"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.

This course is designed to inspire dog owners to engage in fitness-related activities with their dogs while minimizing the risk of injury or harm due to inexperienced instruction. Level Two builds on the skills and concepts taught in Level One while keeping the same purpose in mind. Completion of this course will earn you 6 points towards an AKC FIT DOG title. As a reminder, this course is not designed to train you on how to develop fitness programs for dogs or how to work with dogs in need of rehabilitation. This course is only for healthy dogs with no significant prior injuries or ongoing conditions. 

Prerequisites: Completion of Level One Fit Dog course prior to entering Level Two. Dogs should understand the training game and be able to focus on tasks during class. Owners should understand lure-reward-based training methods, though capturing and shaping as training concepts may also be used in class. Dogs may be crated for brief breaks during class.

Please note: This course is not designed to train you on how to develop fitness programs for dogs or how to work with dogs in need of rehabilitation. This course is only for healthy dogs with no significant prior injuries or ongoing conditions.

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. Pattern games are a fabulous tool for all dog sports. As the title implies, the goal of the games is "control," i.e., engagement regardless of a leash. Although originally designed for agility dogs, the games are now used to create a strong foundation of partnership with your dog, which is essential for life as well as any sport you choose to compete in.

The games create a pattern of your dog choosing to engage with you despite distractions. This can be extremly helpful for dogs that have big feelings about distractions. We teach the games in a low-distraction environment, and we will gradually increase distractions at the dog's pace. 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 be crated when not working.  

Prerequisites: None

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 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.