This fun class is open to beginner dogs and handlers. Dogs must be at least six months of age - older dogs are welcome, too! Subjects covered include introducing the dog and handler teams to proper heel position when walking, the "sit", "down", "come" (recall), and "stay" commands, and how to meet and greet another person. Other fun and foundational activities will include focus and touch games, how to properly promote and reward desirable behavior, some novice rally signs, and a few trick dog activities.

Note: There will be no class 7/13 to accommodate the Membership Meeting.

If this is your dog's first time attending a class at MDTC, owners/handlers are required to bring the dog's current vaccination records to the first class. All puppies MUST have received at least the 2nd round of DHPP (distemper, adenovirus [hepatitis], parainfluenza, and parvovirus) before attending the 1st 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.

Handlers are required to wear close-toed, well-fitting shoes for safety purposes.

In addition to your dog's vaccination records, please: 

• bring a supply of small, chewy treats that your dog loves
• use a 6-foot leather, synthetic, or fabric lead (no retractable leads and no chain leashes)
• dog should have a well-fitted collar - no harnesses
• dogs will be in the ring for the entire class; crates are not used for basic obedience

This class will introduce Rally Novice & Intermediate/Advanced signs giving the skills to prepare you to excel in Novice & prepare to move up to Intermediate/Advanced. The class will be instructional and set up with a nested Novice course & a new Intermediate/Advanced course to practice each week. We will work on learning the signs and their proper execution, some precision in right and left turns, circles, about turns, etc. along with teaching the jump and broad jump.

Note: There will be no class 7/13 to accommodate the Membership Meeting.

Prerequisites: It is recommended that you be familiar with the Rally Novice signs. Dogs must crate between runs.

This class will introduce Rally Novice & Intermediate/Advanced signs giving the skills to prepare you to excel in Novice & prepare to move up to Intermediate/Advanced. The class will be instructional and set up with a nested Novice course & a new Intermediate/Advanced course to practice each week. We will work on learning the signs and their proper execution, some precision in right and left turns, circles, about turns, etc. along with teaching the jump and broad jump.

Note: There will be no class 7/13 to accommodate the Membership Meeting.

Prerequisites: It is recommended that you be familiar with the Rally Novice signs. Dogs must crate between runs.

Skills needed for this class are a basic knowledge of Beginning and Novice Obedience. This is an instructional run thru class. This class is for those wishing to enter Beginner Novice or Novice Trials. Rules, regulations, and ring procedures are covered. Each dog will run thru all the skills for their level every week to prepare for the trials. You will need a six foot leash and a crate for your dog. 

Prerequisites: Dogs should have taken the Basic and Advanced Basic Classes before this class. 

Note: No 2nd dogs/same handler will be accepted for this class. 

Skills needed for this class are a basic knowledge of Beginning and Novice Obedience. This is an instructional run thru class. This class is for those wishing to enter Beginner Novice or Novice Trials. Rules, regulations, and ring procedures are covered. Each dog will run thru all the skills for their level every week to prepare for the trials. You will need a six foot leash and a crate for your dog. 

Prerequisites: Dogs should have taken the Basic and Advanced Basic Classes before this class. 

Note: No 2nd dogs/same handler will be accepted for this class. 

This run-through class is for Novice and Advanced level teams. Searches will include interiors, exteriors, vehicles, buried and containers.

Prerequisites: Dogs must be on birch and anise.

Note: Dogs must crate between runs. 

This run-through class is for Novice and Advanced level teams. Searches will include interiors, exteriors, vehicles, buried and containers.

Prerequisites: Dogs must be on birch and anise.

Note: Dogs must crate between runs. 

"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.