Menu
Log in


Greater Columbia Obedience Club, Inc.

Log in

  CLASS CALENDAR & REGISTRATION  

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

GCOC holds classes year round, with a break in late December for the holidays. Most classes are scheduled on weeknights, but occasionally daytime and weekend classes are offered when instructors are available.

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

    • 08 Sep 2024
    • 20 Oct 2024
    • 6 sessions
    • GCOC Training Facility 947 S. Stadium Rd.
    • 2
    Register

    Registration for members begins Aug 3.
    Registration for non-members begins Aug 10.

    Note: Class skips Oct 13th
    Puppy Kindergarten - Sunday 3pm

    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

    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.

    NOTE:  GCOC follows CDC guidelines. At this time masks are not required. We will adjust our policy according to the level of the virus in the area. Thank you for your cooperation. 

    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.

     
    • 09 Sep 2024
    • 14 Oct 2024
    • 6 sessions
    • GCOC Training Facility 947 S. Stadium Road
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Registration opens for members Aug 3.
    Registration Opens for non-members Aug 10.  

    Basic Skills - Morning

    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:  Tim Sutterland
    Assistant- Brandy Dunaway

    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.

    NOTE:  GCOC follows CDC guidelines. At this time masks are optional. We will adjust our policy according to the level of the virus in the area. Thank you for your cooperation. 

    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.

    • 09 Sep 2024
    • 14 Oct 2024
    • 6 sessions
    • GCOC Building 947 S. Stadium Road
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Registration opens for members Aug 3
    Registration opens for non-members Aug 10

    Making Your Heeling Fun! 

    This class will use games to improve your dog's confidence and enthusiasm for heeling.  Much of the content will be based on Julie Flannery's book, Joy of Heeling.  All games and exercises will be aimed at creating happy, dynamic, and precise heeling. 

    This is not a beginning heeling class. Teams need a basic knowledge of heeling and heel position. Dogs need to be able to attend to the handler in a class situation.

    If you have questions about this class call Nell Jenkins at 803-767-3939.

    Crates are required for this class.

    Instructor:  Nell Jenkins
    Assistant: Jan Epting

    GCOC reserves the right to cancel classes.

    • 09 Sep 2024
    • 14 Oct 2024
    • 6 sessions
    • GCOC Building 947 S. Stadium Road
    • 1
    Register

    Registration opens for members Aug 3
    Registration opens for non-members Aug 10

    Pre-competition

    This class helps the trainer and dog gain foundational skills to prepare the team in their future training for competition Obedience and Rally. The exercises provide base skills for finding heel, fronts and finishes, canine rear end awareness and turns, pivots, attention and impulse control, stanchion awareness for future jumping, and proper methods for executing position changes.

    Instructors: Jan Epting/ Nell Jenkins


    GCOC reserves the right to cancel classes.

    • 10 Sep 2024
    • 15 Oct 2024
    • 6 sessions
    • GCOC Training Facility 947 S. Stadium Road
    • 6

    Registration opens for members on Aug 3
    Non-members on Aug 10

    Please note Start Date Change!

    CGC Skills - Evening

    CGC Skills is designed for dogs and handlers who have successfully completed Basic Skills class, or the equivalent. Verify that you and your dog can do the skills from the basic skills class here: Class Expectations page (gcoc.net) 

    The CGC Skills class will work on deepening and polishing the skills learned at the Basic level, including loose leash walking, attention/focus, impulse control, recalls, stays, and other skills.  It will introduce controlled distractions to allow your dog to perform skills beyond their backyard.  And finally, the class will cover all the exercise of the Canine Good Citizen class.

    The primary goal of this class will be to continue developing a happy, well-mannered family companion with emphasis on becoming a good canine citizen of the community.

    It could be helpful to crate your dog in this class.  Feel free to bring one.

    Prerequisite: Basic Skills or equivalent skills with the permission of the instructor. If you have a question contact GCOC.

    Length: 6 weeks

    GCOC Members: $100.00

    General Registration: $165.00

    Payment required upon registration

    Instructor: Kathy Evans

    GCOC reserves the right to cancel 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 or recommend another type class for  any dog who is disruptive or whose learning threshold has been exceeded.

    NOTE:  GCOC follows CDC guidelines. At this time masks are optional. We will adjust our policy according to the level of the virus in the area. Thank you for your cooperation. 

    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.





    • 12 Sep 2024
    • 6:00 PM

    If you have a dog that loses his mind for certain things,
    gets over excited and can't think,
    ears turn off when he is sniffing or chasing,
    or you want to learn how to help your dog do exciting sports to the best of their ability,
    or just take your dog for a simple walk without them losing their mind...
    Please attend this 'toolbox' seminar! Mark your calendar and set a reminder right now so you don't forget!

    When: Thurs. Sept 12 Starting at 6pm

    Where: GCOC building

    Who: Open to anyone, no sign up needed

    Cost: FREE

    Teaser video of some of the things that will be covered:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4edKZXZ0Pk

    You will learn WHY your dog does what he does AND several ways to help them. There will be a power point presentation with photos and video examples and the presentation is PACKED with useful information! The plan is to start AT 6pm and dive directly into the info because there is a LOT to cover!

    *About the presenter - Chris Puls* (NOT covered in the presentation):

    I have been training dogs for nearly 50 years, all positive for the past 24 years. And I have dabbled in or titled dogs in every dog sport and activity in that time with the exception of shed antler hunting. I currently have a 16 yr old working line Malinois who, even at 12 yrs old, had more drive and energy than most dogs! And who had an insane amount of drive and energy when he was young. He has dabbled in or titled in almost every dog sport and activity right along side me!

    I also have a very high drive Field Lab who has the energy and drive of a Malinois without the 'defense of handler' genes and a better 'off switch'.  In his first 12 months of trialing, starting at 6 months old, he earned 25 titles in 11 different sports! When I lived in/near Cincinnati, Ohio I was at a dog trial almost every weekend either trialing, working, or Judging.

    I have also had 2 Cattle Dogs, 2 Beagles, and a Rottweiler who all did multiple dog activities as well. I am no stranger to high drive dogs that easily lose their minds!

    I was a member of Toastmasters for a number of years and have given presentations on a number of topics to crowds as large as 500+ people and used to get paid to travel the country to do so.

    I'm excited to share the information you can use right away to start helping your dogs be the best they can be, even if it just means walks with them are more pleasant.

    Photo of my Malinois' first 7 years of trialing results:

    Photo of my Lab's first year of trialing results:


    • 18 Sep 2024
    • 23 Oct 2024
    • 6 sessions
    • GCOC Training Facility 947 S. Stadium Road
    • 3
    Register

    Registration opens for members Aug 3.
    Registration Opens for non-members Aug 10.  

    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:  Justine Borghello and Lindsay Waddell

    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.

    NOTE:  GCOC follows CDC guidelines. At this time masks are optional. We will adjust our policy according to the level of the virus in the area. Thank you for your cooperation. 

    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.

    • 18 Sep 2024
    • 23 Oct 2024
    • 6 sessions
    • GCOC Training Facility 947 S. Stadium Road
    • 0

    Class has 4 students signed up and 4 on the wait list,
    so sign ups are closed.

    NOTE: There will only be 4 students in this class, so be certain you are committed to attending before you sign up. You must pay for the class to hold your spot.

    Reducing Reactivity - EVENING

    The Reducing Reactivity class is designed for dogs who struggle with mild to moderate reactivity. This class will teach you how to better communicate with your dog and learn what your dog is telling you. We will work on different strategies and techniques to work dogs through reactive episodes and to prevent reactivity from happening in the future. This class will not solve your reactivity issues, but will give you the tools and tips you need to get started. This class is NOT for dogs who have bitten or shown aggression to other dogs or people. 

    Prerequisites:  Complete questionnaire on your dog's behavior and review introductory email, including homework assignments. Dogs must have basic obedience and be food motivated. Dogs must wear properly fitted martingale collar or harness.

    Length: 6 weeks

    Instructors:  Justine Borghello and Lindsay Waddell

    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.

    NOTE:  GCOC follows CDC guidelines. At this time masks are optional. We will adjust our policy according to the level of the virus in the area. Thank you for your cooperation. 

    The Greater Columbia Obedience Club will refund fees paid for a class, minus a $15 administration fee, if cancellation occurs at least seven days prior to the first day of class AND the spot can be filled.  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.

    • 27 Sep 2024
    • 7:00 AM
    • 29 Sep 2024
    • 5:00 PM
    • South Congaree Horse Arena, 395 Oak Street West Columbia, SC 29172

    Join us for our annual fall agility trial with Judge Beth Willingham. The South Congaree Arena is a spacious venue including a covered arena and groomed dirt, and convenient to major interstates.  

    To view PREMIUM, click here: sunriseagility.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/premium-gcoc-sept-2024-1.pdf

    Register by mail or online via www.labtestedonline.com/.

    Friday: Standard, JWW, Time 2 Beat, FAST, Premier JWW

    Saturday: Standard, JWW, Time 2 Beat, FAST, Premier Standard

    Sunday: Standard, JWW, Time 2 Beat, FAST, Premier JWW

    Online registration closes Monday, September 16 at 11 a.m.

    Trial Secretary: Tina Eastman, Sunrise Agility, sunriseagilitytss@gmail.com

    Sign up to volunteer here or contact Jessica Kelly, trial chair

    • 15 Nov 2024
    • 8:00 AM
    • 17 Nov 2024
    • 1:00 PM
    • 610 Polo Lane Camden, SC

    You are invited to what may be the most magical AKC Coursing event ever! We'll enjoy a magical Hogwarts-inspired weekend with GCOC, Time to Fly, the Herding Club of the Carolinas, and AKC Fit Dog club Trails for Tails. Pick your house, join the House Cup competition, and see if your dog is faster than a Golden Snitch!

    Visit timetoflydogs.com or click here for EVENT PREMIUM.

    Special Events to include: 

    • Team-based contest "The House Cup" held during the FastCAT tests on Sat., Nov. 16, to benefit Goat Daddy's Farm & Animal Sanctuary of Elgin, SC 
    • Costume contest on Sunday
    • Farm Dog Certified (FDC), Herding Test and Instinct Test by Herding Club of the Carolinas
    • AKC Fit Dog walk with Trails for Tails Fit Dog Club

    Early entry is via online entry form only. Please visit: https://form.jotform.com/241145397538160

    Early entry closes Nov 5th, 2024 at 6:00 P.M. CT.  Open to all AKC- Registered dogs and mixed breeds via AKC Canine Partners. The FastCAT track and CABT field will be independently fenced with 48-inch, flexible mesh fencing.

    • 07 Dec 2024
    • 8:00 AM
    • 08 Dec 2024
    • 5:00 PM
    • 947 S Stadium Drive, Columbia SC
    Registration is closed

    GREATER COLUMBIA OBEDIENCE CLUB, INC.

    AKC Rally

    Includes

    Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Excellent, Master and Choice


     

    Please read before completing registration form

    The do and don't of what an exhibitor can enter in a  Rally Trial can be confusing. Especially when you see the form offers the option to enter more than one class a day. Since we are having One trial on Saturday and One on Sunday each day is considered to be a separate  trial. Your dog CANNOT be entered in the same class more than once in a trial. 

    Example: Often we see exhibitors entering Saturday 1st Class Novice, then Saturday 2nd class Novice. That is not an allowable entry. The option to enter a 2nd or 3rd class is if you plan to enter different classes such as Rally Advanced B and Rally Excellent B (working on your RAE) or Rally Advanced B, Rally Excellent B and Masters (working on your RACH). You can enter Advanced B and/or Excellent B indefinitely as long as you meet the requirements

    Since AKC's newest Rally Choice can be entered by any dog no matter what level the dog is currently in, you can enter it as a second class. Just beware it is the same as the Master Course without jumps.

    They also cannot be entered in the A and B Rally Novice, Rally Advanced or Rally Excellent on the same day.  There is a tip sheet at the bottom of this page you can use to determine if you should enter  class

     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 an additional charge of $1 for mailed registrations.

    Tim Setterlund

    332 Whiskery Ln

    Irmo, SC 29063-9590

    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 information on page 4 of the premium.  

    Premium

    Do I enter A or B class? Please click on link below

    Tip sheet on entering Rally A or B classes.pdf



    • 07 Dec 2024
    • 8:00 AM
    • 08 Dec 2024
    • 5:00 PM
    • 947 S Stadium Drive, Columbia SC
    Registration is closed

    GREATER COLUMBIA OBEDIENCE CLUB, INC.

    AKC Novice Obedience

    Includes

    Beginning Novice, Novice, Preferred Novice, and Graduate Novice


     
    Please read before completing registration form


    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

    Tim Setterlund

    332 Whiskery Ln

    Irmo, SC 29063-9590


    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 first dog you register which will act as your signature  stating you have read and agree to the information on page 4 of the premium.

    Premium



    To reduce the confusion of why we offer the option to enter more than one class each day please see below.  

    Your dog CANNOT be entered in the same class more than once in a trial. They also cannot be entered in the A and B Beginner Novice or the A and B Novice on the same day.  Each day we are having one obedience trial. The option to enter a 2nd or 3rd class is if you plan to enter different classes such as Beginning Novice, and Novice and Preferred Novice.


    Do I enter A or B class? Please click on link below


    Tip sheet on entering Obedience A or B classes and ONLY combinations of Novice classes that can be entered together in one trial.pdf



    Click Below for copy of Obedience Rules and Regulations

    Obedience Rules and Regulations with updates through April 1 2022.pdf









    • 15 Feb 2025
    • 8:00 AM
    • 16 Feb 2025
    • 5:00 PM
    • 947 S Stadium Drive, Columbia SC
    Registration is closed

    GREATER COLUMBIA OBEDIENCE CLUB, INC.

    AKC Rally

    Includes

    Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Excellent, Master and Choice

     

    Please read before completing registration form

    The do and don't of what an exhibitor can enter in a  Rally Trial can be confusing. Especially when you see the form offers the option to enter more than one class a day. Since we are having One trial on Saturday and One on Sunday each day is considered to be a separate  trial. Your dog CANNOT be entered in the same class more than once in a trial. 

    Example: Often we see exhibitors entering Saturday 1st Class Novice, then Saturday 2nd class Novice. That is not an allowable entry. The option to enter a 2nd or 3rd class is if you plan to enter different classes such as Rally Advanced B and Rally Excellent B (working on your RAE) or Rally Advanced B, Rally Excellent B and Masters (working on your RACH). You can enter Advanced B and/or Excellent B indefinitely as long as you meet the requirements

    Since AKC's newest Rally Choice can be entered by any dog no matter what level the dog is currently in, you can enter it as a second class. Just beware it is the same as the Master Course without jumps.

    They also cannot be entered in the A and B Rally Novice, Rally Advanced or Rally Excellent on the same day.  There is a tip sheet at the bottom of this page you can use to determine if you should enter  class

     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 an additional charge of $1 for mailed registrations.

    Tim Setterlund

    332 Whiskery Ln

    Irmo, SC 29063-9590

    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 information on page 4 of the premium.


    Premium February


    Do I enter A or B class? Please click on link below

    Tip sheet on entering Rally A or B classes.pdf



    • 15 Feb 2025
    • 8:00 AM
    • 16 Feb 2025
    • 5:00 PM
    • 947 S Stadium Drive, Columbia SC
    Registration is closed

    GREATER COLUMBIA OBEDIENCE CLUB, INC.

    AKC Novice Obedience

    Includes

    Beginning Novice, Novice, Preferred Novice, and Graduate Novice


     
    Please read before completing registration form


    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

    Tim Setterlund

    332 Whiskery Ln

    Irmo, SC 29063-9590


    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 first dog you register which will act as your signature  stating you have read and agree to the information on page 4 of the premium.

    February Premium



    To reduce the confusion of why we offer the option to enter more than one class each day please see below.  

    Your dog CANNOT be entered in the same class more than once in a trial. They also cannot be entered in the A and B Beginner Novice or the A and B Novice on the same day.  Each day we are having one obedience trial. The option to enter a 2nd or 3rd class is if you plan to enter different classes such as Beginning Novice, and Novice and Preferred Novice.


    Do I enter A or B class? Please click on link below


    Tip sheet on entering Obedience A or B classes and ONLY combinations of Novice classes that can be entered together in one trial.pdf



    Click Below for copy of Obedience Rules and Regulations

    Obedience Rules and Regulations with updates through April 1 2022.pdf









Greater Columbia Obedience Club, Inc.

All rights reserved. Copyright ® 2023.


Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software