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Santa Clara Dog Training Club

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Dog Sports Training

S00 Scent Work - Introduction
Registration Unavailable

S00 Scent Work - Introduction

$150

with Marly Arandia

Calendar Next session starts Sep 29, 2026 at 4:20 pm, runs for 7 weeks

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.

S01E Scent Work - Beginner Run Throughs
Registration Unavailable

S01E Scent Work - Beginner Run Throughs

$150

with Laura Cribbins

Calendar Next session starts Sep 29, 2026 at 4:20 pm, runs for 7 weeks

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.

A11 Obedience & Rally - Focus & Heeling Dog Training
Registration Unavailable

A11 Obedience & Rally - Focus & Heeling Dog Training

$150

with Amanda Gardner

Calendar Next session starts Sep 29, 2026 at 5 pm, runs for 7 weeks

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.

A21 AKC Open Obedience Training
Registration Unavailable

A21 AKC Open Obedience Training

$150

with Dave Signorotti

Calendar Next session starts Sep 29, 2026 at 5 pm, runs for 7 weeks

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.

S01 Scent Work - Beginner Training
Registration Unavailable

S01 Scent Work - Beginner Training

$150

with Laura Cribbins

Calendar Next session starts Sep 29, 2026 at 5 pm, runs for 7 weeks

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.

S03 Scent Work - Advanced Training
Registration Unavailable

S03 Scent Work - Advanced Training

$150

with Madeline Becker

Calendar Next session starts Sep 29, 2026 at 5 pm, runs for 7 weeks
2 additional sessions through Sep 29, 2026

In this Scent Work Advanced, also called nose work, class teams will learn to identify and indicate specific scents used by AKC Scent Work and other trialing organizations.

Teams will focus on refining key skills:

  • Team handling, handler body movement
  • Alert recognition and reward timing
  • Working at a competition level

Mastering these techniques will increase your proficiency and can lead to the achievement of AKC Scent Work titles and titles from other trialing organizations. Whether you're preparing for a trial or simply looking to improve your scent detection skills, this class will help you and your dog excel in this dog sport.

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

Prerequisite: Completion and instructor referral from Scent Work Intermediate Training class.

What to bring to class: Flat, martingale collar, or harness,  at least a 10 foot leash that is easty to take on and off, high value treats, treat pouch, water and a crate is required (we recommend a collapsible one). No e-collars, pull harnesses 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.

A22 AKC Utility Obedience Training
Registration Unavailable

A22 AKC Utility Obedience Training

$150

with Dave Signorotti

Calendar Next session starts Sep 29, 2026 at 6 pm, runs for 7 weeks

The AKC Utility class is the most challenging level of obedience, requiring precision, focus, and a strong bond between dog and handler. 

Key training areas include:

  • Signal exercise - The dog learns to respond to only hand signals to stand, stay, down, sit, and come
  • Scent discrimination - finds the handler's scent among the articles and returns the correct scent article
  • Directed retrieve - follow a hand signal to retrieve an item and return it to the handler
  • Moving stand and exam - the dog heels, stands, and stays while the handler moves away
  • Directed jump - the dog is sent to the opposite end of the ring, commanded to sit and then directed to one of two jumps

AKC Utility (UD, UDX) titles are hard to achieve. We offer the level of training with experienced instructors that you need to make it happen.

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

Prerequisite: Must have Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) title and prior instructor recommendation before registering for this class, no exceptions.

What to bring to class: Scent articles & gloves - available from J &J dog supply, Max 200, or Training Reasures.  Flat, martingale, or slip collar, 6 foot leash, long retractable flexi leash, high value treats, treat pouch, water, crate (we recommend a collapsible one) so your dog is safely put up during rotations.  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.

R02 Rally - Advanced, Excellent & Master Training
Registration Unavailable

R02 Rally - Advanced, Excellent & Master Training

$150

with Amanda Gardner

Calendar Next session starts Sep 29, 2026 at 6 pm, runs for 7 weeks

The Rally Advanced, Excellent & Master class is an upper level Rally class where you and your dog move through a more challenging course made up of increasingly complex obedience skills and command signs.

In our Rally class you will:

  • Learn the Advanced, Excellent & Masters Rally signs. Your dog will be in a crate while you do this part, known as a walk-through
  • Work together with your dog on-leash to execute 14-18 command signs, including off leash
  • Learn challenging commands - moving downs and moving stands where the handler moves out to a set point and gives change of position commands or recall, jumps, and back ups

The Rally dog sport emphasizes teamwork between you and your dog. 

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

Prerequisites: Dogs must be at least 9 months of age prior to the start of the first class.  Successfully completed the Rally Novice & Intermediate class, with instructor approval.

What to bring to class: Flat, martingale, or slip collar, 6-foot leash, high-value treats, treat pouch, water, and a positive attitude!  No e-collars. A crate is required (we recommend a collapsible one) so your dog is safely put up during the walk-through that precedes each class.  

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.





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