond
Should be able to weave 6 poles with confidence in either direction. Class will include proofing drills and 6 to 12 poles depending on teams. Limit 5.
MEETINGS: 4 meetings, 90 minutes
PRICE: Public $68, SOTC members $48 or 6 points
- AGW2TU6 | Tuesday 6pm starting 1/14 | Co-instructors Karen Vanderburgh & Sue Derienzo
(Will NOT meet on 2/11)