Established 1960
2/28/2024: Registration for Winter classes is CLOSED. The schedule below will give you an idea of what we normally offer, but you cannot register for anything or join any waitlists now.
Spring classes will begin in early April. The spring schedule will be posted around March 10.
If you were enrolled or waitlisted during the winter class session, or if you have already asked the Registrar to add you to the notification list, we will send you an email when the new schedule is posted.
That's all we can tell you right now! For more information, come back on March 10.
It depends on who you are and what kind of class it is. It's complicated, so pay attention!
For SOTC instructors, registration opens on at 10am on 11/27 and runs through 11:59pm on 11/30 (all classes)
For other SOTC members, registration opens on 12/6 (all classes)
For non-member current students, registration opens on:
For non-member new students, registration opens on:
Need Help? Have Questions?Try these links first: Still having trouble? Need a permission code? | What's on the Schedule?
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Only one dog per household per Puppy, Pre-Basic, or Basic class. Owners with multiple dogs must enroll them in separate classes.
Students in Puppy, Pre-Basic, and Basic must bring proof of the dog's age-appropriate vaccinations to the first class.
For puppies that will be between 12 and 20 weeks of age on the first day. The class is based on the AKC STAR program, the puppy level of the Canine Good Citizen program. To qualify for the STAR certificate, students must attend at least 6 of the scheduled class meetings. Puppies must have received at least the 2nd DAP shot by the start of class. Limit 8.
PREREQUISITE: None! Just follow the age and vaccination guidelines above. Students must bring proof of puppy's vaccination (2nd DAP at a minimum) to the first class.
MEETINGS: 8 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 8 points, non-members $104
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 follow 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
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 follow the age guidelines above. Students must bring proof of vaccination (DAP and rabies) to the first class.
MEETINGS: 8 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 8 points, non-members $104
Introduction to on-lead heeling, off-lead recalls, and stays; continued work on basic obedience skills. Limit 6-8.
PREREQUISITE: SOTC Basic graduate or permission
MEETINGS: 8 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 8 points, non-members $104
Not offered this time
Not offered this time
For beginners as well as those who have already taken a Flyball class with us. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: Dogs must have basic obedience skills (sit, down, stay) and an off-leash recall. They must be food and/or toy motivated and be able to work around other off-leash dogs without concerns or signs of aggression. Both dog and handler must be physically able to play the game. Puppies as young as 6 months of age may attend class but will be limited in what they can do until their growth plates close (at about 1 year of age).
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
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 with a credit card)
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
Building precision and joy in heeling and learning the three transition behaviors of thru, around, and spin. Although the class will focus on the dance sports, it can benefit rally and obedience folks as well.
PREREQUISITE: Dogs should be comfortable being in a class with other dogs and with being crated. 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
Rally students must crate their dogs while they walk the course. Non-members may use a guest crate, if available, or bring their own crate each time and carry it out after class.
Not offered this time
We will work on the skills needed to start competing in Rally. We will work on basics like heeling and stays in addition to learning the Novice signs and the Rally rules.
PREREQUISITE: Dogs must be able to do sustained heeling and have reliable sit, down and stay. Dogs must be able to be crated during class.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 60 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
Each class meeting will focus on a single skill, and students working on all the exercises (regardless of level) related to that skill. For example, if working on the Excellent-level “backup 3 steps,” we will also work on the Master-level backup signs. We will work sequences, not full courses.
PREREQUISITE: Must be working at or above Intermediate and must be able to work off lead. Dogs must be able to be crated during class.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 60 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
Courses with instruction. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: RN title or permission of instructor. Students must crate their dogs while they walk the course. Dogs should be able to work offlead.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 90 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
Courses with instruction. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: RA title or permission of instructor. Students must crate their dogs while they walk the course.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 90 minutes for the Monday class, 60 minutes for the Tuesday class
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
Courses with instruction. Limit 6-8.
PREREQUISITE: RE title; or RN and CD; or permission of instructor. Students must crate their dogs while they walk the course.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 90 minutes for the Monday class
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
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.
PREREQUISITE: For those continuing from Young Dog 1
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points
PLEASE! Do not sign up for this class unless you were enrolled in Young Dog 1 during the 2023 fall session.
This class will concentrate on the different skills necessary to build the Open and Utility exercises. Skills will build upon one another. Limit 8.
PREREQUISITE: Dogs in this class do not need to have an obedience title but should be thinking about doing advanced obedience with their dogs.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 90 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
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 6-12 (will break into 2 classes if more than 6 register).
PREREQUISITE: Prior Novice class, BN/PN title, or 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
Work on better heeling and stays for teams that have completed SOTC's NOV2 class or have the majority of the skills needed for Beginner Novice / Novice.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
Drop-in run-throughs for Beginner Novice and Novice. Limit 10 teams per meeting.
MEETINGS: 4 meetings (1/4, 1/11, 1/25, 2/8), 45 minutes. Beginner Novice at 7pm, followed by Novice.
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 with a credit card)
TO REGISTER: To reserve a spot for a particular meeting and to confirm that class will be held, text Nan at 315-345-7847. Tell her your name and which class you want (or if you want both). You will need to sign up by 4pm the day before (Wednesday).
An introduction to the Open exercises. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE:
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
For those who have learned all the Open exercises and want to start training for Utility. 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
Scentwork classes are held offsite, at American High (the old A.V. Zogg Middle School), 800 4th St., Liverpool. Fees, including that for members paying with points, include a $25 site-rental charge.
For dogs that have no scentwork experience or need more basic experience in foundations. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: None! But no aggressive dogs.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $79 (or 6pts + $25), non-members $104
For those who have done minimal scent work but who aren’t ready to compete yet. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: SOTC Scentwork Foundations or permission
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $79 (or 6pts + $25), non-members $104
For those who have the basics of scentwork and need more experience with different container and interior set-ups. Limit 6-8.
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Novice Scentwork Level 1 or one leg earned at a Novice-level scentwork trial
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $79 (or 6pts + $25), non-members $104
For those who have earned at least one Novice leg and are ready to do Advanced searches.
PREREQUISITE: SOTC Novice Level 2 or at least one Novice leg
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $79 (or 6pts + $25), non-members $104
For anyone who has earned at least two Advanced Legs and is interested in learning and practicing at the Excellent level. We will spend time talking about accessible versus inaccessible hides, multiple distractions, converging odor, eddying odor, and elevation hides (not greater than 48”) as well as introducing a new scent, Clove.
PREREQUISITE: Teams must have earned at least two Advanced legs
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $79 (or 6pts + $25), non-members $104
In this class we will be targeting the idiosyncrasies of inaccessible, pooling and converging hides. Limit 6.
PREREQUISTE: This class is intended for dog/handler teams who are working at the Advanced level or beyond, and are capable of conducting a search for multiple hides.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 75 minutes
PREREQUISITE: Completion of the instructor's Fall 2023 class (Fun Games/Practice Hides Level 3) or permission
PRICE: SOTC members $79 (or 6pts + $25), non-members $104
PLEASE! Do not sign up for this class unless EITHER (1) you were enrolled in the instructor's Fun Games Level 3 class during the 2023 fall session OR (2) you have the instructor's permission to enroll.
We are unable to accommodate any new non-member agility students at this time. We usually have a few openings in Agility Foundations each session for non-member current students (i.e. our Basic grads), but rarely anything beyond that for them or for students new to SOTC. If you need recommendations for other agility training options, click HERE to email our Agility Inquiries contact.
Agility students must arrive on time so as to be available to help with equipment setup if required.
Dogs must be crated while students walk the course or move equipment. Students may use a guest crate or bring their own crate each time and carry it out after class.
This class will cover the foundation skills required for competition agility, such as teamwork, self-control, body control, and shaping. The class is appropriate for all handlers (experienced agility competitors as well as those new to the sport) and is required for inexperienced handlers. If you have never competed in agility, you must take Foundations before enrolling in any other agility class SOTC offers. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: SOTC Basic graduate or permission
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 60 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
For students who have taken SOTC's Agility Foundations 1 but are not quite ready for Beginner Agility.
PREREQUISITE: SOTC Agility Foundations 1 or permission
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 75 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 9 points, non-members $102
Introduction to contact equipment, jump training, practicing lead-outs, and basic handling. Building drive while maintaining focus and control. Limit 6-8.
PREREQUISITE: For students continuing from the instructors' Fall Beginner Agility class. Students who have not previously competed in agility must have taken SOTC Agility Foundations or an equivalent class elsewhere before enrolling in Beginner Agility. Dogs should be at least 8 months old.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 75 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 9 points, non-members $102
PLEASE! Do not sign up for this class unless you were enrolled in the same class during the 2023 fall session.
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
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 90 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 9 points, non-members $102
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.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 90 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 9 points, non-members $102
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.).
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 video editing software) 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.
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 a date to be announced
PRICE: SOTC members $36 or 4 points, non-members $52 (price includes 2 hours of Open Training; price for additional OT sessions is $5 for members, $10 for non-members)
For dogs that have completed an Agility Foundations class but are not yet ready to trial. This will be a handling class only (no contacts or weaves). We will work skills and do short sequences. This will include offering the jump, tunnel commitment, go on, front cross, blind cross, and rear crosses. The class will be adjusted to the skill level of the handler and dog team. Limit 5.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 60 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
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
Distraction training while doing agility, obedience, rally, or flyball activities, etc. This is a combo class based on games from Leslie McDevitt (author of “Control Unleashed”) and the jump grids from Susan Salo.
Distraction will be provided by another dog working on the other side of ring gating.
You will learn pattern games you can do with your dog to keep them engaged with you through distractions in the environment. The use of remote reinforcement will also be covered.
The goal is that you can utilize what you learned in training and trial environments. A different foundation grid or jumping activity will be offered every week.
Depending on the level of the dogs in class we will build this up slowly for some and quicker for others.
Dogs must be 18 months and up to any age. They should have a recall, walk on a leash, and must be good with other dogs in the ring at the same time. Limit 5 dog-and-handler teams.
MEETINGS: 4 meetings (1/12,1/26, 2/9, 3/1), 90 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $48 or 6 points, non-members $68
Nested courses will be built, course maps will be provided. Run the courses or train as you wish. Please be prompt for setup. Limit 10 teams per meeting.
MEETINGS: 5 meetings (11 Jan, 25 Jan, 8 Feb, 22 Feb, 7 March), 90 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 with a credit card)
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
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
For teams doing Novice or Open work. We will work on all the elements of a course and the best way for you to handle them. We will make sure that you have a toolbox full of good skills to draw from. Perfect your front crosses , blinds, rears, serps, lead-outs, contacts, etc.
PREREQUISITE: Dogs must be able to do all contact equipment and weaves for participation in this class
6 meetings, 60 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
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
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, 75 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 9 points, non-members $102