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• Preventing and Treating Sporting Injuries

  • When
    16 May 2026
  •  
    1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
  • Location
    GCOC Facilities, 947 S Stadium Rd, Columbia, SC 29201
  • Spaces left
    35

  Register

  Join us for a seminar by local rehabilitation vet Dr. Ashley Barton, DVM, DACVAA, CVA, CCRP.  This 2.5 hour seminar will cover forelimb and hindlimb injures, conditioning and prevention, treatment and rehab, and will have a demo dog.  

  Refreshments will be provided.  This is a human-only seminar. There are no working spots.

  Registration will open March 5th for Members and March 7th for the public.  

  Refunds:  The Greater Columbia Obedience Club will refund fees paid for a seminar spot, minus a $15 administration fee, if cancellation occurs at least five days prior to the first day of seminar. If cancellation is requested after that period, but the available slot can be filled from the seminar 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 seminar begins. GCOC recognizes that extenuating circumstances may occur. In this event, an application may be made to the Seminar Organizer, Christi Farley, @christi.farley@cru.org, for a review of the situation. Such occurrences as a illness or death in the family will be considered.
  

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• Introduction to Nosework (Sport Class) Mon 6:15 pm

  • Start
    01 Jun 2026
  •  
  • End
    06 Jul 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    GCOC
  • Spaces left
    7

  Introduction to Nosework (Sport Class)

  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 dog 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. 

  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.

  Virtual option: Interested in nosework, but can't attend class in person?  Contact Christi Farley (Christi.farley@cru.org ) to discuss a  hybrid program with an audit/virtual training option.

  Prerequisite: Completion of Basic Skills or instructor approval  

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

  Instructor: Christi Farley

  Assistant:  Carolyn Royall 

  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.

  
  

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• Nosework Search Progression (Sport Class) Mondays 7:30 pm

  • Start
    01 Jun 2026
  •  
  • End
    06 Jul 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    GCOC
  • Spaces left
    7

  Ready to progress your dog’s skills now that you’ve built a solid value for odor? Wondering how to move from the simple searching exercises to more complex elements of nosework? This class picks up after your dog’s foundation on odor.  It begins proper introductions to search skills, and how to approach the different elements you will eventually encounter in nosework.

  *THIS IS NOT AN INTRODUCTION TO ODOR, DOGS IN THIS CLASS ARE EXPECTED TO ALREADY DEMONSTRATE ODOR OBEDIENCE*
  

  Crating:  Dogs will be crated when not working. You may be required to crate in close proximity in the building or out of your car depending on your dog’s comfort. Be prepared to support your dog’s needs when it’s not your turn to be out working.
  
  Workload: You will have homework every week, and it is required to progress through the course.

  Materials: You will need to maintain your own scent kits at home to practice your homework assignments and get the most out of this class

  Prerequisite:  Introduction to Nosework

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

  Co-Instructors: Alyssa O'Dell and Christi Farley

  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.

  
  

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• Rally Foundation 2 (Sport Class) Tues 6:15 pm

  • Start
    02 Jun 2026
  •  
  • End
    07 Jul 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    GCOC
  • Spaces left
    7

  Rally Foundation 2 

  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.  
  

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

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

  Instructor: Diane Ferrer-Sanderson

  Assistant: Lindsay Waddell

  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.

  
  

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• Basic Skills (Manners Class) Tuesday 7:30 pm

  • Start
    02 Jun 2026
  •  
  • End
    07 Jul 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    GCOC
  • Spaces left
    7

  Basic Skills

  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

  Instructor: Phyllis Beasley

  Assistant: Stephanie Thompson

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

  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.

  
  

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• Intermediate Skills (Manners Class) Wednesdays 6:15 pm

  • Start
    03 Jun 2026
  •  
  • End
    08 Jul 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    GCOC
  • Spaces left
    7

  Intermediate Skills 

  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

  Instructor: Tim Setterlund

  Assistant:  Laurene Mensch

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

  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.

  
  

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• Introduction to Fitness (Sport Class) Wednesdays 7:30 pm

  • Start
    03 Jun 2026
  •  
  • End
    08 Jul 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    GCOC
  • Spaces left
    7

  Introduction to Fitness

  This class is designed to build the foundation of canine fitness for health and for sports. This is definitely not the end of the fitness journey for us and our canine companions, just an introduction. Emphasis will be on teaching a proper form for all the skills taught.

  Handlers should bring plenty of soft treats. If you think you have enough treats, bring five times that amount — you’ll use more than you expect!

  Needed equipment -

  1)  Tractable food oriented dog.

  2)  Crate - Dogs will need to be crated in between exercises both for proper attention to instruction by the handler and rest for the dog.

  3)  Homemade and/or purchased equipment  - we will have equipment available at the building during class, but this class requires home exercises and practice which can only be done using the equipment needed. 

  Note: This class is intended solely for the general fitness and conditioning of healthy dogs. It is not appropriate for dogs that are injured, recovering from injury, or undergoing rehabilitation of any kind.

  Prerequisite: Basic class or approval of the instructor

  Instructor: Kristina Gilbert

  Assistant:  Laura Wennerdahl

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

  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.

  
  

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• Puppy Kindergarten (Manners Class) Sundays 1:00 pm

  • Start
    07 Jun 2026
  •  
  • End
    26 Jul 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    GCOC
  • Spaces left
    7

  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, 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.

  Instructors: Jennifer Wheeler and Gayle Mitchiner
  Assistant: 

  No classes on Father's Day or the July 4th weekend.

  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.

   

  
  

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• Puppy K-2 (Manners Class) Sundays 2:30 pm

  • Start
    07 Jun 2026
  •  
  • End
    12 Jul 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    4 sessions
  • Location
    GCOC
  • Spaces left
    7

  Puppy Kindergarten 2

  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 and Gayle Mitchiner
  Assistant: 

  
  

  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.

   

  
  

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• Guest Visit

  • When
    01 Jan 2030
  • Location
    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.

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