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 instructional class will focus on continuing to build odor obedience and problem-solving skills. We'll increase your dog's scent work vocabulary through exposure and experience, and give you handling practice at the same time.

Prerequisites: Dogs must be on odor. Dogs are required to crate between runs.

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 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.

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 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/ 

Note: This Monday evening class will begin 9/15, to accommodate the Membership Meeting on 9/8.

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.

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

NEW CLASS!!

This is a run-through class. Give your dog a chance to practice buried hides, both sand and water. This class is for dogs at the Excellent or Master level only, please.

Note: This Monday evening class will begin 9/15, to accommodate the Membership Meeting on 9/8.

Prerequisites: Dogs must be on odor. All dogs must be crated between their turn to run.

If you are not sure if this class is for you, contact Deanna Bullock, Training Director, for more information.