Hangtown Kennel Club

of Placerville, California

OBEDIENCE AND CONFORMATION CLASSES

The following list describes the various classes that we offer throughout the year. Not all classes are available every session.

Please check the Class Registration page for upcoming classes that are currently being offered.

Scroll down for cost, refund policy, locations and directions.

PUPPY KINDERGARTEN is for dogs who are 12 weeks to 5 months old and have had 2 sets of shots, by the first day of the session. The goals of the class are to introduce fun basic training exercises that include: socialization, attention, sit, down, come, stay, walk on a loose leash. In addition, the class will cover bonding, tricks, introduction to some agility items and general manners. Class size limit 10.

BEGINNING OBEDIENCE is for dogs 5 months and up. The goals of the class will emphasize: attention, basic obedience exercises: sit, down, stay, come and introduction to heeling. NEW for 2024 - will also teach Mat and Wait. Dogs must be controllable. All exercises are taught on lead. Class size limit 12.

BEGINNER 2 OBEDIENCE is for dogs who have some obedience training or with instructors approval. The dog should be able to heel on lead, sit, down and stay. The goals of the class are to further develop basic obedience skills: turns, timed sits, timed downs, recall, and change of pace heeling. The class may include all exercises that are on the AKC Canine Good Citizens Test (CGC). All exercises will be taught on lead. Class size limit 10.
LEASH MANNERS is for dogs over 4 months of age. This class will cover basic leash walking/trail walking, greeting behaviors, social behavior, body language and sit/down on leash. Come prepared to walk. Class size limit 12.

INTERMEDIATE OBEDIENCE is for dogs who have passed Beginner 2 or have a CGC or with Instructor approval. This class is for those who want to achieve more precision with their dogs. The Beginner Novice competition exercises will be taught along with the goal of becoming a working “team.” This is a class for people serious about working with their dogs with the possible goal of going into obedience competition. Some tricks and more advanced fun will also be included!

BEGINNER NOVICE COMPETITION OBEDIENCE is for dogs who have passed Intermediate Obedience or have a CGC or with Instructor approval. This class is for those who are planning to compete in the AKC Beginner Novice class. The Beginner Novice competition exercises will be perfected along with the goal of becoming a working “team.”

CANINE GOOD CITIZEN (CGC) is a class that focuses on the ten (10) exercises required for the CGC Program. At the final class an AKC Approved Evaluator will test each member of the class individually. Owners whose dogs pass will be given paperwork to send to AKC to request the CGC Certificate. Class size limit 10.

COME TO ME is a class that will provide the foundation for building your dog's response to the "come" cue. The class focuses on developing a happy, strong, reliable "come when called response", for the cues of your choice (voice/whistle/hand signal). Class size limit 10.

BEGINNING RALLY is for dogs who have successfully taken Beginning/ Beginner 2 class. This class will introduce the Novice Rally signs and exercises. All work is on lead. Class size limit 10.

INTERMEDIATE RALLY is for dogs who have successfully taken Beginning Rally and will introduce the Intermediate Rally signs and exercises. All work is on lead. Class size limit 10.

RALLY NOVICE - VIRTUAL TITLE is a new AKC Pilot Program introduced in response to COVID-19 due to the current limitations for dog shows which will allow a dog and handler to earn a Rally Novice title by submitting videos of three performances at each level. Hangtown Kennel Club is offering a class intended to allow students to learn the Rally signs for the Novice level and will provide the option to have performances recorded for submission to the AKC for evaluation. Students and their dogs may be able to title at the Rally Novice level by the end of class. More information about the program can be found at https://www.akc.org/sports/rally/rally-virtual-entry/

 AKC SCENT WORK (also known as Nose Work) is quickly becoming a favorite sport. Scent Work is a positive activity that allows dogs the opportunity to use their strongest natural sense in a way that is fun, engaging, and that builds and strengthens a foundation of trust between the handler and dog. In the sport of Scent Work, dogs are trained to recognize specific odors, and to alert their handlers when the odors are detected. There are no upper age limits for dogs or handlers to this engaging sport. Many owners who have tried Scent Work report that their dogs are much happier and calmer, doing what comes naturally, using their nose! Class size limit 10.

TRICKS will be taught for the Novice Level of the AKC Trick Dog Title. At the end of the session all dogs will have the opportunity to be evaluated to receive the Novice Trick Dog Title. If time allows Intermediate tricks will be taught. Class size limit 10.

CONFORMATION (Show) Drop In Fee $5 (no pre-registration required). Please join us on the Main Lawn at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds or Shingle Springs Community Center lawn ( June only) to practice for the show ring!

To get the most out of your training class experience, we recommend reading this article by the Whole Dog Journal: https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/training/tips-for-group-dog-obedience-training/

Obedience, Rally & Conformation classes generally run from four to six weeks and are held Wednesday nights at 7:00 PM. Pre-registration is required for all classes except conformation. Beginning obedience and puppy kindergarten six-week sessions are $110 and include a leash & collar. All other six-week sessions (that do not include equipment) are $90. Four-week beginning and puppy sessions with equipment are $80 and all other classes are $60 without equipment. Conformation classes are offered on a “drop in” basis, at $5 per class. Minimum class size for all classes is 5 students.

The minimum age for handling a dog or puppy in class is 12 years, and all handlers under 16 years must have a parent or guardian present during the class.

Refund Policy:

REFUND BEFORE FIRST CLASS: A full refund (less $12 process fee) will be granted

REFUND BEFORE SECOND CLASS: A full refund (less equipment value if applicable and less $12 process fee) will be granted if requested prior to the 2nd week of the class.

NO REFUNDS AFTER THE SECOND CLASS

Locations:

Classes are held at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds (100 Placerville Dr - see map below) in Placerville or Shingle Springs Community Center Soccer Field (4440 South Shingle Rd). Locations vary by session so check your session carefully.

Fairground Directions:

Enter the fairgrounds from Placerville Dr., coming from either East or West. Enter the gate closest to the Raley’s store (Blue Gate on the map) and drive straight back to the parking areas noted on the map. Check in and classes are on the Main Lawn.

For more information call Cathy Keeler at (530) 622-6909.

Click Here to Register for Upcoming Classes

Copyright Hangtown Kennel Club of Placerville, CA Inc.
Hangtown Kennel Club is a 501(c)4 non-profit organization. PO Box 2176, Placerville, CA 95667