Oak Ridge Kennel Club Homepage

PUPPY
Puppy – This class is for puppies three months to no more than 20 weeks old on the first night of class. Puppies learn how to meet and interact with other dogs and people. They also learn a few simple commands. This is a four week class.  Prerequisites: Puppy’s age must fall within course description. Puppies must have had their second round of vaccinations.

Super Puppy – Class is designed for puppies five months to eight months of age (depending on size). In this class, puppies will learn basic obedience skills, such as sit, down, and come, as well as basic manners.
Prerequisite: Puppy’s age must fall within course description or they must have recently completed the puppy class.

CONFORMATION

Conformation Handling/Drop-In – This class is for those who wish to show their dog in the conformation ring. Students learn different gaiting patterns, get stacking tips, handling tips, ring protocol for both breed and group rings, and socialize dogs for the show ring atmosphere. Instructors are experienced show handlers. This is a drop-in class, pay as you go. Prerequisites: Student should be familiar with basic show ring protocol and how to present their breed of dog.

Beginner Conformation – This class is for those who are just getting started in the show ring. Handlers will learn how to groom and present their dogs, how to enter a dog show, basic ring protocol, AKC rules and"what to expect when you get there". Instructors are experienced show handlers who have started puppies and finished champions.  Prerequisites: Dog must be leash trained. Puppies must have had their 2^nd set of shots.

RALLY

Novice Rally – AKC Rally is a relatively new dog sport that is a stand alone fun event for both dog and human, as well as a successful stepping stone from the AKC Canine Good Citizen program to the world of obedience or agility. Rally offers both the dogs and handlers an experience that is fun and energizing. The canine team moves at their own pace, very similar to rally-style auto racing. Rally was designed with the traditional pet owner in mind, but it can still be very challenging for those who enjoy higher levels of competition.  Rally Obedience is fast-paced, challenging, and loads of fun. You'll learn the 31 Novice exercises, utilizing heelwork, fronts, and finishes, and also perform some courses.  Prerequisites: Beginner, CGC or equivalent

Rally Advanced/Excellent – This course is for dogs that have completed the Beginner/Novice Rally class or equivalent.  You'll learn the 20 Adv/Exc exercises, as well as continued work utilizing attention and heelwork, fronts and finishes, and stays. We'll introduce jumps and backing and longer stays.  For those interested in competing, we will work exercises in Novice, Advanced, and Excellent levels including entire course run-throughs.  Prerequisites: Novice Rally or instructor permission

OBEDIENCE

Beginners – This class is for puppies over 6 months of age and adult dogs. (NO dog is too old to learn manners!) Features sit, down, stand, stay, come, polite leash walking, socialization and confidence building. Also problem solving techniques and much, much more.  Prerequisite: Dog must be over 6 months of age.

Canine Good Citizen (CGC) – This class is for those who would like to earn an AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) title on their dogs. The CGC title can by earned by any dog, regardless of whether or not they are purebred or registered with the AKC. This class will teach handlers to train their dogs to pass the 10 individual tests for their CGC title. The club will provide an opportunity for all handlers and their dogs to take the test after the completion of the course. Dogs learn good public manners, obedience to commands during distractions and to accept being handled by someone they don't know. This class is designed for those owners who are interested in continuing to work with their dogs past the Beginner class level, as well as those who are interested in doing therapy dog work.  Prerequisites: Beginner course or equivalent. Dog must be over 8 months of age.

Pre-Novice – This class will help lay the foundation for competitive obedience and rally showing. Skills such as attention, fronts, finishes, stands and stays will be taught.  Prerequisite: CGC or equivalent

Novice – This class will help prepare you and your dog for obedience competition. All Novice exercises will be covered, as well as footwork, common dog and handler errors, and rules and regulations.  Prerequisite: CGC or equivalent

Open – This class teaches the basic Open level Obedience exercises and helps the dog-handler team refine their performance in preparation for showing in the AKC Open Obedience class. The instructor will attempt to work with each student at the student's level. Dogs must be able to work off lead. Handler must bring a dumbbell to class.  Prerequisites: Dogs must have earned the Companion Dog (CD) title or have the instructor's permission.

Introduction to Utility – This class is intended to introduce portions of the Utility exercises to the dog and handler. Skills introduced will include the moving stand, call to heel, signals, go outs, directed jumping and scent articles. Complete exercises will not be taught, only the skills necessary to begin the dog’s utility training. Dogs must be able to work off lead. Handler must bring utility articles and gloves to class.  Prerequisites: Dogs must have earned the Companion Dog (CD) title or have the instructor’s permission. Dogs should also have a reliable retrieve command.

Utility – This class teaches the basic Utility level Obedience exercises and helps the dog-handler team refine their performance in preparation for showing in the AKC Utility Obedience class. The instructor is available to teach inexperienced exhibitors how to train the advanced exercises, but the more advanced students generally help each other and act as "stewards" and "judges" to give each other formal or informal run-throughs. Dogs must be able to work off lead. Handler must bring utility articles and gloves to class.  Prerequisites: Dogs must have earned the Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) title or have the instructor's permission. Dogs should also have a reliable retrieve command.