This class is open to dogs that have successfully completed MDTC Basic Obedience (click this link to view). It will prepare your dog for entry into AKC Competitive Agility, Obedience and Rally classes as well as MDTC's Advanced Obedience/CGC and Therapy Dog Preparation class. Upon graduation, dogs will have learned to perform sit-stays, down-stays, recalls, finishes, loose leash heeling, and work with distractions.

Pre-requisites: Reactive dogs are not permitted in this class. Dogs must have successfully graduated from MDTC's Basic Obedience Class and be at least six months of age. If your dog has taken a basic obedience course elsewhere, please contact the MDTC Training Director to schedule a free evaluation/testing session to confirm your dog's ability to take this class.

If this is your dog's first time attending a MDTC class, owners/handlers are required to bring copies of your dog's current vaccination records (including Rabies, Distemper, Parvo, and Kennel Cough) to the first class.

This class is open to dogs that have successfully completed MDTC Basic Obedience (click this link to view). It will prepare your dog for entry into AKC Competitive Agility, Obedience and Rally classes as well as MDTC's Advanced Obedience/CGC and Therapy Dog Preparation class. Upon graduation, dogs will have learned to perform sit-stays, down-stays, recalls, finishes, loose leash heeling, and work with distractions.

Pre-requisites: Reactive dogs are not permitted in this class. Dogs must have successfully graduated from MDTC's Basic Obedience Class and be at least six months of age. If your dog has taken a basic obedience course elsewhere, please contact the MDTC Training Director to schedule a free evaluation/testing session to confirm your dog's ability to take this class.

If this is your dog's first time attending a MDTC class, owners/handlers are required to bring copies of your dog's current vaccination records (including Rabies, Distemper, Parvo, and Kennel Cough) to the first class.

This class is for beginning dogs. Join the fun and watch your dog do what comes naturally – sniffing! We‘ll use primary rewards (food and/or toys) to build a foundation of independence, focus and love of the game. Perfect for young or old dogs, scaredy dogs, dogs with disabilities, fit dogs, couch potato dogs…Any dog with a nose can do it!

Note: Handlers will crate their dogs ring side so please be sure to bring a crate (soft, travel or wire). Dogs must crate between runs. 

PREREQUISITES:  None - This class is open to all dogs (not on odor) and handlers regardless of experience. This class focuses on primary odor (food, toys) and target odors will not be introduced.

This class is for beginning dogs. Join the fun and watch your dog do what comes naturally – sniffing! We‘ll use primary rewards (food and/or toys) to build a foundation of independence, focus and love of the game. Perfect for young or old dogs, scaredy dogs, dogs with disabilities, fit dogs, couch potato dogs…Any dog with a nose can do it!

Note: Handlers will crate their dogs ring side so please be sure to bring a crate (soft, travel or wire). Dogs must crate between runs. 

PREREQUISITES:  None - This class is open to all dogs (not on odor) and handlers regardless of experience. This class focuses on primary odor (food, toys) and target odors will not be introduced.

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 not 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 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 not 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 is a pre-arranged select group session for specific dog/handler teams with a specific MDTC Instructor.   

** THIS SLOT IS TENTATIVELY RESERVED FOR SPECIFIC "VIRTUAL TAPING & BEHAVIORAL WORK": Avery, Brinkley, Dakota, Gamble, Lily, Neo, Rupert, and TAG** 

For future requests/reservations for indiviual instruction or an evaluation with one of our wonderful Instructors must be coordinated in advance.  To coordinate an individual training or evaluations session, please contact the MDTC Training Director, Deanna Bullock, 757-778-7608 or email us at training@merrimacdogtrainingclub.org    

Practice Advanced/Intermediate/Excellent courses  Performances will be critiqued to aid in practice. Directed practice with individual signs available. Note: Students expected to help in course setup and take down. 

Prerequisites: Handler and dog must be familiar with Advanced (this includes Intermediate) exercises AND have earned at least a Rally Novice title. Exceptions only with permission of Instructor.