Class Session Structure
GSDOC usually offers five sessions of training classes during the calendar year. Each session includes six to eight weeks of various training classes that last about 50 minutes each. We hold two yearly breaks: one mid-summer around the month of July and the other in December.
Our sessions offer beginning classes for puppies and dogs with little obedience training. We have designed these classes to help owners learn how to train their dogs and to assist in socializing dogs in a manner that creates canine good citizens.
GSDOC also offers advanced classes in obedience, agility, and rally. These courses help dog and handler teams polish their handling skills, learn tricks, and provide a strong foundation for those teams who would like to go further or compete.
GSDOC does not allow dog-aggressive or people-aggressive dogs. We also do not allow intact females in heat in class or on the grounds.
Class Tier System
Our goal is for dog and handler teams to progress through a structured curriculum of classes that are grouped in levels of ability. Before students may progress from Tier A to Tier B, we strongly recommend teams pass all Tier A level classes. For Tier B through Tier D, progression depends on student ability.
- Tier A classes (beginner): STAR Puppy, Canine Good Citizen (CGC), Focus and Impulse Control (FIC), and Obedience I (Ob I).
- Tier B classes (novice to intermediate): Tricks Novice/Intermediate, Agility Foundations, and Obedience II.
- Tier C classes (intermediate): Agility I and Rally I.
- Tier D classes (advanced): Agility II, Rally II, and Show N Go.
- Specialty classes (conditional).
We adapted the AKC STAR Puppy and CGC classes to fit our club needs. We offer AKC testing for these two classes at the end of every session. We suggest that teams first progress from STAR to CGC, which follows the AKC program design. Tier A level teams may then take FIC and Ob I to finish off Tier A class progression. Please talk with instructors or the Director of Training if you have questions about class progression or availability.
Class Catalog
Scroll down to take a look at all our classes below. Not every class type will be offered each class session, so check our Class Registration page to see the current class schedule.
Advanced Puppy
Tier A
Class Description
This is a class for puppies six to twelve months of age who have taken STAR Puppy or already taught their puppies the basics. Instructors will focus on sharpening skills learned in STAR and introduce new experiences and exercises.
Advanced Scent Work
Tier C
Class Description
*This class will be held on Monday nights @ Various locations in Davis County from 7:00-8:00 PM This class mimics the trialing environment and will have a mix of Interior, Buried, Container and Exterior searches with locations changing each week – Your dog must be close to Novice trial ready and recognize Birch odor to sign up for this class (Clove, Anise and Cyprus will also be available to search for our more advanced dogs). Important Information: Location of the practice will change each week. Search areas may have uneven terrains and many of the classes will be outdoors. The running order will be emailed 24 hours prior to the class. Dogs will begin approximately every 3 minutes and will get multiple searches each class. Dogs shall be crated in vehicles when not searching.
Agility Sequencing: Jumps & Tunnels
Tier C
Class Description
This class starts on Thursday, August 3rd and will be held at Versa Dog Sports. Time: 7:00 pm-8:30 This class is designed for handlers who have completed Foundation Agility Handling. However, any team that is already competing in agility or almost ready to compete in agility can enroll. Sequences will have at least 16 obstacles, but teams can opt to handle a smaller portion of the sequence. Courses will only include jumps and tunnels. Handlers will need to bring a crate for their dog and arrive on time to class to help set up equipment. Dogs will work off leash, and therefore, must exhibit a strong recall and good basic obedience skills.
AKC Fit Dog Lvl 1
Tier B
Class Description
This class starts on Tuesday, August 1st and will be held at Versa Dog Sports. Time: 7:15 pm-8:15 pm Throughout this eight-week course you will learn ways to increase your dog’s strength, cardiovascular health, flexibility, balance, and coordination. These skills are easy to teach and fun to learn. Focus on building strength, balance and coordination can lengthen the life of your dog, while building confidence and reducing boredom, which can help to eliminate problem behaviors. Dogs who participate in any dog sport should have a regular fitness program. This class can help you to build your dog’s fitness program.
AKC Trick Dog Evaluation
Specialty Classes
Class Description
GSDOC will hold an AKC trick dog evaluation. If you have been practicing your tricks and just need to get an evaluation for your title(s) this is your chance! Fee for the evaluation is $5 for members $10 for non-members. You may use your GSDOC Doggie Dollars to pay for this cost. *All monies go directly to the club to pay for facility usage and equipment etc.
Beginning Rally / Novice Obedience
Tier B
Class Description
This class will be a blended class of Beginning Rally and Novice Obedience, to help teams be prepared to compete for the first time in a trial. Rally is a sport in which the dog and handler, moving at their own pace, complete a course consisting of 10-20 designated stations, each with a sign providing instructions regarding the skill that is to be performed. Unlimited communication from the handler to the dog is encouraged, and handlers are allowed to talk, praise, and use any other verbal means of encouragements. Beginner Novice is an optional titling Obedience class. All exercises are conducted with dog on leash with the exception of the recall. The Heel on Leash pattern is established with Rally signs, and handlers are allowed to give one verbal encouragement.
Behavioral Challenges & Problem Solving
Tier A
Class Description
ON THE FIRST NIGHT OF CLASS, DO NOT BRING YOUR DOGS. This class is for all ages of dogs who have passed STAR Puppy or similar course. Dogs are typically over 1 yr., have not passed CGC, and exhibit moderate behavioral issues. This class is not for aggressive dogs, such as those dogs whom repeatedly and actively look for trouble and start it with either other dogs or people. Rather, this class is for dogs whose behavior is not considered well mannered, such as – but not limited to – excessive jumping; mild to moderate recreational-self rewarding barking; bullying; doorbell reactivity; resource guarding; relentless and hard leash pulling; “friendly”, attention-getting nipping; or just mildly grumpy dogs. This class is by referral from GSDOC instructors or approval from the instructor prior to attending class. Only six dogs will be selected for the class. Dog/handler teams must commit to attending every week and implementing homework. The instructor has the right to deny training for any dog at any time, irrespective of whether they fit the definition of “Assertive/Aggressive”.
Canine Good Citizen (additional session 8PM)
Tier A
Class Description
(additional session) The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) class is for dogs older than 6 months who have graduated from S.T.A.R. Puppy or similar course, and have limited obedience training. This class will promote responsible dog ownership and provide the tools necessary to support your dog to have good doggy manners towards other animals and people of all sizes and ages under different environmental conditions. This class will also provide instructions on how to execute basic obedience commands, such as sit, down, stand, walking on a loose leash, staying in place, and recall. All dog and handler teams who finish this class will have the opportunity to take the CGC final evaluation. Upon passing the evaluation, you will receive a GSDOC certificate of completion and an AKC form that you may send to AKC to receive an official AKC Certificate and/or Title (depending on your selections). For more information on this program please visit: https://www.akc.org/products-services/training-programs/canine-good-citizen/ Note: GSDOC welcomes the community to take the CGC final exam, but our CGC students and members have priority to fill evaluation slots, first.
Canine Good Citizen Class
Tier A
Class Description
This class starts on Thursday, August 3rd and will be held at Versa Dog Sports. Time: 6:00 pm- 7:00 pm The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) class is for dogs older than 6 months who would like to earn a CGC certificate. The class will help students to prepare for each behavior that will be tested. To pass the CGC test the dog must be able to show mastery of 10 skills. Test 1 : Accepting a friendly stranger Test 2 : Sitting politely for petting Test 3 : Appearance and grooming Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead) Test 5: Walking through a crowd (on a loose leash) Test 6: Sit and down on cue and stay in place Test 7: Coming when called Test 8: Reaction to another dog Test 9: Reaction to distraction Test 10: Supervised separation All dog and handler teams who finish this class will have the opportunity to take the CGC final evaluation. Upon passing the evaluation, you will receive a GSDOC certificate of completion and an AKC form that you may send to AKC to receive an official AKC Certificate and/or Title (depending on your selections). For more information on …
CGC Advanced/Urban
Tier B
Class Description
AKC Community Canine (CGCA/U) is the advanced level of the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Program. Dogs who pass the AKC Community Canine & Urban test earn the official AKC Community/Urban Canine title(s) that is designated by the letters “CGCA” (Advanced CGC) or “CGCU” on the dog’s title record. Whereas CGC tests are most often tested in a ring and situations are simulated, the Community Canine tests are done in real situations including at shows, classes and in the community. Dogs taking this class must have already passed the CGC test. There is a $20 fee payable to the AKC should you decide to receive a title separate from your class cost. For more information on this program visit: https://www.akc.org/products-services/training-programs/canine-good-citizen/akc-community-canine/test-items/ All dog and handler teams who finish this class will have the opportunity to take the CGCA final evaluation. Upon passing the evaluation, you will receive a GSDOC certificate of completion and an AKC form that you may send to AKC to receive an official AKC Certificate and/or Title (depending on your selections). *note some classes may be held off site of Golden Spike Fairgrounds and may require minimal travel
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