Training Classes

All classes run for eight weeks, cost $50.00 for the eight-week session, and meet at the SW corner of Reid Park (22nd St. and Country Club Rd).

An exception for 2010 is the 1st Winter session (W1) which will run only 6 weeks and there will be no CGC test. Cost for this session only will be $40.00.

Dates of Classes

Fall and Spring (F/S) classes meet on Wednesday evenings starting September 1, 2010, and on March 16, 2011.

Two Winter (W1/W2) classes meet on Sunday afternoons starting November 14, 2010, and January 9, 2011.

See the Calendar for more information.

Times of Classes

Asterisks behind the name of each class indicate the class time as defined below.

Registration Form and Questionnaire (click here to download PDF file)

Equipment includes a well-fitting Collar, buckle or slip (including martingales) made of leather, fabric, or chain. Leads should be 4 to 6 feet and made of leather or fabric (no chains). No Flexi-leads.

Food treats or a favorite toy should be brought to each class. (See the treats section on the Training Tips Page.)

Homework is given in all of our classes, and participants are expected to work with their dogs each day. Dogs learn from repetition, and time spent together between classes not only perfects the assignments given, but also strengthens the bond between dog and handler. Dogs progress quickly if the handlers are diligent with training at home.

STAR Puppy Class A *
For puppies 8 weeks to 5 months of age with written approval of their veterinarians.

Old Pueblo Dog Training Club is the first club in the Tucson area to offer the new American Kennel Club (AKC) S.T.A.R. Puppy Program. This program is designed to get puppies and their new families off to a great start. Every puppy needs the components offered in this class - Socialization, Training, Activity, and Responsible ownership. A puppy’s mental development is optimum during the early weeks of life. Every minute a young puppy is learning about the world, and this class is designed to take advantage of natural canine development. Class includes basic obedience training especially geared toward the needs of young and growing puppies, activities and playtime with other puppies in the class to insure that the youngsters learn proper canine social skills. Handlers gain knowledge that will be helpful in raising a well-rounded, well adjusted family dog and learn the keys to responsible dog ownership. The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Test will be administered during the final class. Any passing puppy will be officially listed as an “AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy,” and the owner may apply for a beautiful certificate from AKC. Class is taught by an AKC CGC Evaluator.

STAR Puppy Class B *
For puppies 5 months to 1 year of age with written approval of their veterinarian.

Old Pueblo Dog Training Club is the first club in the Tucson area to offer the new American Kennel Club (AKC) S.T.A.R. Puppy Program. This program is designed to get older puppies and their new families off to a great start. Every puppy needs the components offered in this class - Socialization, Training, Activity, and Responsible ownership. Class includes basic obedience and manners training geared toward the needs of developing puppies and activities to insure that young dogs learn proper canine social skills. Handlers will gain knowledge that will be helpful in raising a well-rounded, well-adjusted family dog, and they will learn the keys to responsible dog ownership. The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Test will be administered during the final class. Any passing puppy will be officially listed as an “AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy,” and the owner may apply for a beautiful certificate from AKC. Class is taught by an AKC CGC Evaluator.

Advanced Puppy **
This class is a continuation of challenges and socialization learned in the Puppy Classes and is especially for those Star Puppy Graduates who are not mature enough mentally to go into an adult dog Beginning class. Puppy will build on Star Puppy skills, and owners will get more in-depth knowledge of normal behavioral development, how dogs learn, how to avoid potential problems along with additional obedience training.

Beginning Dog/CGC Training *
This class focuses on developing a dog that is welcome in the home and that you are proud to take out in public. The goal of the class is to foster bonding and the relationship between dog and handler while the dog learns basic manners, including sit, down, and stay. Dogs learn proper leash behavior and to come when called. Canine Good Citizen (CGC) exercises are taught and the last class consists of an official CGC Test. Owners whose dogs pass the CGC test will receive paperwork they can submit to the American Kennel Club to receive an official certificate conferring the award of “Canine Good Citizen. Specific problems such as digging, barking, jumping, fear of loud noises, and running away may be addressed as needed by class participants. This is also a class for those who choose to go on to obedience competition.

Advanced Beginning *
This class is for dogs who have already been through a Beginning Class or whose handlers have some experience in dog training and have done basic training of their dog at home. Pre-novice exercises are polished with an emphasis on control and precision. The dogs and their handlers are challenged with longer stays and recalls at further distances as well as different exercises to improve attention and provide variety in training.

Novice **
Novice is for teams who have successfully completed Advanced Beginning and are ready to begin off-leash work. Many people preparing for their dog’s AKC Companion Dog (CD) title attend, but others who simply want to enhance their dog’s working ability are found in this class. Main class emphasis includes perfecting novice work through exercises that improve precision.

Open/Utility **
These classes are for teams who have completed the Companion Dog degree and who want to work towards a Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) or Utility Dog (UD) title. Classes are designed to help handlers and dogs perfect the open or utility exercises. They focus on teaching advanced dogs reliability and helping handlers perfect footwork, body and hand position while gaining confidence and understanding of the rules and rigors of competition. Classes require a minimum of three students.

Rally *
Rally is for those who have completed a basic obedience class and wish to pursue a Rally Title or for those who just want to have fun with their dogs. Rally is AKC’s newest companion dog event and is great for teaching dogs and handlers reliability and trust. Rally signs and exercises are introduced and the handlers and dogs practice the course. Handlers are encouraged to talk, signal, and praise their dogs throughout the course. Novice, Advanced, and Excellent exercises are taught in separate classes.

Ring Practice ***
$5.00 per class, payable each time attended. This class is for teams preparing to enter obedience trials. A one-on-one critique of dog’s and handler’s performance is offered. Instructor is knowledgeable regarding obedience regulations and judging and is available to help identify errors and solve problems.

The following classes are not offered at every session. Before you register for one of these, please contact us to find out if it will be available.

Sampler *
This is a fun class to introduce a variety of challenging exercises from obedience, rally, and agility. Dog-handler teams who have successfully completed an Old Pueblo Puppy Class or Beginning Class may enter this class. The dog must have basic skills including sit, down, stand, stay, and will walk quietly next to the handler on a loose leash. The class is limited to ten teams.

Shy Dog Class****
This class is designed for dogs over a year old who are timid or shy due to lack of proper socialization, trauma, or genetic disposition. Emphasis is placed on building confidence and social skills in a safe, low-stress, and structured environment with instructors who are experienced with and sensitive to the needs of the shy dog. Basic obedience exercises are taught in order to give the dog skills to use in stressful situations. Each dog is allowed to progress at his or her own pace. Instructors share many tips to help the owner learn to deal with the shy dog’s issues. This includes the latest research on medications and natural remedies, so that the owner may consult with the dog’s veterinarian. This class is not for dogs that are fear reactive. If you have a fear aggressive dog please call the answering service number, and we will be happy to provide you with other local resources specializing in reactive dogs.

The following classes may be offered at obedience trials and degrees can be obtained by qualifying at three trials under two different judges. No previous obedience title is necessary on the dog before competing at any of these three levels. We offer classes training specifically for these degrees.

Beginner Novice: (BN)****
This class is a combination of simple novice obedience and simple rally signs and is for dogs who do not already have a BN degree. Exercises include Heel on Leash, Figure 8, Sit for Examination, Sit-Stay, Recall.

Graduate Novice: (GN)****
Dogs will be taught to take the dumbbell and to carry it over jumps. Exercises are modified from the open class and include Heel on Leash and Figure 8 off leash, Drop on Recall, Dumbbell Recall, Recall Over High Jump, Recall Over Broad Jump, and Long Down with the owner out of sight.

Graduate Open: (GO)****
Exercises include modified, simplified Utility exercises: Signal Exercise, Scent Discrimination, Directed Retrieve, Moving Stand and Examination, Go Out, Directed Jumping.

Please print the class Registration Form (PDF file), and mail it no later than one week before classes begin. Or you may register 30 minutes prior to the time your first class starts.

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