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.

Instructional class covering rules and regulations, ring procedures, and a critiqued run thru of each dog. This class is for dogs getting ready to show in BN or in Novice and dogs will need a reliable recall.

Prerequisites: Dogs should be working on off lead heeling and recall.

This class is the second in a series, designed for dogs that need a little extra space to be comfortable – and for handlers new to this sport. We'll introduce odor (birch) and continue to build problem-solving and foundation skills. 

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

Prerequisites: Intro to Scent Work. Please contact the instructor or Training Director with questions.

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 1/12 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.

This class is for teams working at the Advanced or Excellent level in AKC - or a comparable level in another organization. Dog must have been introduced to and successfully searching for birch, anise and clove hides. Classes will work skills and challenges appropriate for these levels including but not limited to dog-lead searching, elevated hides, inaccessible hides, converging odor, off leash searching, learning to read your dog for calling finish in unknown hide areas and working through various 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. If a dog is disruptive handler may be asked to cover the dog's crate or to work from your vehicle. Handlers are encouraged to watch the other teams when possible.

Note: No class 1/12 to accommodate the Membership Meeting.

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

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 1/12 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 1/12, 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.

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