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Greater Columbia Obedience Club, Inc.

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  CLASS CALENDAR & REGISTRATION  

Sign-up for GCOC classes using the event registrations below!

  • Classes begin:  1st week of every other month (April, June, August, October, December, February)
  • Classes posted:  1st day of the preceding month
  • Member registration opens:  5th day of the preceding month
  • Non-member registration opens:  7th day of the preceding month
  • Example: June session classes will be posted May 1, open for member registration May 5 and public registration May 7.

Our classes are all taught by volunteer instructors who give generously of their time and energy. Registration online and payment in advance is required to attend any class. See GCOC's Refund Policy.

Upcoming events

    • 01 Apr 2025
    • 06 May 2025
    • 6 sessions
    • GCOC
    • 0

    This class is full 

    Are you ready for a fun, challenging and rewarding adventure?  Then, Rally Foundations 1 is for you.  Foundations 1 is a beginning class designed to introduce both dogs and their owners to the fundamentals of Rally Obedience by working with Rally Novice signs.  Each week new signs will be added as teams will have a chance to practice their skills through games and mini courses.  Start your rally journey today and watch your dog gain confidence, learn new skills, and have fun every step of the way!

    Prerequisite: Basic and Intermediate Skills or equivalent skills with permission of the instructor

    Instructor: Robbie Black
    Assistant:
    Phyllis Beasley

    Waitlist:  The waitlist is in case a place opens in this class.  It does not carry over to future classes. 


    • 02 Apr 2025
    • 07 May 2025
    • 6 sessions
    • GCOC
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    This class is full


    The sports foundation class is a six week course designed to teach
    basic skills that will transfer to many dog sports. Areas of
    instruction include focus/engagement, movement/body awareness,
    jumping, stays and distance work.

    Classes will be held on Wednesdays from 6:15-7:15. The class will run from April 2-May 7.
    The class is limited to 7 dogs.

    Instructors: Nicole Tate and Lori Stepp

    Pre-requisites:  Basic and Intermediate classes or permission of the instructor

    Waitlist:  The waitlist is in case a place opens in this class.  It does not carry over to future classes.  

    • 02 Apr 2025
    • 07 May 2025
    • 6 sessions
    • GCOC Training Facility 947 S. Stadium Road
    • 0

    This class and wait list are full.

    Basic Skills - EVENING

    Basic Skills is designed for dogs 6 months and older. This class will cover getting the dog’s attention, impulse control exercises such as wait and leave it, relaxing calmly around other dogs & people, and confidence with new experiences. Handlers will learn how to teach their dog controlled walking on a leash; sit, down, come and stay commands using the positive training techniques demonstrated in class.  The primary goal of this class will be to develop a happy, well-mannered family companion and create a positive relationship between the handler and dog.

    Length: 6 weeks

    GCOC Members:$100.00

    General Registration: $165.00

    Instructors: Mary Katherine Kearse and Laura Herring

    Waitlist:  The waitlist is in case a place opens in this class.  It does not carry over to future classes. 

    GCOC reserves the right to cancel or reschedule classes.

    The mission of GCOC is to teach the handler successful methods of training which will result in a lifelong bond with their dog. Our goal is to provide a safe environment that will encourage this learning process. GCOC does reserve the right to excuse any dog who is disruptive or whose learning threshold has been exceeded.

    The Greater Columbia Obedience Club will refund fees paid for a class, minus a $15 administration fee, if cancellation occurs at least five days prior to the first day of class. If cancellation is requested after that period, but the available slot can be filled from the class wait list, the payment minus the $15 administration fee, will be refunded. No refund will be paid if the slot cannot be filled, or the class begins. GCOC recognizes that extenuating circumstances may occur. In this event, an application may be made to the Training Director for a review of the situationSuch occurrences as a bitch in heat, death in the family, illness of canine or trainer will be considered.

    • 07 Apr 2025
    • 12 May 2025
    • 6 sessions
    • GCOC Training Facility 947 S. Stadium Road
    • 0

    This class and wait list are  full.

    Basic Skills - EVENING

    Basic Skills is designed for dogs 6 months and older. This class will cover getting the dog’s attention, impulse control exercises such as wait and leave it, relaxing calmly around other dogs & people, and confidence with new experiences. Handlers will learn how to teach their dog controlled walking on a leash; sit, down, come and stay commands using the positive training techniques demonstrated in class.  The primary goal of this class will be to develop a happy, well-mannered family companion and create a positive relationship between the handler and dog.

    Length: 6 weeks

    GCOC Members:$100.00

    General Registration: $165.00

    Instructors: Emma Gerraughty and Sue Pfaff

    Waitlist:  The waitlist is in case a place opens in this class.  It does not carry over to future classes. 

    GCOC reserves the right to cancel or reschedule classes.

    The mission of GCOC is to teach the handler successful methods of training which will result in a lifelong bond with their dog. Our goal is to provide a safe environment that will encourage this learning process. GCOC does reserve the right to excuse any dog who is disruptive or whose learning threshold has been exceeded.

    The Greater Columbia Obedience Club will refund fees paid for a class, minus a $15 administration fee, if cancellation occurs at least five days prior to the first day of class. If cancellation is requested after that period, but the available slot can be filled from the class wait list, the payment minus the $15 administration fee, will be refunded. No refund will be paid if the slot cannot be filled, or the class begins. GCOC recognizes that extenuating circumstances may occur. In this event, an application may be made to the Training Director for a review of the situationSuch occurrences as a bitch in heat, death in the family, illness of canine or trainer will be considered.

    • 07 Apr 2025
    • 12 May 2025
    • 6 sessions
    • Agility field
    • 2
    Register

    Registration open for members
    Registration opens for non-members March 7

    Class: Mondays 6:30-8 :00  April 7 to May 12 (weather permitting)

    The purpose of this class is to introduce the handler and the dog to basic agility skills and body language in the field.  These skills are the beginnings of agility. 

    Handlers should bring water!!!, tug toys, a fillable toy (clamshell), chair and water for yourself, and plenty of treats.  Crating in or next to the car will be required. There is a Port-A-Potty at the field. Be prepared to take your pet’s poop with you and any trash that you create! 

    Pre-requisites:  Basic and Intermediate classes + Agility foundations or approval of the instructor.

    Directions: Address and directions to the field, as well as complete rules, will be sent to paid participants.

    Rain dates will likely be extended to the following weeks unless a consensus for make-ups can be reached.

    Waitlist:  The waitlist is in case a place opens in this class.  It does not carry over to future classes.  

    Instructor: Kristina Gilbert
    Assistant: Briana Timmerman


    • 07 Apr 2025
    • 12 May 2025
    • 6 sessions
    • GCOC
    Register


    The working spots are full.


    Join us for Intro to Nosework and develop the foundations needed to start your nosework career out right! Canine scentwork is a rapidly growing sport that allows your dogs to tap into their natural abilities to search and problem solve through scent.

    Dogs of any age, size, and temperament can learn nosework. Great for young dogs, retired dogs, and every dog in between. Scentwork helps dogs gain confidence and stimulate their minds by activating their noses.

    This class will introduce you and your dog to odor. We will cover handler mechanics, odor hygiene, developing odor obedience, supporting independence, and how to progress your training.

    With a firm foundation, you can begin to develop the skills and teamwork needed for searching.

    Prerequisite: Completion of Basic Skills or instructor approval
    Materials: You will need to order your own scentwork kit promptly after registering for this class. We will send you the link for the right kit.
    Workload: You will have homework every week and it is required to progress through the course.

    Waitlist:  The waitlist is in case a place opens in this class.  It does not carry over to future classes.  
    This class has 8 working spots, and dogs will be crated when not working.

    Interested in nosework but have a dog that doesn’t handle classes well? Nosework is the ideal sport for reactive dogs and we'd love to help you and your dog. Contact Christi ( Christi.farley@cru.org ) to discuss a potential pilot hybrid program with an audit/virtual training option.


    • 15 Apr 2025
    • 20 May 2025
    • 6 sessions
    • GCOC Training Facility 947 S. Stadium Rd.
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    This class is full.  The next class will be offered in June.  

    Puppy Kindergarten

    Puppy Kindergarten is designed for dogs 12 weeks to 6 months of age. This class will cover: gaining the puppy’s attention, impulse control for puppies, learning to relax around other dogs & people, basic commands, leash manners, and puppy safety issues. In addition to basic skills, confidence and manageability with new experiences will also be introduced. Other topics as appropriate will also be covered. The primary emphasis of this class will be to develop a positive relationship between the puppy and family members.  This class WILL qualify for AKC Star Puppy certification but you must attend ALL sessions. The first class is for humans only; please leave puppies at home.

    You will need to bring your puppy's vaccine records to the first session.                        

    Your registration is not secured until it is paid for.  Please pay online.

    Prerequisite: None

    Length: 6 weeks

    Instructors: Jennifer Wheeler & Gayle Mitchener

    Waitlist:  The waitlist is in case a place opens in this class.  It does not carry over to future classes.   

    GCOC reserves the right to cancel or reschedule classes.

    The mission of GCOC is to teach the handler successful methods of training which will result in a lifelong bond with their dog. Our goal is to provide a safe environment that will encourage this learning process. GCOC does reserve the right to excuse any dog who is disruptive or whose learning threshold has been exceeded.

    The Greater Columbia Obedience Club will refund fees paid for a class, minus a $15 administration fee, if cancellation occurs at least five days prior to the first day of class. If cancellation is requested after that period, but the available slot can be filled from the class wait list, the payment minus the $15 administration fee, will be refunded. No refund will be paid if the slot cannot be filled, or the class begins. GCOC recognizes that extenuating circumstances may occur. In this event, an application may be made to the Training Director for a review of the situation. Such occurrences as a bitch in heat, death in the family illness of canine or trainer will be considered.

     
    • 01 May 2025
    • online
    Register
    Order your Spring Obedience & Rally Trial T-Shirt!

    Price: $25 each

    Available Sizes: S, M, L, XL, 2XL, & 3XL

    Available Colors: Sapphire Blue, Military Green, Charcoal, Tropical Blue, & Sport Grey (Scroll down to see each color)

    Shirts are available by pre-order only and can be picked up at the trials on May 3-4 (GCOC members who are not in attendance at the trials can pick up shirts at the building starting May 5). 

    Shipping is not available. 

    Orders must be paid in full before the closing date: April 16, 2025.






    • 10 May 2025
    • 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • GCOC
    Register

    NOTE DATE CHANGE: It will now by May 10th

    Come join us for our spring Pooch & Garden Festival!

    We will have various games, obstacle courses, and dog themed activities for you and your pup to enjoy. We will be highlighting some of the classes and activities GCOC has to offer, and give you a chance to try your hand at some new dog sports!

    $5 entry fee.

    Please bring only vaccinated and friendly pups to this event.

    • 17 May 2025
    • 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    • 815 B Avenue, West Columbia
    Register

    GREATER COLUMBIA OBEDIENCE CLUB, INC.

    AKC Fetch Test

    Includes

    Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Retriever

     

    Join GCOC for AKC Fetch testing! Click below for Premium. Read the AKC Agreement and Certification of the right to show dog at an AKC trial. You will be required to type your name on at the end of the dog's registration information which will act as your signature  stating you have read and agree to the conditions.


    AKC Fetch Guidelines


    Premium


    There is no charge for online payment. If you choose to pay by check please complete online application then send check made out to GCOC to the Trial Secretary. Note: There is no option for mail-in registration.

    Tim Setterlund

    332 Whiskery Ln

    Irmo, SC 29063-9590

    • 22 May 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
    • GCOC building
    Register

    The bingo night was a big hit, so join us for a night of trivia and prizes!

    Thursday May 22 starting at 6pm

    $10 to pre-register through this event listing
    $15 to pay at the door on May 22

    Contact Justine Borghello if you have questions
    Info@SmokeyOaksK9.com

Greater Columbia Obedience Club, Inc.

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