All new dogs are required to take this class first. Dogs will get exposed to all obstacles, contacts at lower heights, including introduction to weave poles; introduction to basic handler queues (front crosses and rear crosses). Handlers/dogs will run small obstacle sequences (4-5 obstacles) with dog off leash. Learning the basics to get the dog exposed to all the equipment. 1. Walking across boards/planks 2. Walking over PVC ladders 3. Mastering bang boards 4. Dog performs figure eights around handlers’ legs. 5. Basic sits and stays, in preparation for start lines and table work. 6. Basic tunnel work 7. Low jumps 8. Baby dog walk 9. Baby A-Frame/dog walk combo 10. Baby teeter 11. Table 12.Low tire 13. Weave pole introduction and entrances 14. Dog should learn to come to handler’s side when called, while working off leash 15. Keep the dog motivated and focused on the job at hand. 16. The handler needs to understand that the dog is never wrong and to always using positive reinforcement.

More advanced than the Beginner Foundation class. This class is designed to further develop your dog’s confidence on all obstacles; reinforce contact skills, jumping skills and weave pole skills, and focus more on handling queues and timing. Handlers/dogs will run obstacle sequences containing 5-10 obstacles. Continuing to learn the basics, exposing the dogs to all equipment with an emphasis on handler maneuvers and obstacle sequencing. 1. Learn the concept of front crosses. 2. Learn the concept of rear crosses. 3. Sequencing 5-10 obstacles at a time 4. Stopping at the end of contacts 5. Making sure you dog is at your side, when applicable 6. More extensive weave pole work 7. Keep the dog motivated and focused on the job at hand. 8. The handler needs to understand that the dog is never wrong and to always use positive reinforcement. 9. Learn to handle your dog at a distance and to leave you when you say “GO.” 10. Start to learn basics of AKC agility rules. 11. Dogs/handlers should be ready for the Agility AKC ACT 1 level tests.

More advanced than Beginner Foundation class. This class is designed to further develop your dog’s confidence on all obstacles; reinforce contact skills, jumping skills and weave pole skills, and focus more on handler queues and timing. Handlers/dogs will run obstacle sequences containing 5-10 obstacles. Prerequisite: BEGINNER FOUNDATION AGILITY - A1001

More advanced than Beginner Foundation class. This class is designed to further develop your dog’s confidence on all obstacles; reinforce contact skills, jumping skills and weave pole skills, and focus more on handler queues and timing. Handlers/dogs will run obstacle sequences containing 5-10 obstacles. Prerequisite: BEGINNER FOUNDATION AGILITY - A1001

This class focuses on improving both dog and handler’s skills with the goal of being able to begin running your dog in a trial at the Novice Level. Dogs/handlers should also be ready for the AKC Agility ACT2 level tests.

This class is for the more experienced dog. This class focuses on improving both dog and handler’s skills with the goal of being able to compete in both Novice and Open Levels. Dogs / Handlers can maneuver complex courses.

This class is for dogs that are already competing in agility or experienced in all obstacles at full heights. Dogs / Handlers can maneuver complex open and excellent courses. The focus of the class is on advanced handling skills.

This class focuses on improving both dog and handler’s skills with the goal being able to begin running your dog in a trial at the Novice Level. Dogs / Handlers can maneuver complex courses, with the focus of the class being on intermediate to advanced handling skills.

This Private lesson is tailored to the individual handler and dog’s needs. Private lessons must be scheduled with the Instructor. Cathy's email: jsspemsx3@att.net

Update to Monday night Conformation drop-in: Ms. Penny Urban will be filling in for Stan while he is recovering. Penny is a well-respected Conformation Judge and handler. She has shown Dobermans, Miniature Pinschers, and currently has the #1 Chihuahua.

Drop-in Conformation Wed. 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Students attend as desired & pay per attendance

Drop-in Conformation Students attend as desired and pay per attendance. Tuesday 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Wednesday 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Family Dog One – For Older Dogs Beyond the Puppy Stage This is our 6-week Basic Obedience Class for your dog, using the positive reinforcement method know as marker training. Behaviors which are being taught are marked with the sound of a mechanical clicker or the word “yes” to signal that the behavior was correct. This signal is then followed by a reward. As the dog progresses, the clicker will be phased out. In this class, your dog will learn attention skills, sit, down, stand, stay, come, leave it, and how to walk politely on a leash. Heeling/polite walking skills are practiced each week as this is often one of the most difficult skill sets to master. Behavior problems, such as reactive barking on walks, jumping, impolite greetings, lack of impulse control and poor door manners are discussed each week with explanations or exercises to teach you how to turn those behaviors into something more acceptable. Please bring your dog, wearing a buckle collar, limited slip martingale, head halter or harness, a 6’ leather or fabric lead, and plenty of small, tasty treats (string cheese highly recommended!). You will be provided with a clicker to keep. Course includes handouts.

Family Dog Two – for graduates of Family Dog One, Adolescent Puppy Manners, or as a refresher course after an absence in dog training Refine your dog’s skills as we strengthen the basic behaviors they have learned with exercises that challenge (but don’t overwhelm) their newly learned self-control and focus. We set up scenarios so you and your dog can practice more difficult greetings, and learn to work in the presence of other dogs and more distractions. This is also the perfect class for those of you who feel your dog needs to brush up on their skills after a break, preparation for therapy dog work, or for those who seek to begin a competitive career. Course includes handouts.

Adolescent Puppy Manners – Ages between 4 months and 8 months old. The perfect older puppy class! Young puppies often seem to regress in their newly learned skills as they enter adolescence. It is the chief reason so many young dogs are relinquished to shelters. While this can be a trying time in a young dog’s life, you can help them get past this to grow into wonderful adults while you develop your own skills to help them. We use the positive reinforcement training method known as marker training, using a mechanical clicker or the word “yes” to signal correct choices and the arrival of a reward. As the pup becomes more adept at the behaviors they are learning, the marker is faded out. Instruction includes introduction and practice of basic obedience skills (attention to handler, sit, down, stand, stay, come, heel/polite leash walking and leave it) to build a strong foundation. Each week class time is spent on polishing heeling/polite leash walking (a difficult skill for many pups to master) and you will learn how to change reactive barking and excitement on walks, jumping, impolite greetings, stay/lack of impulse control and poor door manners to more acceptable behaviors. Please bring your dog, wearing a buckle collar, limited slip martingale, head halter or harness, a 6’ leather or fabric lead, and plenty of small, tasty treats (string cheese highly recommended!). You will be provided with a clicker to keep. Course includes handouts.

Adolescent Puppy Manners – Ages between 4 months and 8 months old. The perfect older puppy class! Young puppies often seem to regress in their newly learned skills as they enter adolescence. It is the chief reason so many young dogs are relinquished to shelters. While this can be a trying time in a young dog’s life, you can help them get past this to grow into wonderful adults while you develop your own skills to help them. We use the positive reinforcement training method known as marker training, using a mechanical clicker or the word “yes” to signal correct choices and the arrival of a reward. As the pup becomes more adept at the behaviors they are learning, the marker is faded out. Instruction includes introduction and practice of basic obedience skills (attention to handler, sit, down, stand, stay, come, heel/polite leash walking and leave it) to build a strong foundation. Each week class time is spent on polishing heeling/polite leash walking (a difficult skill for many pups to master) and you will learn how to change reactive barking and excitement on walks, jumping, impolite greetings, stay/lack of impulse control and poor door manners to more acceptable behaviors. Please bring your dog, wearing a buckle collar, limited slip martingale, head halter or harness, a 6’ leather or fabric lead, and plenty of small, tasty treats (string cheese highly recommended!). You will be provided with a clicker to keep. Course includes handouts.

Family Dog One – For Older Dogs Beyond the Puppy Stage This is our 6-week Basic Obedience Class for your dog, using the positive reinforcement method know as marker training. Behaviors which are being taught are marked with the sound of a mechanical clicker or the word “yes” to signal that the behavior was correct. This signal is then followed by a reward. As the dog progresses, the clicker will be phased out. In this class, your dog will learn attention skills, sit, down, stand, stay, come, leave it, and how to walk politely on a leash. Heeling/polite walking skills are practiced each week as this is often one of the most difficult skill sets to master. Behavior problems, such as reactive barking on walks, jumping, impolite greetings, lack of impulse control and poor door manners are discussed each week with explanations or exercises to teach you how to turn those behaviors into something more acceptable. Please bring your dog, wearing a buckle collar, limited slip martingale, head halter or harness, a 6’ leather or fabric lead, and plenty of small, tasty treats (string cheese highly recommended!). You will be provided with a clicker to keep. Course includes handouts.

Family Dog Two – for graduates of Family Dog One, Adolescent Puppy Manners, or as a refresher course after an absence in dog training Refine your dog’s skills as we strengthen the basic behaviors, they have learned with exercises that challenge (but don’t overwhelm) their newly learned self-control and focus. We set up scenarios so you and your dog can practice more difficult greetings and learn to work in the presence of other dogs and more distractions. This is also the perfect class for those of you who feel your dog needs to brush up on their skills after a break, preparation for therapy dog work, or for those who seek to begin a competitive career.

Fridays 9:00 AM until 11:00 am. Description: Walk a dog is a way for you and your dog to get fit in a safe and comfortable place out of the weather. This is a self-directed “class” where you can practice your leash walking and other skills independently. There is no instruction provided. All dogs must be leashed, and on a regular collar or harness, no prong or correction collars or retractable leashes. No dog-on-dog contact. Students attend as desired and pay for each “class”. No dog on dog contact

The beginning class will focus on developing the indication and a methodical search of a row of containers for target odor.

The second level class will focus on adding new odor and starting a search of an interior environment. How to proof off of the food reward distraction and building duration in the indication.

The third level class will add any remaining odor and introduce buried hides as well as exterior searches. We will examine proofing off of handler behavior.

The fourth level class will add high hides and generally inaccessible hides while building on all elements and presenting more of a competition environment.

NOTE: STUDENTS NEW TO THIS CLASS MUST CONTACT INSTRUCTOR: Rochelle Tonelli: tendertouchgoldens@yahoo.com This class is for students that are “ON ODOR” and who want to continue their Nose Work Journey. These teams will be introduced to the ORT (Odor Recognition Test) and towards competition. They are introduced to the four Elements required for competition: Interiors, Containers, Vehicles and Exterior searches. Teams work at Staying at Source, Team Communication and Leash Skills. NO DROP INs ALLOWED due to this class is FULL.

NOTE: STUDENTS NEW TO THIS CLASS MUST CONTACT INSTRUCTOR; Rochelle Tonelli: tendertouchgoldens@yahoo.com This class is for dogs just starting out in Nose Work and teaches foundation work with food. Nose Work teaches dogs to problem solve and builds their confidence level. There is so much learning going on for the dog. The handler learns to observe the dog’s changes in behavior during the search. Teams work one at a time. This allows the dog the opportunity to build confidence in new environments. Food is the first reward learned. It will be followed by “pairing” food and odor. Join in on the fun! Required: Soft small treats, leash, buckle collar and a smile….

NOTE: STUDENTS NEW TO THIS CLASS MUST CONTACT INSTRUCTOR: Rochelle Tonelli: tendertouchgoldens@yahoo.com This Nose Work Class is designed for those teams that would like to compete in Nose Work. Class will include multiple hide search areas, distractions in containers, large search areas, inaccessible hides, unknown number of hides and blank rooms. In addition teams will be introduced to Buried Hides and HD (Handler Discrimination). NO DROP INs ALLOWED WITHOUT INSTRUCTOR'S PERMISSION. Students must register for class via the SCKC Website.

Students new to this class must contact Instructor: Rochelle Tonelli, tendertouchgoldens@yahoo.com before registering for this class. Teams must be "On Odor". Class will be working on all four elements, Containers, Interior, Exterior and Vehicle searches. Teams will work on "Staying at Source" plus Team Communication.

Nosework Games Hunting, sniffing and getting treats are at the top of most dogs’ list of favorite things. With nosework, dogs get all these things while building confidence and a stronger bond with their owners. This class features a variety of scent detection games designed to learn or practice skills for competition or to simply add enrichment to your dog’s life. The games can be adjusted to address various training and handling challenges and levels. Dogs must be on odor. Bring a crate and high-value treats. Drop-ins welcome if space is available. Please contact instructor about availability before desired class date. Class meets September 24, October 8, October 22, November 5, November 19 and December 3. Email is cabyrne@ameritech.net

Nosework Games Hunting, sniffing and getting treats are at the top of most dogs’ list of favorite things. With nosework, dogs get all these things while building confidence and a stronger bond with their owners. This class features a variety of scent detection games designed to learn or practice skills for competition or to simply add enrichment to your dog’s life. The games can be adjusted to address various training and handling challenges and levels. Dogs must be on odor. Bring a crate and high-value treats. Drop-ins welcome if space is available. Please contact instructor about availability before desired class date. Class meets September 24, October 8, October 22, November 5, November 19 and December 3. Email: cabyrne@ameritech.net

Nose Work Private Lessons with Catherine Byrne Private lessons must be scheduled with the Instructor cabyrne@ameritech.net

AKC STAR Puppy Kindergarten This very important puppy class is designed to follow the recommendations of the AKC STAR Puppy Program. For six weeks, we learn foundation obedience skills -- attention to name, eye contact, sit, down, stand, stay, come and how to walk politely on leash. Each week, we discuss important topics relevant to raising a confident, secure puppy -- handling and grooming, housebreaking problems, polite greetings, appropriate exercise and activity, impulse control, proper socialization, how to build confidence in a shy puppy or calm an excitable puppy, and much more. Exercises which help to teach skills for those topics are taught and practiced in class. At the end of the session, those puppies who have attended all 6 weeks, are eligible to take the AKC STAR Puppy Test, if they wish to do so. This test is open to any and all breeds or mixed breeds. Please come to class with your pup wearing a snap or buckle collar or harness, a 6-foot leash, plenty of yummy, soft treats, a favorite toy, and a bowl and water. Bring proof a negative fecal, and Rabies vaccination if the pup is past 17 weeks. This class is for puppies 10 to 20 weeks of age.

In this class we will discuss effective training tools such as collars, leashes, treats and the owner. Basic life skills will be taught including walking on leash, sit, stand, down, stay, coming when called, Leave-it, and much more! Manners and problem behaviors will be addressed using the techniques you learn as you build a respectful relationship with your canine companion. Equipment: Leash (6ft, cloth or leather), buckle collar or martingale, high value treats, two identical toys, a mat or bed and a chew Please bring proof from your vet that your dog had a recent fecal exam and is free of parasites. Rabies vaccination required for dogs over 17 weeks of age.

The prerequisite is the completion of a puppy or beginner obedience class. Using positive, reward-based methods the class will fine tune and build on the skills learned in the puppy and beginner obedience classes by adding distance; duration; and distractions along with a variety of new skills. This class will prepare you to move on to the AKC CGC programs, therapy work and get into competitive sports. Concerns that the owner may have will also be addressed. Please bring a flat collar. Martingale or harness; leash; lots of small chewy treats; water/dish; and a copy of your dog’s rabies certificate. Please bring class payment at the first class in either cash or check, checks should be made out to SCKC.

This class is for dogs 1year and older dogs using positive, reward-based methods covering basic obedience skills and house manners such as sit; down; stay; come; walking nicely on leash; leave it; drop it; how to greet people; along with attention and self-control techniques. Leash walking will be practiced every week as this is one of the more difficult skills to learn. Concerns that the owner may have such as excessive barking; jumping; greetings; inappropriate toileting; door reactions; etc. will be addressed. Please bring a flat collar, martingale, harness; leash (non-retractable); lots of small chewy treats; a toy; a rug or mat for your dog to lay on; water/dish; and a copy of your dog’s rabies certificate. Please bring class payment at the first class in either cash or check, checks should be made out to SCKC. Please contact the instructor for a wait list.

The class is for puppies up to I year of age using positive, reward-based methods covering basic puppy training and house manners such as sit; down; walking nicely on leash; reaction to noise; leave it; drop it; come; attention and self-control techniques; and how to greet people all in preparation for the STAR puppy test on the last day of class. Leash walking is practiced every week as this is one of the more difficult skills to learn. Concerns that the owner may have such as house training; nipping/mouthing; jumping etc. will be addressed. Please bring a flat collar or harness; leash; lots of small chewy treats; a toy; a rug or mat for your dog to lay on; water/dish; and a copy of your puppy’s age-appropriate vaccine records and a negative fecal report. Please bring class payment at the first class in either cash or check, checks should be made out to SCKC.

This class is for dogs 1year and older dogs using positive, reward-based methods covering basic obedience skills and house manners such as sit; down; stay; come; walking nicely on leash; leave it; drop it; how to greet people; along with attention and self-control techniques. Leash walking will be practiced every week as this is one of the more difficult skills to learn. Concerns that the owner may have such as excessive barking; jumping; greetings; inappropriate toileting; door reactions; etc. will be addressed. Please bring a flat collar, martingale, harness; leash (non-retractable); lots of small chewy treats; a toy; a rug or mat for your dog to lay on; water/dish; and a copy of your dog’s rabies certificate. Please bring class payment at the first class in either cash or check, checks should be made out to SCKC.

The class is for puppies up to I year of age using positive, reward-based methods covering basic puppy training and house manners such as sit; down; walking nicely on leash; reaction to noise; leave it; drop it; come; attention and self-control techniques; and how to greet people all in preparation for the STAR puppy test on the last day of class. Leash walking is practiced every week as this is one of the more difficult skills to learn. Concerns that the owner may have such as house training; nipping/mouthing; jumping etc. will be addressed. Please bring a flat collar or harness; leash; lots of small chewy treats; a toy; a rug or mat for your dog to lay on; water/dish; and a copy of your puppy’s age-appropriate vaccine records and a negative fecal report. Please bring class payment at the first class in either cash or check, checks should be made out to SCKC.

The prerequisite is the completion of a puppy or beginner obedience class. Using positive, reward-based methods the class will fine tune and build on the skills learned in the puppy and beginner obedience classes by adding distance; duration; and distractions along with a variety of new skills. This class will prepare you to move on to the AKC CGC programs, therapy work and get into competitive sports. Concerns that the owner may have will also be addressed. Please bring a flat collar. Martingale or harness; leash; lots of small chewy treats; water/dish; and a copy of your dog’s rabies certificate. Please bring class payment at the first class in either cash or check, checks should be made out to SCKC. Please contact the instructor for a wait list.

The prerequisite for the class is the completion of an intermediate or beyond basic obedience class. Using positive, reward-based methods this class trains and prepares you to take the AKC Canine Good Citizen and Canine Good Citizen Advanced tests the last day of class. You must pass the CGC first to qualify to take the CGCA test. This class will prepare you to go onto therapy work. Please bring a flat collar or harness; leash; lots of small chewy treats; water/dish and a copy of your dog’s rabies certificate. Please bring class payment at the first class in either cash or check, checks should be made out to SCKC.

The class is for puppies up to I year of age using positive, reward-based methods covering basic puppy training and house manners such as sit; down; walking nicely on leash; reaction to noise; leave it; drop it; come; attention and self-control techniques; and how to greet people all in preparation for the STAR puppy test on the last day of class. Leash walking is practiced every week as this is one of the more difficult skills to learn. Concerns that the owner may have such as house training; nipping/mouthing; jumping etc. will be addressed. Please bring a flat collar or harness; leash; lots of small chewy treats; a toy; a rug or mat for your dog to lay on; water/dish; and a copy of your puppy’s age-appropriate vaccine records and a negative fecal report. Please bring class payment at the first class in either cash or check, checks should be made out to SCKC. Please contact the instructor for a wait list.

This class is for dogs 1year and older dogs using positive, reward-based methods covering basic obedience skills and house manners such as sit; down; stay; come; walking nicely on leash; leave it; drop it; how to greet people; along with attention and self-control techniques. Leash walking will be practiced every week as this is one of the more difficult skills to learn. Concerns that the owner may have such as excessive barking; jumping; greetings; inappropriate toileting; door reactions; etc. will be addressed. Please bring a flat collar, martingale, harness; leash (non-retractable); lots of small chewy treats; a toy; a rug or mat for your dog to lay on; water/dish; and a copy of your dog’s rabies certificate. Please bring class payment at the first class in either cash or check, checks should be made out to SCKC.

Contact the instructor for placement and availability This class will establish the foundation for the Novice level of competition obedience including on and off leash heeling, stand for exam, figure 8, recall and stationary exercises. Rules and regulations, handling, ring readiness, etiquette and entry into dog shows will be covered. Equipment needed for this class includes: leash, plain buckle collar, training collar (as needed), soft treats, toy(s) and a crate. dnuger@aol.com

Contact the instructor for placement and availability This class will establish the foundation for the Open level of competition obedience including off leash heeling, figure 8, drop on recall, dumbbell retrieve, the retrieve over the hi-jump, the broad jump, command discrimination and stationary exercises. Rules and regulations will be covered. Equipment needed for this class includes: leash, plain buckle collar, training collar (as needed), soft treats, toy(s), a competition dumbbell (plastic or wooden) and a crate. dnuger@aol.com.

Pre-requisite: Dogs who have completed a Novice and Open Obedience Class with Stone City Kennel Club or with Instructor approval This class will improve on all the skills learned in the Beginner, Novice and Open Obedience Class as well as working with distractions. These items include: off leash heeling, heeling around distractions, dumb bell handling and retrieving, jumps and scent articles. The class is structured to continue to build focus and fun between the handler and dog. dnuger@aol.com

Challenge yourself and your dog to learn novel and fun behaviors. You can come for fun or test to earn AKC Trick Dog titles, as your dog becomes proficient. If you already have a title, we can work at the next level. Learning tricks is fun and low stress. Some of these behaviors are found in upper-level rally and freestyle dance and can be useful for therapy dogs to perform when they are on visits. Check out the list of tricks for each level on the AKC website. Dogs can wear flat buckle or martingale style collars. Some harnesses may hinder movement for some tricks, so do bring a spare collar if a harness impedes your dog. Remember to bring treats!

This class is designed for those who are interested in participating in the new Fetch titling program, open to all dogs. Basic Obedience knowledge is required, but your dog does not have to be proficient at fetching. We can help you and your dog learn to fetch (run to, pick up, and return with your Fetch item) as required by AKC Rules to earn these titles. Rules for each level will be discussed. Please bring a ball, bumper or toy to class, along with a long line (for dogs who are just learning to fetch), harness, flat buckle or martingale collar, and plenty of rewards.

This drop-in opportunity is for independent practice for the competitor. There will be no instruction provided. Students attend as desired and pay per session. The session is facilitated by Lorraine Bartlett. For any questions, contact Lorraine at felidae10@comcast.net

Obedience private lessons must be scheduled through the instructor Lorree Bartlett.

The first rally drop in session will start on Monday, November 25th. We will instruct Novice, Intermediate, and Advance on the 25th. We will instruct Excellent, Master, and Choice on December 2nd. We will rotate the levels weekly. The class is drop in and we can accommodate 20 trainees. Trainees may pre-register for the class by Texting or emailing Sandy Gould at 815-954-7578 or drsgould1@aol.com or may drop in. The cost of the class is $10.00 and includes three run throughs and an abundance of criticism and encouragement from Sandy Gould, Nancy Sherman, & Sue Schimel.

This is a Rally drop-in on Tuesday at 6 pm. Courses for all levels from novice to master. To begin rally dogs should know the basic commands like sit, down, stay and heel. Important Note: There is NO class on the third Tues of every month due to the Kennel Club membership meeting.

We welcome you to join us each month to learn new ways to communicate with your dog in the sport of nose work. Each month we will learn new skills and practice them under the direction of Don Blair, a United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) judge in tracking, detection, obedience, and protection. Each monthly seminar includes both lecture and hands on application of principles that will assist you in learning how to excel in training and competition. This is an interactive seminar. Please bring a 6 foot leash and plenty of rewards/treats for your canine companion. Seminar cost is $45/dog for members, $60 for non-members. Please bring payment with you, cash and checks are accepted. Dates for future sessions will be posted as they become available. Registration is required for each monthly seminar. Any questions, reach out to treasurer4sckc@gmail.com