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 designed to provide experience and confidence for handler/dog teams preparing to compete in Rally Novice, Intermediate, Advanced or Excellent. Teaching will be provided on any sign the class is having trouble with and on ring procedures. Handouts may be provided for some subjects. Please submit any questions you have before registering to the instructor or the Training Director. 

Prerequisites: Dog should have a reasonable heel. Teams should be familiar with all signs for the class they are working on. 

This class is open to all dogs and handlers regardless of experience. Improving your dog’s fitness and health for all ages, puppies, young adult, and older dogs. Through exercises dogs learn to relax and enjoy soft massage. Canine conditioning is considered a safe activity that improves muscular strength, circulation, memory, weight loss, increases energy, helps with sleep, and reduces stress.

MDTC Canine Conditioning/AKC Fit Coach Sherry Bryant has certifications with Do More with Your Dog, Canine Conditioning Coach, and AKC FIT DOG Program. Exercises Include: Nose Touch Tuck Sit Front Paw Targeting Cookie Stretch Kick Back Stand. Fit Paws and Yoga equipment will be used also.

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.

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.

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 class is for dogs between 3-12 months of age. AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy is an exciting program designed to get dog owners and their puppies off to a good start by laying the foundation training and socialization for your puppy while teaching you how to best communicate with your puppy. Classes will cover all elements needed to pass the AKC requirements. Student puppies enrolled in this class MUST attend all 6 classes in order to pass and be able to apply for the STAR Puppy certificate. 

Note: Although the testing and forms are included in the price of this class, the registration/processing fee for the certificate and medallion (available directly from AKC) is NOT included. For more information about the AKC STAR Puppy program, enjoy this AKC video: https://images.app.goo.gl/fxuAG1AkevixPeH27

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/ 

Students are introduced to the beginner (Novice level) Rally procedures, signs, and how to master a rally course with a happy and engaged dog. 

This class is for those dogs/handlers new to the sport or those wanting to learn how to perform the Novice level signs better in preparation for trialing.  Watch this AKC Video for more information: https://youtu.be/VbtxFLemEL0 

Pre-requisites: Dog/handler teams must have successfully completed an Intermediate Obedience class. Dogs must have a minimum age of 6 months. Dogs must be crated between runs - this is essencial training for teams that plan to trial.

Please contact the MDTC Training Director if you’re unsure if your dog is qualified to participate in this class.