Note: There is no class 1/12 to accomodate the Membership Meeting.

This class is for teams working at the Excellent or Master level in AKC - or a comparable level in another organization. Dog must have been introduced to and successfully searching for all 4 AKC odors. Classes will work skills and challenges appropriate for these classes including but not limited to off leash searching, elevated hides, inaccessible hides, converging odor, blank spaces and calling finish when your dog is done working, and increasingly challenging distractors. 

Class will primarily focus on interior and exterior searches (weather and light permitting) but may also include containers. Buried searches will not be covered in this class.

Dogs are expected to be crated when it is not their turn. Handlers are encouraged to watch other teams work.

Note: There will be no class Monday 1/12, to accommodate the Membership Meeting.

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.

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

This class is for puppies 3-11 months old. This class will focus on the foundations of dog training for puppies as well as providing proper socialization for your young pups. We'll also cover teaching handlers the best methods and practices for communicating with your puppy.

Students for the class are invited to attend a FREE "Dog Training 101" Seminar on Sat, 1/3/25 at 1pm.  Click here for additional details: (LINK)

Note: 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 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.

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.  

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 Sat, 1/3/25 at 1pm.  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

"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.

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 work on foundation agility exercises, including body awareness, targeting, start line stays, forward focus, distance commands and handling skills. Agility equipment such as tables, jumps, tire and tunnels obstacles will be introduced. Haltees, Gentle Leaders, and harnesses are not allowed in this class.

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 Intermediate Obedience class ensuring the ability to work off leash, and respond to commands (sit, stay and come, heel on leash) or be evaluated by the Training Director (Deana Bullock, 757-778-7608)/Instructor before coming to class.