Class Descriptions

Puppy Performance Agility- Puppy Performance will prepare young dogs for agility and is open to dogs 6 months or older. This course prepares dogs the sport of agility on confidence building, building drive, impulse control games, pre-obstacle games, handler focused games and verbal cue introduction. 

Instructor: John Nys

Pre-requisite – either Puppy Kindergarten, Puppy Scholar, Basic Obedience or instructor evaluation.

Intro to Performance Agility I introduces your puppy/young dog for agility and is open to dogs 6 months or older. This course prepares your dog for the sport of agility on confidence building, building drive, impulse control games, pre-obstacle games, handler-focused games and verbal cue introduction.

Pre-requisite class either Puppy Kindergarten, Puppy Scholar, Basic.

Intro to Performance Agility II will prepare young dogs for agility and is open to dogs 6 months or older. This course continues to prepare your dog to the sport of agility on confidence building, building drive, impulse control games, pre-obstacle games, handler-focused games, introduction to tunnels, contact work and reinforcing verbal cues.

Pre-requisite: Intro to Performance Agility I class. 

The weave pole and contact work class will focus on intro to weave poles and contact equipment, which  includes See Saw work. Exercises will be tailored for the specific need either as an intro to weave poles or remedial fixes. In addition, See Saw introduction or fixes. This class is the perfect class to perfect the skills prior to the Level 1 Foundation Classes.

Pre-requisite: Intro to Performance Agility II.

Agility for beginners is a continuation of the foundation class with additonal emphasis on foundation work, contact equipment famaliarization.

Instructor: John Nys

Pre-requisite – Agility Level 1 Foundation – open to dogs + 9 months of age

Focus on course work, handling techniques. Handling choices and techniques. Mastering efficient turns and wraps. Full course and drills. Weave pole introduction.

Instructors: John Nys or Jeff Botehlo

Pre-requisite – Agility Level 2- Beginners. Open to dogs +12 months of age.

Competition agility – focus on building confidence, drive and advanced handling technques.

Instructors: John Nys, Jeff Botehlo or Laura Dolan

Pre-requisite Agility Level 3- Intermediate. Open to dogs +18 months of age.  

Competition Premier/International agility. Emphasis on international agility course work and advanced handling skills. Buidling the mental game and confidence to be successfully compete on the international and premier levels.

Instructor: John Nys

Pre-requisite Leval 4A competition. Open to dogs +2 years of age.

Advanced Course Work – Class Size limit 5. This one hour class will focus on training both the handler and dog to master handling skills including the “fancy moves” needed to be successful on all types of courses.  Independent obstacle performance will also be emphasized.  The course will be broken down into shorter sequences to allow teams to explore all the handling options and to work through building these skills.  

Instructor: Laura Dolan

Prerequisites: full height equipment necessary

The “mat method” will be used to build the skills needed for developing running contact criteria. Foundational techniques will be emphasized with the mat on the ground and/or on a down dog walk plank on a table. Skills will be developed away from the full dog walk. The exercises will be tailored to each team’s level and experience. This class is ideal for teams starting to learn a running contact, or for teams that want to focus on skills related to mat work. Fun games will be used to proof the understanding of the mat. Verbal and handling skills to be developed will be: a) go on straight, b) turn to you and c) turn away from you. Open to dogs +6 months of age.

Offered to puppies 8 weeks and 6 months. (If you puppy is 6 months or older- please register for Beginner Obedience.) Puppy Kindergarten is a staple class for every new dog owner!  We cannot recommend this class enough to the new puppy owner! Puppy K focuses on all of the basic commands in obedience and also focuses a great deal on socialization of your puppy with other puppies and humans.

Puppy Scholar is a continuation of Puppy Kindergarten for the dog owner who wants to take their training a step further! Within this class you will expand on the basic commands learned in Puppy Kindergarten and learn how to apply these commands even further. This class is great for anyone looking to go onto competition obedience or just looking to create a bond with their puppy.

Is your dog a good citizen and you want everyone to know? Canine Good Citizen classes can help prove it! Help prepare your dog to pass the CGC test with this class. Immerse your dog in social situations with strangers and new dogs, fine-tune basic obedience skills, show off loose-leash walking skills, and much more. At the end of this course, your dog will have the ability to earn their CGC certification.

Instructor: Kari L. Lavalli, Ph.D.

A new take on traditional obedience, rally requires handler and dog to navigate a course of 10-20 stations, each with a sign signaling a specific skill to complete. Rally obedience includes basic to advanced obedience skills, ranging from heeling, loose-leash walking, backing up, turning, and more! Build a better bond with your dog while expanding and reinforcing obedience skills along the way.

Pre-requisite – To enter this class, teams need to be able to perform a short straight line heeling sequence with attention and focus, have entry level knowledge of turns including hind end rotation for the dog to maintain position, foundations of a front and finish, and have a reliable recall, sit stay, and down.  Students should be familiar with the Novice signs, but do not need to be proficient in executing them.  Proficiency will come with practice.

Description: Class allows students to learn and practice skills necessary to perform Rally Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced Rally courses. Students will learn and practice how to perform signs, how to walk and think about courses, as well as the steps required to train and execute skills in a confident, brisk, and focused manner. This class will consist of one or more exercise/skill training nights and then a number of course nights where students can practice the skills they have just learned in true competition-level courses with coaching. Themed exercise nights consist of instruction required to execute and perform signs at the Intermediate and Advanced levels and will start to teach skills at the Excellent level. 

This class is offered to puppies between the ages of 6 months older who have not taken any other puppy classes. Puppy Obedience is a staple class for every new dog owner!  This is a class focused on the needs of puppies that are older than 6 months of age. This class focuses on all of the basic commands in obedience and also focuses on socialization of your puppy with other older puppies and humans.

Instructor: Derrike Lacross

Prerequisite: Dogs must be 6 months of age or older and have completed a basic puppy obedience/kindergarten class. Description: This is a 6 week, 1 hour competition obedience class geared to new handlers. This class will teach the foundation skills for Novice obedience: heeling, stand for exam, recall, sit and down stays. Short homework exercises will allow teams to build on items introduced in class. Emphasis on breaking down exercises for success and making obedience fun for dog and handler. Class is limited to 4 dogs.

Instructor: Pam Kimel

Prerequisite: Dogs must be 6 months of age or older and have completed Novice I class or have instructor evaluation and approval. Description: This class will work on perfecting the Novice exercises, while keeping things fun for the dogs and handlers. We will work on all of the exercises required to complete the Novice or Beginner Novice title in AKC or CDSP. Dogs should have a basic knowledge of loose leash walking, sit and down stay, and coming when called.  Handlers should be prepared to practice during the week to get the most out of the class. Class Limited to 4 dogs

Prerequisite: Dogs must be competent in all Novice exercises. Description: This is a 6 week, 1 hour competition obedience class. Teams will be introduced to all of the Open skills and exercises: retrieving, jumping, command discrimination, as well as continuing to perfect heeling, fronts and finishes. Short homework assignments will allow teams to progress faster. Class is limited to 4 dogs.

Instructor: Pam Kimel

Prerequisite: Dogs must have completed the Open I class or have instructor evaluation and approval. Description: This is a 6 week, 1 hour competition obedience class. This class will work on proofing and polishing the Open exercises with the goal of getting teams ready to show in Open. Class is limited to 4 dogs.

Instructor: Pam Kimel

This class will introduce dog and handler teams to the open and utility exercises – including jumping, retrieving, signals and scent discrimination. This is a great class for teams starting out in obedience – its never too early to get your dog started on the next levels and these exercises are fun for the dogs!   Dogs should have basic fluency with the Novice exercises but do not need to have completed a CD. Handlers should plan to practice between classes to get the most out of the class. Class limited to 4 dogs.

Pre-requisite: Dogs must have fluency in the Open exercises. Description: This is a 6 week, 60 minute competition obedience class building on skills learned in Novice and Open training to introduce the Utility exercises. Teams will learn scent discrimination, directed jumping, directed retrieve and signals. Class is limited to 4 dogs.

Instructor: Pam Kimel

Description: This is a 6 week, 60 minute competition obedience class which will focus on getting dogs ready to show for their Utility title and beyond. In addition to working on proofing and polishing the Utility exercises, ring preparation strategies will be discussed. Class is limited to 4 dogs.

Instructor: Pam Kimel

No matter your dog’s age or skill level, trick training can help build your bond, offer a low-impact form of exercise, all while having fun! Learn tricks that are appropriate for your dog’s ability, age, temperament, and health while helping them gain confidence and impressing your friends! By the end of this class, you’ll be prepared to test you and your dogs skills and work to earn trick dog titles.

Instructor: Kari L. Lavalli, Ph.D.

This 5 week introductory course is designed for the dog and handler who are new to the Scent and Nose Work sports. It teams you & your dog to search for a specific target odor (Birch). K9 Scent & Nose Work Sport Groups use target odors (e.g. Birch, Anise, Clove, Cypress, etc.) to provide dogs with a sport for their natural scenting skills using a process based game that involves the dog and owner, builds on their ability to imprint on an odor, search/hunt for the odor, provide unique body language to inform the handler that they have scent recognition and ultimately find the source odor and communicate the find. It is a fantastic way to foster a rich engaged relationship with your dog.

Scent and Nose work sports are virtually barrier free and are excellent for all dogs, e.g. high energy; cautious; physically challenged, etc. One dog works at a time in the training ring.

Gear required:

• Flat or martingale collar and/or harness with D ring located between dog’s shoulder blades
• 6-10 foot leash
• Easy access bag with high value, small treats(non-crumbly to prevent excessive food drop)
• Water to hydrate your dog between scent runs

Instructor: Jennifer Anderson

This 5 week Level II course is designed for the dog and handler who have taken a prior UKC, AKC Scent or NACSW Nose work class and are confidently and enthusiastically searching for Birch target odor at a minimum in an interior setting. This class will team you & your dog to search for Birch and Anise in a variety of interior stagings and elements ( containers, 3D, elevated hides, with accessible and inaccessible odor targeting and dive into the fine points of interpreting your dogs’ body language and scent theory to foster an engaged and resourceful team.

K9 Scent & Nose Work Sport Groups use target odors (e.g. Birch, Anise, Clove, Cypress, etc.) to provide dogs with a sport for their natural scenting skills using a process based game that involves the dog and owner, builds on their ability to imprint on an odor, search/hunt for the odor, provide unique body language to inform the handler that they have scent recognition and ultimately find the source odor and communicate the find. It is a fantastic way to foster a rich engaged relationship with your dog.

Scent and Nose work sports are virtually barrier free and are excellent for all dogs, e.g. high energy; cautious; physically challenged, etc. One dog works at a time in the training ring.

Gear required:

• Flat or martingale collar and/or harness with D ring located between dog’s shoulder blades
• 6-10 foot leash
• Easy access bag with high value, small treats(non-crumbly to prevent excessive food drop)
• Toy (Tug, ball, etc. for play engagement reinforcement if your dog enjoys engaged play)
• Water to hydrate your dog between scent runs

Instructor: Jennifer Anderson

This 5 week Level III course is designed for the dog and handler who have taken a prior UKC, AKC Scent or NACSW Nose work classes and are confidently and enthusiastically  searching for both Birch and Anise target odor at a minimum in an interior setting and have additionally had exposure to Handler Discrimination. This class will feature mock searches, different distractors (non-food, food, visual, auditory, human, and mimics.

It will team you & your dog to search for Birch, Anise and Clove in a variety of  interior  and exterior scenarios and elements ( containers, 3D, elevated hides, Buried with  Sand and Water) and working accessible and inaccessible interior and exterior hides and dive into the fine points of  interpreting your dogs’ body language and scent theory  to foster an engaged and resourceful team.

 K9 Scent & Nose Work Sport Groups use target odors (e.g. Birch, Anise, Clove, Cypress, etc.) to provide dogs with a sport for their natural scenting skills using a process based game that involves the dog and owner, builds on their ability to imprint on an odor, search/hunt for the odor, provide unique body language to inform the handler that they have scent recognition and ultimately find the source odor and communicate the find.  It is a fantastic way to foster a rich engaged relationship with your dog. 

Scent and Nose work sports are virtually barrier free and are excellent for all dogs, e.g. high energy; cautious; physically challenged, etc. One dog works at a time in the training ring.

Gear required:

• Flat or martingale collar and/or harness with  D ring located between dog’s shoulder blades
• 6-10 foot leash or 10-15 foot trailing lead
• Easy access bag with high value, small treats(non-crumbly to prevent excessive food drop)
• Toy (Tug, ball, etc. for play engagement reinforcement if your dog enjoys engaged  play)
• Water to hydrate your dog between scent runs

Instructor: Jennifer Anderson

Are you looking to up your game in the conformation ring or make your conformation debut? This class will help you and your dog gain ring manners, learn how to properly stack your dog, and give your dog experience with being handled. Receive individual attention and learn the skills needed to help present your dog to their best advantage in the breed ring.

Instructor: TBD

Instructor: Carolyn Close

The AKC FIT DOG Level 1 course is the first in a three level fun K9 fitness course developed in collaboration between the AKC, University of Tennessee and Blue 9 K9 fitness product line. Learn basic canine conditioning skills to increase your dog’s performance, decrease risk of injury and lower stress levels. This course is designed to inspire dog owners to engage in low impact fitness-related activities, while minimizing the risk of injury or harm due to inexperienced instruction.

The 6 week long beginner level class is for owners who are interested in exploring the world of dog sports and are looking to develop canine conditioning skills. You and your dog will learn proper form for positions, canine fitness safety and skills to help with strength, flexibility, balance, stamina and more.

Attendees will track their skills and progress using  a provided AKC Skills sheet and  will be evaluated  at the last class (week 6) by the AKC Fit Dog  Instructor/Evaluator and receive an AKC Fit Dog Certificate.

Notably, the Fit Dog program is now eligible for an AKC Title when linked with several other AKC fitness and athletic related  sports and skills, e.g. Agility, Dock Diving,  Disc Dogs, etc.

Pre-Requisites:

It is recommended that participants in this class be at least one year of age and complete at least a Puppy or Basic Obedience Class first. Dogs should understand the training and rewards game and be able to focus on tasks during class. We will use the principals of luring, capturing and shaping as well as other training concepts.

Please Note: This course is not designed for dogs in need of rehabilitation. This course is for physically healthy dogs with no significant prior injuries or ongoing conditions. When in doubt, request an evaluation and letter from your veterinarian stating your dog is cleared for regular exercise.

We will have apparatus and items for you to practice with during class, however, to get the full benefit of the skills you will be learning, it is suggested that you have the following items at home, so that you can practice during the week. We will discuss options the first week at class and there is no need to purchase anything prior to the class.