To see the schedule of classes for OTCGL click here to see the schedule. This page gives descriptions of the classes offered.
HOW TO REGISTER FOR CLASS
Register in person during registration night at the training building at
3940 1/2 Grand River from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. the week before classes begin.
Tracking Classes: contact Marilyn Johnson at MandM@cablespeed.com for tracking class information and registration.
If space is available, registrations will be taken on the first night of class.
GENERAL INFORMATION
PRICES: Six-week classes are $85 for the first class or dog, $65 for additional classes or dogs (during the same term). Single classes on a drop-in basis are $13 each. Open Floor Time (no instructor) is available on a drop-in basis for $10 per session.
TRAINING EQUIPMENT: Buckle or slip collars with leather or cotton leashes are recommended. The instructor may recommend another type of collar, if needed.
YOU MUST PROVIDE PROOF that your dog is current on all of its vaccinations (DHLP, Parvo, and Rabies), and we strongly recommend that your dog also be immunized against Bordetella.
FOR SAFETY, CHILDREN UNDER AGE 12 are not allowed to handle dogs in class. Children, other friends, and family members are welcome to watch classes.
FOR LEGAL REASONS, WOLF OR WOLF-HYBRIDS are not allowed in our classes.
CLASS SIZE: 3 to 10 entries.
(Not all classes are offered each term. Call or see web site for current term schedule)
GENERAL HOUSEHOLD MANNERS CLASSES
Puppy Class: For puppies 10 weeks to 5 months of age. This class helps owners socialize their puppies with people and other dogs. Puppies also start learning basic obedience at an appropriate level. Puppy manners issues (housebreaking, chewing, jumping up, etc.) are discussed during class.
Beginning Obedience: Our basic obedience class for owners who want a well-behaved house pet. Owners will learn to train their dogs to walk on a leash without pulling, sit, down, stay, and come when they are called. This class also addresses basic pet care, grooming, and behavioral problems.
Intermediate Obedience: Prerequisite: Beginning Obedience. For dogs and owners who would like to improve the performance, consistency, and steadiness of household obedience exercises, and to prepare for the Canine Good Citizen Test (offered by OTCGL at the end of each term).
COMPETITION CLASSES
Beginning Novice: Prerequisite: Beginning Obedience or instructor approval. Introduces novice exercises including: proper heel position, heeling with attention, and footwork; also includes proofing of sit and down stays.
Novice: Prerequisite: Beginning Novice or instructor approval. Introduces novice exercises including: stand for exam, recalls, fronts, and finishes. This class will include proofing exercises, showmanship, and discussion of rules and regulations.
Open: Prerequisite: Novice or instructor approval. Introduction and proofing of open exercises including: precision heeling, dumbbells, drop on recall, high and broad jumps, and out of sight sit and down stays.
Utility: Prerequisite: Open or instructor approval. Introduces and proofs utility exercises including: directed retrieving and jumping, scent discrimination, and the walking stand.
Conformation: Conformation ring practice. Dogs are examined and gaited throughout the class. Instruction is given to novice exhibitors.
SPECIALTY CLASSES
Agility: Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Agility classes covering contact obstacles, jumps, tunnels, etc. Prerequisite: Novice Obedience and instructor approval.
Rally Obedience: Training in the Rally exercises using official signs with sample patterns. Prerequisite: Novice Obedience or instructor approval.
Introduction to Flyball: Prerequisite: Beginning Obedience, dogs must be at least one year old, and instructor approval. This class is an introduction to the sport of Flyball. The focus will be on the obedience skills necessary to the sport plus beginning jumping, ball skills, and box skills.
Flyball Team Practice: A fun sport involving tennis balls and hurdles. Team practice for dogs and handlers who have mastered basic skills.
Tracking: Classes are held for tracking skills on a seasonal basis. Tracking certification is arranged as needed. Contact Marilyn Johnson at MandM@cablespeed.com for tracking class information and registration.
Canine Freestyle Dancing: Prerequisite: Completion of Beginning Obedience or instructor approval. This class introduces the sport of canine freestyle dancing, which is based on movement to music. Specialized moves, use of floor space, music selection, use of props, choreography, and costuming may be introduced.
Certifications: On a regular schedule, testing is held for the Canine Good Citizen test (CGC) and the Therapy Dog International certification (TDI).