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Classes

Class Schedule, Fall 2021

(classes starting mid-September to early October)

Registration for fall classes is CLOSED. The next round of classes will start in early/mid-January. The schedule  will be posted around December 10. Please check back then!

Opening dates

For Puppy class:

Registration for Puppy class opens August 23 for everybody:  members, non-members, current students,  new students

For Pre-Basic & Basic:

Registration for Basic and Pre-Basic opens August 23 for SOTC members & non-member current students, August 30 for non-member new students. (Non-member current students will need a registration code to sign up on the 23rd.)

For all other classes:

Registration for everything else opens August 23 for SOTC members, August 30 for non-member current students, September 6 for non-member new students. (Non-members, whether current or new,  will need a registration code.)

Cancellations

  • No evening classes on General Membership meeting nights: Monday September 13, Tuesday October 12, Monday  November 8, Tuesday December 14

  • No classes at all on these dates  (building rentals or event setup):  Thursday 11/18; Friday 11/19; Saturday 9/18, 11/13, 11/20, 12/4 )

  • No classes on Thursday 11/25 (Thanksgiving). Decision to hold / cancel classes on days before and after to be determined on a class-by-class basis.

Find a class & register

Need help? Have questions?

Try these links first:

How to Register    

Policies & Procedures

Still having trouble? Need a registration code?

Email the Registrar

Basic Obedience

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Puppy

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 6-8.

Our Puppy classes are based on the AKC STAR (Socialization, Training, Activities, Responsibility) program, designed to encourage socialization, beginner obedience training, and responsible care for puppies. The STAR program is the puppy level of the Canine Good Citizen program. For details about the AKC program, click here.

PREREQUISITE:   None! Just see the age and vaccination guidelines above. Students must bring proof of vaccination (2nd DAP) to the first class.

MEETINGS:   8 meetings, 45 minutes

PRICE:   SOTC members $72 or 8 points, non-members $104

  • Registration closed  |  PUP-M615 Monday 6:15pm starting 9/20  |  Instructor Roberta Hennigan, assistant Pam Hottois  |  (For puppies born between ~5/3/21 & 6/28/21. Will NOT meet on 11/8.)

Pre-Basic

For older puppies 5-14 months of age.  Appropriate both for those who have taken our Puppy class, and for 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 6-8.

PREREQUISITE:   None! Just see the age guidelines above. Students must bring proof of vaccination (DAP and, if dog is old enough, rabies) to the first class.

MEETINGS:   8 meetings, 45 minutes

PRICE:   SOTC members $72 or 8 points, non-members $104

  • Registration closed  |  PRE-M715   |   Monday 7:15pm starting 9/20   |   Instructor Janine Ramsden, assistant Renee Louise  |  (Note LATER start date. Will NOT meet on 11/8.)
  • Registration closed  |  PRE-TU6   |   Tuesday 6pm starting 9/14   |   Instructor Judy McManus, assistant Ann Hardy  |  (Will NOT meet on 10/12)
  • Registration closed  |  PRE-W7   |   Wednesday 7pm starting 9/15   |   Instructor Tim Faulkner, assistant Tom Weickert 
  • Registration closed  |  PRE-F715  |   Friday 7:15pm starting 9/24  |  Instructor Sue Eaton, assistant Patty Warner  | Will not meet on 11/12, 11/19; up to class whether to meet o 11/26

      Basic

      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 6-8.

      PREREQUISITE:   None! Just see the age guidelines above. Students must bring proof of vaccination (DAP and rabies) to the first class.

      MEETINGS:  9 meetings (including Graduation), 45 minutes

      PRICE:   SOTC members $72 or 8 points, non-members $104

      • Registration closed  |  BAS-W545  |  Wednesday 5:45pm starting 9/15  |  Instructor Patty Warner, assistant Bari Tassinaro
      • Registration closed  |  BAS-TH6   |   Thursday 6pm starting 9/16   |   Instructor Larry Krieger, assistant Jean Rand
      • Registration closed  |   BAS-TH7   |   Thursday 7pm starting 9/16  |   Instructor Larry Krieger, assistant Martina St. Leger

        Beyond Basic

        Intermediate

        Introduction to on-lead heeling, off-lead recalls, and stays; continued work on basic obedience skills. Limit 6-8.

        PREREQUISITE:   SOTC Basic graduate or run-through

        MEETINGS:   9 meetings (including Graduation), 45 minutes

        PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 8 points, non-members $104

         
        • Registration closed  |  INT-W645  |   Wednesday 6:45pm starting 9/15  |  Instructor Patty Warner, assistant Bari Tassinaro
        • Registration closed  |  INT-F615  |  Friday 6:15pm starting 9/24   |   Instructor Patty Warner, assistant Carolyn Pover  |  Will not meet on 11/12, 11/19; up to class whether to meet on 11/26)

        Canine Good Citizen (Prep Class with Test)

        Teaching you how to train your dog to be a Canine Good Citizen as defined by the AKC. At the last class meeting you will be able to take the AKC test for CGC certification. Limit 6.

        NOTE:   For those wanting to take the CGC test but not the prep class, additional tests will be offered after the completion of this class. For more details, see below.

        PREREQUISITE:   SOTC Basic graduate or run-through

        MEETINGS:   7 meetings, 45 minutes

        PRICE:   SOTC members $63 or 7 points, non-members $91
        • Full, waitlist forming  |  CGC-W530  |   Wednesday 5:30pm starting 9/22  |  Instructor Pam Renock, assistant Jean Rand  |  (Will NOT meet on 10/13)

        CGC & ATT Testing (Testing Only)

        Sign up to take the AKC's Canine Good Citizen test or Temperament Test! CGC and ATT testing will be offered on Wednesday evenings in November / December. Exact dates, fees, and instructions for signing up to be announced in late October.

        EVALUATOR: Pam Renock

        Conformation

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        Conformation Drop-ins

        Drop in class for training dog and handler for the conformation (breed) ring.  If appropriate for class make-up, breed standards, conformation rules, grooming of dog and handler will be discussed.

        PREREQUISITE:   None! Dogs should be at least 12 weeks of age and should have received age-appropriate vaccinations.

        MEETINGS:   8 meetings, 45 minutes

        PRICE:   SOTC members $9, non-members $13 (per drop-in, pay as you go -- checks, exact change, or click here to pay on-line)

        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 (do not sign up with Registrar)

        • CON-TH8  |  Thursday 8pm starting 9/16  |  Instructor Barbara Hoopes, assistant Bari Tassinaro

        Rally

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        Rally students must crate their dogs while they walk the course (non-members must bring their own crate and carry it out at end of class).

        Introduction to Rally Novice

        Not offered

        Rally Advanced

        Work on the Advanced exercises.  Limit 6.

        PREREQUISITE:  Working knowledge of the Rally Advanced exercises. Dogs should be able to work off-lead. Students must crate their dogs while they walk the course. 

        MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 60 minutes

        PRICE:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

        • Full, waitlist forming  |  RAL2-SA9    |  Saturday 9am starting 9/25  |  Instructor Kathy Morse, assistant Jenna Hassett 

            Rally Excellent 1

            Work on the Excellent signs. Limit 6.

            PREREQUISITE:  Working knowledge of the Rally Advanced exercises. Dogs must be able to work off-lead. Students must crate their dogs while they walk the course. 

            MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 60 minutes

            PRICE:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

            • RAL3-SA1030   |  Saturday 10:30am starting 9/25  |  Instructor Kathy Morse, assistant Jenna Hassett 

              Rally Excellent 2

              Courses with instruction. Limit 6.

              PREREQUISITE:  Students must crate their dogs while they walk the course.

              MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 90 minutes

              PRICE:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

              • RAL4-M930   Monday 9:30am starting 9/13  |  Instructor Debbie Keith, assistant Janice Dyball

              Rally Master

              Courses with instruction.  Limit 6.

              PREREQUISITE:  Students must crate their dogs while they walk the course. 

              MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 90 minutes

              PRICE:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

              • RAL5-M11    |  Monday 11am starting  9/13 |  Instructor Pat John, assistant Debbie Keith

                Competition Obedience

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                Young Dog Competition 1

                This class is designed to introduce young dogs to the foundations of competitive obedience. The class focuses on making obedience fun and exciting, building drive and motivation. The primary objective is to develop teamwork, focus, flexibility and body awareness, and attention. The class will focus on foundations skills for heeling, signals, go-outs, recalls, dumbbell work, etc. Limit 6-8.


                NOTE: This is the first class in a 3-class sequence. The sequence starts once a year, in the fall, with follow-on classes offered in the winter and spring sessions. Students enrolled in YDC1 will have priority for enrolling in YDC2 and YDC3.

                PREREQUISITE:  SOTC members only. Dogs should be between 3 and 18 months of age.

                MEETINGS:   8 meetings, 45 minutes

                PRICE:  SOTC members $72 or 8 points

                • Registration closed  |  YDC1-TH6  |  Thursday 6pm starting 9/16  |  Co-instructors Kathy McCloskey & Donna Schmidt  |  (Will NOT meet on 10/28)

                Intro to Novice Obedience

                Beginning off-lead heeling; continued work on recalls; refining and adding distractions to stays. Limit 6.

                PREREQUISITE:   SOTC Intermediate graduate or run-through

                MEETINGS:   8 meetings, 45 minutes

                PRICE:   SOTC members $72 or 8 points, non-members $104

                • Registration closed  |  NOV1-TU7 |  Tuesday 7pm starting 9/14  |  Instructor Kathy Morse, assistant Sandy Madaio  |  (Will NOT meet on 10/12)

                Intermediate Novice

                For those familiar with the Novice exercises but not ready for competition. This class will continue work on Novice skills, including the recent changes to the CD requirements. Limit 6.

                PREREQUISITE:   Prior Novice class, BN/PN title, or instructor permission. Students must have Novice skills prior to sign-up.

                MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 45 minutes

                PRICE:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

                •  NOV2-M7  |  Monday 7pm starting 9/20  |  Co-instructors Sue Eaton & Kelly Mueller
                  (Will meet on 9/20, 10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 11/1, 11/15)

                Novice-Ready

                A class for dogs that need proofing for Novice or work on particular exercises that are weak.

                PREREQUISITE:  Working knowledge of the Novice exercises

                MEETINGS:    6 meetings, 45 minutes

                PRICE:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

                • NOV3-TH7  |  Thursday 7pm starting 9/16  |  Instructor Nan Bonnell, assistant Carolyn Pover

                Art of the Retrieve

                Has your dog earned his Novice obedience title, or is close to earning it? And do you want to train for Open so you can continue competing, but your retrieve needs work or you haven’t started training it yet? Then this class is for you! We will take a step-by-step approach to shaping a reliable retrieve, beginning with the “take” and “hold” and progressing to the “fetch.” Shaping is the best training tool for teaching the dog to “want“ to do these skills, especially for the soft dog. Come join us for a fun and motivating class!  Limit 6.

                PREREQUISITE: Trainers must understand how to shape a skill using a clicker or a marker word. Please bring a crate for your dog.

                MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 45 minutes

                PRICE:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

                • Full, waitlist forming  |  RET-W430  |   Wednesday 4:30pm starting 9/15  |  Instructor Nancy Frakes

                  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:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

                  • Registration closed  |  OPN3-M6   |  Monday 6pm starting  9/20 |  Instructor Kathy Helmke  |  (Will meet on 9/20, 10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 11/1, 11/15)

                  Utility Foundation Skills 1

                  This class will break down each of the Utility exercises into the specific skills necessary to perform it.  The skills will be taught before they are chained together into a full exercise.  Limit 6.

                  This class will NOT teach a retrieve. 

                  The class is appropriate for students who have never competed in Utility before or for those with green dogs.  

                  MEETINGS:  6 meetings, 75 minutes

                  PRICE:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

                  • UTF1-F6  |  Friday at 6pm starting ~10/8   |  Instructor Dottie Hamblin

                  Utility Foundation Skills 2

                  A continuation of the instructor's prior class.  Preference given to students who took that class.  Limit 6.

                  MEETINGS:  6 meetings, 90 minutes

                  PRICE:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

                  • UTF2-M315  |  Monday at 3:15pm starting ~10/11   |  Instructor Dottie Hamblin, assistant Cindy Berry

                  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:  SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

                  • UTL2-M5   |  Monday 5pm starting 9/20  |  Instructor Kathy Helmke  |  (Will meet on 9/20, 10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 11/1, 11/15)

                  FLYBALL

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                  Beginner Flyball

                  This class will teach the basics: retrieving a tennis ball; coming back with the ball; going over jumps to get the ball; doing a swimmers turn off the flyball box while catching; and doing all of this while running fast. Limit 6.

                  PREREQUISITE:   SOTC Basic graduate or run-through. Handlers must have basic control of the dog. Dogs should be at least 1 year old. No people- or dog-aggression.

                  MEETINGS:   8 meetings, 45 minutes

                  PRICE:   SOTC members $72 or 8 points, non-members $104

                  • Cancelled  |  FLY1-W630 |  Wednesday 6:30pm starting 9/15  |  Instructor Teri Botsford, assistant Emily Hamilton

                  Scentwork

                  Classes will be held offsite, at the instructor's 5-acre fully fenced property in Chittenango.  Foundations class will be held indoors.  Novice/Advanced class will be indoors or outdoors depending on conditions and students' needs.  Registration opens 9/22.

                  Scentwork Foundations

                  For those who have never done Scentwork before or who need a refresher.  At the end of the class there will be a basic Novice container test. Limit 6.

                  PREREQUISITE:  None! But no aggressive dogs.

                  MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 45 minutes

                  PRICE:   SOTC members only, $54 or 6 points

                  • CANCELLED  |     SCT1-TH6  |  Thursday 6pm starting 10/7  |  Instructor Terri Botsford, assistant TBA

                  Novice/Advanced Scentwork

                  For those who have the basics of scentwork and need more experience with different container and interior set-ups. Limit 6.

                  PREREQUISITE:  Successful completion of Scentwork Foundations or one leg earned at a Novice-level scentwork trial.

                  MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 45 minutes

                  PRICE:   SOTC members only, $54 or 6 points

                  • CANCELLED  |  SCT2-TH7  |  Thursday 7pm starting 10/7  |  Instructor Terri Botsford, assistant TBA


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                  Agility

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                  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. Limit 6.

                  PREREQUISITE:   SOTC Basic graduate or instructor permission. Dogs should be at least 5 months old.

                  MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 45 minutes

                  PRICE:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

                    • Full, waitlist forming  |   AFN-TU545   |   Tuesday 5:45pm starting 9/14   |   Co-instructors Janine Ramsden & Jenna Hassett  |  (Will NOT meet on 10/12)

                      Beginner Agility

                      Introduction to contact equipment, jump training, practicing lead-outs, and basic handling. Building drive while maintaining focus and control.  Limit 6.

                      PREREQUISITE:   SOTC Agility Foundations or equivalent class. Dogs should be at least 8 months old.

                      MEETINGS:   8 meetings, 60 minutes

                      PRICE:   SOTC members $72 or 8 points, non-members $104

                      • AGL1-TH6 |   Thursday 6pm starting  9/16 |  Instructor Barbara Hoopes, assistant Janine Ramsden

                      Advanced Beginner Agility

                      Building confidence on contact equipment, introduction of weave poles, developing dog and handler skills, beginning simple sequencing, and doing grid work. Limit 6.

                      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:   8 meetings, 90 minutes

                      PRICE:   SOTC members $96 or 12 points, non-members $136

                      • Full, waitlist forming  |  AGL2-M630  |  Monday 6:30pm starting 9/27 |  Co-instructors Scott Reichinger, Ashleigh Reeve & Emily Hamilton  |  (Will NOT meet on 11/8)

                      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.

                      PREREQUISITE:   Successfully passing SOTC Advanced Beginner Agility or run-through. Off-lead control is required. Dogs should be confident jumping at full height, going through all "hoop" obstacles, negotiating full-height contacts with mild support, doing 6 weaves with mild support, doing a sequence of 5-8 obstacles.  Preference given to students repeating the class, or moving up from the prior class, at the recommendation of the instructor.

                      MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 60 minutes

                      PRICE:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

                      • Full, waitlist forming  |  AGL3-SA9  |  Saturday 9am starting  10/2  |  Instructor Meg Donley, assistant Janine Ramsden |  (Note LATER start date)

                      Intermediate-Level Skills & Drills

                      This class will work on front crosses / rear crosses / blind crosses, finding lines. Jumps and tunnels only, no contacts or weaves. Limit 6.

                      PREREQUISITE: Dogs should be able to sequence 5-6 obstacles

                      MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 60 minutes

                      PRICE:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

                      • Full, waitlist forming  |   AGS-TU515 |   Tuesday 5:15pm starting 9/14  |  Co-instructors Karen Vanderburgh & Sue DeRienzo  |  (Will NOT meet on 10/12)

                      Skills & Drills with Verbals

                      Skills and drills with the addition of verbals.  From learning verbals to perfecting your verbals with drills. Any level can benefit from this class.

                      MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 60 minutes

                      PRICE:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

                      • AGS-TH450  |  Thursday 4:50pm starting  9/16  |  Co-instructors Jeri Fishack & Kris Hart  
                       

                        Agility Concentration

                        Targeted work on contacts and weaves.  Limit 6.

                        MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 60 minutes

                        PRICE:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

                        • AGC-SA1015  |  Saturday 10:15am starting  10/2  |  Instructor Meg Donley, assistant Janine Ramsden |  (Note LATER start date)

                        Advanced Jump Sequences

                        A continuation of the instructor's summer class (note new time slot).

                        An advanced jumping class which will focus on agility sequences with advanced jumping skills.  Limit 4.

                        PREREQUISITES: Dog and handler teams need to have knowledge of backsides, backside blinds, blind crosses, forced fronts, reverse spins, serpentines and threadles etc.  Dogs must able to work under control in the presence of other dogs in the ring. Preference given to those students who took the instructor's Advanced Jumping Skills Class.

                        MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 90 minutes

                        PRICE:   SOTC members $72 or 9 points, non-members $102

                        • AGJ-TU1030    |  Tuesday 10:30am starting 9/14  |  Instructor Linda Kaufman

                          Virtual Agility Sequences: Focus on Fundamentals

                          A 6-week on-line class.

                          Each week’s lesson will consist of a few drills (using 3 or 4 jumps and a tunnel) and one longer sequence (10-12 obstacles). Class will include an in-person Orientation consisting of two parts: one focusing on safe and efficient course building, the other (optional) focusing on the tech side: how to video, upload, post, use YouTube/Facebook, etc.).

                          How it will work

                          Registered students will get an invite to join a Facebook group set up for this class. Each week we will post course maps and videos of the drills and sequence. Students are then expected to schedule an Open Training session, set up the course, and video themselves running it. Students will then submit their videos to the Facebook group and will receive instructor feedback (verbal and visual, using Coach's Eye) a few days later. Students are encouraged to communicate through the Facebook group and to work together when feasible. Limited in-person instruction may also be available.

                          What you will need

                          • a video recording device (any tablet or smart phone will work)

                          • a way to upload videos

                          • a (free) YouTube account

                          • a (free) Facebook account


                          PREREQUISITE:  The drills and sequences are appropriate for students who have successfully completed SOTC's Advanced Beginner class (or beyond). Students should be able to perform most obstacles with some independence.

                          MEETINGS:  In-person Orientation on Monday 9/20 at 6:30pm

                          PRICE: SOTC members $36, non-members $51 (price includes 2 hours of Open Training; price for additional OT sessions is $5 for members, $10 for non-members)

                            • VAS-2021AUT  |  Co-instructors Emily Hamilton, Ashleigh Reeve, Scott Reichinger

                            Novice Agility

                            For students preparing for Novice. Limit 6.

                            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:   6 meetings, 60 minutes

                            PRICE:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

                            • AGL4-TU645   |  Tuesday 6:45pm starting 9/14  | Instructor Becky Konst, assistant Tom Canino |  (Will NOT meet on 10/12)

                            Open Agility

                            For students preparing for Open. Limit 6.

                            PREREQUISITE:   Novice agility titles or permission

                            MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 60 minutes

                            PRICE:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

                            • AGL5-TU8   |  Tuesday 8pm starting 9/14  | Instructor Becky Konst, assistant Tom Canino  |  (Will NOT meet on 10/12)

                              Excellent Agility

                              For students preparing for Excellent. Students are expected to help set up the course. Limit 6.

                              PREREQUISITE:   Open agility titles or permission

                              MEETINGS:  8 meetings, 90 minutes

                              PRICE:   SOTC members $96 or 12 points, non-members $136

                              • Full, waitlist forming  |  AGL6-TH715   |  Thursday 7:15pm starting 9/16  | Instructor Sandy Madaio, assistant Diane Eggleston

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                                The Syracuse Obedience Training Club, Inc. 

                                PO Box 3457, Syracuse NY 13220-3457

                                A New York State-registered 501(c)3 educational corporation (organized not-for-profit)

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