This class is for those teams learning basics skills and training techniques to compete in Open Obedience. We'll refine skills such as Broad and High jumps, retrieving at greater distance as well as expancding the dogs abilty to follow signal exercises. 

Prerequisites: 1) Dog must be at least 1yr old, 2) have not competed at the Open/Preferred Open level or above, 3) have at least a Beginner Novice (BN) title or one leg toward their Novice (CD) titles, 4) currently retrieving the dumbell for handler, or 5) have prior approval required for registration. Handlers will bring a good fitting dumbbell. Multiple rings will be used.

Note: No 2nd dogs/same handler will be accepted for this class.  We do understand many of you may be traveling from quite a distance with multiple dogs training that day. You're welcome to bring them into the building with you; however, you are only permitted to work the one registered for the class. Please contact the Training Director, Deanna Bullock, 757-778-7608 for approvals or questions.

Note: You must have permission of the instructor before you sign up for this class. 

This class is designed for dogs that need a little extra space to be comfortable – and for handlers new to this sport. We'll introduce scent work as a game that will help your dog relax while working on foundation skills of understanding the game, independent search and confidence building. Odor will not be used in this class.

Please bring yummy treats and your enthusiasm. Dogs must crate between runs to allow them to relax and learn while they rest.

Prerequisites: Please contact the instructor or Training Director before you sign up for this class.

Practice Advanced/Intermediate/Excellent courses  Performances will be critiqued to aid in practice. Directed practice with individual signs available. Note: Students expected to help in course setup and take down. 

Prerequisites: Handler and dog must be familiar with Advanced (this includes Intermediate) exercises AND have earned at least a Rally Novice title. Exceptions only with permission of Instructor. 

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 Novice or Advanced level only, please.

Note: No class 11/10 to accommodate the Membership Meeting.

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.

Note: There will be no class Monday 11/10, to accommodate the Membership Meeting.

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

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: No class 11/10 to accommodate the Membership Meeting.

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.

Note: There will be no class Monday 11/10, 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 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 Novice or Advanced level only, please.

Note: No class 11/10 to accommodate the Membership Meeting.

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.