Classes

Participating in Our Classes

We offer a wide range of group classes — from puppy to advanced competition classes in multiple dog sports. Let us help you and your dog get a good start and build on the training you have already begun. Get started in an appropriate foundation class: Star and intermediate puppy, basic and intermediate obedience. Follow up with tricks, Canine Good Citizen and for some, Therapy Dog. Let us introduce you to dog sports: agility, scent work, obedience, rally, tracking, and conformation.

Our classes are not designed to rehabilitate dogs who behave aggressively toward other dogs. Aggressive behavior includes barking and lunging on leash.

Our classes are taught by club members who are experienced in training their dogs, and who have fun teaching their dogs. They are eager to share their love of dog training and dog sports.

Choosing the Class to Take

Most people come to us with dogs that know basic skills such as Sit, Down, Shake, Stay, Come, and more. However, they need more practice listening to their owners when they are around other dogs. It is often helpful to provide additional practice by taking a class more than once before moving on to the next level. It is also fun to try out various dog sports once your dog has completed foundation training.

How to Register

From our menu, find the class type or sport of interest. For example, puppy, obedience, tricks, agility. Review the current and upcoming offerings listed. Select the blue “Register Here” button for the class you want to take. Be sure to have your payment information (credit card or PayPal account) and vaccination records handy before starting. Payment is processed using PayPal. You do not need to have a PayPal account. A spot in class is not secured until payment processing has successfully completed.

Class Cancellation Policy

• Because class size is limited and sufficient time is necessary to contact alternate students, class tuition may only be refunded if notice, in writing or by email, is received seven (7) business days prior to the start date of a class by the instructor or the training coordinator.
• Class registration closes 72 hours in advance of the class start date. You must pre-register and pay online in order to attend a class. Classes are subject to cancellation or date changes at the discretion of OTCPBC training staff.
• OTCPBC does not offer make-ups, private lessons, or transfers of monies from one class to another for any reason. Handlers may not “drop in” to classes unless the class is a designated “drop in” class. Class registration is not complete until payment processing through PayPal has completed.
• Dogs in estrus are not permitted in the building or on the grounds of the training facility.

Vaccination Requirements

• Puppies: DHP or Equivalnt (first set)
• Adult Dogs: DHP or equivalent Rabies.

Expectations of Students

OTCPBC expects the following of dog/handler teams attending our classes.

• Arrive in time to allow dog to use the designated potty area, prior to class. Do not allow dogs to potty on grassy areas in the cul de sac.
• Follow the instructor’s directions about what to bring to class.
• Facilitate movement of teams entering and leaving classes by using designated doors for entry and exit and not blocking entry/exit paths.
• Respect other teams and maintain at least a 6-foot distance.
• Dogs must be on lead or crated at all times unless otherwise directed by the instructor.
• Do not come to the building if dog or handler shows signs of illness or has had recent exposure to human or canine communicable diseases.

By entering OTCPBC classes and events, you release the Obedience Training Club of Palm Beach County of any liability relating to Covid-19 or Canine Influenza. All AKC, CDC, State and County Covid-19 policies will be strictly enforced.

For classes where dogs are crated while waiting their turn, please bring crate in and get it set up prior to bringing your dog into the building. If you need a chair or crate during class, please bring your own. Club chairs and crates are reserved for club use and are not to be used during class.

Thank you for your cooperation.

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FAQ

Q: What if my puppy is very smart? Should I take Puppy or Basic Obedience? I have already started training at home.

A: Most people come to us with puppies that have already been started. Many know Sit, Down, Shake, and more. But young puppies need time with other puppies; they need to develop confidence. Let them be puppies and develop the obedience fundamentals we teach in puppy class. Level One is full of adult dogs, some very experienced. Better to give your youngster a chance to mature and socialize with his peers.

Puppies must be 10-18 weeks of age; dog must have had first set of shots. The cut-off age is 4.5 – 9 months, but we may make an exception for small or toy dogs or classes may be offered that allow enrollment by size and age. AKC STAR Puppy certificates are available to puppies through 12 months of age.

Puppy Genius: AKC STAR Puppy Class

Age range: 10 weeks – 4.5- 9 months. Older puppies should be enrolled in Basic Obedience.

Q: What if my older puppy/adult dog already knows Sit and Stay? Does he have to take Basic Obedience?

A: Most people come to us with dogs that know basic skills. Many Level 1 dogs know Sit, Down, Shake, Stay, Come, and more. However, they need more practice listening to their owners when they are around other dogs. Many people take Level 1 twice before moving on to Level 2. However, if your dog is always accurate, focused, and responsive to you, no matter else what is going on, we’d be glad to test you for Level 2.