"Conformation" is the showing/handling of dogs in a dog show ring.  This class provides instruction on how to handle and properly "gait", "stack", "free-stack" and "present the dog's bite" in a dog show event.  

This instructional class is open to all levels of experience of handlers (newbies to advanced), skilled handlers with new show pups, or seasoned show dogs. In order to keep the rings clean and safe, the grooming of dogs is not permitted in this class or the building. Junior handlers are always welcome.

The class will run on abbreviated Excellent/Master level Standard and Jumpers with Weaves courses.  The emphasis of this class is forming better handling skills for teams with dogs that are proficient at all obstacles. This is not a class for dogs that are reluctant to enter tunnels or contacts nor dogs that are unable to successfully complete 12 weave poles as time will not be spent teaching obstacle performance. 

Prerequisites: Dogs/handlers must have successfully completed MDTC’s Intermediate Obedience class, Introduction to Agility (Beginner) and Intermediate Agility 1 and 2. Dogs must be trialing at Open level or above or be evaluated by the instructor/training director before signing up for class. If the instructor determines a team is not ready for this class, he or she may direct the student to move to another class.

Note: Students are expected to help setup and break down equipment at the beginning and end of each class.

This is an Advanced Basic dog training class that covers all required elements of the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC), AKC Community Canine (CGC-A) evaluations, as well as the most common requirements for a Therapy Dog evaluation. For more information on these tests, see the links below.

Required Equipment: Well-fitting buckle or slip collar (including martingales) made of leather or fabric. (Body harness is OK for training and CGC test.) A 4-6 foot long leash made of leather or fabric (NO retractable leashes are permitted!). A 20 foot long line leash made of fabric or synthetic material. 

Recommended: "Canine Good Citizen, The Official AKC Guide, 2nd Edition", by Mary R. Burch, c. 2021. Available in paperback. 

Note: If this is your dog's first time attending MDTC classes,  owners/handlers are required to bring the dog's current vaccination records to the first class. All dogs MUST have received at least the 2nd round of DHPP (distemper, adenovirus [hepatitis], parainfluenza, and parvovirus) before attend the first class. Rabies vaccination is MANDATORY for all puppies 16 weeks or older per Virginia State Law. Leptospirosis (Lepto), Bordetella (Kennel Cough), and Giardia vaccinations are not required to attend class. Please consult your licensed Veterinarian for additional questions or concerns.

Prerequisites: Dogs must be able to execute all commands (sit, down, come, stay, and heel on leash) at the Intermediate level. The CGC Basic testing at the end of this class is included and optional.  The CGC Basic test will be conducted 1-2 wks after the last day of class. CGC-A will also be tested.

For additional information, enjoy the videos listed below:

• AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC): https://youtu.be/W77DYbZTm2E
• AKC Community Canine (CGC-A): https://youtu.be/_iiCxAeXHc8
• AKC Therapy Dog Program / Recognized Certifying Agencies:  https://www.akc.org/sports/title-recognition-program/therapy-dog-program/therapy-dog-organizations/ 

This class is designed for beginner dogs and handlers who have little experience in agility. The class will continue work on foundation agility exercises, including body awareness, targeting, start line stays, forward focus, distance commands and handling skills. Contact obstacle and weave pole foundations will be introduced in addition to beginner/novice sequences.

Note: Students are expected to help setup and break down equipment at the beginning and end of each class.

Prerequisites: Dogs must be at least 12 months of age. Dogs must have sucessfully passed MDTC's Introduction to Agility 102 and Intermediate Obedience class ensuring the ability to work off leash, and respond to commands (sit, stay and come, heel on leash). Students may ask to be evaluated by the Training Director (Deana Bullock, 757-778-7608) or Instructor before coming to class.

This class is not for beginner dogs and continues from Foundations Groundwork 104 (Introduction to Agility) for teams preparing to compete at Novice level. This class will include short sequencing of obstacles in both standard and jumper courses which will be split between two rings. Course maps will be provided.

Note: Students are expected to help setup and break down equipment at the beginning and end of each class.

Prerequisites: Dogs/Handlers must have successfully completed MDTC’S Foundations & Groundwork (Intro to Agility) 101-104 or be evaluated by instructor/training director before attending class.

This class is not for beginner dogs and continues from Foundations Groundwork 104 for teams preparing to compete at Novice level. This class will include short sequencing of obstacles in both standard and jumper courses which will be split between two rings. Course maps will be provided.

Note: Students are expected to help setup and break down equipment at the beginning and end of each class.

Prerequisites: Dogs/Handlers must have successfully completed MDTC’S Foundations & Groundwork (Intro to Agility) 101-104 or be evaluated by instructor/training director before attending class.

The class will run on abbreviated Excellent/Master level Standard and Jumpers with Weaves courses.  The emphasis of this class is forming better handling skills for teams with dogs that are proficient at all obstacles. This is not a class for dogs that are reluctant to enter tunnels or contacts nor dogs that are unable to successfully complete 12 weave poles as time will not be spent teaching obstacle performance. 

Prerequisites: Dogs/handlers must have successfully completed MDTC’s Intermediate Obedience class, Introduction to Agility (Beginner) and Intermediate Agility 1 and 2. Dogs must be trialing at Open level or above or be evaluated by the instructor/training director before signing up for class. If the instructor determines a team is not ready for this class, he or she may direct the student to move to another class.

Note: Students are expected to help setup and break down equipment at the beginning and end of each class.

No Class will be held on Wednesday November 18th, a make up class will be offered on Sunday November 22 from 10-11 pm

Note: Melissa is a Certified Control Unleashed Instructor (CCUI). Control Unleashed was developed by internationally known trainer Leslie McDevitt, and is a collection of pattern games. 

Prerequisites: Having taken the prior Control Unleashed class, your dog knows and has learned the pattern games from another class or permission from the instructor (please email me at cushmanmm@yahoo.com for permission or if you are unsure if this class is a good fit) 

Now that your dogs know the pattern games we are going to continue challenging them to use those games in progressively harder situations with more distractions. This class will be run in rings 1 and 3 while agility is being run in rings 2 and 4. This is purposeful. We want the dogs to be able to work on staying engaged with the handler with different levels of distractions. That being said my goal is always for the dogs to be successful so that might involve having them work behind visual blinds, work from a further distance etc. Whatever is required so they can be successful and have a positive experience. 

Dogs that are working on reactivity to other dogs are welcome in the class, and the skills learned in the class are aimed at reducing reactivity and allowing dogs to stay engaged with their owners while other dogs are nearby, with the long-term goal of them being able to work off leash safely. That being said, safety precautions will be taken to ensure ALL dogs are safe at all times. We will be using gates/blinders and space. Dogs will need to be placed in their crates when not working.

Supplies: 4-6 foot leash, 10 foot leash, and LOTS of small (pea size) and easy-to-eat treats or kibble that your dog enjoys. We are working on creating strong emotional connections and conditioned emotional responses; the easiest way to do that is with food!