Ready to compete! AKC Conformation Handling class is an opportunity for handlers and their dog to have a simulated show ring experience. Dogs in this class must be a breed recognized by the AKC and your dog should be already registered with the AKC.

The class will work on presentation and handling techniques including:

• Stacking the dog and training a free-stack
• Adjusting speed for moving the dog around the ring to avoid pacing or trotting
• Introducing the dog to being approached and touched by a judge
• How to enter the ring
• Keep engagement while showing
• Handling treats (bait) while presenting your dog

NOTE:

• This is not an obedience training class, see our class offering for Obedience training
• This is a single class option. You can choose each class date you would like to attend and pay for each individually. There is also a 7 week discounted session available

Individual classes registered in advance on the website are $15 plus a $1.99 registration fee.  You can also pay at the venue on the date of class by scanning a QR code; however, classes will be $25. Pre-paid classes here are significantly discounted.

What to bring to class: Collar should be what will be used in the ring (slip collar), 4 to 6 foot leather leash, Dog Toy, preferably on a rope/string, Dog Crate - optional, Soft treats (bait) and treat pouch.  Note: Don't feed your dog within three hours of training.

Cancellation & Refunds: Cancellations made the day before the first class of a session are eligible for a refund, minus processing fees (currently about $3). No refunds, credits, or prorated fees are available once a session has started, including for missed classes.

Registration is limited to one handler per dog. Any additional handler registrations for the same dog will be canceled and refunded, minus fees.

Grab your leash and your four-legged fitness partner for a 1-mile walk — it counts toward your dog’s AKC FIT Dog title or join us for a social experience!

Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or your dog is already a pro walker, this is a great way to get moving together and earn recognition from the AKC.

Our typical Fit Dog Walk is:

• One-mile walk at SC County parks on a Sunday morning
• We meet up at the parking lot, make introductions, walk down-and-back, then return to the parking lot
• Some people bring snacks and enjoy the day at the park after the walk

This walk counts for 2 points in one of the two categories required toward earning a AKC FIT Dog title. Our Fit Dog Conditioning class is another way to earn points. To find out more about the AKC FIT Dog Program, visit the AKC website.

Price:  $15 + 2.50 registration fee for activity title points.  Note there may be a parking fee at the location.  No registration needed if joining for a social walk or if a club member.

What to bring: Collar, leash, water and comfortable shoes.  If you would like credit towards an AKC FIT Dog title, please bring your application for signature at the end of the walk.

Cancellation & Refunds: Cancellations made the day before the first class of a session are eligible for a refund, minus processing fees (currently about $3). No refunds, credits, or prorated fees are available once a session has started, including for missed classes.

Discover the amazing world of scent work with your dog!

In this class, You and your dog will learn what scent work is all about, how to play the game, how to work together as a team and crate games.

You’ll begin building confidence in your dog’s natural scenting abilities, build communication, and have fun while learning and growing together!

Price:  $150 + 2.50 registration fee for 7 week session, classes are held on Tuesdays. 

Prerequisite: Dogs must be at least 6 months of age prior to the start of first class. Completion of at least one Beginner Obedience class.

What to bring to class: Flat or martingale collar, or harness, a 6-foot leash (must be easy to take on and off), high-value treats, treat pouch, water, mat, and a crate is required (we recommend a collapsible one). No e-collars, prong collars, pull harnesses restricting the shoulders, or retractable leashes.

Cancellations & Refunds: Cancellations made the day before the first class of a session are eligible for a refund, minus processing fees (currently about $13). No refunds, credits, or prorated fees are available once a session has started, including for missed classes.

Registration is limited to one handler per dog. Any additional handler registrations for the same dog will be canceled and refunded, minus fees.

Put your scent work skills into practice in a supportive, trial-like setting. This friendly run-through class gives you and your dog the opportunity to experience mock searches with set time limits, and the structure of a real scent work trial. While waiting teams observe from outside the search area, each dog-and-handler team gets a chance to work independently.

Unlike a formal competition, the instructor is there to provide real-time guidance, help you recognize your dog’s changes in behavior, and offer assistance if you and your dog get stuck. Build confidence, gain experience, and have fun preparing for future scent work trials!

Price:  $150 + 2.50 registration fee for 7 week session, classes are held on Tuesdays

Prerequisite: Dogs must be at least 6 months of age prior to the start of first class. Completion of at least one Scent Work - Beginner class.

What to bring to class: Flat or martingale collar, or harness, at least a 10-foot leash (must be easy to take on and off), high-value treats, treat pouch, and water, and a crate is required (we recommend a collapsible one). No e-collars, prong collars, pull harnesses restricting the shoulders, or retractable leashes.

Cancellation & Refunds: 

Cancellations made the day before the first class of a session are eligible for a refund, minus processing fees (currently about $13). No refunds, credits, or prorated fees are available once a session has started, including for missed classes.

Registration is limited to one handler per dog. Any additional handler registrations for the same dog will be canceled and refunded, minus fees.

Our Beginner Obedience course will guide you through all the basics to help you teach your dog the right skills from the beginning. This class covers the commands to get you started and the tools to make training fun, including:

• Start the obedience basics: Recall, Walking on leash, Sit, Down and Stay
• Games to build focus: Watch me, drop it or give, and touch
• Build a connection: learn how to use commands, praise, and release to encourage good behavior
• Learn the body language: understand how your position and movement can help you communicate better with your dog

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy certificate is awarded at the conclusion of class provided dog and handler attend a minimum of 6 classes, completes all 20 Star puppy behaviors and is less than 12 months old.  Dogs older than 12 months may want to test for the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) title.

Price:  $150 + 2.50 registration fee for 7 week session, classes are held on Tuesdays. 

Prerequisite: Your dog must be 16 weeks or older on the first day of class.

What to bring to class: Flat or martingale collar sized appropriately sized for your dog, 6 foot leash, high value treats, treat pouch, water, towel/mat and a positive attitude! No e-collars or retractable leashes.

Cancellations & Refunds: Cancellations made the day before the first class of a session are eligible for a refund, minus processing fees (currently about $13). No refunds, credits, or prorated fees are available once a session has started, including for missed classes.

Registration is limited to one handler per dog. Any additional handler registrations for the same dog will be canceled and refunded, minus fees.

If you're interested in fine-tuning your Focus & Heeling skills and learning new skills for AKC Obedience or AKC Rally competition, this class will focus on all the skills necessary in both sports. Focus & Heeling will not focus on specific ring exercises but instead on the handling aspects needed in dog sports.

 Emphasis will be on:

• Heeling - keeping your dog in position and making footwork adjustments to communicate with your dog
• Attention - working to keep the focus on you and minimize distractions
• Motivating your dog - refreshing skill and improving engagement
• Deliver rewards - Use of treat position, a positive tone of voice, and body language as a reward for your dog
• Setting yourself up for success with ring presence and preparation

This class can be taken on its own or concurrently with another class such as all levels of Rally or AKC Novice Obedience.

Price:  $150 + 2.50 registration fee for 7 week session, classes are held on Tuesdays. 

Prerequisites:  Dogs must be at least 6 months of age prior to the start of first class. Completion of at least one Intermediate Obedience class or AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) title.

What to bring to class: Flat, martingale, or slip collar, 6 foot leash, high value treats, treat pouch, and water. No e-collars or retractable leashes.

Cancellation & Refunds: Cancellations made the day before the first class of a session are eligible for a refund, minus processing fees (currently about $13). No refunds, credits, or prorated fees are available once a session has started, including for missed classes.

Registration is limited to one handler per dog. Any additional handler registrations for the same dog will be canceled and refunded, minus fees.

AKC Open Obedience is the second level in competition obedience. We recommend this class for those competing in Novice Obedience, getting ready to compete in Open Obedience or those currently competing in Open Obedience who are looking to improve their skills and scores. 

Key training areas include:

• Command Discrimination
• Drop on Recall
• Retrieve on Flat
• Retrieve over High Jump
• Broad Jump
• Stand Stay - Get Your Leash

The level of focus required notches up as the dog is expected to compete in more exercises and harder exercises.

Price:  $150 + 2.50 registration fee for 7 week session, classes are held on Tuesdays. 

Prerequisite: Instructor recommendation required and have already mastered the Novice requirements.

What to bring to class:  Dumbbell will be used in class, consult with the trainer on how to choose the right size. Dumbbells available from J & J dog supply, Max 200, or Training Treasures. A crate is required (we recommend a collapsible one), flat, martingale, or slip collar, 6-foot leash and a long retractable flexi-leash, high-value treats, treat pouch, and water. No e-collars.

Cancellation & Refunds:  Cancellations made the day before the first class of a session are eligible for a refund, minus processing fees (currently about $13). No refunds, credits, or prorated fees are available once a session has started, including for missed classes.

Registration is limited to one handler per dog. Any additional registrations for the same dog will be canceled and refunded, minus fees.

Scent Work class, also called nose work, is an exciting and engaging sport inspired by the work of real world detection dogs. Instead of searching for drugs or explosives, Scent Work uses four essential oils—birch, anise, clove, and cypress for dogs to locate these hidden scents in various environments.

In Scent Work Beginner training, the handler’s role is to assist rather than direct the dog.

In this class the dog learns:

• How to signal to the handler when they’ve found a scent, even with distractions like toys and food around
• The essential oils and begin practicing basic scent detection skills through beginner searches

This dog sport activity is not only fun but also helps build confidence and stimulate your dog’s mind, making it a great choice for dogs over 6 months. 

Classes should be repeated to become proficient in all skills before advancing to the next level class.

Price:  $150 + 2.50 registration fee for 7 week session, classes are held on Tuesdays. 

Prerequisite: Dogs must be at least 6 months of age prior to the start of first class. Completion of at least one Beginner Obedience class and S00 Scent Work - Introduction.

What to bring to class: Flat or martingale collar, or harness, at least a 10-foot leash (must be easy to take on and off), high-value treats, treat pouch, and water, and a crate is required (we recommend a collapsible one). No e-collars, prong collars, pull harnesses restricting the shoulders, or retractable leashes.

Cancellation & Refunds: Cancellations made the day before the first class of a session are eligible for a refund, minus processing fees (currently about $13). No refunds, credits, or prorated fees are available once a session has started, including for missed classes.

Registration is limited to one handler per dog. Any additional handler registrations for the same dog will be canceled and refunded, minus fees.