The Sudbury & District Kennel Club training facility is located in Lively at the corner of RR#55 and RR#24 at the Lively Inn and Suites building. Most classes involve 8 hours of instruction for the price of $226.00 including HST. To register, complete the on-line registration form and submit payment. The Sudbury & District Kennel Club offers a variety classes in the disciplines of Agility, Obedience, Rally Obedience, Nose Work, Trick Training and Tracking.

The following are descriptions of classes offered. Refer to the current schedule of events to see which classes are in session.

Note: All levels represent general stages of skill development. Progression to more advanced levels is individual and based on successful completion of the basic skills required. Upon completion of your class, discuss with your instructor which level to register for next.

At the discretion of the instructor, classes with four or less students may be shortened. Please review all class and registration form information thoroughly prior to contacting the SDKC Registrar with any questions.

Refer to our class schedule for classes that will be available this upcoming semester.

Note:  All levels represent general stages of skill development.  Progression to more advanced levels is individual and based on successful completion of the basic skills required.  Upon completion of your class, discuss with your instructor which level to register for next.

For all agility classes, dogs will be crated when not on course unless an alternative is discussed and approved by your with instructor.   This allows your dog to more easily relax when not working and the handler to focus on instruction and walking the courses.  Soft sided crates that easily fold up are commonly used. Instructors will work with you to make sure your dog is comfortable in their crate.

At the discretion of the instructor, classes with four or less students may be shortened. Please review all class and registration form information thoroughly prior to contacting the SDKC Registrar with any questions.

This novice level class will begin to introduce the dog and handler to more of the agility equipment. You will start some basic jumping techniques and learn basic handling skills to begin working as an efficient dog/handler team. Due to the complexity of learning basics on so many pieces of equipment dogs and handlers may need to spend more than one session at this level. Your instructor will recommend the next class progression. *Agility Level 1 is a prerequisite for this class. Crates are required.

This class will teach the basic concepts of dog agility. Exercises are simple and fun. The class focuses on creating a bond and teamwork between the dog and handler. Dogs will be introduced to some of the basic agility equipment pieces, with the aim of building your dog's confidence. Dogs will work on leash for most exercises. *Foundations for Teamwork for Obedience & Agility is a prerequisite for Agility Level 1.  Crates are required.

This class continues to build on equipment performance and basic handling skills, while building the foundation skills needed to be successful if you decide to enter agility trials later on. Emphasis is put on weaves, teeter, and contact end behavior. You will continue to improve basic handling skills while also building on the working team relationship between dog and handler. *Agility Level 2 is a prerequisite for this class.  Crates are required.

This class will work on finessing equipment performance and becoming confident in basic handling skills while you are introduced to more advanced techniques. Course sequences will be more complex. Work on teeter and weaves will be focused on proofing and strengthening these skills. *Agility Level 3 is a prerequisite for this class. Crates are required.

This class will work on advanced handling techniques and sequences. You will learn how to problem solve handling complex sequences and develop a fluency in the handling techniques introduced in earlier levels. As you progress through this class all equipment, including teeter and weaves, will be incorporated into longer sequences that you and your dog will have to work together as a team to accomplish. *Agility Level 4 is a prerequisite for this class. Crates are required.

This class is designed to prepare the dog and handler team for competitive agility. You will learn the rules of competitive agility so you can begin trialing! Dogs should be confident on all equipment and advanced handling skills before registering for this class. In this class you will develop the skills to work through novice, intermediate and excellent level course simulations. This class will challenge you and your dog to use all the skills and teamwork you have developed while continuing to progress and learn. *Agility Level 5 is a prerequisite for this class.  Crates are required.

This drop-in class will take place at the club's agility field in the Chelmsford area (470 Bradley St, Chelmsford). It will provide an opportunity to transfer the skills you have been working on in the hall to a full size, outdoor agility field. Instructors will set up novice, intermediate or advanced courses, and provide feedback as you work through the course. As this is an open class there will be many skill levels, and it will be up to you and the instructor to adjust the skills in the course for your team to be successful.

This class will run 2 or 3 days a week throughout the summer. You will register for  a pass of 8 classes that are flexible as to the day and number of times per week used.  More than one pass can be purchased for the summer session.

The SDKC offers CKC agility trials during the summer at the Club field. This class could prepare you to enter and work toward earning an agility title for your dog.

NB: All breeds/mixed breeds can enter by obtaining a CKC number.

NB: Students are expected to assist with course building, bar setting, leash running and equipment clear up after class.

*Agility Level 3 is a prerequisite for Summer Outdoor Agility Class, unless recommended by your instructor. Crates are required.

For the safety of the dogs and respect of the homeowner where our field is located, we ask that you please enter the drive slowly. Dogs will be on leash at all times unless in the fenced in field. Students are responsible to clean up after their dogs.

Notes to students: The levels represent general stages of skill development.  It is common to repeat levels several times before advancing to the next level.  Upon graduation of your class, we encourage you to discuss with your instructor which level to register for next.

It is required that you crate your dog between rotations. This allows your dog to more easily relax when not working and the handler to focus on instruction..  Soft sided crates that easily fold up are commonly used. Instructors will work with you to make sure your dog is comfortable in their crate.

At the discretion of the instructor, classes with four or less students may be shortened. Please review all class and registration form information thoroughly prior to contacting the SDKC Registrar with any questions.

Scent Detection Starter Level 1: Intro to odor & Container searches

This class will introduce the dog and handler to the sport of scent detection. Dogs learn the canine version of "Hide and Seek" where the dog locates hidden scent and indicates the location to the handler.  Teams will learn fundamental concepts such as how to prepare and handle odour, how to introduce scent to your dog, how to motivate your dog to build drive and confidence, how to read changes of behaviour in your dog, and the first starting element of Container searches.  

This class will require all participants to bring crates for their dogs and will be taught in 4 sessions of 2 hours each.   *Level 2 Foundations for Teamwork is a prerequisite for this class.

Scent Detection Starter Level 2: Intro to Interior searches

This class is for students who have successfully completed Scent Detection Starter Level 1 or who have demonstrated the skills required for this class to the instructor before registration.  Pretesting can be arranged by contacting k9noseskills@gmail.com.  

Intro to Interiors is the follow up class to Intro to odor & Containers. Teams will learn how to search interior spaces including under & on top of objects, along walls and floors, in corners and with clutter. Distractions will be introduced and Teams will build on fundamental skills such as problem solving, leash handling and commitment to odor.  

This class will require all participants to bring crates for their dogs and will be taught in 4 sessions of 2 hours each.  

Scent Detection Starter Level 3: Intro to Exterior searches

This is the third class in the Starter Series of Scent Detection. Teams will bring their searches outdoors and learn how to problem solve with the challenges of Mother Nature. Teams must be prepared to train regardless of weather conditions and dogs must be comfortable crated in car. **This class will be a roving class where every week the class will be held in a different area of the city.** Teams will build on fundamental skills including hunt drive, confidence, and distractions.

This class will require all participants to bring crates for their dogs and will be taught in 4 sessions of 2 hours each.  Dogs must be comfortable wearing booties on their front paws as vehicle searches may be included.

This eight week beginner course will introduce handlers to trick training using shaping as the methodology. Trick dog training appeals to all dogs and is both a fun sport and a great bonding experience. Skills required to reach the beginner levels of titling will be covered. Dogs should be familiar with the "it’s your choice" game and understand the "watch me" game.  Crates are required.

This sport develops the dog’s instinctive skill to follow a human foot track and locate articles that carry the scent of that individual.  The number and type of article, length and age of track and type of terrain varies with the level of difficulty being trained.  Tracking classes are offered when sufficient interest has been reported to the registrar.

Handlers will learn techniques to train the basic obedience commands. Dogs will learn to walk politely on lead, to sit, down and stand on command, to stay in position a minimum of 30 seconds and to come when called. Training activities are fun for both dog and handler. Upon successful completion of the exit requirements, students would progress to Level 3 obedience on the instructor’s recommendation.
 

The following are the exit requirements to enter Level Three:

• Stay in place for 30 sec at 6’ of distance.
• Ability to redirect dog’s focus to handler while waiting in class or walking in heel position.
• Dog responds promptly to the handler’s commands.

The following classes satisfy the requirements of Level One Obedience. They are split into age categories to enhance the social environment of the dogs.

The following are the exit requirements to enter Level Two:

• 15 second stay.
• Short leash walking at handler’s side for 50 ft.
• Recall with a short wait.

This class is suitable for students who have completed agility level 3 or higher.  All students will work together to share knowledge and problem solve for others in the group.  Class content and courses will be designed by a different student each week targeting goals they are working on.  All participants will be expected to course build and clean up afterwards.  The 2-hours sessions will encourage team work while allowing the opportunity to learn how to design goal focused exercises. 

Note: Class entry fee is $226.00 including HST less our loyalty discounts which apply after the 5th class taken.

• 100 feet of attentive heeling with delayed food rewards.
• Recall from 40 feet of distance on first command with sit in front.
• Precise return to heel position from various positions.

Following successful completion of level two dogs will refine core foundation skills including targeting, movement, balancing and self-control skills to build and increase precision and reliability necessary for more advanced dog training levels. The goal of this class is to enhance focus for the dog/handler team. Upon successful completion of the exit requirements, students would
progress to Level 4 obedience on the instructor’s recommendation.

NB: It is recommended that dogs be crated, as part of the program skill development.

The following are the exit requirements to enter Level Four:

• Successfully shape 2 distinct skills.
•  Dog can redirect response to handler in the presence of increasing distractions.
• Dog can apply previous skills to novel situations.