DESCRIPTION: Continuation of skills learned in Novice 2.  Increase to full distance and increased level of proofing, as appropriate. Continued emphasis on precision of Novice exercises.  Introduction of off-leash heeling. If time permits, introduction of Open-level skills of retrieving and jumping and Utility signals. Class can be repeated.

 PREREQUISITE: (one or more of the following)

• Novice 2 or equivalent;
• Instructor approval.

 WHAT TO BRING:

• Copy of vaccination records; 
• 4-6 ft leash;
• Buckle collar; 
• Variety of small, easy to eat treats.

DESCRIPTION: Continuation of skills learned in Novice 1. Increasing distance and proofing of handler/dog team, as appropriate. Work on precision of Novice exercises. Continuing to work on stand for examine, heeling change of pace, heeling with turns, Figure 8, stays. Class can be repeated.

  PREREQUISITE: (one or more of the following)

• Novice I equivalent;
• Instructor approval.

WHAT TO BRING:

• Copy of vaccination records; 
• 4-6 ft leash;
• Buckle collar; 
• Variety of small, easy to eat treats.

DESCRIPTION:  Scent Work is a fun sport based on work done by real-world detection dogs. Instead of locating drugs or explosives, Scent Work uses four essential oils – birch, anise, clove, and cypress – to find different target scents that can be hidden anywhere. This class follows Introduction to Scentwork II.  In this class dogs are introduced to the BIRCH odor. Proper odor handling techniques will be explained. The foundation skills built in the first two classes will be transitioned to searches with Odor. Students may be ready for Novice searches in many nosework venues at the conclusion of this class.

PREREQUISITES: 

• Successful completion of  Introduction to Scentwork II

WHAT TO BRING:   

• Copy of vaccination records
• Buckle or harness
• 6ft leash and 8-12 ft long line
• Crate for your dog

DESCRIPTION:  This class continues to build on the nosework team's search skills in search elements -- containers, interiors, exteriors and vehicles. This class is LEVEL SIX of a six level series. It is intended for dogs preparing for NACSW NW2 and NW3/Elite Competition (or AKC/UKC Superior, Masters and Elite Levels) The complexity of the searches will gradually become more difficult with larger search areas. Searches will include converging odor inaccessible hides, channeling, elevated hides, exterior searches utilizing all weather conditions, timed searches with an unknown number of hides, and searches with Blank or Clear rooms. 

PREREQUISITES: (one or more of the following

• Successful completion of Scentwork - Continuing Intermediate
• Instructor permission

WHAT TO BRING:  

• Copy of vaccination records
• Buckle collar or harness
• Variety of soft treats
• Crate for your dog
• 6 ft leash and 8-12 long line

DESCRIPTION: AKC Rally is intended as a stepping-stone to the more formal AKC obedience, with many exhibitors doing rally prior to competitive obedience. Rally is divided into the following levels: Rally Novice and Intermediate both performed on-leash, followed by off-leash Advanced, Excellent, and Master levels. (Rally Intermediate is an optional level.). Rally classes help prepare the handler/dog team to compete competitively in Rally and have fun working on obedience skills at the same time.  The focus of Introduction to Rally is on the various signs that will be used in Rally Novice, Intermediate, and Advance.

PREREQUISITE:

• Household I or
• Novice I equivalent or
• instructor’s permission.
• Handler/dog team is expected to have the basics of heeling (without leash pulling), fronts, and finishes.

 WHAT TO BRING:

• Copy of vaccination records
• 4-6 ft leash
• Buckle collar
• Variety of small, easy to eat treats
• Crate - Students should bring a portable crate to use when walking the courses.   

DESCRIPTION:  This class continues to build on the nosework team's search skills in search elements -- containers, interiors, exteriors and vehicles. This class is LEVEL SIX of a six level series. It is intended for dogs preparing for NACSW NW2 and NW3/Elite Competition (or AKC/UKC Superior, Masters and Elite Levels) The complexity of the searches will gradually become more difficult with larger search areas. Searches will include converging odor inaccessible hides, channeling, elevated hides, exterior searches utilizing all weather conditions, timed searches with an unknown number of hides, and searches with Blank or Clear rooms. 

PREREQUISITES: (one or more of the following

• Successful completion of Scentwork - Continuing Intermediate
• Instructor permission

WHAT TO BRING:  

• Copy of vaccination records
• Buckle collar or harness
• Variety of soft treats
• Crate for your dog
• 6 ft leash and 8-12 long line

DESCRIPTION: Rally classes will help prepare the handler/dog team to compete competitively in Rally and have fun working on obedience skills at the same time. Some sessions may cover all Rally levels (Novice/Intermediate/Advanced/Excellent/Masters) in one class. Perfection is not expected. More advanced students will be encouraged to try to work off-leash. There will be instruction on how to perform the various exercises. Training assistance will be tailored to the needs to the handler/dog team. Two or three courses will be worked each week. Visit the American Kennel Club website for a more detailed description of rally (www.akc.org/events/rally/) and rally course stations (www.akc.org/rules/).

PREREQUISITE:

• Successful completion of Household I or Novice I equivalent; 
• Instructor's permission;
• The handler/dog team is expected to have the basics of heeling (without leash pulling), fronts, and finishes.

WHAT TO BRING:

• Copy of vaccination records
• 4-6 ft leash
• Buckle collar
• Variety of small, easy to eat treats
• Students should bring a portable crate to use when walking the courses.   

REGISTRATION PRIORITY: Early Registration priority will be granted to students in the previous session (same day/time/instructor) of this class.

DESCRIPTION:  For Puppies who are 5 – 12 months old on the first day of class.   The S.T.A.R. program is an exciting new program designed to get the dog owner and new puppy off to a good start. The focus is on Socialization, Training, Activity, and Responsibility. The puppy level classes also include basic problem solving (e.g., chewing, jumping up, etc.). Most classes use food (soft treats) or silent toys in training. The class includes training on the tasks of sit, down, come, and walking on a loose leash. Exercises to help handler/dog team meet the requirements for the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) are also covered.   

PREREQUISITES:

• Puppy must be up-to-date on vaccinations.  Rabies is not required if under 6 months.
• Puppy must be between 5 months and 12 months on the first day of class.

WHAT TO BRING:

• Copy of updated vaccination records;
• 4-6 ft leash; buckle collar;
• Variety of small, easy to eat treats.

NOTE:  Please do not schedule elective surgery (e.g., spay, neuter) during the class session.