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CLASSES AT KEYSTONE CANINE TRAINING CLUB
Keystone Canine Training Club offers a wide variety of training classes, as
listed below. Not every class is
offered every session. Please check Keystone's Class Schedule
page for the
latest information on classes currently offered, and their start dates and
times. Classes are seven weeks unless otherwise stated on the Schedule
of Classes. Classes are 50 minutes.
See the Class Prices page for the cost for each class.
Most seven-week classes are $100 for non-members and $30 for members.
For all classes except "Drop-in" classes, registration and payment are
required by the closing date on the homepage for each session of classes. We recommend that you bring own water
bowl for your dog. If you bring more than one dog to an obedience class,
each dog must have a separate handler.
What is taught in each class will be tailored to the skill level of the majority of dogs in the class. Enrollment in all classes is subject to the approval of the Instructor.
All dogs must be up to date on their vaccinations. You must bring a copy of your dog's vaccination records to your first class, if you are not a KCTC member (unless KCTC already has a copy from a previous class you have taken). We require the following vaccinations, in accordance with the guidelines of the American Animal Hospital Association: Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies (when old enough, normally at 16 weeks), and must be vaccinated with DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, [adenovirus-2], parainfluenza, and parvovirus), at intervals determined by your veterinarian. Except for rabies, titer test results are acceptable as an alternative. Older dogs (typically over 10 years old) are not required to continue with booster shots, if approved by your veterinarian.
Our instructors reserve to right to ask you to withdraw from a class if
there is a problem with your dog’s behavior, or if the class is a poor fit
for your dog.
All dogs must be on leash or crated when not working. For most classes, a
six-foot lead is the preferable length. Also, for most classes, flat
buckle, martingale, slip or chain collars, and harnesses may be used. When
dogs are actively working during class, the following restrictions apply: Choke
collars (slip or chain) and flexible leashes such as "Flexi-leads" cannot be used.
Also, we
do not allow the use of prong collars in class, because they can injure a dog
not fitted correctly, if not
put on a dog correctly, or not used correctly. For Agility classes, only flat
buckle collars may be used (for safety). Additional restrictions may apply
to specific classes, based on dog safety or competition rules for that
venue. If appropriate, your instructor may suggest a collar different from
the one you have in order to help you with handling/teaching your dog.
If you have any questions about which is the right class for you and your
dog, please call us at 412-833-2211.
Please Click Here for Information on Preparing for Your First Class (PDF)
We only accept on-line enrollments. Go to the CLASS SCHEDULE page to enroll. Please read the enrollment instructions on that page before enrolling.
Click Here for the KCTC Suggested Sequence of Classes
OUR CLASSES:
Below is a list of classes offered in each discipline (Obedience,
Agility, or Miscellaneous),
with a description of the class, and with prerequisites for each class.
OBEDIENCE
Puppy Pre-School
This class provides vital socialization to other puppies and people and offers training in basic obedience exercises. We’ll help you to teach your puppy how to sit, down, come when called, walk nicely on leash and other skills. Your puppy will have fun while being introduced to important new experiences to help build their confidence. Supervised playtime and socialization are part of every class.
Puppies that attend a minimum of 6 weeks of Puppy Pre-School are eligible to be tested for the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Award by demonstrating their skills learned in class
Please bring a mat or towel for your dog to lie on.
Prerequisites: Prerequisites: Puppies must have had their first set of vaccinations. Pre-School is for pups from 8 to 14 weeks old as of the date of the first class. Only flat buckle collars and harnesses may be used in this class.
Building Puppy Confidence
This class is intended for puppies that are 15 - 24 weeks old. It will
be a mixture of obedience and other activities meant to expose the dog new
experiences. We will use inflatable pods, ladders on the floor, an agility
table, and a variety of other things to give the puppies experiences, in a
safe environment, that will help them become more confident in new
situations. We will also teach you the beginning of basic
obedience to help you get your puppy on the road to becoming a
well behaved dog.
Prerequisites: Puppies must have had their second set of vaccinations.
This class is for pups from 15 to 24 weeks old as of the date of the first
class. Only flat buckle collars and harnesses may be used in this
class. Please bring a mat or towel that your dog lies on at home.
This class is very similar to the Family Manners Foundation obedience class.
However, it is for puppies that may not be ready for more dominant adult
dogs in a regular basic obedience class. Please bring a small blanket or mat
or towel for your dog to lie on.
Family Manners
Obedience
I
This class will teach your dog basic obedience, and how to be a welcome and
appreciated home companion. This course is many dogs' first experience
with formal training. The material that dogs and handlers learn in
this class is the foundation upon which any further obedience, agility, or
other training class builds. We cover basic commands such as "Sit,"
"Stay," "Down," "Come When Called," "Walk on a Leash Without Pulling," "Do
Not Jump on People" and "Pay Attention to Your Handler."
Prerequisites: Dogs must be at
least six months old.
Family Manners
Obedience II
Family Manners II is designed for dogs and their handlers who have completed
a Family Manners I Obedience course at KCTC and who already know sit, down,
stand, stay, come, and heel. The course is intended for those
dogs and handlers that aren't quite ready for Family Manners III, but need
something more challenging than repeating Family Manners I.
Approximately half of the class time is devoted to improving and polishing
the basic skills. The other half is devoted to learning new skills, while
introducing competition basics for obedience, rally obedience, or CGC
testing.
Prerequisites: Family Manners
Obedience I at KCTC, or equivalent 6 or 7-week class.
If you are not sure about a previous class you have taken, please
call us at 412-833-2211.
Canine Good Citizen (CGC), Advanced CGC and Therapy Dog
Training
This class concentrates on practicing the skills that are included in the
American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test, the Advanced CGC
test (called the AKC Community Canine [CGCA] test), and the Therapy Dog
International (TDI) test. The CGC, CGCA and TDI tests (optional) are
normally given between class sessions, at regular intervals. The CGC and
CGCA programs are designed to recognize dogs who have good manners at home
and in public. AKC now issues Title Certificates to dogs that pass the CGC
and CGCA tests.
The CGC and CGCA part of the class covers ten primary skills. The TDI
program includes additional skills such as reactions to children, medical
equipment and food.
To receive either AKC or TDI certification, dogs must take the respective
AKC and TDI tests. The test itself is not part of the class.
Prerequisites: Dogs must be
well-mannered around people and other dogs, be under control at all times,
must like people, and not jump on people. Dogs also must have successfully completed the Family Manners II class, or obtain Instructor approval for waiving this requirement. They must also be
able to walk easily on a loose leash. Prong collars are not allowed in
this class.
Family Manners III/Obedience Reinforcement
This class is for the dog/handler team who has completed Family Manners II and learned the basics of obedience (sit, down,heel, stand, stay, recall,) but would like to go on, either for competition or to improve the behavior of the family pet. In addition to improving those skills already learned, we will learn additional exercises and skills. We will introduce some competition level skills including off leash heeling. Since we sometimes work off leash as a group in this class, we cannot take reactive dogs.
Dogs must be on a flat buckle collar or a Martingale unless we are working on an off leash exercise. You may use a 4-6’ leash. No flexi leashes. Please bring a mat or small blanket with your dog’s scent on it to the first class.
Prerequisite: Family Manners II at KCTC
Games and More Games
This is a fun (and educational) class for dogs who
want to use their obedience skills in a fun and challenging way.
This class will have a variety of games each night to let you to have
fun while improving your obedience skills.
Prerequisite:
Family Manners Obedience II at KCTC
AKC Beginners Novice, Pre-Novice, and Novice
Obedience (Companion Dog [CD])
This class will build upon and expand your knowledge of Basic Obedience and
prepare you to compete in AKC Novice, Beginner Novice and Pre Novice Trials,
including understanding the AKC Rules and Regulations.
Dog and handlers will need a strong understanding of advanced obedience
skills such as on and off leash heeling, 60 second sit-stays, three minute
down-stays, off leash recalls, and sit/stand for exam. We will also build on
exercises such as Off Leash Heeling, Recalls, Fronts, Finishes, and Group
Stays to prepare for Novice Level competition. You will also learn proofing
exercises that you can do at home to help ensure that your dog understands
commands.
This class will help students to prepare for the competition obedience ring by reviewing and fine tuning each exercise. It will also review ring entry and how to fill out entry forms for trials.
Prerequisites:
Dog and handler teams must possess a
strong working knowledge of the skills taught in Family Manners II (see
above). If you have not completed this class, you must obtain
instructor approval prior to enrolling. Dog/Handler teams are not required
to be on a competition path provided they possess the required skills.
The AKC Open Obedience Class is intended for dogs and handlers who would
like to work for their AKC Open/CDX title. In addition to the Novice
level skills, this class will introduce students to retrieving, jumping, and
out-of-sight stays.
The Open Obedience class is a drop-in class & the cost is $10 per class. Check the homepage for info regarding who to contact about the class.
Prerequisites: Family Manners II and AKC Novice level
skills, but a Novice title is not required
Introduction to AKC Utility Obedience
The Introduction to AKC Utility Obedience Class is intended for dogs and
handlers who would like to work for their AKC Graduate Open (GO) or Utility
(UD) title. In addition to the Open level skills, this class will
introduce students to signal exercises, moving stand and exam, scent
discrimination, directed retrieving, and directed jumping.
This is a regular 7-week class, not a drop-in class.
Prerequisites: Novice Title and a retrieve
Rally Obedience Classes
(AKC and WCRL)
Rally allows the dog and handler to proceed at their own pace through a
course of designated stations. Each station has a sign providing
instructions regarding the next skill that is to be performed. Scoring is
not as rigorous as traditional obedience and a perfect "heel position" is
not required. Handlers are permitted to talk and encourage but may not
touch the dog or make physical corrections. Rally is for any level of
dogs. We have separate AKC and WCRL (formerly APDT) classes.
Prerequisite for AKC Rally: KCTC
Family Manners II class (or comparable skills).
Prerequisites for WCRL Rally:
For Level 1: Family Manners II class (or equivalent).
For Level 2/3: WCRL Rally
Level 1 class.
Competition Level Obedience
& Rally Skills
This class is geared toward those working to maximize scores in competition Obedience or Rally. Teams will work to refine their skills through challenging exercises. We will evaluate where we are losing points and work toward a solution. This is a class where participants will be asked to contribute ideas, constructively critique each other and offer tips for improvement.
Prerequisite: currently competing at any level in Obedience or Rally
AGILITY
Note - to avoid injury, we do not allow dogs under one year old to do jumps. Dogs between one year and 15 months old may jump at a low height, to be determined by the Instructor. Only dogs over 15 months old may jump at full height.
All Agility classes are 1 dog per handler.
Level 1 Agility
This
class introduces dogs and handlers to the many skills needed in this fun
sport. Emphasis is on relationship-building with your dog. It
includes beginning handling techniques, contact behavior, confidence
building on non-competition equipment, and an introduction to the tunnel and
table. This class is the first step for handlers with any agility goals, but
also good for non-agility folks wanting to build a stronger connection with
their dog while having fun!
Prerequisites:
Dogs must be non-aggressive and must have successfully completed a
Family Manners II Obedience class.
Level 2 Agility
This class builds on the skills learned in
Agility
1. It also introduces small contact equipment and
tunnels.
And it starts training dogs on jumping skills.
Prerequisite: Level 1 Agility
Level 3.a Agility (Teeters and Weaves
This class is for dogs who wish to learn or improve their teeter
and weave pole performance.
Prerequisites: Dogs
must be at least one year old and have completed Level 2 Agility, unless otherwise
approved by the Instructor.
Level 3.b Agility (Sequencing with Dog Walk and A-Frame)
This class will highlight the Dog Walk, A-Frame, and the Single, Double,
Triple, and Broad jumps. It is
designed to improve the dog’s ability to do these obstacles, as well as
learning to complete short sequences.
The Teeter and Weave Poles will not be used in this class.
Prerequisites: Dogs must be at least one year old, and must have completed Level 2 Agility.
Level 4 Agility
This class is intended to provide additional sequencing instruction in
agility for dogs who are reasonably proficient with all obstacles.
Prerequisites: Dogs must be at
least one year old and must have successfully completed a Family Manners
Obedience class, and both the Level 3.a and 3.b Agility classes.
Level 5 Agility
This class is intended to provide intermediate level instruction for dogs
who have successfully completed the Level 4 Agility class, are familiar
with all the obstacles, and can work off leash. It will introduce dogs to
multiple-obstacle sequences.
Prerequisites:
Dogs must be at least one year old and must have
successfully completed the Level 4 Agility class.
Level 6 Agility
This class is for dogs that are proficient on all obstacles, and must be able to run a multi-obstacle sequence. This is a competition-level class.
Prerequisites: Dogs must be at least 15 months old and must have successfully completed the Level 4 Agility class (or equivalent), and must be capable of running a multi-obstacle agility sequence. This class is intended for dogs that are competing (or are eligible to compete) at the AKC Excellent (or higher) level, or their equivalents in other venues.
Prerequisite: Level 5
Agility
Alphabet Drills (Regular or Beginners)
This class concentrates on handling skills using mostly jumps arranged in
the shape of the letters of the alphabet.
A fun approach to handling!
Prerequisite: Level 4 Agility (for
experienced handlers), or
Level 2 Agility (for for new handlers).
This is a fun class is for dogs that are reasonably proficient on most
obstacles off-lead. Each week, a different agility game sequence is set up,
to simulate the types of games used in agility venues such as CPE, NADAA, or
TDAA (Teacup) competitions. In addition to the agility skills used in
regular agility classes, this class will address strategy for point
accumulation; rules as they apply to specific games, and planning your
sequences to maximize your score.
Prerequisites: Dogs must be at
least 15 months old and must have successfully completed a Basic Obedience
class and Level 4 Agility.
This class will work on skills including front crosses, rear crosses, blind crosses and sending your dog out to work away from you.
Teacup Agility
This class is for little dogs (under 17" high), and will use official Teacup
equipment (smaller than regular agility equipment). It is intended for both
an active Teacup trialing team or for the team who just wants to have a
lighthearted approach to agility for their little pooch.
Prerequisites: Dogs must be at least 15 months old and must have
successfully completed Level 3.a
Agility (Teeters and Weaves).
MISCELLANEOUS
This class will show you how to improve your dog’s fitness, through a
combination of balance, strength, endurance, and stretching. The goals
are to help your dog achieve health at any age or stage of life, get body
systems working at optimal levels with conditioning, improve body awareness,
maintain mobility, decrease risk of injury, build confidence, and improve
quality of life. It is for all dogs, not just those who compete in strenuous
activities.
Prerequisites:
Family Manners Obedience I at
KCTC
Gym Night
This class is for dogs who have previously taken the Canine Conditioning
class and would like to continue to practice the exercises taught in that
class. It is intended to improve your dog’s fitness, through a
combination of balance, strength, endurance, and stretching.
Prerequisites: Both the dog and handler must have previously taken the
Canine Conditioning class at KCTC.
Conformation and Introduction to
Conformation
The Conformation Class is designed to prepare both handler and dog for the
show ring. Come and learn how to properly show your dog for conformation. It
is an ongoing drop-in class. The Introduction class is a 5-week class
for dogs and/or handlers who have little or no previous experience with
conformation competition. You will learn about the basics of
conformation, what classes to enter, individual ring procedures for handling
your dog, and the point system for working up to a championship. It is by
appointment only. If you are interested in the Introduction to Conformation
class, please send an email to
info@keystonecanine.com.
Prerequisites: None
Beginning Scent Work
This class focuses on teaching you how to encourage and develop your
dog’s natural scenting abilities by using their desire to hunt and their
love of toys, food and exercise. It’s a great class for your dog to have
fun, build confidence, and burn lots of mental and physical energy.
Only flat buckle collars and harnesses that are not designed to prevent pulling are
permitted in this class.
Bring a long leash (10 feet is recommended).
Bring lots of high value treats. It’s recommended that you not feed your
dog before class.
All dogs must be crated during class until it is their time to work.
Owners can bring their own crate or use one already at KCTC.
Please come prepared to learn by participation, observation and class
discussion. Only 1 dog working
at a time.
Due to the nature of this training,
handlers may need to expect to repeat levels until their
team is ready to move on. We do not send teams on if they are not
ready.
The class is limited to one dog per handler.
Intermediate Scent Work
This class advances the dog’s scent discrimination skills taught in the basic scent work class. All dogs are taught to identify the same scent, a natural essential oil. Additionally, we introduce techniques and tactics for building better dog/handler teamwork.
Only flat buckle collars
and harnesses that are not designed to prevent pulling are
permitted in this class.
Bring a long leash (10 feet is recommended).
Bring lots of high value treats. It’s recommended that you not feed your
dog before class.
All dogs must be crated during class until it is their time to work.
Owners can bring their own crate or use one already at KCTC.
Please come prepared to learn by participation, observation and class
discussion. Only 1 dog working
at a time.
Due to the nature of this training,
handlers may need to expect to repeat levels until their
team is ready to move on. We do not send teams on if they are not
ready.
The class is limited to one dog per handler.
Advanced Scent Work
This class is for dogs that have completed the Intermediate Scent Work class and have met minimum proficiency in finding their initial target odor. This class will continue to develop handler skills and will introduce the teams to additional target odor(s).
Only flat buckle collars
and harnesses that are not designed to prevent pulling are
permitted in this class.
Bring a long leash (10 feet is recommended).
Bring lots of high value treats. It’s recommended that you not feed your
dog before class.
All dogs must be crated during class until it is their time to work.
Owners can bring their own crate or use one already at KCTC.
Please come prepared to learn by participation, observation and class
discussion. Only 1 dog working
at a time.
Due to the nature of this training,
handlers may need to expect to repeat levels until their
team is ready to move on. We do not send teams on if they are not
ready.
The class is limited to one dog per handler.
Exterior and Vehicle Nose Work
This class is given in the summer months only, in South Park. The
instructor will email directions to the grove we will be using for each
class. Searches will be outside on uneven ground and in parking lots for
vehicle searches. If there should be inclement weather you will be notified
2 hours before class, and the class will meet at the KCTC building. The
class is limited to 10 dogs, and is limited to one working dog per person.
Prerequisite: This class is for
intermediate to advanced level dogs. No beginners.
Treibball
Does your dog need a job?
Do you think he might like to herd, but you don't have sheep? Then
Treibball is for you and your dog! Dogs must "herd" 8 exercise balls from
the center of an area, driving them into a net or "pen" within a designated
time period. It is great physical and metal stimulation for any dog, not
just herding breeds! Lessons will start with teaching your dog to move away
from you to a mat, then learning to push one ball towards you. It is good
training problem solving for the owner too!
Prerequisites: Family
Manners I. Your dog should be able to work off leash in an area with other
dogs and have a good sit, down, stay and come.
Looking to have fun with your dog? This class will teach you and your dog how to perform a number of tricks from simple to more difficult. Besides being a fun class, this class will also help keep your dog healthier by providing mental stimulation, building physical strength, and boosting the bond between you and your dog. Learning tricks will build confidence and attention. Students may choose to attend the seven week class just for fun or may choose to earn AKC Trick Dog titles during the class. We will introduce easy tricks and progress to more advanced tricks using a variety of props such as hoops, various toys, tap lights, pianos, platforms, etc. Props will be available for each student to use in class or you may choose to bring your own.
Prerequisites: Dog and handler must have successfully completed a Building Puppy Confidence or Family Manners I class at KCTC or comparable class approved by the instructor. Dogs should be comfortable with mild jumping, crawling, stretching, rolling, etc. to be able to complete some tricks at certain levels, and also must be comfortable working in a group setting with other dogs and handlers. They must be able to work off leash at times during the class. No reactive dogs.
Intro to Flyball
This class is designed for the inexperienced dog and/or handler. The class will receive an introduction to flyball box work and jumps, foundation games, motivation and safety, all in a positive learning environment.
Prerequisites: Family Manners I; at least 12 months old. Bring soft treats and a harness
for your dog.
Rodeo Dog
The purpose of Rodeo Dog is to form a bond with your dog and compete in a fun and safe environment. The dog moves around or between barrels, and the owner finds it challenging to decide the best way to work the dog. The team may start at an easy level which is on leash, and works their way to harder and more challenging levels. This requires more training and more bonding within the team. Rodeo Dog results in well-rounded and conditioned dogs. It demonstrates training and good teamwork. Rodeo Dog does not discriminate against any dog or handler because of a disability. Accommodations can be made. Good teamwork can develop with any dog and handler team. Rodeo Dog improves handling skills that can be incorporated for use in agility (or other disciplines and venues).
Prerequisite: Family Manners I
