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! 

Note: Class will not be held on Wednesday November 18, a make up class will be offered on Sunday November 22 at 11:00 am. 

Description: Success in dog sports is all about foundations and clear communication. Each lesson is tailored to the dog and handler's skill level for the lesson we are working on. If you have a specific issue you are struggling with I will tailor your time in class to address those specific issues. Teaching will focus on handler skills and mechanics, getting and maintaining engagement from your dog, the use of marker words, the use of platforms for teaching precise positions, pivoting into heel and pivoting in heel. 

Prerequisites: Intermediate Obedience or permission from the instructor

Supplies Needed: Platforms will be used in class, and it is highly encouraged that you build or purchase your own for practicing at home. Pivoting bowls will be supplied in class but to practice at home I recommend you have one at home as well, 4-6 foot leash, 10 foot leash, and LOTS of small (pea size) and easy to eat treats or kibble that your dog enjoys. (Heeling is hard; precision heeling is really hard. We want to have a very high rate of reinforcement when practicing these skills so that the dogs love heelwork!) 

This is not a class for beginners in AKC Rally. This class utilizes "nested" courses designed to provide experience and confidence in preparation for dog/handler teams to successfully trial at these levels. 

Prerequisites: Dog must have a reliable recall off leash and teams ready for off leash work.

This class uses "nested" courses (multiple level signs) designed to provide experience and confidence for handler/dog teams preparing to compete in Rally Novice, Intermediate, Advanced or Excellent. Performances will be critiqued to aid in practice and instruction will be provided on any sign the class is having trouble with and on ring procedures. 

Prerequisites: Dogs must have successfully completed Intermediate Obedience and have a reliable loose-leash heel, sit, down, and recall.  Teams should be familiar with all signs for the level they are working on. All dogs must crate between runs.

Note: Some dogs in this class may have reactivity issues.

Exceptions to prerequisites are only allowed with permission of Instructor and Training Director.

This class uses "nested" courses (multiple level signs) designed to provide experience and confidence for handler/dog teams preparing to compete in Rally Novice, Intermediate, Advanced or Excellent. Performances will be critiqued to aid in practice and instruction will be provided on any sign the class is having trouble with and on ring procedures. 

Prerequisites: Dogs must have successfully completed Intermediate Obedience and have a reliable loose-leash heel, sit, down, and recall.  Teams should be familiar with all signs for the level they are working on. All dogs must crate between runs.

Note: Some dogs in this class may have reactivity issues.

Exceptions to prerequisites are only allowed with permission of Instructor and Training Director.

Note: Class will not be held on Thursday November 12th, a make up class will be offered on Tuesday November the 10th at 2:30 pm. 

Description: Success in dog sports is all about foundations and clear communication. Each lesson is tailored to the dog and handler's skill level for the lesson we are working on. If you have a specific issue you are struggling with I will tailor your time in class to address those specific issues. Teaching will focus on handler skills and mechanics, getting and maintaining engagement from your dog, the use of marker words, the use of platforms for teaching precise positions, pivoting into heel and pivoting in heel. 

Prerequisites: Intermediate Obedience or permission from the instructor

Supplies Needed: Platforms will be used in class, and it is highly encouraged that you build or purchase your own for practicing at home. Pivoting bowls will be supplied in class but to practice at home I recommend you have one at home as well, 4-6 foot leash, 10 foot leash, and LOTS of small (pea size) and easy to eat treats or kibble that your dog enjoys. (Heeling is hard; precision heeling is really hard. We want to have a very high rate of reinforcement when practicing these skills so that the dogs love heelwork! 

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.  

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.

Students for the class are invited to attend a free "Dog Training 101" Seminar on Thursday, 5/2/26 at 1pm.   Click here for additional details: (LINK)

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