Puppy Kindergarten is designed for dogs 12 weeks to 6 months of age. This class will cover gaining the puppy's attention, impulse control for puppies, learning to relax around other dogs and people, basic commands, leash manners, and puppy safety issues. In addition to basic skills, confidence and manageability with new experience will also be introduce. Other topics as appropriate will also be covered. The primary emphasis of this class will be to develop a positive relationship between the puppy and family members.

Prerequisite: None
Length: 6 weeks

Basic Skills is designed for dogs 6 months and older. This class will cover getting the dog's attention, impulse control exercises such as "wait" and "leave it," relaxing calmly around other dogs and people, and confidence with new experiences. Handlers will learn how to teach their dog controlled walking on a leash, and "sit," "down," "come," and "stay" commands using the positive training techniques demonstrated in class. The primary goal of this class will be to develop a happy, well-mannered family companion and create a positive relationship between the handler and dog.

Prerequisite: None
Length: 6 weeks

Intermediate Skills is designed for dogs and handlers who have successfully completed Basic Skills class, or the equivalent. This class will work on deepening and polishing the skills learned at the Basic Skills level, including loose-leash walking, attention, impulse control, recalls, stays and other skills. The primary goal of this class will be to continue developing a happy, well-mannered family companion with an emphasis on becoming a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) of the community.

Prerequisite: Basic Skills (Puppy K or equivalent skills with permission of the instructor)
Length: 6 weeks

The Advanced Skills class is designed for handlers and dogs who have successfully completed the intermediate class. It covers such topics as attention, heeling, fronts, finishes, turns and self control. This class provides the foundation for future work or classes in obedience, rally, agility, or other dog sports.

This class is designed to be taken several times in order for both handler and dog to become more comfortable performing higher-level activities.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intermediate Skills or equivalent skills with permission of instructor.

For more information about Greater Columbia Obedience Club's obedience program, please send us an email.