Established 1960
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 datesFor Puppy class:
For Pre-Basic & Basic:
For all other classes:
Cancellations
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Basic Obedience
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
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)
Rally
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
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 minutesPRICE: 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
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
Agility
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 minutesPRICE: 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.).
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.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
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