WSOTC Training Classes

WSOTC has offered high-quality dog training classes to the public for more than 50 years. We have ongoing instructor training and evaluation to insure that our students get excellent instruction. We offer three class sessions a year at two convenient Seattle locations:

 Magnusson, Workshop in Hanger 30

Lake City Community Center, 12831 - 28th Ave NE

Classes last seven weeks with the AKC's Canine Good Citizen test offered free to students on the eighth week. The cost is $95. 

          Classes offered:
                  · Puppy kindergarten

                  · Beginning Obedience / Basic Manners
                  · Canine Good Citizen
                  · Novice I

                  · Novice II

                  · Open & Utility (advanced competition prep)
Class descriptions and qualification requirements are listed below

Enrollment Deadline is 4/5/10

Late or Day of Class Registrations will not be accepted.

You must be pre-registered to attend class.

Canine Good Citizen Test, Lake City Community Center, 8th week of class session,

Last updated: 02/24/2010 © 2008

Class descriptions and qualification requirements

Kindergarten Puppy Training (KPT)

For puppies between 8 and 18 weeks of age as of the first class. Emphasis in KPT class will be training the puppy and development of a working relationship between puppy and owner. 

Beginning Obedience/Basic Manners

This class is next in the series after Kindergarten or for mature dogs that have not had any formal training.  You will focus on heeling, come, sit, down and stay for more reliability.  Socializing is important at this age and we will be encouraging appropriate behavior when around other people and dogs.  Problem solving areas will be discussed.

Canine Good Citizen (CGC)

For dogs who have completed the basic manners class.  Exercises to be taught include sit, down, stay, recall, appropriate behavior in crowded areas and noisy locations, walking nicely on a leash and the pet being out of sight with a friendly stranger.  Problem solving, owner education, health and grooming tips will also be covered.  An opportunity to earn a Canine Good Citizen Certificate will be offered at the end of the class session (Week 8).   For more information on the CGC certification please refer to the American Kennel Website, www.akc.org.   To take the test, you must show proof of licensing.

Novice 1

For dogs that have earned a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Certificate or have permission from the Instructor.   This is an introduction to competition exercises and precision work.  Teams will be working on more precise handling in preparation for their CD or Companion Dog Title.  (See www.akc.org).   Skills emphasized are heeling, stands ,recall, and  stationary exercises of  sits and downs at a distance from handler.   While geared for teams wishing to participate in Obedience Competition, the skills and teamwork featured in the class are also appropriate for those wishing a well behaved family pet.  (Please send a copy of the CGC certificate or testing sheet.) 

Novice 2

Novice 2 is a continuation from the Novice 1 class.  For dogs and handlers who have completed a Novice 1 class AND have approval of a WSOTC Instructor.  This is a competition class.  Emphasis will be on development of precision work, handling skills and knowledge of Novice Obedience Regulations.

Open

The purpose of this class is to prepare dog and handler for the exercises in Open level competition.  This includes off leash heeling, drop on recall, retrieve over the high jump and the broad jump.  Requirement for this class is completion of novice class, reliable off leash heeling or permission of the instructor.

Open/Utility Workshop

The purpose of this class is to prepare the dog and handler for the exercises in Utility level competition.  This includes signal exercises, scent discrimination, directed retrieve, moving stand for exam and directed jumping.  Requirement for this class is a reliable retrieve and permission from the instructor.

Rally Obedience - Novice

For dogs that have earned a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Certificate or have permission from the Instructor.  Students will learn all signs and footwork in this introduction to competition rally exercises and precision work.  Teams will be working on more precise handling in preparation for competition in AKC Rally Obedience Trials. (See www.akc.org).  Classes will be 1 hour in length. Students will assist with setup to familiarize themselves with rally signs and course layout. Bringing a crate each week is essential to simulate a trial environment and to allow time to learn footwork without complications.   Dog must have at least a CGC or instructor permission.

Rally Obedience - Advanced/Excellent Level

For dogs that have passed Rally Novice or have permission from the instructor.   This class is a workshop.  Students must assist in set up and teardown.  Both Advanced and Excellent courses will be laid out each night. Maps will be available and the instructor will assist with teaching any new or unfamiliar signs. This is great practice and a wonderful way to improve on your Rally skills. Bringing a crate each week is essential to simulate a trial environment and to allow time to learn footwork without complications.

If you would like to request a skill evaluation, call the Club phone at 206-784-8026.  Your request will be forwarded to the appropriate instructor or email mdsparks23@hotmail.com