Menu
Log in


Greater Columbia Obedience Club, Inc.

Log in

  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 Sep 2026
    • 30 Sep 2026
    Register

    Show off your creativity and support GCOC by designing a club T Shirt!

    Submit your $5 entry fee here and email your design to membership.gcoc@gmail.com by September 30, 2026.

    Voting for the winning design will run from October 1st until October 15th.

    Winning designer receives one-half of the entry fees collected and shirts will be available for purchase by the end of October along with previous year designs.

    *Please no AI generated images.*

    All designs must include the GCOC logo. LOGO

    For questions contact Lindsay Waddell at membership.gcoc@gmail.com



    • 01 Oct 2026
    • 6:30 PM
    • GCOC Building
    Register

    Join us at our October Membership meeting as we mix club business with some serious fall flavor!  

    Attendance is totally free, but please register in advance so we can ensure an accurate headcount for seating and supplies.

    How to register:

    1. Chili Contestant Entry: Please make sure to fill out all the sign up fields (Name of chili, chili base, and heat level)

    2. Fixins & More Volunteer: A great cook off needs great sides! Choose this option when signing up and let us know what you can bring!

    3. General Meeting Attendee / Taster:  Just coming for the meeting, to eat, and pick a winner? Register/RSVP under this type and don't worry about filling out the extra fields during sign up.

    • 04 Oct 2026
    • 10:00 AM
    • Saluda Riverwalk - 650 Candi Lane, Columbia SC 29210
    Register

    GCOC FitDOG Group Walk at the Saluda Riverwalk.

    This is a FREE event. The greenway offers about 3 miles of paved walkway/boardwalk along the Saluda River with some wonderful views of nature and art along the way. 

    Please bring water for your dog and poop bags. 

    After our walk FitDOG paper work will be handed out and answer any questions on titling that you may have.

    The greenway offers about 3 miles of paved walkway/boardwalk along the Saluda River with some wonderful views of nature and art along the way. 

    A RSVP is not required but appreciated.


    • 04 Oct 2026
    • 08 Nov 2026
    • 6 sessions
    • GCOC
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    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.

    Instructor: Jennifer Wheeler
    Assistant:
     Caitlin Moss


    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.

     


    • 04 Oct 2026
    • 25 Oct 2026
    • 4 sessions
    • GCOC
    • 3
    Register

    Puppy Kindergarten 2

    This is a 4 weekadvanced 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:
     Caitlin Moss


    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.

     


    • 05 Oct 2026
    • 09 Nov 2026
    • 6 sessions
    • GCOC
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Nosework Search Progression 2

    This class is focused on strengthening foundations in the elements found in AKC and NACSW trials, particularly at entry levels.  We will work on increasing each team’s confidence in the various elements, as well as covering more in depth the elements we were not able to practice in NW Search Progressions 1.  You will need to be able to crate both inside the building and outside in your car, as we will alternate spaces used at the building.  We’ll announce crating location on a week-by-week basis, with possible last minute changes based on weather.  

    Co-instructors: Alyssa O'Dell and Christi Farley

    Prerequisite:  GCOC Search Progressions or Instructor Approval

    *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

    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.


    • 06 Oct 2026
    • 10 Nov 2026
    • 6 sessions
    • GCOC
    • 5
    Register

    Rally Courses (Sport Class)

    The focus of this class is learning to run a rally course. There will not be instruction on how to do the exercises. Instead, the teams will be running complete courses. There will also be instruction on the various skills needed to make a run go smoothly. This class is where all those skills you've been learning start to come together!

    Prerequisites: Manners classes (Basic and Intermediate) and the Bridge class (Sports Foundation). Rally Foundations 1 & 2 preferred or the equivalent knowedge of Novice level skills.

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

    Instructors : Nicole Tate, Nell Jenkins, Diane Farrar-Sanderson
    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.


    • 06 Oct 2026
    • 10 Nov 2026
    • 6 sessions
    • GCOC
    • 0

    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: Robbie Black

    Assistant:  

    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.


    • 07 Oct 2026
    • 11 Nov 2026
    • 6 sessions
    • GCOC
    • 1
    Register

    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 – Agility Foundations 1 or equivalent

    Dogs must be able to be in a crate or be crated in the car when not being handled.  Dogs/puppies should be comfortable with someone else holding them with their handler present.

    Open to Public with appropriate prerequisites or discuss with instructor

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

     Instructor: Amy Hearing

    Assistant: Rusty Miller/ Rylee Burr

    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.




    • 07 Oct 2026
    • 11 Nov 2026
    • 6 sessions
    • GCOC
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    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:  Phyllis Beasley 

    Assistant:  Deb Shealy

    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.


    • 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  |  P.O. Box 8534 Columbia, SC 29202 

All rights reserved. Copyright ® 2025.

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software