PET CLASSES

These classes use positive reinforcement and emphasize basic obedience skills and learning to focus in the presence of other people and dogs. They are designed for family pets, but handlers who compete in dog sports are also welcome.

Puppy Class

Puppy classes are designed to familiarize your puppy to the world around him. Focus is on understanding your puppy, beginner obedience exercises, and socialization. Puppies must have had all age appropriate vaccinations by the first class. Bring vaccination documentation to the first class.

WED 10:30 - 11:00 am Instructor: Cathi Fry Assistant: Charlie Williams Limit 5 This class is for puppies 3 to 6 months old.

WED 11:15 - 11:45 am Instructor: Cathi Fry Assistant: Charlie Williams Limit 5 This class is for puppies 6 to 10 months old.

STAR Puppy

This class is for puppies 12 weeks to 10 months old at the start of the class. STAR Puppy is designed to get dog owners and their puppies off to a good start. It is an excellent first training class for puppies and provides a lead-in to the AKC Canine Good Citizen program. In classes aimed at earning the AKC STAR Puppy distinction you’ll be able to get info on your puppy-raising questions. Handlers must attend all 6 class sessions in order to take the test and obtain the certificate.

MON 5:30 - 6:00 pm Instructor: Jennie Weisenberger Limit 6 This class is for puppies 3-10 months of age at the start of class.

WED 5:30 - 6:00 pm Instructor: Peggy Cushard Limit 6 This class is for puppies 12 weeks to 6 months of age at the start of class.

Enrichment Games for a Healthy, Happy Dog

Prerequisite:  This class is open to all dogs over 1 year of age.  Dogs must be able to work with their owner within a reasonable distance from another handler/dog team maintaining control and focus to their owner. Please bring plenty of small treats.  This class requests owners be punctual to participate in some setup of props and preparation for play activities. Are you and your furry friend looking for fun activities indoors as the weather gets colder?  Do you notice behaviors from boredom and stress?  This class will provide a variety of enrichment activities to stimulate your dog mentally and physically while strengthening your bond. Get ready to try interactive play activities for search and scent, impulse control, focus, agility and balance, and intelligence.  You and your dog will also use your skills to participate in team game activities. Make it-Take it, DIY toy projects will be offered based on class interest. 

THUR 7:30 - 8:30 pm Instructor: Celeste Gerlach Limit 8

Household Obedience

For handlers who want to build a bond with their dog, learn basic obedience, impulse control, and have a dog that is a happy, well-adjusted member of the family.  Positive reinforcement is used to teach: sit, down, stay, leave it, come, loose leash walking, and mat training. Dogs will be exposed to other people and dogs. Dogs must wear a flat buckle collar, martingale, or harness.  Bring lots of small, soft, high-value treats.  Dogs should be at least 6 months of age or have completed a puppy class.

TUE 9:30 - 10:15 am Instructor: Mary Ann Schropp Limit 6

Cooperative Care

Handlers will learn essential skills to reduce stress in handling their pets during veterinary and grooming procedures. Through a combination of practical demonstrations and hands-on exercises, participants will learn to teach their dogs various cooperative care behaviors, foster body awareness, and desensitize them to handling procedures such as blood draws and vaccinations. Pre-requisites: Dogs should have a foundation in basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, down, and come, as these skills will provide a framework for more advanced cooperative care behaviors. Dogs must wear a flat buckle collar, martingale, or harness and a 6 foot leash. Bring loose, lickable treats such as peanut butter, squeeze cheese, or yogurt if possible. Small, soft treats are an acceptable substitute. Also, bring a small pillow, cloth, or towel each week.

WED 6:15 - 7:00 pm Instructor: Jamie Kiefer Limit 6

Family Dog

This class will focus on impulse control and manners for the family dog. Before your dog can walk politely down the street, they need to learn to ignore all those tempting distractions that cause them to drag you down the sidewalk! We will focus on exercises and games that will help your dog learn to keep their attention on you! Dogs should wear a buckle or martingale collar or a harness and must be able to be around other dogs without barking.  Bring lots of small, soft, high-value treats. Dogs should be at least 6 months of age or have completed a puppy class.

TUE 7:00 - 7:30 pm Instructor: Roxann Wilkinson Limit 6

TUE 7:45 - 8:15 pm Instructor: Roxann Wilkinson Limit 6

CGC Preparation and Skills

Pre-requisites: Dogs must be under control, understand basic obedience commands, and be able to walk on leash. Dogs should be at least 6 months old. Ideally they should have taken a beginning obedience class. The CGC (Canine Good Citizen) is a ten-skill training program that focuses on basic good manners and obedience, instilling the values of responsible ownership, and strengthening the bond between you and your dog at home and in the community. OTCGL offers the CGC test several times a year and this class will get you ready to take that test.

THUR 6:30 - 7:15 pm Instructor: Celeste Gerlach Limit 6   

CGC-Advanced (CGCA) Preparation and Skills

Pre-requisites: Have taken a basic obedience class and passed the CGC test. Tune up your loose leash walking while working on the other skills required for passing the AKC CGCA test. Improving your bond with your dog through training. The Obedience Training Club of Greater Lansing offers the CGCA test twice a year and this class will get you ready to take that test.

WED 7:15 - 8:00 pm Instructor: Jamie Kiefer Limit 6

COMPETITIVE OBEDIENCE

These classes are designed for those who compete in AKC or UKC Obedience. However, you don’t have to compete to take these classes! Everyone is welcome. In competitive obedience, skills are built upon at each level. Therefore, students should begin with “Beginner Novice” or “Novice.” A dog must be able to safely work off leash in order to take a Novice class. Novice skills are required before taking an “Open” class and the Open skills are required before progressing to the “Utility” level. Many handlers enjoy learning the skills and exercises, and some decide to compete later. In general, taking a family pet class should precede taking a competitive obedience class.

Beginner Novice for New Competitors

For handlers who have not competed in competitive obedience. Dogs must be at least 6 months old and able to sit, down, come when called, have a short stay, walk on leash and taken a beginner obedience class. We'll start with focus, beginning heeling, and using positive reinforcement and marker training will build the skills needed to learn the Beginner Novice exercises: heel on leash, figure 8, sit/stay/walk around the ring, sit for exam, and recall. Bring lots of small, soft, high treats.

TUES 5:30-6:15 pm Instructor: Mary Ann Schropp Limit 6

Beginner Novice

Pre-requisite: Dogs must be at least 6 months old and able to sit, down, come when called, have a short stay, walk on a loose leash and should have taken a beginner obedience class. This class uses positive reinforcement to teach the skills to compete in Beginner Novice: heel on leash, figure 8, sit/down/stay, recall with fronts, and sit for exam. Focus is on competitive obedience, but non-competitive handlers who want to improve their skills are welcome. Focus on building engagement through rewards and praise. Bring LOTS of high-value soft treats.

MON 5:30 - 6:00 pm Instructor: Vicki Bowerman Limit 6

FRI 10:00 - 10:45 am Instructor: Margo Maidlow Limit 8

Novice

Pre-requisite: Dogs should be at least 6 months old should be able to sit, down, have a short stay, come when called, walk on a loose leash, and have taken a beginner obedience class. Beginner Novice is NOT a pre-requisite to take this class. This positive reinforcement class focuses on the Novice exercises (heel on leash, figure 8, heel free, stand for exam, recall with finish, sit/stay get your leash, and group sits & downs). Focus is on competitive obedience, but non-competitive handlers who want to improve their skills are welcome.

MON 6:15 - 6:45 pm Instructor: Cindy Jones Limit 6

TUE 6:30 - 7:15 pm Instructor: Dick Hemmer Limit 8

TUE 7:30 - 8:15 pm Instructor: DIck Hemmer Limit 8

FRI 11:00 - 11:45 am Instructor: Margo Maidlow Limit 8

Intro to Dumbbell and Jumps

Dogs must be able to work off leash and be at least a year old.

WED 12:30 - 1:00 pm Instructor: Cindy Jones Limit 5

WED 1:00 - 1:30 pm Instructor: CIndy Jones Limit 5

Open

Pre-requisite: Must have taken Intro to Open class. This positive reinforcement class focuses on training and proofing Open Obedience exercises: heeling, command discrimination, drop on recall, retrieving dumb bell, jumps, angle jumping, fronts and finishes. Week 6: Open run-throughs.

MON 10:00 - 10:45 am Instructor: Marty Siegrist Limit 4

MON 6:55 - 7:25 pm Instructor: Cindy Jones Limit 4

Intro to Utility

Pre-requisites: Must have taken Open class and be able to perform the Open exercises safely off leash. This positive reinforcement class will introduce the Utility exercises: signal exercise, scent discrimination, directed retrieve, moving stand and examination, and directed jumping. Students should bring a set of predominately white gloves and a set of scent articles, either a complete set of standard utility articles or at least 2 to 3 multiple wooden dumbbells or dowels, and leather and/or metal articles.

MON 7:40 - 8:10 pm Instructor: Cindy Jones Limit 4

WED 1:45 - 2:15 pm Instructor: Cindy Jones Limit 4

Open and Utility Practice

This class is for those training at the AKC Open or Utility level and wish to practice the Open and Utility exercises.

THUR 6:30 - 7:15 pm Instructor: Marilyn DeRoover Limit 5

Competitive Problem Solving

Is there an exercise in Open or Utility that you just can’t seem to get a handle on? Do you have a new exercise that you would like to start teaching your dog? Then this is the class for you. Let’s put our heads together and see if we can help you solve your issues if that is what you would like to work on. If it is a new exercise, we will help you put the steps in place to lay a great foundation. If you are already competing at these levels we can also provide some proofing exercises.

WED 6:00 - 6:45 pm Instructor: Jodi Brunson Limit 4

Advanced Competitive Proofing

This class will focus on ring proofing exercises designed to build confidence in handlers and dogs getting ready to trial at the Open or Utility level. Dogs must be able to heel off leash, stay, retrieve, and jump.

MON 8:15 - 9:00 pm Instructor: Kim Cassida Limit 6

AKC Utility

Pre-requisite: Must have taken Open or Intro to Utility class and be able to perform Open exercises. This class focuses on training and proofing the Utility Obedience exercises: signals, scent discrimination, directed jumping, directed retrieve, and moving stand.

MON 11:00 - 11:45 am Instructor: Marty Siegrist Limit 4

UKC Utility

This class will introduce the Utility exercises for UKC, including the Marked and Signal Retrieves, Consecutive Recalls, plus the more familiar Signal Exercise (Signals and Heeling), and Directed Jumping. Dog needs to be a reliable off leash heeler and able to do retrieving. Owners must have three gloves and at least one of the following: 6 metal or leather or wood articles.

TUE 10:30 - 11:30 am Instructor: Terri Korthals Limit 3

OTHER DOG SPORTS

These classes provide training in a variety of sports such as Agility, Conformation, Flyball, Rally, and Scent Work. Not all classes are offered every term. The classes below are limited enrollment, but our drop in classes offer additional dog sport classes.

Intro to Agility Obstacles

This class is for dogs just learning agility obstacles. We will work all dogs in the ring at one time, on leash. We will take things slowly to build confidence and avoid mishaps. This class is for any dog, whether or not you plan to compete in agility. It will help build the dog’s confidence in themselves and how they respond to different surroundings. Dogs should be at least 6 months of age. These are 4 week classes. Classes will be held: March 4, March 11, March 18, and March 25. Fee: $60

TUES 1:30 - 2:00 pm Instructor: Pete Ostlund, Assistant: Wynell Brush Limit 5

TUES 2:15 - 2:45 pm Instructor: Pete Ostlund, Assistant: Wynell Brush Limit 5

Agility Mini-Course Run Throughs

IMPORTANT CHANGE: Per the instructor’s request, this class will be a drop in class. Therefore, it will not appear on the registration form and students cannot pre-register for the class.

We will run this like an agility trial except there will be fewer obstacles and it will be easier than a trial.   This class will use most of the agility obstacles (jumps, teeter, dog walk, A-Frame), therefore your dog should have experience on these obstacles.  The contact obstacles will be set at a lower-than-competition height for the dog's safety.  Course walk-throughs will occur for the first 5 minutes (handler without dogs).  We will then run dogs in order by height.  If you arrive late, you may miss your turn.  Handlers are given 3 minutes per run (you can do whatever you want to do, run the course as laid out or train on an obstacle or obstacles).  If time allows, you'll get an additional run through(s).   Dogs must be crated or held by another person during walk-throughs (no dogs tied to a post or hook).  Handlers will run their dog as soon as the previous dog leaves the ring.   You must be able to maintain control of your dog in and out of the ring (for example:  come when called in the ring, on leash out of the ring).  Dogs that cannot be controlled will be dismissed from the class for the rest of the term.  Pre-requisites: Dogs must be at least 6 months old. Dogs younger than one year old will run with lower jump heights. This is a 4 week class. Class will be held March 4, March 11, March 18, and March 25. Fee: $80

TUES 3:00 - 4:00 pm Instructor: Pete Ostlund, Assistant: Wynell Brush

Introduction to Rally

This class will cover Novice Rally signs, how to read and execute them properly. Dogs should know basic commands and be able to walk on a loose leash.

TUE 6:30 - 7:15 pm Instructor: Pat Mann Limit 6

Rally: Novice

Students should have a basic understanding of Rally Novice signs/requirements. Dogs should be able to heel on loose leash and understand basic obedience commands: Sit, down, and stay.

TUE 7:30 - 8:15 pm Instructor: Pat Mann Limit 6

Rally: Intermediate and Advanced

This class is for those who are training and/or competing in Rally at the Intermediate or Advanced level. Dogs should be able to walk on leash, sit, and down on command.  AKC signs will be taught. 

TUE 5:30 - 6:15 pm Instructor: Shirley Robertson Limit 6

Rally: Master and Excellent

This class is for those who are training and/or competing in Rally at the Excellent or Master Level.

THUR 5:30 - 6:15 pm Instructor: Marilyn DeRoover Limit 5

Scentwork Practice

For dogs who have already had an odor introduction. This class will focus on preparing for competition. We will practice AKC elements, including containers, buried, and interiors. If weather permits we will also do vehicle searches.

WED 5:00 - 5:45 pm Instructor: Shelly Barton Limit 8

Don’t forget our drop in classes!

The March/April drop in class schedule below does NOT begin until Mon, March 3 and will run through Fri, April 11.

Conformation: TIME CHANGE: Mon 6:15-7:00 pm - Deb Hughes

Agility Mini-Courses: Tues, 3:00-4:00 pm - Pete Ostlund/Wynell Brush 4 week class: March 4, 11, 18, 25

Conformation: Wed 12:00 - 12:45 pm - Lora Richards

Rally: Master & Excellent: Wed, 3:00 - 4:00 pm - Sharon Atkins

Rally: Novice & Advanced: Thur, 2:00 - 2:45 pm - Diane Ahti/Brenda Royer

UKC Rally (all levels) Fri 12:00 - 1:00 pm - Shirley Robertson….no class 3/28

Table Dog Conformation: Fri 4:00 - 4:45 pm - Kim Bling & Grace Holton….no class 3/28

Conformation: 5:00 - 5:45 pm - Denise Hawkins….no class 3/28

Flyball: Fri 7:15 pm - Terri Korthals….no class 3/28