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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

    • 03 Aug 2025
    • 14 Sep 2025
    • 6 sessions
    • GCOC
    • 0

    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

    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 Aug 2025
    • 15 Sep 2025
    • 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

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

    Instructor: Phyllis Beasley
    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.


    • 04 Aug 2025
    • 15 Sep 2025
    • 6 sessions
    • GCOC
    • 1
    Register

    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.


    • 05 Aug 2025
    • 09 Sep 2025
    • 6 sessions
    • GCOC
    • 4
    Register

    This class will introduce the handler and dog to the teeter and to weaves.  It will also include a review of agility skills that can double as fitness skills (ex:  targets, circles, figure 8s) for the agility athlete.   We will teach you how to train a dog for these skills  (taking notes or videoing the classes will help you in the future).  Your dog will not master the teeter and weaves during the 6 week class, but will have a great foundation that you can build upon. 

    Handlers should bring a bowl that their dog can put both feet on, 2 boards (2x6” with non-skid surface, cato boards, etc) and plenty of treats.  Unstable footing will be available for use during class.

    Dogs will need to be crated in the hallway of the building or in vehicles. Always bring twice as many treats as you think you'll need!

    This class will last for 1.5 hours each week.  

    Pre-requisites:  Agility Foundations or approval of the instructor.

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

    Instructor: Kristina Gilbert
    Assistant: Amy Hearing

    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 Aug 2025
    • 10 Sep 2025
    • 6 sessions
    • GCOC
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    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.  This class is perfect for handlers wanting to give their new dog a good foundation, as well as handlers wanting to refresh skills.  

    Co-Instructors: Nicole Tate and Lori Stepp

    Prerequisites:  Basic and Intermediate classes (Manners classes) or permission of the instructor

    Wait list:  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.




    • 06 Aug 2025
    • 10 Sep 2025
    • 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: Mary Katherine Kearse 
     

    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 Nov 2025
    • 16 Nov 2025
    • GCOC building

    Mark your calendars! 
    GCOC will be holding a Novice-only Scentwork event on Nov 15-16 at the club building. 

    There will be 3 Novice level trials (2 Saturday and 1 Sunday) so you have the potential to get your dog's element titles in Interior, Containers, and Buried. 

    Premium is ready to view!
    Opens July 7th- first come, first reserved through Secretarier only
    Premium:
    https://www.apps.akc.org/apps/eventplans/eventsearch/blocks/dsp_generate_pdf.cfm?KEY_BINARY_CONTENT=93184 

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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