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:  Dogs new to the run-through Rally format must have successfully completed Intermediate Obedience and have a reliable heel and recall.  Teams should be familiar with all signs for the level they are working on. Dogs must crate between runs. Exceptions only with permission of Instructor and Training Director.

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. 

Precise pivots, fast fronts, tight turns and finding heel position from a distance. This class is all about the foundation skills to successfully achieve precision heeling. We will also go over marker words to help you communicate clearly to your dog when they are doing the right thing, something that is very important when we talk about precision.

Precision heeling is team work, and we want our dogs to love heeling so we will also learn some fun obedience games so your dog is enthusiastic about heeling.

Prerequisites: All dogs need to be able to work safely around other moving dogs.

Supplies needed:  Something to practice pivoting on and some type of platform. During the first class we will discuss platforms, including the proper size for your dog. You can make or purchase a platform but it will be an important part of the class. Dogs will also need a 10 foot leash.

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.

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)

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 fun class is open to beginner puppies 3-12 months old. 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. Please bring super yummy training treats, your puppy and your enthusiasm!

This class is for small breed puppies 3-11 and large breed puppies 3-8 months of age. The class is is designed for puppies and handlers to build their relationship by having fun becoming familiar with basic agility equipment used in AKC Agility... all while having tons of FUN! 

Although this should not be considered as an AKC competitive agility skills class, it is great for building a puppy’s confidence and body awareness. All jumps are lowered/used appropriate for your bouncy little puppy.  This is not a competitve Agility class.

NOTE: If this is your puppy's 1st time attending MDTC classes,  owners/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 attend 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.

For more information on the sport of AKC Agility, enjoy this AKC video: https://akc.tv/watch/26/958/subtopic/agility-1?ctx=/watch/26/958/subtopic/agility-1