Instructional class covering rules and regulations, ring procedures, and a critiqued run thru of each dog. This class is for dogs getting ready to show in BN or in Novice and dogs will need a reliable recall.

Prerequisites: Dogs should be working on off lead heeling and recall.

NOTE: No Class on Monday, May12th 2025.  Makeup date will be coordinated by your Instructor.

Instructional class covering rules and regulations, ring procedures, and a critiqued run thru of each dog. This class is for dogs getting ready to show in BN or in Novice and dogs will need a reliable recall.

Prerequisites: Dogs should be working on off lead heeling and recall.

NOTE: No Class on Monday, May12th 2025.  Makeup date will be coordinated by your Instructor.

Instructional class covering rules and regulations, ring procedures, and a critiqued run thru of each dog. This class is for dogs getting ready to show in BN or in Novice and dogs will need a reliable recall.

Prerequisites: Dogs should be working on off lead heeling and recall.

This class is a continuation of Scentwork Foundations and continues to build the foundation skills in scentwork. The emphasis will be on increasing your dog's drive for hunting, providing experiences which will build skills. All hides will be paired with food encouraging the dog to stay at source. In addition, the handler will continue to provide consistent start line procedures allowing their dog to hunt. Dogs must have a harness and 10 foot leash. Bring treats your dog will enjoy for training. All dogs must be kept in a cage between exercises. Handlers must be willing to practice exercises three times per week. 

Prerequisites: Dogs must have completed Scentwork Foundations 1 & 2. Dogs must NOT be on odor or trialed in Scentwork. Dogs must be under control at all times. 

This class is for puppies 3-11 months old. This class will focus on the foundations of dog training for puppies as well as providing proper socialization for your young pups. We'll also cover teaching handlers the best methods and practices for communicating with your puppy.

Note: Handlers are required to bring the puppy'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.

We will be doing front, rear, and blind crosses, continuing with contacts, tunnels and weave poles. We will be also learning the Broad Jump, Double Jump and Triple Jump.  We will graduate to the Official Tire vs the practice tire in the previous class.

Prerequisites: Must have attended FGW 101 and 102 in 2024 or 2025 or permission of the instructor.

Note: Class participants are expected to help set up and take down course equipment as necessary. Haltees, Gentle Leaders, and Harnesses are not allowed in this class.

This class is the next step after Foundations & Groundwork 101, 102, 103. It is a building block to help gain skills necessary for future intermediate and advanced classes and to help the team compete at novice level. We will include short sequencing of obstacles in both standard and jumper’s courses. A map and time to walk the course will be provided at the beginning of each class. During the class, the course may be split into two parts to help ensure success.

At the completion of this class, the instructor will help students choose the agility class that will best help them reach their objectives.   

Note for students and dogs new to Merrimac Dog Training Club: An evaluation is required to see which class fits your dog for its success. In addition, vaccination records must be provided the first day of class. 

Prerequisites: Dogs must have a start line stay and the ability to follow the handler, off leash, through a simple course with jumps, contacts, and weave poles. The team may be weak on the teeter and the weave poles, but should be able to complete the “A” Frame and Dog Walk with little help.  The instructors of the foundation classes will advise students if they are ready to enroll in this class.  

This class is open to beginner dog/handler teams (intro level) thru those teams who are ready to compete at the Open level. No previous experience with Barn Hunt or exposure to the rats is necessary. Handlers are encouraged to bring super high value treats and a "clicker" for dogs new to Barn Hunt.

NOTE: Male dogs are recommended to wear a "belly band" since urinating in the search area is strictly prohibited.