OSHKOSH KENNEL CLUB TRAINING CLASSES

    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 give you an overview of our 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, and 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.

HOW DO I DECIDE WHICH CLASS IS RIGHT FOR ME?

OBEDIENCE CLASSES

PUPPY KINDERGARTEN - 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, stay, and come when called.  This class if for dogs at least 6 months of age.  Each pet obedience class usually has 2 instructors who can give each class member 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 heeling and sits.  This class is recommended for people who want to become involved in obedience competition 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.  Experienced instructors are available for personalized attention.

OPEN/UTILITY WORKSHOP - This class is for people 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 and 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 obstacles.

NOVICE AGILITY - This class is for people who have complete the Intro to Obstacles class and want to learn how to move from one obstacle to the next, correctly direct their dogs and prepare them to run simple agility courses.

ADVANCED AGILITY - This class is for people who have completed the Intermediate Agility class or are experienced agility competitions who have trained their dog to the intermediate level.  This class will focus on incorporating information from the previous classes and prepare the student and dog for competing in regulation agility classes.

RALLY CLASS

Rally is a new titling class sponsored by the American Kennel Club.  It consists of moving from "station" to "station" and performing the requirements of the station.  Students must have graduated from Pet Obedience.  At the conclusion of the class, students will be prepared to show in Rally at the novice level.  Experienced rally instructors include those that judge this class at AKC dog shows.

CONFORMATION CLASSES

PUPPY CONFORMATION - This class is for dogs 8 weeks to 6 months old who need socialization in order to prepare for breed competition.  Emphasis is placed on making dogs comfortable with ring procedure and other dogs.

CONFORMATION HANDLING - This class is for people who are interested in fine tuning their pure bred dogs for breed competition.  Experienced conformation handlers offer instruction in proper techniques to help you show your dog to it's best potential.

All standard vaccinations including Bordatella vaccine are required prior to admission to these classes.  Aggressive dogs will be excused from classes if the problems can not be corrected.  For more information please contact our Head Training Director -  Terry Rudolph at okctrain@charter.net