Loudoun County obedience classes...

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DGOTC's Loudoun County class sessions are 6 weeks long unless otherwise stated.

Fees: Obedience classes: $60. Agility: $70.

Fall Session 2010, Obedience
(Directions)

Classes start October 4 for six weeks. Registrations open September 1.

All classes will be held at PITC..

• Purcellville Indoor Training Center, Purcellville VA (PITC)

Click on class title for description.

Obedience Classes at Purcellville Indoor Training Center (PITC )

Please mail all agility class applications, updated shot records and fees to:
Ann Hereford, Field Secretary
17130 Quail Creek Circle
Hamilton, VA  20158

Class Descriptions

Note that not all classes are offered in all sessions.

Puppy Basic 1

The Puppy Basic 1 class provides the opportunity for your puppy to socialize and learn with other puppies in a relaxed and playful environment. Our primary emphasis is on teaching how to communicate with your puppy through teaching basic skills such as polite manners during greetings, walking on leash, sit, down, come when called and confidence building through interaction with other people and puppies.

Puppy Basic 2

Prerequisite: Puppy Basic 1. This class is for dogs that have already taken a puppy class and would like to continue to build upon skills learned previously and to maintain socialized and friendly behavior to other dogs and people. Lessons learned are worked on using puppy games and tricks; and just for fun agility games to strengthen the bond between you and your dog! An added bonus is to prepare you for the Canine Good Citizen test with the opportunity for your dog to become a S.T.A.R. Puppy! (S.T.A.R. = Socialization, Training, Activity, Responsibility - for more information go to http://www.akc.org/starpuppy/).

Basic Obedience

For puppies/dogs 6 months or older who have had little or no previous formal training other than a puppy class (puppy class is not a prerequisite.) This class is a great start to building a stronger relationship between dogs and handlers. Exercises taught include walk/heel on a loose lead, come, sit, stand, lie down, and stay. All exercises are performed in a group situation training dogs to work among people and other dogs. Prevention and solutions to common problems will be discussed. Positive reinforcement training methods encouraged. Instructors advise handlers on proper use of various types of collars.

Note that our Basic Obedience for Small Breeds is the same as our Basic Obedience class, but it is only open to small breeds or mixes.

Family Dog

For new dog owners or owners who need help connecting with their dog or solving problems. We will focus on learning to have FUN with your dog in a manner that elicits wanted behaviors as well as helping eliminate common unwanted behaviors.
This class covers:
Obedience commands - Come, Sit, Down, Stay, Walking politely on a leash
Commands for around the House - Go to your place, Off, Leave it
Tricks and Games - Fetch, Shake, Roll Over, Twist & Turn
This class is NOT for dogs that exhibit aggression. Dogs that exhibit aggression will not be permitted to remain in class. Not all behavioral issues will be covered in this class.

Beyond Basic Obedience

This class is for dogs and handlers who have completed Basic Obedience (or equivalent) and are ready to proof their dog's performance and reliability. Course objectives include on/off-leash heeling, gaining better attention and focus, fast and reliable recalls, and proofing stays under distracting circumstances.

Introduction to Conformation Handling

The class is geared toward new handlers just getting into the show environment. Handlers will learn the basics on how to show their dog in a formal show environment. Techniques such as proper ring etiquette, standing the dog, and preparing for a show will be addressed. Other topics covered will be AKC Point Calculations & Divisions, judges' patterns, and various other important conformation tools. There will be a "mock show" graduation at the conclusion of the 6 weeks. Handlers should be able to control their dogs/puppies and they must be leash broken before attending class.

Conformation Handling

Conformation handling is the art of making your purebred look its best in the breed ring.  Topics covered include ring procedure, hand stacking, free stacking, gaiting, how to present YOUR dog to its best advantage, and tools for conformation.

Members Only Obedience Class

Open ring time headed up by Shanthi for members to practice at their own level in a group setting.  No specific instruction is offered. 

Advanced Basic Obedience with CGC

This class will be geared to getting your dog ready for the Canine Good Citizen test. It will focus on the following exercises: walking on a loose lead, heeling footwork, recalls, stays, manners while being petted/ groomed, and reaction to both human and canine distractions. The Canine Good Citizen test will be offered at the conclusion on the session. This class is recommended for dogs that have previously taken basic obedience, or have been approved by the instructor.
Class size is limited to 8 dog/handler teams.

Competitive Novice/Open Proofing with Fun and Games

This class is for the competitive dog/handler teams who would like to improve their reliability and precision. We will be proofing by working around many visual and auditory distractions. The K9 games will facilitate much of this while keeping it fun and exciting.

Obedience for Rally

Prerequisite: Advanced Basic/CGC or Instructor approval
Description: Class will focus on improving dog's attention to handler and handler cues, introduction to clicker training concepts, targeting, basics of heeling, fronts and finishes, stays with increased duration and distraction. Class will incorporate Rally signs to give students a taste of Rally and will provide students with the skills they need to succeed in a beginner Rally class.
Class size is limited to 6 dog and handler teams.

APDT Level 1 Rally Obedience-Part 1 (Introduction)

APDT Rally was the first Rally Obedience competition and was introduced by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers in 2001. It's a fun sport in which each dog and handler team navigates a course that consists of numbered signs which indicate different exercises. The dog (on leash) and handler navigate this course without instruction from the judge. Students must have completed the Obedience for Rally Class or have the instructor's permission to sign up for this class. This class is also appropriate for those wishing to compete in AKC and UKC Rally as exercises are similar. Class size is limited to 6 dog and handler teams. More information regarding APDT Rally.

AKC Rally - Novice Level

AKC Rally is a sport in which the dog and handler complete a course that has been designed by the rally judge. The dog and handler proceed at their own pace through a course of designated stations. Rally provides an excellent introduction to AKC Companion Events for new dogs and handlers and can provide a challenging opportunity for competitors in other events to strengthen their skills. Students must have completed the Obedience for Rally Class or have the instructor's permission to sign up for this class. Class size is limited to 6 dog and handler teams. More information on AKC Rally is available here.

APDT Level 2 Rally

This particular class is designed for teams who plan to compete in APDT Level 2 Rally. Students must have completed or titled in an APDT Level 1 Rally class, AKC/Novice, UKC/RO1 class, or have the instructor's permission. Dogs must be able to perform the APDT Level 1 or equivalent exercises. This class is also appropriate for those wishing to compete in AKC and UKC Rally as signs are very similar. (AKC and UKC Rally are basically subsets of APDT.) More information regarding APDT Rally.
Class size is limited to 6 dog and handler teams.

Level 3 APDT Rally Obedience

This class will cover all Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) Level 3 Rally exercises including the 3 Bonus exercises. Students must have successfully completed or titled in an APDT Level 2 Rally class, an AKC/Advanced Rally or UKC/RO2 Rally Class or higher. This class is not limited to people who plan to compete. It is an advanced level class for teams who love to learn new things and handlers who are committed to practice! Class size is limited to 6 dog and handler teams. More information regarding APDT Rally.

APDT Level 3 Rally O Workshop/Seminar

APDT Level 3 workshop/seminar to help clarify the Level 3 exercises and share some training tips. Open to members who have successfully completed my APDT Level 2 class, earned the APDT Level 2 title, or have earned an AKC Advanced/Excellent or UKC R02 title. Limit of 6 participants. More information regarding APDT Rally.

UKC Rally Obedience 1

Let's get ready for DGOTC's UKC Obedience trial that is set for the end of July. This class will be for beginning/ level I competitors. The UKC concept of Rally Obedience is that all handlers, regardless of physical abilities, and all dogs, regardless of physical structure, should have the opportunity to participate and experience success in Rally Obedience. All dogs need to have basic obedience training and if they can follow their handlers' commands, they should be able to qualify for Rally Obedience Titles. The dog and handler team is allowed unlimited communication, praise and encouragement by the handler without penalty and are judged on the overall execution and completion of each exercise (station). www.ukcdogs.com
*This class will be limited to 6 teams. **PREREQUISITE-Your dog should understand basic commands and know how to walk in heel position.

Loudoun Class Registration Details...

Pre-register by downloading form from the web and sending to
Ann Hereford
17130 Quail Creek Circle
Hamilton, Va. 20158

Classes will be limited to 10 and will be filled on a first-come basis. Classes fill quickly! Pre-registration is recommended!

YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED IF THE CLASS IS FULL

Please note that handlers must be a minimum of 13 years old to attend our classes.

Any person pre-registering after the class is already full will be contacted prior to the start of class. Please arrive promptly at the training site prior to your class start time.

All pre-registration forms, current shot records, and a check for $60 must be received five days prior to the first class. After that date you can sign up for any unfilled classes the first night of class. Please arrive one half hour before the class to register for any spots that may be available.

Fees for Loudoun Obedience, 6 weeks...

Non-Members

Obedience - $60.00 for 6 weeks per dog/per class.

Rescue dog from a legitimate rescue organization - $30.00 for first class, subsequent classes $60 (documentation necessary)

Conformation - $60.00 for 6 weeks per handler. Each handler may work up to 3 dogs per class.

Members

Classes are offered to current members at half price.

Class cancellation policy...

If Loudoun County Schools are closed on the day of class due to a natural disaster (snow, etc.) then DGOTC will cancel the Loudoun classes on that particular day. Spring and summer classes are outdoors. You may call Maureen Taylor at (703) 327-6815 to find out the weather report for the Banshee Reeks Park area as Maureen lives near the park. If the weather is good at Banshee Reeks, class will be held. Any cancelled classes will be made up the following week, and up to 2 additional classes will be added, if necessary.