Class Descriptions

• PUPPY KINDERGARTEN is for dogs who are 12 weeks to 5 months old and have had 2 sets of shots, by the first day of the session. The goals of the class are to introduce fun basic training exercises that include: socialization, attention, sit, down, come, stay, walk on a loose leash. In addition, the class will cover bonding, tricks, introduction to some agility items and general manners.​​

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• BEGINNING OBEDIENCE is for dogs 5 months and up. The goals of the class will emphasize: attention, basic obedience exercises sit, down, stay, come and introduction to heeling. Dogs must be controllable. All exercises are taught on lead.

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• BEGINNER 2 OBEDIENCE is for dogs who have some obedience training or with instructors approval. The dog should be able to heel on lead, sit, down and stay. The goals of the class are to further develop basic obedience skills: turns, timed sits, timed downs, recall, and change of pace heeling. The class may include all exercises that are on the AKC Canine Good Citizens Test (CGC). All exercises will be taught on lead.                                                                                                        

• LEASH MANNERS is for dogs over 4 months of age.  This class will cover basic leash walking/trail walking, greeting behaviors, social behavior, body language and sit/down on leash.  Come prepared to walk.

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• INTERMEDIATE OBEDIENCE  is for dogs who have passed Beginner 2 or have a CGC or with Instructor approval. This class is for those who want to achieve more precision with their dogs.  The Beginner Novice competition exercises will be taught along with the goal of becoming a working “team.”  This is a class for people serious about working with their dogs with the possible goal of going into obedience competition.  Some tricks and more advanced fun will also be included!

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• BEGINNER NOVICE COMPETITION OBEDIENCE  is for dogs who have passed Intermediate Obedience or have a CGC or with Instructor approval. This class is for those who are planning to compete in the AKC Beginner Novice class.  The Beginner Novice competition exercises will be perfected along with the goal of becoming a working “team.”

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• CANINE GOOD CITIZEN (CGC) is a class that focuses on the ten (10) exercises required for the CGC Program.  At the final class an AKC Approved Evaluator will test each member of the class individually.  Owners whose dogs pass will be given paperwork to send to AKC to request the CGC Certificate.  

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• COME TO ME is a class that will provide the foundation for building your dog's response to the "come" cue.  The class focuses on developing a happy, strong, reliable "come when called response", for the cues of your choice (voice/whistle/hand signal)

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• ​BEGINNING RALLY is for dogs who have successfully taken Beginning/ Beginner 2 class. This class will introduce the Novice Rally signs and exercises.  All work is on lead.

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• INTERMEDIATE RALLY is for dogs who have successfully taken Beginning Rally and will introduce the Intermediate Rally signs and exercises.  All work is on lead.​

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• RALLY NOVICE - VIRTUAL TITLE is a new AKC Pilot Program introduced in response to COVID-19 due to the current limitations for dog shows which will allow a dog and handler to earn a Rally Novice title by submitting videos of three performances at each level. Hangtown Kennel Club is offering a class intended to allow students to learn the Rally signs for the Novice level and will provide the option to have performances recorded for submission to the AKC for evaluation.  Students and their dogs may be able to title at the Rally Novice level by the end of class. More information about the program can be found https://www.akc.org/sports/rally/rally-virtual-entry/

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• NOSE WORK (Intro and 2) - Even though dogs have a sense of smell 2000 times greater than ours they tend to use their eyes a lot.  Nosework will help them focus on smells.  The benefits of teaching your dog nose work include mental and physical stimulation, building confidence, and giving the dog a job to do.  Fun and rewarding. Nose work 2 for students that have completed Intro to Nose work.

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• TRICKS will be taught for the Novice Level of the AKC Trick Dog Title. At the end of the session, all dogs will have the opportunity to be evaluated to receive the Novice Trick Dog Title. If time allows Intermediate tricks will be taught.

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• ​CONFORMATION (Show) 

Fee $5.  Please join us on the Main Lawn at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds or Shingle Springs Community Center Soccer Field to practice for the show ring

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​Obedience training is a fun activity for you and your dog but it requires practice time during the week as well as class attendance. If you are willing to practice we are ready to teach you!