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ALBANY OBEDIENCE CLUB
Instructor: Joan Pivorun-Wehrle
Mondays 10:45 am - 12:15 pm
Criteria: Handlers/dogs should be running at the Open or Excellent level.
Content: This session will include full courses, including Masters level Jumpers with Weaves and Standard, as well as Time to Beat. Some weeks may use shorter sequences to focus on specific skill improvement. Participants will have the opportunity to suggest the specific skills on which they wish to focus.
Limited to one dog per handler unless class does not fill. Registration of a second dog requires instructor permission.
Limit: 10
Instructor: Spencer Wohlers
Mondays 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Criteria: Class is open to any dog who either has earned a Rally Excellent title or who has been in the Advanced /Excellent Run through classes and are proficient with Excellent level exercises.
Content: This class is a Rally Master Run Through class. Emphasis will be placed on becoming familiar with the signs for the Master level. There will be a different course each week to practice Rally Master Level Rally skills and guidance will be available.
Limit: 8 working teams; quiet auditors are welcome.
Instructors: Joann Boomhower and Cathy Hodor
Mondays 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Criteria: Handlers and dogs should have a basic knowledge of Heeling, Recalls and Stays
Content: This class is intended to be a bridge from Basic Obedience to Beginner Novice and Novice exercises. Exercises will include heeling with attention, stationary attention, recall, sit for exam and sit and down on lead.
Limit: 8 dogs (one dog per handler)
Instructor: Marjorie Johnson
Criteria: Have taken the Rally Novice Class or be evaluated by the instructor, and are familiar with the Rally signs.
Content: This is a RUN THRU class. Practice Rally courses for Advanced and Excellent will be set up. Each team will have a chance to walk and practice the course.
Instructors: Lauren Bachner & Angie Proper
Mondays 6:45 pm - 7:45 pm
Criteria: Dog should have some basic obedience skills- sit, down. Must be comfortable being in a crate.
Content: Rally is a fun approach to obedience. Courses are set up using directional signs very similar to beginner novice obedience. Handler is allowed to talk to the dog. A different course will be set each week and different skills will be addressed. There may be games to learn skills but always there will be an opportunity to have fun with your dog. It doesn't matter if you plan on competing in rally with your dog or just want to have fun.
Junior Handlers are welcome
Limit: 6. Handler can enroll 2nd dog is class is not full
Instructors: John O’Hanlon & Elaine Humphrey
Mondays 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Criteria: Dogs of any age are welcome
Content: Dogs will learn to come when called, walk at owner’s side, sit, down, stay, along with various “send-aways”, plus many other useful training ideas.
Junior Handlers Welcome
CGC Test will be included at the end for those interested.
Mondays 8:15 pm - 9:15 pm
Criteria: Dogs aged 6 months or older
Content: Throughout the session, we will be working on; send aways, weave poles, jumps, stationary positions and Speedway (a sport primarily involving tunnels and send-aways). This is a combination class and class members will work on what they feel like working on. The class will include games theory and fun teaching methods.
Limit: 8
Coordinators: Joan McMaster & Peter Shawhan
Tuesdays 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Description: Handler Discrimination is an AKC and UKC scent work nosework element using items with the handler’s scent for searches. This element is one of the elements at trials and is a fun challenge for teams.
Teams will learn to search various scenarios they may encounter from Novice through Master levels depending on the size of the class and the level of the competitors. This class has been able to accommodate all levels and has students who participate for fun and or hone skills for competition.
Please contact the instructors if you have any questions.
Limit: 6
Coordinators: Dave De Noble & Jeannette O’Hanlon
Tuesdays 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Criteria: Must be proficient in all 4 odors; must be competing at advanced level and working toward excellent or master.
Content: This is a run through class. Participants must set one excellent/master level hide each class.
This would include blind and inaccessible hides. This is not an instructional class.
Instructor: Kate Harding
Tuesdays 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Criteria: Open to teams planning to trial in Rally Novice, Beginner Novice or Novice Obedience. Dogs must be at least nine months old (at the start of the session), and have had a foundational class. The class is suited for teams just starting out, through almost ready to trial in Novice Obedience (or Rally Novice).
Content:The focus of this class is to help you develop an animated, engaged Obedience (or Rally) routine. We’ll lay a foundation for the various BN and Novice exercises by using Novice Rally exercises as guides. We’ll teach the exercises through games and well-timed rewards. Dogs will be out on the floor only one or two at a time; when not working, dogs must be either crated in the Meeting Room, or hanging out in their cars.
Equipment: Dogs should wear a properly fitted flat collar, prong collar or fur saver. Handlers should have a 4-6 foot leash, water, delicious treats, a favorite toy and a hungry dog.
Limit: 6, one dog per handler
Instructor: Elaine Humphrey
Wednesdays 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Criteria: Class is for dogs that can work off leash. Class is suitable for Junior Handlers.
Content: Speedway is a new competitive dog sport that consists of a number of fun games that use tunnels, hoops and barrels. There are no jumps or contact equipment so it is ideal for young dogs and senior dogs but all dogs enjoy the games.
The Speedway run thru class will present one game per week that can be run in different patterns.
Instructor: Deb Janssen
Wednesdays 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Criteria: Experienced handlers with dogs in Open/Ex/Master levels.
Content: Each week we will work on specific short sequence challenges only found in current agility courses. Mostly jumps, tunnels and weaves with 1 contact equipment when the course calls for it.
Limit: 8 students
Instructors: Joan Curcio, Caroline Mosca, and Susan Lyons
Wednesdays 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Criteria: Open to dogs six months or older. Priority entry will be given to teams that were in Pre-Novice Foundation Games, Part 3 or 4, if they register in the first 24 hours of member registration, or before.
Content: Positive reinforcement-based games teach your dog to perform agility obstacles independently of your position or speed. Games also help you to develop consistent physical and verbal cues. We’ll work on 2x2 weave trainers, the A-frame and dog walk at the lowest heights, a braced to full teeter, table, tunnel and a variety of jump types. We’ll also cover start-line stays, independent jump skills, lateral distance, striding/range-of-motion and contact criteria through games. Bring a mat to use for start-line stays and tools for rewarding from a distance, such as a tossable toy, food-stuffable toy, target, etc.
Instructor: Alex Bradley
Wednesdays 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Class will not meet every Wednesday - Class schedule will be sent before class starts!
Criteria: For dogs who are currently competing at the open level and ready to move to Masters or are in Masters level. Must be able to safely complete all contacts at full height and 12 straight weave poles. Dogs must have a solid recall and be able to work with handler off leash over multiple obstacles.
Content: Each class will be comprised of sequences designed to sharpen handling skills and build teamwork. Class will focus on Masters and Premier class Challenges.
One dog per handler unless the class does not fill
Dogs are to crate in the Kitchen
Instructor: Mary Hofelich
Thursdays 9:15 am - 10:15 am
Criteria: This class is for those working towards a CDX.
Content: We will work on the individual exercises, trouble shooting or proofing, moving towards doing the entire routine.
Limit: 5
Instructors: Caroline Becker & Jessica Dennis
Thursdays 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Criteria: Dogs should be well controlled in a class environment, be over 6 months of age and possess some very basic obedience skills (sit, down, etc). Students and dogs do not need prior Rally experience
Content: This will be an instructional class with a focus on learning the various skills and exercises needed for Novice Rally. We will work on teaching the foundations, improving existing skills, fine tuning handler/dog teamwork, timing and coordination. Ring etiquette and familiarization with rally rules will be covered. Progressive courses will be introduced. This is not a run thru class.
STUDENTS MUST BRING CRATE TO CLASS.
Class limit: 10, one dog per handler
Instructors: Kate Harding & Sue Sample Brown
Thursdays 4:15 pm - 5:45 pm
Criteria: This class is open to dog/handler teams that plan to continue past the Novice level in competitive obedience. Dogs must be at least a year old, and teams can be at any level from almost ready-to-trial in Novice through trialing in Open. The class is not suited for teams already trialing in Utility.
Content: The goal of the class is to give you some of the tools you’ll need to work with your dog at home. We will work on developing animated, engaged routines through games and well-timed rewards. Our focus will be on engaged heeling, as well as exercises from Novice and Open. We will start to lay a foundation for the Utility exercises. Dogs will be out on the floor one or two at a time.
Equipment: Dogs must wear a properly fitted flat collar, prong collar or fur saver. Handlers should have a 3-4 foot leash, water, delicious treats, a favorite toy and a hungry dog. All handlers should have a dumbbell. Teams who already have a solid retrieve will need utility articles and/or a set of gloves.
When not working, dogs must be able to rest quietly in a crate, or hang out in the car.
Limit: 8, one dog per handler.
Instructor: Lois Fricke
Thursdays 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Criteria: Novice dogs welcome-dogs must be able to do all contact equipment safely.
Content: Class will alternate between AKC Open Jumpers and AKC Open Standard courses. This is not a teaching class. Handling advice will be given when necessary.
Junior handlers welcome
Limit: 10 with one dog per handler unless you are alternating dogs each run.
Instructor: Caitlin Monjeau
Thursdays 7:45 pm - 8:45 pm
Criteria: For dog (6 months and older) and human teams who would like to have a stronger relationship and possibly complete the CGC assessment at the end of the course. No prior classwork is necessary. One puppy/dog per one or more handlers.
Content: Learn or sharpen basic training skills and prepare for the Canine Good Citizen evaluation. Skills taught will include the ten items on the AKC CGC test and the Alliance of Therapy Dogs handling test. *We will add CGCA content if students wish.* If there is enough interest, we may be able to arrange for an ATD tester/observer for the class.
Materials needed: A flat buckle or martingale/greyhound/limited slip collar, a six foot leash, water bowl and water, high and low value rewards, a toy your dog likes (optional), a mat for the dog (optional but recommended), a clicker (optional but recommended). I will have clickers to borrow.
Limit: 6 teams; more than one handler can come with the dog.
Must Bring your own crate
Appropriate for Juniors
Coordinators: Jeannette O’Hanlon and Lauren Bachner
Fridays 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Criteria: Dogs must be competent on birch, anise, clove, and cypress. Dogs should have been exposed to container, buried, interior and exterior searches. Searches will be at advanced/excellent level.
Content: Students will be active participants in class. Participants are asked to bring their Scent Work Kits to class and will learn to set hides for the class to run. Discussion on hide placement and scent movement will be held. Students will practice blind searches and blank areas. We will mix in some fun games and easy finds to maintain drive.
Limit: 8, One dog per handler unless class does not fill
Fridays 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Criteria: Dogs must be competent on birch, anise and clove. Dogs should be ready to compete or competing at the novice level.
Content: Dog and handler should be competent and able to search multiple hides – two to three hides per search area. This class will introduce cypress – the last odor in AKC Scent Work. Students will experience searches that simulate a trial situation. Using fun games, students will work on building drive and sourcing odor.
Limit: 8 One dog per handler unless class does not fill
Instructors: Jeannette O’Hanlon & David DeNoble
Sundays 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Criteria: Completion of Introduction to Scent Work OR have had their dog’s level of scent work training evaluated by the instructor prior to registering for the class. Dogs must be proficient in birch scent. If the class limit is not reached, a handler may register a second dog
Content: This class continues building on the scent work foundation of the Introduction to Scent Work class. Emphasis is on scent sourcing and developing a strong indication of scent hides through a correct and timely delivery of the reward. The class will build confidence and tenacity. Handlers will begin to learn how best to support their dog while searching. Skills will be developed through fun searches and games. Birch scent will be used, Anise will be introduced in class searches.
Limit: 8, One dog per handler unless class does not fill.
Open to Junior Handlers
Sundays 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Criteria: Completion of the Intro to SW Part 3 class, OR have had their dog’s level of scent work training evaluated by the instructor prior to registering for the class. Dog should be competent on birch, anise and clove.
Content: Dog and handler should be competent and able to search multiple hides – two to three hides per search area. This class will introduce cypress – the last odor in AKC Scent Work. Students will work on independent searches and sourcing odor. We will have fun games and exercises to build drive and improve skills.
Instructor: Laurie Danaher
Sundays 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Criteria: Dogs must be at least 12 months of age.
Content: This class will build on skills learned in Intro to Agility Obstacles 1. Permission of instructor required for those who have not completed Part 1. This class will assume that dogs have begun to understand stopped or running contact work, and that they are ready to begin learning to execute the contact obstacles. We will expand tunnel work drills and continue to work on building skills for 2x2 weaves. Age-appropriate jump work will begin. Bring a variety of treats - lots of small soft treats and some light-colored treats that show up well on the mats (charley bears, cheese balls, etc). Dogs must be able to rest (reasonably) quietly in the training room crates or alternatively in the kitchen or in your car. Given the limited number of club crates, please be prepared to bring your own crate. One dog per handler unless class does not fill.
Instructors: Marisa Underwood & Sharon Hansbury
Sundays 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Criteria: Dogs 5 months and up. Dogs should be able to work near other dogs without any major reactivity or aggression. Dogs should have some exposure to crate training.
Content: In this class we will work on many of the foundational training skills that will set both you and your dog up for success in your daily life. The goal of this class will be teaching and reinforcing your basic commands such as sit, down, place, stay, heel/loose leash, and recall.
We will practice these skills through various fun exercises each week. Please note, this class does not have a competition focus. It is geared towards everyday skills for your dog.
Equipment: No harnesses for this class. Dogs should be wearing a martingale collar at minimum. Prong or pinch collars can be used but with a back-up clip attached to a martingale or flat collar. Handlers should also be using a 4-6 foot leash. Bring your own crate and high low value treats.
Instructors: Caroline Mosca & Chris Danker
Tuesdays 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Class Starts March 25th
Criteria: This course will introduce basic handling skills in preparation for competition agility. It is designed for dogs who have completed a Foundations Agility Course and are safe on obstacles (with guidance).
Content: Building the dog and handler’s confidence and learning to communicate as a team will be integrated in all lessons. Short sequences (3 obstacles) will be introduced, progressing to practice novice agility courses as teams gain proficiency in skills.
The following skills will be gradually introduced/ reinforced over the six weeks:
Front crosses
Rear crosses
Blind crosses
Building and maintaining a start line stay
Safe execution of obstacles (teeter, dog walk, A Frame) using a running contact or 2 on, 2 off method (handler’s choice).
Weaves, using 2x2s and progressing to independent entry and completion of 6 weaves
Running sequences and a novice level course
Limit: 8, one dog per handler
Albany Obedience Club, Inc
535 Wemple Road
Glenmont, NY 12077
Copyright 2022 Albany Obedience Club, Inc.
ALBANY OBEDIENCE CLUB
