This class is open to dogs that have successfully completed MDTC Basic Obedience (click this link to view). This class is appropriate for companion dogs and teams that may not compete in dog sports. With weekly practice at home, it will prepare your dog for AKC Canine Good Citizen classes. Upon graduation, dogs will have learned to perform sit-stays, down-stays, recalls, finishes, loose leash heeling, and work with distractions.

Prerequisites: 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 is a competition obedience class for dogs/handlers looking to compete at the AKC Utility 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, signals, scent discrimination, directed retrieve, moving stand, and directed jumping.

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

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

This class will introduce Rally Novice & Intermediate/Advanced signs giving the skills to prepare you to excel in Novice & prepare to move up to Intermediate/Advanced. The class will be instructional and set up with a nested Novice course & a new Intermediate/Advanced course to practice each week. We will work on learning the signs and their proper execution, some precision in right and left turns, circles, about turns, etc. along with teaching the jump and broad jump.

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

Prerequisites: It is recommended that you be familiar with the Rally Novice signs. Dogs must crate between runs.

This run-through class is for Novice and Advanced level teams. Searches will include interiors, exteriors, vehicles, buried and containers.

Prerequisites: Dogs must be on birch and anise.

Note: Dogs must crate between runs. 

"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.

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 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 also 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 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.