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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.

With any questions, please contact GCOC Training Director Nicole Tate: gcoctd@gmail.com.

Upcoming events

    • 13 Nov 2025
    • 05 Dec 2025
    • 14

    Greater Columbia Obedience Club is hosting a fundraiser raffle for  a Ruffland Kennel!

    Winner will get to choose their size (up to a large) and color (based on what is available) and it will ship directly to you!

    Tickets are $20 each and only 50 will be sold.

    Winner will be drawn when all 50 spots are filled.

    Note: You do NOT have to be present to win.  


    • 01 Dec 2025
    • 05 Jan 2026
    • 6 sessions
    • GCOC
    • 0

    Basic Skills is designed for dogs 6 months old and up. The class will cover getting the dog's attention, impulse control, relaxing calmly, and confidence with new experiences. Skills such as walking on a loose leash, sit, down, come, and stay are also taught using positive training methods. Come have fun with your dog; both of you will learn new things!

    Prerequisite: None

    Wait list:  The wait list is in case a place opens in this class. It does not carry over to future classes.

    Instructor: Robbie Black

    Assistant: TBD 

    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.

    GCOC reserves the right to cancel or reschedule classes.

    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.


    • 02 Dec 2025
    • 06 Jan 2026
    • 6 sessions
    • GCOC
    • 3
    Register

    Rally Foundation 2 (Sport Class)

    This class is a continuation of Rally Foundation 1. Teams will continue working on skills needed for the Novice level of rally across different organizations (CWAGS, AKC, WCRL). This class is a beginning class designed to introduce both dogs and their handlers to the fundamentals of Rally Obedience. Each week new skills will be taught, with teams applying their skills through mini courses. You and your dog will continue learning how to be a team in the rally ring!

    Please bring treats, toys, and a crate. There will be times when the humans are working solo, so dogs will need to be crated.  

    Prerequisite: Manners classes (Basic and Intermediate) and the Bridge class (Sports Foundation). It is preferred that Rally Foundation 1 be taken first, but not required.

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

    Instructors : Nicole Tate
    Assistant: Laurene Mensch

    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.

    GCOC reserves the right to cancel or reschedule classes.

    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.


    • 02 Dec 2025
    • 06 Jan 2026
    • 6 sessions
    • GCOC
    • 0

    Intermediate Skills (Manners Class)

    This class is a continuation of the Basic Skills class. You and your dog will continue learning new skills, while increasing the difficulty of your old skills by adding distractions. This class is designed to prepare the team for the Canine Good Citizen test.

    Prerequisite: Basic class

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

    Instructor: Mary Katherine Kearse
    Assistant: Kayla Krump

    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.

    GCOC reserves the right to cancel or reschedule classes.

    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.


    • 03 Dec 2025
    • 21 Jan 2026
    • 6 sessions
    • GCOC
    • 0

    Agility Foundations

    You are the coach; your dog is the athlete! Learning the sport of agility involves more than teaching your dog to perform the obstacles on an agility course. The human part of the team must learn to communicate with their dog precisely and consistently.  The dog part of the team must learn to be comfortable in the stimulating environments that they will encounter both at classes and trials, as well as other basic skills.  This class is designed to introduce the most basic skills all agility dogs need to know.  It will include exercises in driving forward, targeting, obstacles, engagement, and fitness.  

    Prerequisites – dogs must be able to be in a crate or crated in the car when not being handled, dogs/puppies should be comfortable for someone else to hold them with their handler present.

    This course is appropriate for all ages of dogs and puppies. Come have fun with your dog!

    Open to Public with appropriate prerequisites or discuss with instructor

    Instructor: Amy Hearing

    Assistants: Kristina Gilbert &  Briana Timmerman



    • 08 Dec 2025
    • 09 Dec 2025
    • GCOC
    Register

    December 6 - 7, 2025
    At the GCOC building- 947 S. Stadium Rd.


    Novice Obedience and all levels of Rally under Judge Jeannie Mary Strong. Limited indoor crating available.

    • Opens Oct. 1, 12:00 p.m.
    Premium and Registration:
    https://www.gcoc.net/trials

    Volunteer sign up:





    • 11 Dec 2025
    • 18 Dec 2025
    • 2 sessions
    • GCOC

    This class is full

    "Thinking outside the box: drills and skills to up your container game

    Class meets Thursday December 11 and Thursday December 18th 6:30pm- 8:30pm

    This 2 session course will introduce you and your dog to the advanced container skills you will need in AKC advanced/excellent and NACSW NW2 and higher trials and show you fun drills to keep containers interesting throughout your nosework journey. There will be no indoor crating option, come prepared to keep your dog crated and comfortable in your vehicle for this course.

    Co-instructors: Alyssa O'Dell and Christi Farley

    Prerequisite:*This is not an entry level class, working teams will be expected to have completed GCOC Search progressions series classes or be trialing at Advanced/nw2 levels or higher.* 



    • 14 Dec 2025
    • 04 Jan 2026
    • 4 sessions
    • GCOC
    • 2
    Register

    This is a 4 week, advanced puppy class for puppies that have competed Puppy K at GCOC.  Concepts introduced in Puppy K will be reviewed and expanded on.  Come continue training and socializing your puppy!!

    Prerequisite: Puppy Kindergarten or permission of the instructor

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

    Instructor: Jennifer Wheeler
    Assistant:
    Gayle Mitchiner, Rusty Miller, and LA Sully

    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.

    GCOC reserves the right to cancel or reschedule classes.

    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.

     


    • 14 Dec 2025
    • 18 Jan 2026
    • 6 sessions
    • GCOC
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Puppy Kindergarten is designed for dogs 12 weeks to 6 months of age.  This class will cover gaining the puppy's attention, impulse control, learning to relax, basic commands, leash manners, and safety issues.  Confidence with new experiences will also be introduced.  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 (must attend ALL sessions to qualify). 

    The first class is for humans only (please leave puppies at home). 

    You will need to bring your puppy's vaccination records to the first class. 

    Prerequisite: None

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

    Instructor: Jennifer Wheeler
    Assistant:
    Gayle Mitchner, Rusty Miller, and LA Sully

    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.

    GCOC reserves the right to cancel or reschedule classes.

    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.

     


    • 15 Jan 2026
    • 22 Jan 2026
    • 2 sessions
    • GCOC
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    This sign up is for a Working spot only

    "Complex odor puzzles for higher level nosework"

    Class meets Thursday January 15 and Thursday January 22nd 6:30pm- 8:30pm

    This 2 session course will introduce you and your dog to more advanced odor puzzles that you may encounter in AKC advanced/excellent or  NACSW NW2 and higher trials. We will demonstrate creative drills to keep your training fun while you progress in difficulty and learn scent theory. There will be no indoor crating option, come prepared to keep your dog crated and comfortable in your vehicle for this course.

    Co-instructors: Alyssa O'Dell and Christi Farley

    Prerequisite:*This is not an entry level class, working teams will be expected to have completed GCOC Search progressions series classes or be trialing at Advanced/nw2 levels or higher.* 


    • 15 Jan 2026
    • 6:30 PM
    • 22 Jan 2026
    • 8:30 PM
    • GCOC
    • 3
    Register

    This sign up is for auditing only

    "Complex odor puzzles for higher level nosework"

    Class meets Thursday January 15 and Thursday January 22nd 6:30pm- 8:30pm

    This 2 session course will introduce you and your dog to more advanced odor puzzles that you may encounter in AKC advanced/excellent or  NACSW NW2 and higher trials. We will demonstrate creative drills to keep your training fun while you progress in difficulty and learn scent theory. There will be no indoor crating option, come prepared to keep your dog crated and comfortable in your vehicle for this course.

    Co-instructors: Alyssa O'Dell and Christi Farley

    Prerequisite:*This is not an entry level class, working teams will be expected to have completed GCOC Search progressions series classes or be trialing at Advanced/nw2 levels or higher.* 


    • 01 Jan 2030
    • GCOC
    Register

    If a GCOC member would like to bring a guest to the club, the guest MUST complete this registration in advance, agree to the waiver, and pay the $10 fee through this online registration. 

    GCOC Guest Policy allows 3 visits to the facilities per year. This registration needs to be filled out for each visit.

    By registering for a visit, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms:

    1. Assumption of Risk: I understand that participation in or presence at activities involving dogs at Greater Columbia Obedience Club’s facilities (located 947 S. Stadium Rd. and Booker’s Field in Columbia, South Carolina) carries inherent risks, including but not limited to the risk of injury from dogs or other participants. I voluntarily assume all risks associated with my visit.

    2. Release of Liability: I hereby release and hold harmless Great Columbia Obedience Club, Inc., its members, volunteers, and affiliates from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, or causes of action arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by me or to any property belonging to me while on the premises.

    3. Responsibility for Supervision: I understand I am responsible for the behavior and safety of any minors or animals I bring with me, and that I must comply with all posted rules and instructions.

    4. Medical Treatment: In the event of an emergency, I authorize the facility to seek emergency medical care on my behalf. I understand that I am responsible for any costs incurred.

    By registering here and using the facilities, I confirm that I have read and understood this agreement and agree to its terms voluntarily.

    Note: disregard the "date of the event". A date had to be put in and if the date has passed, the function would close. So a date well in the future was chosen.

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.

Greater Columbia Obedience Club, Inc.  |  947 S. Stadium Rd., Columbia, SC 29205

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