Competition Obedience Program

Description of Classes Offered

Class NameDescriptionPrerequisitesWhat to Bring
CO Novice Prep SchoolThe Novice Prep class is important, because it is the foundation for the higher levels and gives the handler the opportunity to work with their dog in a show ring setting. Dogs should learn to be confident, steady, and motivated workers. Skills included: This class will include working with Rally signs, motivated heel exercises including: the figure 8, learning to get attention from your dog even when distracted, fun recalls, fronts, a steady confident sit with exam, the sit stay while you walk around the ring, and the recall from approximately 25 feet awayTo participate in this class, dogs must have taken basic and intermediate classes and/or Rally Novice classes. You do not have to have a title.Come to class with plenty of training treats and the motivation to have fun!
CO NoviceThis class is ongoing with foundation as well as more advanced work on the exercises needed to earn a CD (Companion Dog) title.  This will include heel work on and off lead, figure 8, stand for exam, recall, fronts and finishes, sit and down stays. Training will include games for learning and motivational skills.  Treats and/or tug toys may be used for the learning process.  You will learn what is acceptable or not in the competition ring (AKC rules).  Also you will learn how to refine your handling skills to have a qualifying run.   Please join us for some exciting training on your way to your first competition titleMust have taken puppy class or any of the entry level classes.   Includes Basic, Intermediate, CGC, Novice Prep. Must have started on attention and leash skills.  No titles needed to join this class.Most collars are acceptable but no harnesses.  Leashes should be very light weight and be 6’.  Also a 30” short heel leash.  Collar tab might  also be needed for off leash work.  Small treats that do not make crumbs on the floor.  Please keep treats in your pocket: No treat  pouches.  Your tug toy should just be used for training times.  Check out the Clean Run website for a large selection of toys (cleanrun.com)
CO Open ObedienceThis is a foundation class as well as an ongoing learning class for the Open level exercises needed to earn a CDX (Companion Dog Excellent ) title.  In this class we will learn the dumbbell retrieves.  We will learn motivational games and tricks that transition to exercises.  Off leash heeling, high jump and broad jump, command discrimination and a recall with a drop will be learned.  We will work on troubleshooting training problems, proofing exercises, achieve more precise handling skills and learn how to develop a plan for a qualifying run in a trial.  If you are just starting on this level or need some brush up training come to us for this fun class on your way to a title!It would be helpful to have taken a pre competition class or the Novice level class but no title is needed to join this classYou will need a proper fitting dumbbell. If you have never used a dumbbell before please ask for specific instructions on how to measure and where to purchase one.  For heel work you will need a very light weight short leash or line preferably 30” and a short collar tab for transitioning to off leash work (( we do not need a 6 ft leash.)  Collars are your choice but no harnesses.   Treats should be kept in your pocket – NO TREAT BAGS!  Also a special tug toy that will fit in your pocket .  Once you have joined this class we will address any additional training aids you might need.
CO Utility ObedienceThis is a foundation class as well as an ongoing learning class for the Utility exercises needed to earn a UD(Utility Dog title). This level will include signals, scent articles, directed retrieve, moving stand w/exam, and directed jumping.  We will do motivational games that transition to final exercises.  This level takes time as we break down exercises into smaller parts to build a strong  foundation, so starting early with your dog is a good recommendation.  Utility can be very challenging but extremely rewarding.  By the time you reach this level you will have developed the best bond with your partner and each of you will have a wonderful working relationship.  Be prepared to have tons of fun teaching this level to your dog.Dogs should have taken some Open level classes. Dogs should be familiar with jumps and be able to retrieve.  No title needed.You will need to have scent articles made of leather, metal or wood- choose two.  Please check with us for information on scent articles and where to purchase.  A bag to carry them that will allow them to be aired.  A set of 3 gloves for the directed retrieve.  A target ( plastic lid) for the go-outs.  Also a light weight line or collar tab.  And for all levels your dog’s favorite tug toy.

Registration Dates and Times

Current and Upcoming Classes are listed below. Please be sure to read the Class Description and Prerequisites above before registering for a class. Classes generally run for six-weeks. Classes open for registration four-six weeks before start date. Registration is online only. PayPal is our payment processor. You do not need a PayPal account to register. Please click the small arrow to see the list and to register for current and upcoming classes.

Class NameMeetsInstructorClick Button to Register
CO Novice Prep School (8547)Mondays
7:15 pm
8/18-9/29/225
No Class 9/1/25
Angel AndrewsRegistration closed
CO Novice (8644)Wednesdays
4:00-5:00 pm
10/15-11/19/25
Peggy DeMinico
CO Open Foundation III (8498)Thursday at 3:00 pm- 4:15 pm
7/31-9/4/25
Peggy DeMinicoRegistration closed
CO Open Continuing Education (8499)Monday 3:45 pm- 5:15 pm
7/28-9/8/25 No class 9/1/25
Peggy DeMinicoRegistration closed
CO Open Obedience (8645)Thursday
4:30-5:45 pm
10/9-11/13/25
Peggy DeMinico
CO Utility Foundation IV (8500)Friday
4:00-5:30 pm
8/15-9/19/25
Peggy DeMinicoRegistration closed
CO Utility Obedience (8646)Mondays
4:00-5:30 pm
9/29-11/10/23
No Class 11/3/25
Peggy DeMinico
Class Length: Classes generally meet for six weeks for an hour to an hour and a half depending on class level. Cost: $139 per six weeks. (20% discount for members who worked 20 volunteer hours within the last 12 months).