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 Monday 3/9, 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.

Students for the class are invited to attend a free "Dog Training 101" Seminar on Thursday, 2/26/26 at 2pm.  Click here for additional details: (LINK)

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 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 Monday 3/9, to accommodate the Membership Meeting.

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

This class will instruct handlers on how to give clear body and hand signal using drills and sequences.  The goal is to help teams to run courses more efficiently and have quicker course times.   

Prerequisites: Dogs/handlers must either be ready to or already competing in Agility.   

Note: Students are expected to help setup and break down equipment at the beginning and end of each class.

This class includes abbreviated Excellent/Master level Standard and Jumpers with Weaves courses with emphasis on the performance requirements of each obstacle and the handling necessary to move between them.

Note: Students are expected to help setup and break down equipment at the beginning and end of each class.

Prerequisites: Dogs/handlers must have successfully completed MDTC’S Intermediate Obedience classes, Foundations & Groundwork (Intro to Agility) 101-104, and Improving Handler & Dog Skills (Intermediate) or be evaluated by instructor/training director before signing up for class.

This class is designed for beginner dogs and handlers who have little or no 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 101 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.

This class is designed for beginner dogs and handlers who have little or no experience in agility. The class will continue work on beginner/novice sequences and foundation agility exercises including start line stays, forward focus, distance commands, and handling skills including front and rear crosses. There will be specific focus on the teeter and weave poles as well.

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 104 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.

This class is not for beginner dogs and continues from Foundations Groundwork 104 (Introduction to Agility) for teams preparing to compete at Novice level. This class will include short sequencing of obstacles in both standard and jumper courses which will be split between two rings. Course maps will be provided.

Note: Students are expected to help setup and break down equipment at the beginning and end of each class.

Prerequisites: Dogs/Handlers must have successfully completed MDTC’S Foundations & Groundwork (Intro to Agility) 101-104 or be evaluated by instructor/training director before attending class.

This class is not for beginner dogs and continues from Foundations Groundwork 104 for teams preparing to compete at Novice level. This class will include short sequencing of obstacles in both standard and jumper courses which will be split between two rings. Course maps will be provided.

Note: Students are expected to help setup and break down equipment at the beginning and end of each class.

Prerequisites: Dogs/Handlers must have successfully completed MDTC’S Foundations & Groundwork (Intro to Agility) 101-104 or be evaluated by instructor/training director before attending class.