Oriole Dog Training Club Schedule of Classes
Spring 2026 

Registration Info & Policies

Course Listings:     OBEDIENCE   DOG SPORTS PREPARATION     AGILITY       FLYBALL       TRACKING       K9 NOSE WORK©     CONFORMATION    REGISTRATION FORM

Core Obedience Courses

[OB201] Beginner Novice to Novice Progression. - FULL Instructor: Fran Bethea. 8 weeks. This class builds on the skills learned in Basic Obedience. You and your dog will learn and practice the skills needed to compete in Beginner Novice (BN) level obedience events. These skills include reading BN signs and the individual exercises. The dog must have a knowledge of basic commands of Sit, Down, Stay, and Recall. Dogs need to be able to heel on leash from the start of class. Prerequisites: This class is open to dogs 1 year and older that are able to work around other dogs. Taking a Basic Obedience class is recommended or permission of the instructor. Main Ring 2.

NEW! [OB203] Novice. - FULL Instructor: Deb Jackson.  8 weeks.  This class is for students interested in pursuing the AKC Companion Dog (CD) title. The class will focus on fine-tuning the Novice exercises and preparing teams to enter the ring. Class will work on building and maintaining attention and engagement with your dogs through proofing and games.  We will also work on the foundations for skills required for Open obedience competition. The dog must have a knowledge of basic commands of Sit, Down, Stay, and Recall. Dogs need to be able to heel on leash from the start of class. Prerequisites: This class is open to dogs 1 year and older that are able to work around other dogs. Taking a Basic Obedience class is recommended or permission of the instructor. Main Ring 1.

[OB321] Transition to Off-Leash Heeling & Proofing. Instructors: Sue Carlton and Debbie Kaminski.  7 weeks. This class follows the [OB209] Novice Foundations Part II class in the four-semester Novice program. This class will prepare your dog for the “Fine Tuning exercises and Handling Skills” class that is next in the progression. Additional skills and techniques will be taught to effectively transition your dog to off leash heeling and improve their attention and motivation in the ring. Including problem solving heeling for competing in Novice through Utility. In the ring, each team will work individually and within groups. Open to dog/handler teams preparing for competition. A questionnaire may be emailed to the students before the first class. Prerequisite: Completion of OB209 and/or evaluated by instructor before class starts. Registration Note:  Instructor approved students from the Winter 2025 [OB209] can register for this class. All others must receive approval from the instructor before registering for this class.  Note: After completing this class, the next class in the Novice progression is [OB412] Fine Tuning exercises and Handling Skills.

Main Ring 2.

[OB210] Advanced Novice.  Instructors: Barry Palmer, Andra Shanley.  10 weeks.  This is a three-semester class and specifically intended for those planning to compete at the Novice level.  It is part 5 of the competitive Novice program that begins with Novice Foundations I & II, Transition to Off-leash Heeling and Fine Tuning Exercises and Handling Skills classes.  All Novice exercises will be reviewed & polished. Additionally, foundation skills for Open & Utility exercises will be introduced. Prerequisites: Solid heeling footwork & off-lead heeling, attention, as well as a dependable recall, sit, stand & down. Completion of the four-semester Novice Program: [OB208] [OB209] Novice Foundations I and II, [OB321] Transition to Off Leash Heeling class, [OB412] Fine Tuning exercises and Handling Skills and/or evaluated by instructor before class starts.  Registration Note:  Instructor approved students from the Fall 2025 [OB210] can register for this class. All others must receive approval from the instructor before registering for this class. Note: Registered dogs may not attend any other ODTC obedience classes during the same semester (attending a Run Thru, Rally or Transition class is permitted).  Main Ring 1.  

[OB340] Open.  Instructor: Pat Kavanagh.  10 Weeks. This class is intended for teams that are starting or fine-tuning the Open exercises and planning to compete in Open.  The class will emphasize teaching and improving the skills necessary to perform each exercise.  Motivational methods will be used with an emphasis on building a solid foundation to develop confidence in the dog/handler as a team. Prerequisites: Completion of the [OB210] Advanced Novice class and/or evaluated by instructor before class starts. Registration Note: Instructor-approved students from the OB210 or OB340 can register for this class. All others must receive approval from the instructor before registering for this class. Main Ring 2.

[OB345] Advanced Open/Beginning Utility. - FULL Instructors: Elaine O’Carroll and Val Earwood. 8 Weeks. This class is for those trainers who need additional refinement & proofing skills to successfully compete in Open while also preparing their dogs to learn all the parts of the Utility exercises. Prerequisites:1)Students must be about to compete or currently competing in the Open class at obedience trials;2)They should be familiar with all the Utility class exercises.Registration Note: Instructor approved students from theFall 2025 [OB345] can register for this class.All others must receive approval from the instructor before registering for this class. Note: During the normal registration period, dogs registered for this class may not be registered for any other ODTC obedience Open or Utility class (run-throughs and rally classes are OK). If spots remain after the normal registration period is over, dogs may be registered for additional Open or Utility classes.  Main Ring 1 & 2.

[OB402] Beginning Utility. - FULL  Instructor: Barry Palmer. Assistant: Andra Shanley. 10 Weeks. This class is intended for teams that are planning to compete at the Utility Level. All Utility exercises will be covered and proofed. Motivational methods will be used with an emphasis on building attitude & confidence in the dog & handler as a team. Prerequisites:Completion of [OB341]or[OB345].  Registration Note: Instructor-approved students from theSpring 2025 [OB341] or Fall 2025 [OB345] can register for this class.All others must receive approval from the instructor before registering for this class.Note: During the normal registration period, dogs registered for this class may not be registered for any other ODTC obedience Open or Utility class (run-throughs and rally classes are OK). If spots remain after the normal registration period is over, dogs may be registered for additional Open or Utility classes. Main Ring 1.

[OB470] AKC Rally - Novice, Intermediate, Adv. & Exc. Semi-Instructional Class. - FULL  Instructor: Michele Long, Assistant: Andra Shanley, Charis Smith.  8 wks.  Generally, work is on-leash for Novice and Intermediate. It isoff-leash for Advanced and Excellent dogs, but that is dependent on the team's working level and the individual trainer's preference. There will be 2 rings with signs and jumps set up to run at all three levels. Generally, students will get 4 runs, with 2 runs in each ring. Signs will be reviewed for those requiring instruction. Prerequisite: Dogs must know Basic Obedience commands. Students must be familiar with Rally. (Rally signs can be reviewed on the AKC website under Rally Obedience).  Notes: 1) Limit one dog per handler; 2) If class does not fill, a second dog per handler will be considered, with instructor approval required; 3) Drop-in students will be considered if the class does not fill, and drop-in students will be charged. Approval of the instructor is required prior to joining the class. Main Ring 1 & 2.  Note: Ring setup begins at 5:30pm. No other classes can be booked in the rings at 5:30pm.

Elective Obedience Classes

[EL OB205] Open Ring Drop-In.   Instructors: Mary Anne Dressler.  8 Weeks.  This is an open ring time when handlers can have time in the ring to work on whatever they would like to work on. Teams do not have to use the time as a structured run-thru. There will be an instructor on site to help if needed. Open to dog/handler teams preparing to enter competition. The fee is based on per run/per dog/per week. Note: This is not an instructional class. Main Ring 1 & 2.

[EL OB414] Open Ring Run Thrus.  Instructors: Marcia Bresson, Jane Terry.  8 weeks.  This is not an instructional class.  Attendees should be proficient at their competition level.  All competition levels may attend. Time slots will be assigned for each date and rotated during the session. Oversight will be provided by Marcia Bresson and Jane Terry. Both rings will be used simultaneously. Main Ring 1 & 2.

[EL OB473] AKC Rally Run Thrus (Masters, Exc, Adv).  Instructors:  Arthur Belendiuk, Jane Andraka.  8 weeks.  This is not an instructional class.  Practice for your advanced titles or get RACH ready!  Two courses will be set per week (Masters, Excellent, or Advanced).  Both rings will be used simultaneously. Oversight will be provided by Jane and Arthur.  Participants will have an opportunity to run each course twice. Prerequisite: Students must be familiar with rally signs. Limit of one dog per registration. Main Ring 1 & 2. Note: Ring setup begins at 8:30am.

 

 

K9 Nose Work©

  

Note: All participants in Nose Work classes at the NW100-NW400 levels are required to volunteer 8 hours at an ODTC K9 Nose Work© or AKC Scent Work event for each class in which they are registered. Volunteering is a fantastic learning opportunity that offers the opportunity to watch multiple dogs searching. We learn as much or more from observation as we do from running our own dogs. Information regarding trial dates/opportunities to volunteer will be provided.

[NW102] Introduction to Odor/K9 Nose Work©. - FULL Sue Cox, CNWI, and Jaqueline Reardon, CNWI.  6 Weeks.  This is the next sequence in the program for dog/handler teams who have completed [NW101] NW Foundations:  Introduction/Foundation to K9 Nose work©. The instruction provided in this class will follow the methods and foundation of K9 Nose Work©. Classes focus on continued teaching and encouraging the development of your dog’s natural scenting abilities by using their desire to hunt for food and/or toys, now paired with NACSW competition odors (Birch/Anise/Clove). Searches may be videotaped as part of the educational process. Dogs are worked one at a time and must be crated between activities. Dogs may be introduced to indoor settings, outdoor settings, and vehicles in addition to continuing work with containers/boxes.  Note:  One dog per handler.  *Class Dates:  Apr. 9, Apr. 23, May 7, May 21, Jun. 4, Jun. 18.  Front Training Room.

  

[NW102-AUDIT] Intro to Odor/K9 Nose Work© Audit.  Sue Cox, CNWI, and Jacqueline Reardon, CNWI.  6 Weeks.  This is the next sequence in the program for dog/handler teams who have completed [NW101] NW Foundations: Introduction/Foundation to K9 Nose Work©. The instruction provided in this class will follow the methods and foundation of K9 Nose Work©. Classes focus on continued teaching and encouraging the development of your dog’s natural scenting abilities by using their desire to hunt for food and/or toys, now paired with NACSW competition odors (Birch/Anise/Clove). Searches may be videotaped as part of the educational process. Dogs are worked one at a time and must be crated between activities.  Dogs may be introduced to indoor settings, outdoor settings, and vehicles in addition to continuing work with containers/boxes.  Note:  Audit only – no dog attends class.  *Class Dates: Apr. 9, Apr. 23, May 7, May 21, Jun. 4, Jun. 18.  Front Training Room.

[NW201] ORT/NW1 Preparation K9 Nose Work©. - FULLInstructors: Sue Cox, CNWI, and Jacqueline Reardon, CNWI. 6 Weeks. This class is for dogs that already know K9 Nose Work© competition odors (Birch/Anise/Clove). The instruction provided in this class will follow the methods and foundation of K9 Nose Work©. Class content will concentrate on continued search technique refinement and handling. Searches may be videotaped as part of the educational process.  Dogs are worked one at a time and must be crated between activities.  Containers will be emphasized for ORT preparation.  Additionally, indoor and outdoor settings as well as vehicles will be used. Prerequisites: Completion of [NW102] Introduction to Odor and approval by the Nose Work instructional team.  Note:  One dog per handler. *Class Dates: Apr. 16, Apr. 30, May 14, May 28, Jun. 11, plus one travel class which will be on a weekend – to be determined.  Front Training Room, Loading Dock.

[NW301] NW2 K9 Nose Work©. - FULL Instructors: Jacqueline Reardon, CNWI, and Sue Cox, CNWI. 6 Weeks.  This class is for dogs that already know scent work. The instruction provided in this class will follow the methods and foundation of K9 Nose Work©. Class content will concentrate on continued search technique refinement and handling. Searches may be videotaped as part of the educational process. Dogs are worked one at a time and must be crated between activities. Indoor and outdoor settings and vehicles may be used. Prerequisites: Completion of ORT title and NW1 title (or equivalent) and approval by the Nose Work instructional team.  Note: One dog per handler.  *Class Dates:  Apr. 8, Apr. 22, May 6, May 20, Jun. 3, plus one travel class which will be on a weekend – to be determined.  Front Training Room, Loading Dock.

[NW401] NW3 K9 Nose Work©. - FULL Instructors: Jacqueline Reardon, CNWI, and Sue Cox, CNWI.  6 Weeks. This class is for teams who are working on their NW3 or NW3-Elite titles. The instruction provided in this class will follow the methods and foundation of K9 Nose Work©. Class content will concentrate on continued search technique refinement and handling. Searches may be videotaped as part of the educational process. Indoor and outdoor settings and vehicles may be used. Dogs are worked one at a time and must be crated between activities. Prerequisites: Attainment of the NW2 title (or equivalent) and approval by the Nose Work instructional team. Note: One dog per handler.  *Class Dates: Apr. 15, Apr. 29, May 13, May 27, Jun. 10, plus one travel class which will be on a weekend – to be determined.  Front Training Room, Loading Dock.

 

[NW601] Elite/Summit Run Throughs. Instructors: ODTC Nose work instructional team.  Students competing at the Elite and Summit levels will have the opportunity to run 2-3 searches.  Prerequisites:  Attainment of the NW3-ELT title and approval by the Nose Work instructional team. If the class does not fill within 7 days of a class date, teams with at least one NW3 title may be added at the discretion of the instructor(s). The instructional team will maintain a wait list for these teams.  *Class Date: TBD weekday in May, contingent on weather. Note:  One dog per handler per class. Location TBD.

[EL NW901] Games & Fun. - FULL Instructor: Jessica Daggit, CNWI. 3 Weeks. This mini class is for dogs that already know K9 Nose Work odors (Birch, Anise, Clove). All levels are welcome. The instruction provided in this class will follow the methods of K9 Nose Work© and the Dog Driven Search. This class is all about letting your dog follow their nose for the sheer joy of it. Expect laughter, creativity, and plenty of fun. Dogs are worked one at a time and must be crated in handlers’ vehicle between activities. Class is indoor only. Note: One dog per handler.  Front Training Room.

[EL NW902] Dog-Driven Search. - FULL Instructor: Jessica Daggit, CNWI. 3 Weeks. This mini class is for dogs that already know K9 Nose Work odors (Birch, Anise, Clove). All levels are welcome. The instruction provided in this class will follow the methods of K9 Nose Work© and the Dog Driven Search. Dog Driven Search prioritizes letting the dog take the lead, rather than directing the dog and also prioritizes dogs' naturally problem-solving odor. The handler’s role is to observe, support, and respond to the dog’s communication and movement while being part of the team without interrupting the dog’s focus. Leash skills and handler body language are emphasized. Dogs are worked one at a time and must be crated in handlers’ vehicle between activities. Class is indoor only. Note: One dog per handler.  *Class Dates: Apr. 1, Apr. 15, Apr. 22.  Front Training Room, Loading Dock.

DOG SPORTS PREPARATION 

[AG050] Foundations for Dog Sports.  Instructors: Margaret McDowell, Bethany Pontier, Carol Carr, Kim Culp, and Chelsy Thompson.  10 weeks.  This class is for dogs aged 6 months & up who have graduated from a Basic Obedience class. Dogs will be introduced to the basic relationship-building and foundation skills needed to be competitive in timed, physically active dog sports such as agility, flyball, rally, and disc dog. Foundation training includes board and target training, fitness training, impulse-control games, drive games with recalls and sends, emphasis on tugging as a reward, rear-end awareness, and body-coordination exercises. Dogs can and should be entered in this class at a young age (although it is reasonable to expect very young dogs to rotate through it twice to expose them to each foundation exercise twice during their “puppy brain” stage). This class is primarily taught using a clicker to shape behaviors. Students will be exposed to a variety of "proofing" techniques to improve their dog’s performance. Graduation criteria: (1) dog can hold a "stay" position with handler at least 10' away; (2) dog exhibits body control coordination through demonstration of class exercises; (3) dog can stay focused on handler while working around other dogs in low arousal situations; (4) dog sends around an object from at least 6' away; (5) handler exhibits understanding of training principles, including the 3 D’s for proofing, using a clicker for shaping behaviors, and handling/engaging with the dog. Students planning to move ahead to Agility 1 have the additional criteria of (1) dog actively engages with a toy, viewing it as a reward; (2) dog is comfortable getting on the travel board with all four feet and turning around; and (3) ideally dog will target a toy and return it to handler.  Prerequisite: Verification of graduation from Basic Obedience class, a CGC certificate, or a completed evaluation by an Agility instructor. Note: The first night of class is required for participation in the course. Dogs do not come to the first night of class. Agility Ring.

[AG052] Agility Foundations for Puppies. - CANCELLED Instructors: Dale Martins and Maureen Shea. 7 weeks. This class is for puppies age 4 months to 1 year at the start of class. Puppies will be introduced to crate games, which helps teach impulse control. The puppy will learn body awareness and how to think with “It’s Your Choice.” Handlers will learn how to train their puppy by having fun and playing with their new addition, creating a strong bond between them and their dog. Crate needed. Notes: 1) Dogs do not come to the first class. 2) Bring current rabies certificate for puppies over 4 months to the first night of class. Front Training Room.

 

AGILITY
NOTE: Registrants must ensure they meet the requirements for the class prior to registering. Instructors have the right to remove any student from a class if the student does not meet the requirements. If you are unsure of whether you and your dog meet the prerequisites or are ready for a certain class, feel free to ask your current instructors or reach out to the Agility Training Director (odtcagility@gmail.com).

IMPORTANT: All dogs participating in agility must be physically sound & at an appropriate weight. Keep your dog's nails trimmed & keep hair around the feet trimmed to prevent slipping on the equipment. If your dog has hair falling in his eyes, tie it back with a rubber band or small barrette. Dogs with underlying health problems, including but not limited to hip & elbow dysplasia, cardiovascular disease, epilepsy, vision, or other health problems that limit endurance, balance, or motor control should not participate in agility without consultation with a veterinarian who is familiar with agility.  It is suggested that owners not sign their dogs up for agility classes until the dog is at least 12 months old.  Timing, however, is an issue with our structured start dates. If you wish to enroll a dog that will be younger than 12 months at the start of class, you must submit a waiver & request permission of the agility training director.  

Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who will remain in the building throughout the class.  Registration for agility classes is contingent upon instructor evaluation & approval of dog/handler teams as deemed necessary by the class instructor.  Participants must be approved by instructor.

Limitation on Registration for Agility Classes:

Due to the limited number of class slots available and the current demand, dogs may register for no more than two (2) classes during the opening weeks of registration. Should a class not fill 24 hours after the non-member registration opening, then the restriction on the number of classes is lifted.

BRING YOUR RABIES INFORMATION TO THE FIRST CLASS.  For questions, please contact the Registrar, by email RegistrarODTC@gmail.com.

Introductory Agility Courses

The classes in this section focus on introducing/teaching obstacle performance.  Students will learn how to define successful criteria for performance of the obstacles as well as the basic groundwork needed for the handling skills to be covered in more advanced classes.  These classes start with dogs that have never seen, or have had only limited exposure to, agility equipment as well as dogs that have not reached acceptable obstacle performance levels.
 

UPDATED Class Progression:

Foundations for Dog Sports (AG050) > Agility1 (AG100) > Agility 2 (AG110) > Agility 3 (if needed this will be offered). Once a dog has successfully completed Agility 2 or 3, handlers and dogs should then take Pre-Competition (AG300) followed by Novice Handling (AG5832). If you would like to skip one of the classes in this progression, permission must be granted prior to registration by the instructor or the Agility Training Director.

Volunteer Requirement: All participants in the Introductory Level Agility Program are required to work at least 4 hours at an agility trial(s) sponsored by ODTC during each semester they attend classes at ODTC. 2 of these hours must be from the actual trial, while the other two can be accrued with trial setup or teardown. Instructors will provide students with trial information at the beginning of each semester. In addition to meeting the skill requirements for each class, participation at a trial is required to move up a level.

***IMPORTANT*** If you do not meet the criteria for a class,you must schedule an individual assessment and/or receive written permission from the instructor before classes begin. You may register for classes prior to the assessments, but you must pass the skill level assessment to participate. 

[AG100] Agility 1. - FULL Instructors: Cris Fitchitt, Elizabeth Warren, Sheila Franklin, and Marcia Kibby, Assistants: Galena Kuiper and Sharon Martinez. 10 weeks. This course is intended to introduce dogs to the agility obstacles and to introduce handlers to the training methods for achieving safe, confident, and competent obstacle performance as well as a good working relationship, allowing for off-leash agility performance. Emphasis will be given to establishing a foundation for independent obstacle performance. Classes will be divided by gating into multiple workstations. Dogs must be capable of working with other dogs working at the same time. By the end of the session dogs should: have a good understanding of the 2on/2off end behavior without requiring a target; be able to drive to the end of the teeter with at least a 16” drop; drive through a partially closed weave channel with good footwork and speed irrespective of handler position; perform a four-jump grid with the handler in a variety of positions; send to a straight or curved tunnel; and send to and stay on a table. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Foundations for Dog Sports or permission of instructor. Agility Foundations for Puppies does not qualify for admission into Agility 1. Note: This class is run at the same time as Flyball and there may be excessive noise. Agility Ring.

[AG110] Agility 2. - FULL  Instructors: Cindy Deubler, Meredith Wilson, Celia Fernandez, Jessica Lewis, and Lynda Folwick. 10 weeks. This course builds on the training and skills taught in AG1. By the end of this session, dogs should be transferring end behaviors to contacts, including the teeter; jumping full height jumps in a variety of patterns; and performing closed weaves with good speed and footwork after entering independently from a variety of angles, irrespective of handler position. The team should be able to perform short sequences of tunnels and jumps, including special jumps, with the handler executing basic crosses as needed.  Note: This class is run at the same time as Flyball, and there may be excessive noise. Prerequisite: Successful completion of AG100 or permission of the instructor. Agility Ring.

[AG300] Pre-Competition - Skills Handling. Instructors: Janet Gauntt and Beth Bond.  10 weeks. This level is for dog and handler teams who are ready to train for competition. Basic handling maneuvers, identifying lines and angles of approach and exit, and discriminations will be among the concepts taught, as well as continuing to build obstacle performance. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the Agility 2/3, or by permission of the instructors. Note: Students may not take this class more than two times. Full Arena.

[AG580] Open/Advanced Handling Sequences. Instructors: Ken Briefel. 10 weeks.  This course is intended for those who have completed Novice Standard titles and are currently competing at the Advanced/Open/CPE 3 Standard levels. The goal is to refine handling skills and techniques, including proper use and placement of a variety of crosses and maneuvers, handling common jump patterns, and determining the best dog path and how to handle to get it. The class will cover and encourage the training and use of verbal cues and clear use of hands, arms, and other physical cues. Prerequisites: Dogs need to consistently meet handler criteria on all obstacles without training aids. Handlers should have a basic understanding of the mechanics of front, blind, and rear crosses. Teams must be able to sequence at least 12-14 obstacles, including all contacts and weaves. Note: Students may not take this class more than two times without permission of the instructor. Agility Ring.

Elective Agility Courses

We welcome new ideas for electives.  Please talk to the Agility training director or board members if you have an idea for an elective.

[EL AG522] Building Contacts and Weaves Performance. Instructor: Cindy Deubler and Ashley Donaldson. 10 Weeks. Need more practice time to perfect contacts and weave performance? Each week, this class will allow handlers a chance to work on particular obstacles based on their needs. All props to assist will be available – open channels and guide wires for weaves, tables for teeter, lowered A-frame, travel boards. Prerequisite: Successful completion of AG110 (Agility 2) or permission of the instructor.  Agility Ring.

 

[EL AG535] Contact and Weave Skills. - FULL  Instructors: Darlene Paul, Gayle Lape, and Betsy Flagg.  10 Weeks.  This class is being offered for people who have the desire to dive deep into the solid foundation of doing stopped contacts and work toward independent weaves using the guide wire channel method. Contact work will start with going through the different levels of travel board work and possibly adding in stairs. Running A-frame training may also be covered if the handler and instructor feel it is the right option for that dog. Introductory training on equipment will be covered for those who meet the criteria. All dogs will be started on the teeter using the 2-table method and working up to a full-height teeter with a drop. If the class does not fill with students who are looking to work at this level, other students who are interested and may be further along will be considered with instructor approval. Agility Ring.

[EL AG537] Excellent/Masters Strategy & Execution. - FULL Instructor: Reese Spindle. 8 Weeks.

This class is designed for teams training in or competing at the AKC Excellent/Masters level, USDAA Masters level, or CPE Level 5 (or by permission of the instructor) who want to improve course analysis, sharpen handling skills, increase speed, and fine-tune obstacle performance. Across the 8-week session, teams will work through a mix of skill-focused drills and/or course setups to reinforce advanced handling fundamentals. Areas of focus will include challenges commonly seen in Excellent/Master/Level 5 courses, such as discriminations; front, blind, and rear crosses; wraps, serpentines, pinwheels, 180s, and 270s; distance challenges; and other advanced handling maneuvers. Emphasis will be placed on identifying the dog’s path, making confident handling choices, developing independence, and strengthening communication through intentional motion and timely verbal cues to create smoother, more efficient runs. *Class Dates: Apr. 7, May 12, May 19, May 26, Jun. 2, Jun. 9, Jun. 16, Jun. 23. Agility Ring.

[EL AG539] Distance Training.  Instructor: Jean Wilkins.  10 Weeks.  Want to improve your distance handling with your dog? Want more distance between you and your dog on the course? Want to get a better understanding of how to handle gambles, fast sends, chance runs? Want to learn how to plan for your dog to gather game points and set yourself up for a better approach to the distance elements? In this class, you will learn and practice distance skills. Prerequisite: Dogs need to have some independence on obstacles, must be able to seek obstacles on their own, be proficient on all equipment (learning obstacles is not the focus of this class), and must be able to do the obstacles without being escorted. Agility Ring.

[EL AG573] Building Jumping Skills & Drive.  Instructor: Heather Ortega.  4 weeks. This mini class is intended for anyone who has successfully completed AG100 or with permission of the instructor. Work on skills at the basic level to help your dog look at jumps as a fun thing to do. Exercises will primarily consist of open sequences to build speed and work lines. Only jumps and tunnels will be used. An opportunity for dogs needing jump focus and working lines independently. Agility Ring.

[EL AG575] Handling Contacts & Weaves.  Instructor: Terry Herman.  8 weeks. Dogs must consistently meet handler criteria on all obstacles without training aids, be able perform closed weave poles, and be doing full height contacts. If you are not certain you meet this criteria, special permission must be obtained from the instructor prior to registration. Emphasis will be on building independent contact and weave performance that meets established criteria. Short sequences will be used to create different contact and weave approaches and exits, allowing handlers to be in a variety of positions and perform a variety of handling maneuvers. Class sessions may be designed to concentrate on individual contacts and/or weaves. Note: No class on May 21. Agility Ring.

[EL AG532] Excellent/Masters Skills & Drills. Instructor: Terry Herman. 8 Weeks. This class is intended for teams currently competing in or preparing to compete at the Exc/Masters levels. This class will use a variety of drills to develop handling skills and decision-making needed to execute challenges found in Exc/Masters classes. These may include handling patterns like wraps, 270s, Pinwheels, Boxes, Discriminations, Threadles, and Backsides.  The class will emphasize alternative handling options and the skills needed to execute them efficiently and effectively for individual teams. This class will use drills and sequences that may incorporate all obstacles, but it is not a coursework class. Note: No class on May 21. Agility Ring.

NEW! [EL AG533] Crosses - How, When, Where, and Why?. - FULL Instructor: Terry Herman. 10 Weeks. Front Crosses, Blind Crosses, Rear Crosses — they’re not just ways to change sides. When used correctly, they’re powerful handling cues to create efficient lines and give the dog advance information on where to go next. This class will deal with how you do them, when and where to do them, and how you pick which one will be most effective in different situations. This class will use jumps and tunnels only.  Dogs must be able to send forward ahead of the handler over a jump or to a tunnel. Agility Ring.

NEW! [EL AG542] Problem Solving. Instructor: Terry Herman. 8 Weeks. This course will be dedicated to handling issues/problems (not obstacle performance problems) raised by the participants in advance. It’s open to anyone currently competing at the Advanced/Open levels and above. Participants will identify particular maneuvers, obstacle patterns, verbals, or handling challenges that they’re having trouble teaching, learning or executing. Each session will be designed to focus on one or two of those issues, using drills or sequences. Agility Ring.

Prerequisite: Privates are not appropriate for dogs and handlers wanting to begin agility training. They are intended for dog and handler teams ready to start competing or already competing. Dogs must be able to perform all equipment in accordance with established performance criteria. 

Note: If you are currently on Terry's list and receiving her emails about scheduling Private lessons, there is no need to register again. Agility Ring.

Agility Seminars and Workshops

Check Oriole's website for a complete list and updates - Seminars

 

IMPORTANT: All dogs participating in flyball must be physically sound & at an appropriate weight. Keep your dog's nails trimmed & keep hair around the feet trimmed to prevent slipping. If your dog has hair falling in his eyes, tie it back with a rubber band or small barrette. Dogs with underlying health problems, including but not limited to hip & elbow dysplasia, cardiovascular disease, epilepsy, vision, or other health problems that limit endurance, balance, or motor control should not participate in flyball without consultation with a veterinarian who is familiar with flyball.  It is suggested that owners not sign their dogs up for flyball classes until the dog is at least 12 months old.  Timing, however, is an issue with our structured start dates.  If you wish to enroll a dog that will be younger than 12 months at the start of class, you must submit a waiver & request permission of the flyball training director.  Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who will remain in the building throughout the class.

Introductory Flyball Courses

[FB100] Beginner Flyball. Instructors: Lauralee McGuire and Judith Hoffman.  10 Weeks.  This class is for those who want to learn the sport.  Dogs should be proficient in basic obedience & be under control in the presence of other dogs.  This course is NOT an entry class for the competition course.   Prerequisite: Basic obedience. Main Ring 1 & 2.

[FB110] Beginner Flyball. Instructor: Kate Bobb.  5 Weeks.  This class is for those who want to learn the sport.  Dogs should be proficient in basic obedience & be under control in the presence of other dogs.  This course is NOT an entry class for the competition course.   Prerequisite: Basic obedience. *Class Dates: Apr. 10, Apr. 17, May 1, May 15, May 29.  Main Ring 1 & 2.

Core Flyball Courses

[FB300] Competition Flyball.  Instructors: Lauralee McGuire and Judith Hoffman. 10 Weeks.  We will be overlapping the beginner class to give the green dogs an experienced dog to work against. Dogs will refine skills and increase speed and work in a team.  Prerequisite:  Beginner flyball or permission of instructor.  Main Ring 1 & 2.

[FB310] Friday Flyball.  Instructor: Kate Bobb.  5 Weeks.  This is a class open to dogs with intermediate & advanced skills. Less experienced dogs or handlers will start to work alongside seasoned dogs & team members.  Dogs will refine skills & increase speed & work in a team. Prerequisite:  Beginner flyball or permission of instructor. *Class Dates: Apr. 10, Apr. 17, May 1, May 15, May 29.  Location:  Main Ring 1 & 2.

TRACKING 

All tracking classes are held outside for 2 to 4 hours. Students learn to track their dogs, lay track, and from other students working their dogs. All dogs and handlers must be fit enough to walk for one mile.

There are no tracking classes offered for Spring 2026.

  

CONFORMATION

[EL C600] Conformation. Instructor: Evelyn Comer. 6 Weeks. Handlers will learn about proper ring etiquette, different judging patterns, ring procedures, and showmanship tips.  We will cover skills like gaiting, presentation to the judge, plus hand stacking and free stacking.  Handlers will learn how to move their dogs at the correct speed, show their dog's bite, and manage distractions in the ring to successfully prepare their dog for competition. Additionally, we will work on developing the communication and connection between the handler and dog to enhance teamwork and performance, with food and/or toy rewards encouraged.  Prerequisites:  Dogs must be at least 4 months old and up if housetrained, have basic manners, and be able to be approached by a stranger, or with permission from the instructor.  No people-aggressive or dog-aggressive dogs. Main Ring 1.