An open obedience run thru is a full trial pattern in which the handler and dog perform all the required exercises for the Open class in sequence, as judged under AKC rules. It is designed to test the team’s precision, focus, and ability to execute under competition conditions. Your dog should be ready to compete and you should be knowledgeable of all rules and regulations. All dogs waiting must be in crates and only one dog per person. This is not an instructional class.

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

This class is for people entering trials in Beginner Novice or Novice Obedience. This will include a full trial pattern where the handler and dog perform all the required exercises for the Novice or Beginner Novice class in sequence and under AKC rules. It is designed to test the team's precision, focus, and ability to execute under competition conditions.   Your dog should be ready to compete and you should be knowledgeable of all rules and regulations. All dogs waiting must be in crates and only one dog per person. This is not an instructional class.  

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. 

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. 

Join us for exercises and drills to increase your Novice/Advanced search dog's skills. We'll work on expectations, heights for these levels, handling (for you) and more. 

Prerequisites: Intro to Odor or by permission of the instructor.

This run-thru class is designed to help you practice and proof your dog in scentwork. It will alternate every other week between container and buried elements. Don't forget to bring your treats!

Prerequisites:  Dogs must be crated between runs and be familiar with Birch, Anise, Clove and (for Master) Cypress

Note: There will be no class 11/9 to accommodate the Membership Meeting.

If you are not sure if this class is for you, contact Deanna Bullock, Training Director, for more information.

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 11/9 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 is a competition obedience class for dogs/handlers looking to compete at the AKC Open Obedience level. This class will focus on breaking the individual exercises down into manageable pieces and teaching these pieces to the dog and handler in a manner that makes sense, and prepares the team for success in the ring. 

Exercises taught in this class will include precision heeling, command discrimination, drop on recall, retrieve on flat, retrieve over high jump, broad jump,and the stand stay.

Note: There will be no class 11/9 to accommodate the Membership Meeting.

Prerequisites: Dogs should have at least an AKC/UKC/CDSP Beginner Novice (BN/SN) Title before entering this class. 

This class is the second in a series, and designed for puppies who attended Introduction to Scent Work. We'll introduce odor (birch) and continue to build problem-solving and foundation skills. We'll continue the scent work journey as a game that will stimulate, challenge and tire your pup. We'll focus on foundation skills of understanding the game, independent search and confidence building.

Note: There will be no class 11/9 to accommodate the Membership Meeting.

Please bring yummy treats and your enthusiasm. Dogs must crate between runs to allow them to relax and learn while they rest.

Prerequisites: Intro to Scent Work. Please contact the instructor or Training Director with questions.