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. This class is designed for handlers who have completed Foundations of Agility Handling and Contacts and Weave Pole Foundations. However, more experienced teams can take this class with instructor approval. Sequences will have at least 16 obstacles, but teams can opt to handle a smaller portion of the sequence. Courses will include either weave poles, dog walk, teeter, aframe, and/or the table. Handlers will need to bring a crate for their dog and arrive to class 30 minutes early to help set up equipment. Dogs will work off leash, and therefore, must exhibit a strong recall and good basic obedience skills. 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. 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.Advanced Puppy
Class Tier Tier A 
AGILITY OBSTACLE SEQUENCING
Class Tier Tier C 
This class held on Thursdays at Versa Dog Training in Layton!
Agility Practice (Experienced Handlers)
Class Tier Tier C 
AKC Trick Dog Evaluation
Class Tier Specialty Classes 
Beginning Rally / Novice Obedience
Class Tier Tier B 