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

    • 03 Aug 2026
    • 14 Sep 2026
    • 6 sessions
    • GCOC
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    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: Stacey Scherman

    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.


    • 03 Aug 2026
    • 14 Sep 2026
    • 6 sessions
    • GCOC
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    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.


    • 04 Aug 2026
    • 08 Sep 2026
    • 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.  

    Instructor: Nicole Tate

    Assistant: 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.




    • 04 Aug 2026
    • 08 Sep 2026
    • 6 sessions
    • GCOC
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    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: Mary Katherine Kearse

    Assistant:  Phyllis Beasley

    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.


    • 05 Aug 2026
    • 16 Sep 2026
    • 6 sessions
    • GCOC
    • 0

    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: Lindsay Waddell
    Assistant:
     Caitlin Moss

    No class on Sept 2.

    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 2026
    • 09 Sep 2026
    • 6 sessions
    • GCOC
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    The purpose of this class is to introduce the handler and the dog to basic skills.  These skills are foundational ones that prepare a dog for participating in agility.  Handlers should bring tug toys, a bowl that their dog can put both feet on, and plenty of treats (more than you expect!).  A crate and a mat, for the dog to rest on, will also be needed.

    Pre-requisites:  Sports 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: Donna Coffman

    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