Established 1960
Classes
Class Schedule, SPRING 2024
Spring basic-obedience classes (Puppy, Pre-Basic & Basic) are all full and/or under way, and registration is CLOSED. Summer classes will start in mid-/late June. More information will be coming in May.
When Can You Register?
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 March 6, closes March 9 (all classes)
For other SOTC members, registration opens at on 3/13 (all classes)
For non-member current students, registration opens on:
- 3/15 for Puppy, Pre-Basic, & Basic (with permission code)
- 3/20 for other classes (with permission code; different codes for different classes; limited availability)
For non-member new students, registration opens on:
- 3/20 for Puppy, Pre-Basic, & Basic (no permission code required)
- Other classes are generally not available to new students, but you may check with the Registrar and request a permission code after 3/25. Please do not ask before then.
Need Help? Have Questions?Try these links first: Still having trouble? Need a permission code? | What's on the Schedule?
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BASIC OBEDIENCE
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.
Puppy
Our Puppy class is now offered in two versions, to provide appropriate socialization experiences for slightly different age groups:
- Option 1 (lower age cutoff) is for puppies that will be between 8 and 16 weeks of age on the first day. The class will include short periods of socialization play for the puppies.
- Option 2 (higher age cutoff) is for puppies that will be between 8 weeks and 5 months of age on the first day. At the instructor’s discretion, the class may (or may not) include socialization play.
Aside from the age cutoff and play policy, the classes are the same. Both versions include the AKC STAR Puppy program and will introduce a host of real-world skills for your newest family member. In order to earn the STAR Puppy certificate, you must attend at least 6 of the 8 class meetings. All puppies should receive a minimum of one set of vaccines at least 7 days prior to the first class and a first deworming. They should be kept up-to-date on vaccines throughout the class.
PREREQUISITE: None! Just follow the age and vaccination guidelines above. Students must bring proof of puppy's vaccination to the first class.
MEETINGS: 8 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 8 points, non-members $104
- CLOSED Option 1: PUP-M7 (for puppies born between ~12/18/23 & 2/12/24) | Monday 7pm starting 4/8 (will not meet on 5/13; decision about meeting on 5/27 Memorial Day will be made after class begins) | Instructor Roberta Hennigan, assistant Janine Ramsden
- CLOSED Option 2: PUP-TU8 (for puppies born between ~11/16/23 & 2/20/24) | Tuesday 8pm starting 4/16 | Instructor Leah Pekarsky Smith, assistant Danielle Knobel
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 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
- CANCELLED (will be converted to an adult-dog Basic class) | PRE-M8 | Monday 8pm starting 4/8 (will not meet on 5/13; decision about meeting on 5/27 Memorial Day will be made after class begins ) | Instructor Tim Faulkner, assistant Amy Thorna
- CLOSED PRE-W630 | Wednesday 6:30pm starting 4/10 | Instructor Martina St. Leger, assistant Lynn Coates
- CLOSED PRE-TH730 | Thursday 7:30pm starting 4/4 | Instructor Meg Donley, assistant Dawn Evans
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 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
- CLOSED BAS-M8 | Monday 8pm starting 4/15 (will not meet on 5/13; decision about meeting on 5/27 Memorial Day will be made after class begins ) | Instructor Tim Faulkner, assistant Amy Thorna
- CLOSED BAS-M6 | Monday 6pm starting 4/15 (decision about meeting on 5/27 Memorial Day will be made after class begins ) | Instructor Kryssi D'Eredita, assistant Pat Hoover
- CLOSED BAS-TU6 (limit 6) | Tuesday 6pm starting 4/16 (will not meet on 5/14) | Instructor Leah Pekarsky Smith, assistant Michelle Cappa
- CLOSED BAS-TU715 (limit 6) | Tuesday 7:15pm starting 4/2 (note early start date; not meet on 4/9 , 5/14) | Instructor Janine Ramsden, assistant Lisa Garofalo
- CLOSED BAS-W530 | Wednesday 5:30pm starting 4/3 (note early start date; will not meet on 4/10) | Co-instructors Patty Warner & Bari Tassinaro
- CLOSED BAS-TH6 (limit 6) | Thursday 6pm starting 4/4 | Instructor Larry Krieger, assistant Martina St. Leger
BEYOND BASIC
(back to top)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 permission
MEETINGS: 8 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 8 points, non-members $104
- CLOSED INT-W630 | Wednesday 6:30pm starting 4/3 (note early start date; will not meet on 4/10) | Co-instructors Patty Warner & Bari Tassinaro
- CLOSED INT-TH715 (limit 6) | Thursday 7:15pm starting 4/4 | Instructor Larry Krieger, assistant Martina St. Leger
Canine Good Citizen (Prep Class with Test)
Teaching you how to train your dog to be an AKC Canine Good Citizen. At the last class meeting you will be able to take the test for the CGC title. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: SOTC Basic graduate or permission
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 60 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
- CGC-SU7 | Sunday 7pm starting 4/14 (will not meet on 5/5) | Instructor Pam Renock, assistant Sandy Madaio
Tricks (and Maybe Clicks)
Come learn some tricks your dog does not know. Many possibilities and requests will be taken! Each week at least one new trick will be introduced in addition to reviewing and advancing on prior week’s tricks. The main goal of this class is to have fun with your dog while learning very useful training skills. The end result will be some tricks you and your dog can show off at home and a better trained trainer! Using a clicker is not required in this class but some clicker training skills will be taught. The instructor highly recommends you at least experiment with a clicker in class. It is helpful for more rapidly teaching the tricks. It can also be very useful in training household manners, agility, obedience and scent work.
Since there will be some fast moving by the dogs and throwing of treats, this class is restricted to dogs that don’t react aggressively and are relatively easily controlled.
There is some inexpensive equipment to be supplied by students (e.g. a training clicker, a box, etc). Details will be shared by the instructor prior to the first class via email.
Some examples of tricks that we will consider are: shake, high five, circle around you forward or backward, spin in front or on the side of you, go around a cone, get in a box, put front feet on a pad while standing facing you (good for lots of kinds of training), circle around a pedestal while front feet stay on the pedestal (excellent for rear end awareness and keeping butt in for heeling), roll over, get on a platform, shake, high five, jump over a bar or a jump, touch your fist or a target stick, bow, figure of 8 through legs, weave through your legs as you walk.
Limit 4.
PREREQUISITE: SOTC Basic grad or permission. Students must have basic control of their dogs. No dog-reactive or food-aggressive dogs (there will be some throwing of treats, and some of the dogs will be moving fast).
MEETINGS: 5 meetings, 60 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $45 or 5 points, non-members $65
- CANCELLED TRX-TH530 | Thursday 5:30pm starting 4/4 | Instructor Lynn Miller, assistant Deb Pridgen
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 4.
PREREQUISITE: SOTC Basic graduate or permission. 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. To participate fully, dogs should be at least 12 months of age. Puppies as young as 6 months 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, 60 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
- FLY1-TU9 | Tuesday 9am starting 4/9 (will not meet on 5/14) | Instructor Jessica Sielawa, assistant TBA
*** If the 9am class fills and there is enough demand, we will add a second class at 10am! Just join the 9am waitlist and wait to hear from us. ***
Beginner / Intermediate Flyball
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. To participate fully, dogs should be at least 12 months of age. Puppies as young as 6 months 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
- FULL, WAITLIST FORMING FLY2-W630 | Wednesday 6:30pm starting 4/10 | Instructor Jessie Burgess, assistant Gabby Casanova
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 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
- CON-TU7 | Tuesday 7pm starting 4/16 | Instructor Mary Walker, assistant Mary Kobis
Freestyle
Foundations for Freestyle & Rally-FrEe
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. Limit 6.
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
- RFE-W630 | Wednesday 6:30pm starting 4/10 | Instructor Jamie Ohman, assistant TBA
RALLY
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.
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: 6 meetings, 60 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
- FULL, WAITLIST FORMING RAL1-TU5 | Tuesday 5pm starting 4/16 (will not meet on 5/14) | Instructor Kathy Morse, assistant Paul Vautrain
Intro to Rally Skills
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
- FULL, WAITLIST CLOSED RSK1-F215 | Friday 2:15pm starting 4/5 (will not meet on 5/3) | Instructor Judy McManus, assistant Ann Hardy
Rally Skills, Advanced Through Master
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
- CLOSED RSK3-F1 | Friday 1pm starting 4/5 (will not meet on 5/3) | Instructor Judy McManus, assistant Ann Hardy
Rally Advanced / Excellent
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
- FULL, WAITLIST FORMING RAL3-TU6 | Tuesday 6pm starting 4/16 (will not meet on 5/14) | Instructor Kathy Morse, assistant Paul Vautrain
Rally Excellent
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
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
- FULL, WAITLIST FORMING RAL4-M11 | Monday 11am starting 4/15 | Instructor Debbie Keith, assistant Kathy Mosher
Rally Master
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
- FULL, WAITLIST FORMING RAL5-M1230 | Monday 12:30pm starting 4/15 | Instructor Pat John, assistant Jennifer Taylor
COMPETITION OBEDIENCE
Young Dog Competition 3
A continuation of the winter class. Limit 6.
NOTE: This is the 3rd 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 2
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points
PLEASE! Do not sign up for this class unless EITHER (1) you were enrolled in Young Dog 2 during the winter session OR (2) you have the instructor's permission to enroll
- YDC3-TH6 | Thursday 6pm starting 4/4 (will not meet on 5/2, 5/16) | Instructor Kathy McCloskey, assistant Donna Schmidt
Foundation Skills for Open & Utility
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: 8 meetings, 90 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 8 points, non-members $104
- CLOSED OUS-M1 | Monday 1pm
starting 4/8starting 4/15 (decision about meeting on 5/27 Memorial Day will be made after class begins ) | Co-instructors Dottie Hamblin, Becky Byrns, & Cindy Berry, assistant Toni Tuck
Dumbbell Retrieve
This class will focus on teaching the dumbbell retrieve by totally shaping it. It is great for dogs who have not yet started to learn the retrieve as well as for dogs who have started but are encountering problems (e.g., mouthing the dumbbell or picking it up incorrectly).
It will be comprised of two separately shaped skills:
- dog taking a dowel into his mouth
- dog resting his chin in the handler’s hand
Once the two separate components are well understood by the dog, they will be combined for a correct “TAKE” and for building duration for “HOLD”.
Limit 6 working students. I am happy to have any auditors who might like to come and watch. They can ask general questions during the class but I will not be answering questions about their own dog’s performance.
PREREQUISITE: Students need to understand the principles of shaping and their dogs need to understand the meaning of the marker (word or clicker).
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 60 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points
- CLOSED DMB-TH2 | Thursday 2pm starting 4/4 | Instructor Nancy Frakes, assistant Debbie Waters
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 8 (but if you get closed out, please join the waitlist and wait to hear from us; we may be able to accommodate you)
PREREQUISITE: Prior Novice class, BN/PN title, or permission. Students must have Novice skills prior to sign-up.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
- NOV2-M7 | Monday 7pm starting 4/15 (will not meet on 5/13; decision about meeting on 5/27, Memorial Day, will be made after class begins) | Co-instructors Sue Eaton & Kelly Mueller
Advanced Novice
Not offered this time
Intro to Open
An introduction to the Open exercises. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE:
MEETINGS: 8 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 8 points, non-members $104
- OPN1-M6 | Monday 6pm starting starting 4/8 (decision about meeting on 5/27 Memorial Day will be made after class begins ) | Instructor Wendy Longden, assistant Melissa Lanty
Intro to Utility
An introduction to the Utility exercises. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE:
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
- UTL1-M5 | Monday 5pm starting 4/15 | Instructor Kathy Helmke, assistant Kelly Mueller
Advanced Open / Utility
A proofing and polishing class for Open and Utility. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: Working knowledge of all the exercises
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78
- FULL, WAITLIST FORMING OU3-M6 | Monday 6pm starting 4/15 | Instructor Kathy Helmke, assistant Sue Eaton
Open & Utility Problem Solving
Students should email their Open or Utility problem to Steph. This is a problem-solving class, not a class designed to teach the exercises. Handlers must already understand the Open or Utility exercise they want to troubleshoot and must already have taught their dogs the exercises. Limit 6.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 60 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points
- OUP-TU1 | Tuesday 1pm starting 4/9 (will not meet on 5/14) | Co-instructors Stephanie Podejko & Lou Scrimale
SCENT WORK
We are unable to accommodate any new non-member scent work students at this time.
Scent work classes are held offsite, at American High (the old A.V. Zogg Middle School), 800 4th St., Liverpool. Fees, including the fee for members paying with points, include a $25 site-rental charge.
*** IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT DATES ***
SOTC's spring scent work trial will be held at American High on April 27-28. Classes will not be held there that weekend or for the two weeks preceding the trial (so as to allow the site to air out prior to the competition). The Tuesday and Saturday scent classes affected by the two-week buffer will be held instead at Maxwell Park (6560 Badgley Rd., East Syracuse) on those dates (Tuesday April 16 & 23, Saturday April 13 & 20). Other class meetings affected will be skipped and be made up at the end. Your instructor will keep you informed.
Intro to Scent Work 1
(formerly called Scent Work Foundations)
For dogs that have no scentwork experience or need more basic experience in the foundations. Limit 6.
What you will need
- Lots and lots of good treats
- A crate
- A harness if you have one (if not, a collar is fine to start with)
- Water and a bowl (dogs scent best when they are hydrated)
PREREQUISITE: None! But no aggressive dogs.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $79 (or 6pts + $25), non-members $104
- FULL, WAITLIST CLOSED SCTI1-TH12 | Thursday 12 noon starting 4/4 (will not meet on 4/18 & 4/25) | Instructor Amir Findling, assistant Kathy Vanderworken
- FULL, WAITLIST CLOSED SCTI1-SA12 | Saturday 12 noon starting 4/6 (will not meet on 4/27) | Instructor Terri Botsford, assistant Kelly Mueller
Intro to Scent Work 2
A continuation of the Winter 2024 class that was called Scent Work Foundations (but that will henceforth be called Intro to Scent Work 1). Limit 6-8.
PREREQUISITE: For students who took the winter Scent Work Foundations class.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $79 (or 6pts + $25), non-members $104
PLEASE! Do not sign up for these classes unless you were enrolled in the corresponding winter "Foundations" class. If you need to switch between the Saturday and (new) Wednesday time slots, go ahead (join the waitlist, if necessary); we will accommodate you.
- SCTI2-W6 | Wednesday 6pm starting 4/10 (will not meet on 4/17 & 4/24) | Instructor Nan Bonnell, assistant Lisa McCormick
- FULL, WAITLIST CLOSED SCTI2-TH1 | Thursday 1pm starting 4/4 (will not meet on 4/18 & 4/25) | Instructor Amir Findling, assistant Kathy Vanderworken
- SCTI2-SA11 | Saturday 11am starting 4/6 (will not meet on 4/27) | Instructor Terri Botsford, assistant Kelly Mueller
Novice Scent Work Level 1
Not offered this time
Novice Scent Work Level 2
For those who have the basics of scent work and need more experience with different container, interior set-ups, and exterior setups. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Novice Scent Work Level 1 (preference given to those who took that class last session) or one leg earned at a Novice-level scent work trial
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $79 (or 6pts + $25)
PLEASE! Do not sign up for this class unless EITHER (1) you were enrolled last session in the class mentioned in the prerequisite, OR (2) you have been given explicit permission to enroll.
- FULL, WAITLIST CLOSED SCTN2-TH2 | Thursday 2pm starting 4/4 (will not meet on 4/18 & 4/25) | Instructor Jean Rand, assistant Janine Crane
Advanced Scent Work Level 1
For those who have earned at least one Novice leg and are ready to do Advanced searches. Limit 6.
PREREQUISITE: SOTC Novice Level 2 (preference given to those who took that class last session) or at least one Novice leg.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $79 (or 6pts + $25)
PLEASE! Do not sign up for this class unless EITHER (1) you were enrolled last session in the class mentioned in the prerequisite, OR (2) you have been given explicit permission to enroll.
- FULL, WAITLIST CLOSED SCTA1-TU630 | Tuesday 6:30 pm starting 4/16 (note later start date) | Instructor Becky O'Brien, assistant Amir Findling
Excellent Scent Work Level 1
Not offered this time
Excellent Scent Work Level 1/2
PREREQUISITE: For those who have completed Excellent Scent Work Level 1 or who have a couple legs in the AKC Advanced-level classes. Limit 6-8.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $79 (or 6pts + $25), non-members $104
- FULL, WAITLIST FORMING SCTX1-X2-TU730 | Tuesday 7:30pm starting 4/16 (note later start date) | Instructor Terri Botsford, assistant Sue Eaton
Excellent Scent Work Level 3
PREREQUISITE: For those who took the instructor's winter 2024 Inaccessible, Pooling & Converging Hides class. Limit 6.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 75 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $79 (or 6pts + $25)
PLEASE! Do not sign up for this class unless EITHER (1) you were enrolled last session in the class mentioned in the prerequisite, OR (2) you have been given explicit permission to enroll.
- FULL, WAITLIST CLOSED SCTX3-TH330 | Thursday 3:30pm starting 4/4 (will not meet on 4/18 & 4/25) | Instructor Jean Rand, assistant Janine Crane
AGILITY
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.
Agility Foundations 1
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: 8 meetings, 60 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 8 points, non-members $104
- FULL, WAITLIST CLOSED AFN1-W630 | Wednesday 6:30pm starting 4/10 | Instructor Janine Ramsden, assistant Rick Pflueger
Agility Foundations 2
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: 5 meetings, 75 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $60 or 7.5 points, non-members $85
- FULL, WAITLIST FORMING AFN2-F6 | Friday 6pm starting 4/19 (will not meet on 5/3, 5/24) | Co-instructors Jennifer Precourt & Amy Shaw, assistant Rumpelstiltskin Morgan
Beginner Agility
Introduction to contact equipment, jump training, practicing lead-outs, and basic handling. Building drive while maintaining focus and control. Limit 6-8.
PREREQUISITE: 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: 8 meetings, 75 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $96 or 12 points, non-members $136
- FULL, WAITLIST CLOSED AGL1-W5 | Wednesday 5pm starting 4/10 | Co-instructors Dottie Hamblin & Diane Eggleston, assistant Stacy Thompson
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
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 90 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 9 points, non-members $102
- FULL, WAITLIST FORMING AGL2-M630 | Monday 6:30pm starting 4/8 (will not meet on 5/13) | Co- instructors Scott Reichinger, Lindsey Blaine, & Amy Shaw
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.
MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 90 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 9 points, non-members $102
- FULL, WAITLIST CLOSED AGL3-W2 | Wednesday 2pm starting 4/10 | Co-instructors Kris Hart & Jeri Fishack
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 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.
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 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)
- VAS (2024SPR) | Co-instructors Emily Hamilton Reynolds, Michele Maier & Scott Reichinger
Agility Handling for Young Dogs
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
- AGH-TU345 | Tuesday 3:45pm starting 4/16 (will not meet on5/14) | Co-instructors Karen Vanderburgh & Sue DeRienzo
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
- CANCELLED AGW-TU445 | Tuesday 4:45pm starting 4/16 (will not meet on5/14) | Co-instructors Karen Vanderburgh & Sue DeRienzo
Foundation Jump Grid
The Foundation Jump Grid class is for dogs 12 months and up who have never jumped or 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/her stride to cover ground more efficiently, jump cleanly and find the perfect take-off spot. Several types of jump grids will be covered such as the foundation grids, stride grids and bend work. Grids will be progressed throughout the class. Limit 4.
PREREQUISITE: Dogs must be at least 12 months of age, be reliable off -leash, and have a reliable off-leash recall
MEETINGS: 6 meetings (4/5, 4/12, 4/26, 5/10, 5/24, 5/31), 90 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 9 points, non-members $102
- AGJ-F1030 | Friday 10:30am starting 4/5 (will not meet on 4/19, 5/3, 5/17) | Instructor Linda Kaufman, assistant Melanie Hoover
Agility Drop-ins, Novice to Masters
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: 4 meetings (4/11, 4/25, 5/9, 5/30), 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
- ADI-TH730 | Thursday 7:30pm starting 4/11 | Instructor Andrea Lee, assistant Tom Weickert
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 4/16 (will not meet on5/14) | Instructor Becky Konst, assistant Tom Canino
Novice / Open Agility
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
- AGL4-TH11 | Thursday 11am starting 4/4 (will not meet on 5/2) | Co-instructors Linda Aloi & Peggy Mooney
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 4/16 (will not meet on5/14) | 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, 75 minutes
PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 9 points, non-members $102
- FULL, WAITLIST CLOSED AGL6-TH615 | Thursday 6:15pm starting 4/4 (will NOT meet on 5/2) | Co-instructors Sandy Madaio & Diane Eggleston