Session Structure
GSDOC 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.
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 current class schedule.
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. Agility I class is designed for handlers that have completed Agility Foundations or more experienced handlers looking to strengthen handling skills. This class will introduce front, rear, and blind crosses; Dog Walk; and A-frame. Teams will build skill levels on exercises introduced in Agility Foundations such as, weaves, teeter totter, tire jump, tunnels, and small space jumping drills. Handlers will need to bring a crate for their dog and arrive to class 30 minutes early to help set up equipment. Handlers are also expected to help take down equipment at the end of each class. Dogs will work off leash, and therefore, must exhibit strong recall and good basic obedience skills. Agility Foundations class will introduce handlers to Agility who have little or no experience in this sport. More experienced handlers wishing to strengthen fundamental skills are also welcome but we recommend agility 1/2 for those participants. This class will introduce different AKC Agility competition “classes” and obstacles presented within the sport, as well as promote good sportsmanship. Teams will work on weaves, tunnels, select contact obstacles, and small space jumping drills with the focus on one jump drills. Handlers MUST bring a crate for their dog, dogs must be crate trained . Dogs will work on leash. As the Session progresses and with instructor’s permission, dogs may work off leash if they exhibit strong recall and good basic obedience skills. Participants must have passed all Tier A classes or received approval from the training director to register without the prerequisites. All jump heights will be set low to promote safe jumping practices for beginning dogs, especially when class is held on concrete. There is no instructor for this class, but still requires registration. All human participants will assist in breaking down the course and fencing at the end of the evening. This will offer a practice course and will include all levels of agility obstacles, including jumps, weaves, tunnels, and contacts. This class is for teams who have completed Agility foundations and Agility 1/2 and require no agility handling instructions. 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.Advanced Puppy
Class Tier Tier A 
Agility 1
Class Tier Tier C 
This class held on Mondays at Versa Dog Training in Layton!
Agility Foundations
Class Tier Tier B 
This class held on Mondays at Versa Dog Training in Layton!
Agility Practice (Experienced Handlers)
Class Tier Tier C 
AKC Trick Dog Evaluation
Class Tier Specialty Classes 