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The Oshkosh Kennel Club sponsors training classes open to the general public. These classes are available for owners of both purebred and mixed breed dogs. This page should answer a few of the most commonly asked questions about obedience, agility, conformation and rally training and to give you an overview of the classes.

People train their dogs for a variety of reasons…to make them better companions, to make them better behaved household members, to have fun, or to compete in Obedience, Agility, Rally or Conformation shows. The Oshkosh Kennel Club has something to offer for any reason you want to train your dog.

Our class instructors place emphasis on teaching you to teach your dog the correct behavior. We believe in positive reinforcement….REWARD for good behavior and CORRECTION for unacceptable behavior….not PUNISHMENT. Teaching your dog acceptable behaviors makes it a much more pleasant companion for you, your family and friends.

Basic Puppy Manners – This class is for dogs 8 weeks to 6 months old who need to learn socialization, how to walk on a leash and to come when called. This class provides you the opportunity to learn about caring for your puppy, general grooming common to all dogs, and an opportunity to discuss your puppy problems with an experienced puppy trainer.

Pet Obedience – This class is for people who want to learn the basics necessary for training their dogs to be well behaved at home and in the community. You will learn how to train your dog to heel (walk by your side on a leash), sit, down, stay, stand and come when called. This class is for dogs at least 6 months of age or has completed Puppy Kindergarten class. Each class usually has 2 instructors who can give class members personalized attention.

Intermediate – This class is for people who wish to go beyond the basics. In this class you will learn more about training and handling your dog, including off leash work. This class is recommended for people who want to become involved in Obedience competitions, but is open for anyone who wants more experience in training their dog. Graduation from the Pet Obedience class is required for admission to this class. Instructors are experienced Obedience competitors.

Open/Utility Workshop – This class is for ‘members only’ who wish to polish their intermediate skills in anticipation of competing in the Open or Utility level at Obedience Trials. Participants work at their own pace with an experienced instructor available for personalized attention. Some group exercises are provided.

Introduction to Obstacles – This class is for people interested in starting in agility. Participants must have graduated from the Pet Obedience class. The goal of this class is for students & dogs to become comfortable with the agility equipment. All work is done on lead. Experienced agility handlers will guide students in learning safe techniques for all the obstacles.

Sequencing – This class is for people who have completed the Intro to Obstacles class. Students will continue basic obstacle skills while learning to move from one obstacle to the next off leash. Basic maneuvering and handling skills necessary to direct their dogs through 3-4 obstacles at a time are taught.

Novice Agility – This class is for people who want to prepare for competition in agility and have completed Intro and Sequencing classes. Lessons from previous classes are incorporated into additional skills necessary for handler and dog to work as a team utilizing novice level courses.

Advanced Agility – This class is for people who have earned a Novice Agility title or are experienced agility competitors who have trained their dogs to the intermediate level. This class will focus on incorporating information from the previous classes and preparing the student and dog for competition on advanced agility courses.

Rally – This is a new titling class sponsored by the American Kennel Club. It consists of moving from “station” to “station” and performing the requirements of each station. Students must have graduated from the Pet Obedience class. At the conclusion of the class, students will be prepared to show in Rally at the Novice level. Advanced Class exercises are introduced for those going on in Rally.

Conformation – This class is for people who are interested in showing their purebred dogs in breed competition. Emphasis is placed on making dogs comfortable with ring procedures and other dogs. Classes for beginners and advanced handlers may be held separately or combined. Experienced conformation handlers offer instruction in proper techniques to help you show your dog to their best potential.

In this class you will learn how to become a therapy dog team and will learn what you need to know as a handler. The class will go over the rules for Therapy Dogs Inc., practice skills your dog will need to know, role play, and do a mock visits. You must have your CGC or have passed intermediate obedience or the equivalent. This is a 6 week class.

All standard vaccinations including Bordatella are required prior to admission to these classes (puppies are required to have vaccinations appropriate for their age at the start of classes). Aggressive dogs will be excused from classes if the problems cannot be corrected. For more information please contact our Training Director – Alissa Eichman - okctrain@gmail.com