Established 1960
Classes
Class Schedule, Winter 2022
(classes starting mid-January, ending early/mid-March)
Aside from Conformation drop-ins, registration for winter classes is CLOSED. Spring classes will begin late March / early April. Schedule to be posted February 18.
Opening dates for winter registrationWhy is this so complicated?For Puppy, Pre-Basic, or Basic, registration opens on:
For any other class, registration opens on:
| Need help? Have questions?Try these links first: Still having trouble? Need a permission code? CancellationsNo evening classes on General Membership meeting nights: Monday 1/10, Tuesday 2/8, Monday 3/14 No classes at all (due to trials & other events): Thursday 1/20, Friday 1/21, Thursday 2/3, Friday 2/4, Thursday 2/17, Friday 2/18 |
Find a class & register
(Puppy, Pre-Basic, Basic)
- Beyond Basic
(Intermediate)
Basic Obedience
Puppy (standard 8-week version)
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 program, click here. To qualify for the STAR certificate, students must attend at least 6 of the scheduled class meetings.
PREREQUISITE: None! Just see the age and vaccination guidelines above. Students must bring proof of puppy's vaccination (2nd DAP) to the first class.
MEETINGS: 8 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 8 points, non-members $104
- FULL, REGISTRATION/WAITLIST CLOSED PUP-M715 | Monday 7:15pm starting 1/17 | Instructor Roberta Hennigan, assistant Janine Ramsden | (For puppies born between ~8/30/21 & 10/25/21)
Pre-Basic (mini 6-week version)
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.
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: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
- PRE-M615 | Monday 6:15pm starting 1/10 | Instructor Janine Ramsden, assistant Renee Louise
- PRE-TU1230 | Tuesday 12:30pm starting 1/11 | Instructor Nan Bonnell, assistant Pam Hottois
- PRE-TU6 | Tuesday 6pm starting 1/11 (will not meet on 2/8) | Instructor Tim Faulkner, assistant Tom Weickert
- PRE-W7 | Wednesday 7pm starting 1/12 | Instructor Janine Ramsden, assistant Jenna Hassett
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 6.
PREREQUISITE: None! Just see the age guidelines above. Students must bring proof of vaccination (DAP and rabies) to the first class.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
- BAS-TU7 | Tuesday 7pm starting 1/11 (will not meet on 2/8) | Instructor Tim Faulkner, assistant Tom Weickert
- BAS-W530 | Wednesday 5:30pm starting 1/12 | Instructor Patty Warner, assistant Bari Tassinaro
- BAS-TH6 | Thursday 6pm starting 1/6 (note early start date; will not meet on 1/20, 2/3, 2/17) | Instructor Larry Krieger, assistant Jean Rand
Beyond Basic
Intermediate (mini 6-week version)
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: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
- INT-W630 | Wednesday 6:30pm starting 1/12 | Instructor Patty Warner, assistant Bari Tassinaro
- INT-TH7 | Thursday 7pm starting 1/6 (note early start date; will not meet on 1/20, 2/3, 2/17) | Instructor Larry Krieger, assistant Martina St. Leger
Canine Good Citizen
Not offered
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: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $9 or 1 point, 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
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
An introduction to AKC Rally, with an emphasis on learning the signs and how to run a smooth and efficient course. Students will work their way through the Rally Novice signs and will learn to walk a course. Dogs will be leashed on course. Limit 6-8.
PREREQUISITE: SOTC Basic graduate or permission. Students must crate their dogs while they walk the course.
MEETINGS: 4 meetings, 60 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $36 or 4 points, non-members $52
- RAL1-TH715 | Thursday 7:15pm starting 1/6 (will not meet on 1/20, 2/3) | Co-instructors Sue Eaton & Kelly Mueller
Rally Excellent
Courses with instruction. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: Rally Intermediate/Advanced title or permission. Dogs must be able to work off-lead. 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
- CLOSED RAL4-M9 | Monday 9am starting 1/10 | Instructor Debbie Keith, assistant Jean Rand
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
- CLOSED RAL5-M1030 | Monday 10:30am starting 1/10 | Instructor Pat John, assistant Judy Harvey
Rally: Skills & Drills for Precision & Flow
This class will focus on improving precision, accuracy, and fluency in the performance of particular Rally signs and the ability to flow from station to station. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: Working knowledge of the signs and rules up through Excellent. For teams that are training at the Excellent level and competing at the Advanced level at least.
MEETINGS: 4 meetings, 60 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $36 or 4 points, non-members $52
- CLOSED RPF-TU4 | Tuesday at 4pm starting 1/11 | Co-instructors Lisa Williams & Dawn Watkins
Introduction to Rally-FrEe
Rally-FrEe is a relatively new sport combining the course layout of rally and the creativity and musical aspects of canine freestyle. (More information available on the Rally Freestyle Elements website.) The sport was developed to help freestyle competitors fine-tune their foundation behaviors and to create a fun activity without the pressure of designing your own routine. Not to mention it's a great next step for dogs competing at high levels of rally or obedience. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: Dogs should be comfortable being in a class with other dogs and with being crated for occasional course walk throughs. Handler focus and heeling or strong loose-leash walking skills required.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
- CLOSED RFR-TU7 | Tuesday 7pm starting 1/11 (will not meet on 2/8) | Instructor Jamie Ohman, assistant TBA
Competition Obedience
Young Dog Competition 2
A continuation of the fall class. Limit 6.
NOTE: This is the 2nd 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: For those who took the fall class.
MEETINGS: 5 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $45 or 5 points
- CLOSED | YDC2-TH6 | Thursday 6pm starting 1/13 (will not meet on 1/20, 2/3, 2/17) | Co-instructors Kathy McCloskey & Donna Schmidt
Focus, Attention & Engagement
This class will deal with the area of various exercises where dogs typically lose their focus. The students will be polled to see what areas they most want help with, but ring entrances and heeling will definitely be on the top of the list. We will also consider the reasons why dogs lose their focus while working or why they are unable to attain focus from the time they come ringside (or even before). In a nutshell, we will work to train focus cues to our dogs as well as work to help them overcome the reasons for their seeming inability to focus. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: For dogs who are close to going into the Novice ring, or dogs at any higher level who are struggling with these issues. Students must have an understanding of how to shape behaviors.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutesPRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
- CLOSED FAE-TU2 | Tuesday 2pm starting 1/11 | Instructor Nancy Frakes
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 permission
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
- NOV1-TU545 | Tuesday 5:45pm starting 1/11 | Instructor Kathy Morse, assistant Carolyn Pover
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: 4 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $36 or 4 points, non-members $52
- NOV2-M7 | Monday 7pm starting 1/17 (will not meet on 1/24) | Co-instructors Sue Eaton & Kelly Mueller
Open/Utility Foundations
A continuation of the instructor's prior class. Limit 6.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 90 minutesPRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
- UFN-M215 | Monday 2:15pm starting 1/10 | Instructor Dottie Hamblin
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: 4 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $36 or 4 points, non-members $52
- OPN3-M6 | Monday 6pm starting 1/17 (will not meet on 1/24) | Instructor Kathy Helmke, assistant Kelly Mueller
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: 4 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $36 or 4 points, non-members $52
- UTL2-M5 | Monday 5pm starting 1/17 (will not meet on 1/24) | Instructor Kathy Helmke
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: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
- CLOSED FLY1-W630 | Wednesday 6:30pm starting 1/12 | Instructor Teri Botsford, assistant TBA
Agility
Agility Foundations
Not offered
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. 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
- CLOSED AGL1-W5 | Wednesday 5pm starting 1/12 | Instructor Dottie Hamblin, assistants Janine Ramsden & Lisa McCormick
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: 6 meetings, 90 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 9 points, non-members $102
- CLOSED | AGL2-M630 | Monday 6:30pm starting 1/17 | Co-instructors Scott Reichinger, Ashleigh Reeve & Emily Hamilton
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
- CLOSED AGL3-TH745 | Thursday 7:45pm starting 1/6 (will not meet on 1/20, 2/3, 2/17) | Instructor Meg Donley, assistant Janine Ramsden
2x2 Weaves
For teams learning 2x2s or not weaving 6 poles with confidence. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: Dogs must be at least 12 months of age
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 60 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
- CLOSED AGW-TU515 | Tuesday 5:15pm starting 1/11 | Co-instructors Karen Vanderburgh & Sue DeRienzo
Verbals & Crosses
Learning crosses and when to use verbals. Appropriate any level after beginner level.
MEETINGS: 5 meetings, 60 minutesPRICE: SOTC members $45 or 5 points, non-members $65
- AGV-TH450 | Thursday 4:50pm starting 1/13 (will not meet on 1/20, 2/3, 2/17) | Co-instructors Jeri Fishack & Kris Hart
Advanced Jumping Sequences
A continuation of the instructor's fall 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: 4 meetings, 90 minutesPRICE: SOTC members $48 or 6 points, non-members $68
- CLOSED AGJ-F1030 | Friday 10:30am starting 1/7 (note early start date; will not meet on 1/21, 2/4) | 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 a date to be announced
PRICE: SOTC members $36 or 4.5 points, non-members $51 (price includes 2 hours of Open Training; price for additional OT sessions is $5 for members, $10 for non-members)
- VAS-2022WIN | 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 1/11 (will not meet on 2/8) | Instructor Becky Konst, assistant Tom Canino
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 1/11 (will not meet on 2/8) | Instructor Becky Konst, assistant Tom Canino
Excellent / Masters Agility
For students preparing for Excellent/Masters. Students are expected to help set up the course. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: Open agility titles or permission
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 90 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 9 points, non-members $102
- AGL6-TH6 | Thursday 6pm starting 1/6 (will not meet on 1/20, 2/3, 2/17) | Co-instructors Sandy Madaio & Diane Eggleston