In addition to weekly classes, some of our members take part in various community activities (demonstrations, parades, children's programs).  Our newsletter, The Woofer, is sent periodically to all members.   Other club activities include Membership Matches (giving all members an opportunity to earn club plaques), AKC Sanction Matches (open to the public), and two annual AKC Licensed Trials.  SDTC also offers a complete Agility Program.

Positive Motivational Training

Whether you are training the competitive AKC dog, or the beloved family pet, dog obedience is taught by motivating your dog using positive rewards such as praise, food, and toys.  In performance phase, they are given the opportunity to "earn their reward" by offering the desired behavior.  The focus of our program is directed toward producing a happy, positive team performance.

Class Size and Instructors

Classes are limited to 12-15 participants.   Each lower level class is provided with 1 instructor and 2-3 assistants.

Classes Offered

Kindergarten Puppy Training - For puppies up to 6 months of age.  Emphasis on socialization and confidence building skills.

Primary Dog Training - For dogs 6 months or older.  Basic obedience exercises for the future competitor dog as well as those necessary for everyday life with the family pet and companion.  All exercises are done on the leash.

Rally O-1  is for dogs that have taken a basic Obedience class such as Primary or Secondary. They should know how to sit, down, stay and come.  Rally is a team sport where the handler can communicate with the dog the entire time.  The team learns to correctly perform Rally O Novice commands at “stations” throughout the course.  It is a good entry into Obedience competition. This course is intended to help prepare the dog and handler team to compete in AKC Rally Novice.

Rally O-2 is for dogs that have successfully completed the Rally O-1 course.  The dog and handler team will learn the AKC Rally Advanced and Excellent signs and how to perform them properly. If you and your dog have completed the Rally O-1 course and are comfortable with all the signs then this is the next level. The course is meant to be done off-leash.  It may be done on-leash for practice purposes, however it must be done off-leash when competing.  Rally O-2 does include one or two jumps.  This course is intended to help prepare the dog and handler team to compete in AKC Rally Advanced and Excellent.

Secondary Dog Training - Perfection of PDT skills for dogs and handlers.

Novice - Primary exercises are performed off leash and at greater distances.  Emphasis on skills needed to earn a Companion Dog or equal title.

Open - Jumping and retrieving exercises are taught.  Emphasis on skills needed to earn a Companion Dog Excellent or equal title.

Utility - Scent discrimination, directional jumping, and use of hand signals are taught.  Emphasis on skills needed to earn a Utility Dog or equal titles.