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.
WHY SHOULD I TRAIN MY DOG?
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.
WON’T TRAINING “BREAK MY DOG’S SPIRIT”?
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.
WHICH CLASS IS RIGHT FOR ME?
OBEDIENCE CLASSES
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.
AGILITY CLASSES
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 CLASS
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 CLASS
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.
Therapy Dog 411 -
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