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Beginning

• The Beginning Class is an introductory class with all work done on lead. Basic exercises taught are walking at Heel, Sit, Down, Stay, Recall, and Stand on Command. The class content will also include discussions on responsible dog ownership in today's society.
• Equipment needed for this class is a choke chain collar*, about 3" longer than the dog's neck circumference and of medium link size, and a six foot leash/lead of leather or fabric. A leather lead is highly recommended for medium to large dogs.
• Beginning students who miss a class should come early the following week to learn what they missed.
  
  * Other collar choices are permitted with the trainer's approval.

Intermediate

(Limit 20)

• Prerequisites: dog/handler must have completed a Beginning Obedience course recognized by DPDTC or have Head Trainer's approval.
• This class focuses on improving the dog's reliability with the exercises introduced in the Beginning Class. All exercises form the basis for obedience competition as well as being of equal importance to any dog owner to result in a companion dog welcome in the community.
• The handler should expect to repeat this class two to four times before being ready to move up to the next level.

Advanced Intermediate

(Limit 15) -- Not offered at this time

• Prerequisites: dog/handler should have completed an Intermediate course recognized by DPDTC or have Head Trainer's approval.
• Dogs and handlers are introduced to building relationship skills needed for basic obedience.
• Dog and handler may repeat this class as often as they wish.

Advanced

(Limit 20)

• Prerequisites: dog/handler must have completed an Intermediate course recognized by DPDTC or have Head Trainer's approval.
• Dogs and handlers are introduced to working as a team while refining and broadening all the skills needed for basic obedience. Obedience ring procedures may be touched on briefly.
• The handler should expect to repeat this class two to four times before being ready to move up to the next level.
• Advanced is as far as pet training goes with DPDTC.
• Pet Trainers may remain in this class for up to three sessions at which time they will receive a certificate of achievement suitable for framing (effective 10/2/01).

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THE FOLLOWING CLASSES ARE FOR HANDLERS WHO PLAN TO SHOW THEIR DOGS IN OBEDIENCE COMPETITION

Show Novice

(Limit 20)

• This class is reserved for handlers who want to achieve the C.D. (Companion Dog) title.
• Prerequisites: dog/handler must have completed an Advanced/Novice 1 class recognized by DPDTC or have Head Trainer's approval.
• Class content is designed to instruct handlers in the AKC obedience regulations and ring procedures for the Novice level, while polishing the exercises in preparation for obedience trials. Some dumbbell retrieving and jumping may be introduced in this class.
• The handler should expect to repeat this class a number of times.
• In order to be promoted, or move up, the dog/handler must have earned their C.D.

Open

(Limit 17)

• Prerequisites: dog/handler must have earned two legs toward the C.D. title or have the Head Trainer's approval.
• This class is a progressive course with exercises taught in stages so that the dog and handler learn to succeed. The class prepares the dog/handler team to enter competition at the Companion Dog Excellent (C.D.X.) level, the second AKC title level.

Utility

(Limit 14)

• Prerequisites: dog/handler must have earned two legs toward the C.D.X. title or have the Head Trainer's approval.
• The philosophy of this class is the same as Open, but with the Utility Dog (U.D.) title as the goal.
• Upon achieving the U.D.X., the student may remain in this class as long as there is no one on the Waiting List.

Rally

(Limit 10)

• Prerequisites: dog/handler must have completed the Intermediate class.
• Handlers must provide crates** for their dogs for all classes.
• Handlers will learn to execute all 50 Rally exercises in one session.
• Workshops during a session will be scored as in an AKC Rally Trial.
• Handlers will receive weekly handouts.
• Rally Rules & Regulations will be given to handlers who will be competing.
• Rally Sign Descriptions will be given to all handlers.
• Handlers may take 3 consecutive sessions. If there is not a "waiting list," handlers may continue after the third session.

** It is our Club's policy that dogs are NOT tied down or left unattended at any time during classes. In the Rally class, the students will be doing a "walk-through" of courses each week and dogs must be either in a crate or in the car at this time.

Click here to obtain class registration documents.