Start the basics of good manners and obedience while safely socializing your youngster to other pups and their people. By socializing we mean that your puppy will get to be around other dogs on leash and will learn to focus on you.

PLEASE NOTE: The first class of each session is for owners only, NO PUPPIES.

Learning loose leash walking, heel position, coming when called and three stay positions: sit, stand and down.

Owners should be prepared to bring a six-foot leather or synthetic leash with a snap/clip, a buckle collar that can be adjusted, plus any other collars (no harnesses) you are using. Bring a treat pouch and plenty of small, easy-to-swallow treats that the dog is crazy about getting. NO retractable leashes, please.

Continuing to solidify the basic exercises of heel work and staying with distractions, plus the Figure 8, distance stays and recalls and the finish.

Owners should bring a longline or retractable leash to class for the distance work.

CGC is a ten-skill training program that focuses on teaching the basics of good manners and obedience, instilling the values of responsible ownership, and strengthening the bond between you and your dog at home and out in the community. You may sign up for just a CGC test for a fee of $15 (contact the club to be put on the test only list).

Don’t see any openings for the class you want? Please email classinfo@smdtc.com and request your class! We may be able to make it happen for you!

AKC Community Canine is the advanced level of AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program. As with CGC, AKC Community Canine has a 10-step test of skills. It's the third and most advanced level of the Canine Good Citizen Program. The goal of AKC Community Canine is to test the dog’s skills in a natural setting. You may sign up for just a CGCA test for a fee of $15 (contact the club to be put on the test only list).

Don’t see any openings for the class you want? Please email classinfo@smdtc.com and request your class! We may be able to make it happen for you!

Want to have fun training your dog to do tricks and earn a title, too? Take this Tricks! class.  Your dog will learn tricks like Speak, Crawl, Fetch, Get your (stuffed toy, etc.), Get In, High 5, Jump, Kiss, Paws Up, Shake Paw, Spin, Hand Signals and many more.  Then successfully demonstrate 10 of the 20 tricks required for the Novice level and you have a title! if your dog has earned its CGC you need only perform 5 tricks for the Novice level. Dogs will be tested the last night of the class.  (The levels are based on the requirements of the original titling organization:  Do More With Your Dog. AKC is now offering the same titles when tested by a CGC Evaluator--Melodie is an AKC Evaluator).  Your dog needs to be registered with the AKC to get the title--remember AKC registers mixed breeds in the Canine Partners program. Your dog does not need to be registered to have fun training Tricks!

Don’t see any openings for the class you want? Please email classinfo@smdtc.com and request your class! We may be able to make it happen for you!

Accidents can happen - be ready

First Class:
Join our Pet First Aid Workshop and learn skills every pet owner should know like what is normal for your pet (Respiration, Pulse/Heart Rate, temperature). How to give your pet a basic Home Physical Exam. This won't take the place of your Vet but it will help you be more informed if you have to go to the vet.

Second Class:
How to respond calmly and correctly on emergencies (Bleeding, Animal Bites, Allergic Reaction). How to prepare for emergencies or a disaster by planning ahead with an emergency list.

Learn how to properly present your dog to the judges. Your dog will get practice being gone over by the judge and gaiting properly.