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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.
Limit: 10
Instructors: Kate Harding and Lauren Bachner
Mondays 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Criteria: For dogs 6 mos and older.
Content: AKC Fetch is a great way for teams to build engagement and motivation. We will use the Fetch routines to develop retrieves, recalls, fronts and finishes, to build engagement and to instill the foundations for heeling and directional signals. In addition to being useful in a Fetch test, the skills you and your dog develop will carry over to other venues (Obedience, Rally, and more!). As a bonus, when you do a Fetch Test, you take your dog’s favorite ball/tug/bumper into the ring with you. Perfect!!
Limit: 6 dogs, one dog per handler
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: Marjorie Johnson & Joan Healey
Mondays 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
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, 1 dog per handler unless class does not fill
Instructors: Joan McMaster & Peter Shawhan & Dave DeNoble
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.
Limit: 8
Coordinator: Dave DeNoble
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.
Instructors: Caroline Mosca & Chris Danker
Tuesdays 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Criteria: Must be able to perform contact obstacles safely and have a solid recall.
Content: Sequences for Novice/Open level will be set up with a variety of ways to work the obstacles. Handlers will have the option of training on all obstacles. However, it will be encouraged for handlers to work on skills specifically needed for their dog: ie start line stays, distance, backsides or various crosses, or just weaves during their individual time on the floor. If requested, guidance will be given to help each team.
Limit: 6
Instructor: Alex Bradley
Tuesdays 7:00 pm - 8:30 pmNo class 5/5
Criteria: Continuation of class from session 1. Open only to teams participating in session one unless class does not fill. In cases where criteria is not met, email permission of instructor is required.
Content: Open to part 1 dog/handler teams that are currently trialing AT THE EXCELLENT/ MASTER level. Must have a solid recall. This class will focus on handling skills for agility. Courses may be broken down into smaller sequences for practice on handling skills. Handlers may be asked to practice a certain sequence trying different approaches, ie, running the sequence with a blind and then with a front cross. where appropriate. Also will try to clarify why one move is appropriate and another may not be. There may be Premier challenges as well, threadles, backside etc. Dogs must be under the control of the handler at all times, must have a solid recall. Crating in kitchen only, barking dogs will be required to crate out of the car. In the interest of time, please bring your own crate
Limit: 6 One dog per handler unless the class does not fill
Instructors: Chris Danker & Pat Ellis
Wednesdays 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Criteria: Dogs must have a basic knowledge of heeling, recall and stay. The handler and dog must be able to work on their own while others are training
Let’s train together! All levels of obedience are welcome. We will offer as much help, coaching or distractions as you and your dog are ready for. Two rings will be available and we will be there to do a run thru or help to work through any exercises that you’d like. When you’re not in the ring, you can use your time to work on the outside of the ring. Be prepared to help one another in this class. It will be a great opportunity for those new to obedience and for experienced people to offer suggestions.
Instructor: Joann Boomhower
Wednesdays 2:15 pm - 3:15 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: 6 students
Instructor: Lois Fricke
Wednesdays 5:45 pm - 7:15 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.
Limit: 10 with one dog per handler unless you are alternating dogs each run.
Instructor: Lauri Jenkins
Wednesdays 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Criteria: Must have completed foundations and novice obstacles class.
Content: Focus will be developing skills in Novice teams by focusing each class on a specific skill. Crosses, timing & setting lines will be developed using common course elements such as pin-wheels, 180s, boxes and jump grids.
Prerequisites: Agility Foundations and Obstacles classes completed.
Limit: 6 teams
Instructors: Kate Harding
Thursdays 4:45 pm - 5:45 pm
No class 5/14, last class will be 5/21
Criteria: For dogs 12mos and older. Teams must be working at the Novice level or above, but do not need to be “trial ready”. Dogs must be able to rest quietly in a crate, or hang out in the car. This class is not suitable for dogs already trialling in Utility.
Equipment: Dogs must wear a properly fitted flat collar, prong collar or fur saver. In addition to any equipment needed for Open and/or Utility, handlers should have a 3-4 foot leash, water, delicious treats, a favorite toy and a hungry dog.
Content: The goal of this class is to introduce/develop the various parts of the Open and Utility exercises. To do this, we’ll break down each exercise into discrete sequences, and work on each “bit” separately. We’ll work on handler mechanics, and on ways to develop an animated, engaged performance. Teams will be on the floor one or two at a time. This is not a run-through class.
Limit: 6, one dog per handler.
Instructors: Kate Harding and Sue Sample Brown
Thursdays 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Criteria: Dogs must be at least nine months old and have the foundational skills needed for the Novice Obedience exercises (e.g., reliable sit, willingness to come to handler, basic understanding of heel position, engagement with handler). Humans must be planning to trial in Novice Obedience.
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.
Content: We will focus on the Novice Obedience exercises, while building engagement between dog and handler. We will play games! Much of the work will be done off lead, with one dog out on the floor at a time; dogs not working will need either to be crated in the meeting room or in their cars. If time allows, we’ll do some foundation work for Open.
Limit: 6, one per handler.
Instructor: Caitlin Monjeau
Thursdays 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Criteria: For dogs (6 months and older) and their humans 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. 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
Instructor: David DeNoble
Fridays 6:00 pm - 7:00pm
No class 5/8 & 5/15, last class will be 5/29
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. If the class limit is not reached, handler may register a second dog. Dogs will be worked on a buckle collar or harness. Dogs will be crated during class when not working. Lots of small, soft treats are required for rewards in each class.
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
Limit: 8, one dog per handler unless class does not fill
Fridays 7:15 pm - 8:45 pm
No class 5/15, last class will be 5/22
Criteria: Must be proficient in birch and anise odor.
Content: This class will require participants to have their own scentwork kits or be willing to acquire such after first class. Participants will set-up a search area at each class at various levels from Novice thru Excellent (training for this will be provided for new handlers). After the areas are set, participants will discuss the hides and then run the hide areas. Multiple dogs per handler will be allowed if they run expediently. Dogs must be leashed at all times (long lines allowed). Proper dog distancing and control required. Crating from vehicle encouraged though inside crating acceptable for non-reactive dogs.
Prerequisite: Scentwork Intro course
Limit: 6 handlers
Instructors: Becky Broussard & Sharon Breisch
Saturdays 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Class will meet 4/11, 4/18, 4/25, 5/9, 5/23, 5/30- no class 5/2 & 5/16
Criteria: Class is for Junior handlers only.
Content: Class is designed for dogs 4 months of age and older and youth handlers 8-17 years of age. Classwork, or rather class fun, will include a variety of activities designed to build a stronger bond between dog and handler, while learning skills for every day or for the show ring. Whether you are a returning student, or you and your dog are new to dog training, this class offers something for you and your dog. Practice exercises to help your dog become a great partner and a welcome member of your community. Exercises also include rally obedience coursework, attention exercises, as well as other fun activities.
Instructor: Sharon Hansbury
Sundays 3:00pm - 4:00 pm
No class 5/17, last class will be 5/24
Content: This class is designed for teams who want to continue building their AKC Beginner Novice skills while exploring the next steps toward Novice Obedience at a pace that fits their dog. We’ll reinforce the foundations you already have—steady heeling, reliable sits and downs, and confident recalls—while introducing new elements like cleaner fronts and finishes, longer stays, and improved focus in the face of distractions. Each week supports better communication and teamwork, with exercises tailored so both developing teams and those preparing for or actively competing in Novice can grow together. Whether your goal is everyday reliability or stepping into the ring, this class offers a supportive, flexible path forward.
Instructor: Laurie Danaher
Sundays 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Content: This class is the first in a three-part series, designed to follow the Introduction to Agility Obstacles class series. The goal is to prepare green agility handling teams to compete at the novice level. Each class will revolve around learning to complete a selected novice level standard agility course, adjusting runs individually to accommodate the dogs’ age and the teams’ abilities. Class content will include advice on entering trials, learning the best way to walk a course, and other beginner basics for handlers new to the sport or with an interest in learning more.
Criteria: Dogs must be 15 months of age. Dogs must have begun to learn all contact obstacles and weaves, but do not need to be proficient. This is a skills building class meant to bridge the gap between introduction to the obstacles and being competition ready - this is not an introduction class. 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.
Junior handlers welcome.
Sundays 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Content: This class is the first in a three-part series designed for beginner teams and dogs new to agility. It is recommended that teams participate in all three 6-week sessions. This class will take a safety-first approach for all dogs, but in particular for any young dog teams (age appropriate introduction to jumps, contacts). Obstacles will be introduced in a careful and conservative manner. If your goal is to be able to run an agility course at the end of this first 6 week program- this is not the class/pace for you.
Criteria: Dogs must be at least 6 months of age and have completed a basic obedience class or an agility foundations series, have a solid recall, and a beginning understanding of sit or down stay. Bring a variety of treats- lots of small soft treats and some light-colored treats that show up well on the mats (charlee 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. THERE ARE MORE SPOTS THAN CLUB CRATES: please bring your own crate in case you need it. No dog will be allowed to be loose while other dogs are working. One dog per handler unless class does not fill.
Albany Obedience Club, Inc
535 Wemple Road
Glenmont, NY 12077
Copyright 2022 Albany Obedience Club, Inc.
ALBANY OBEDIENCE CLUB