TCDTC Classes & Registration
Most classes are 8 weeks duration unless otherwise noted
Puppy
Practical advice on how to prevent or correct behavioral problems. For puppies 8 weeks to under 5 months.
Basic Obedience
For the owner who wants a well-behaved pet, one who will come when called, sit, stay, etc when YOU want them to.
Advanced Basic Obedience
Continuation of basic with emphasis on improving response to commands and reliability.
NOVICE and Beginning Novice Obedience
Next Session TBA, 2022. Competition prep for Novice & Begin. Novice Obedience levels.
Conformation
Meets weekly Sept-Nov. and Jan – June. Get your dog ready for the breed ring or refresh your champion.
Rally Class
Class helps you learn to compete in rally and have fun working on obedience skills at the same time.
AKC- Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Class and Testing
CGC class prepares you for AKC CGC Test
Group Heeling
(Members Only) – TCDTC Members training in group settings – work on honing skills and proofing for dogs. MUST REGISTER!
Trick Dog Seminar & Tests
Next session: TBD. Email us w/interest! Fun Trick Dog Seminar to help you prepare your dog for AKC Trick Dog performance.
REGISTRATION & CANCELLATION INFO
Info RE: proof of vaccines, class guidelines, refunds, severe weather cancellations and other important stuff.
Open A/B and Utility A/B Obedience
Next Session – TBD. Email us! Open & Utility Obedience class- preparation for both competition levels.
Please use our online payment methods to register for classes at this time.
Once you click on the blue “Register for XXXX Class”, on the right side of the description provided for your chosen class, you will be directed to our registration form and given the option to pay by using PayPal or a credit card through PayPal as a guest online. PayPal allows use of most major credit cards.
*There is no added processing fee when paying with PayPal*
To further limit COVID exposure to our officers, we will resume collection of cash and check payments, either by mail or in person, after the end of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Puppy Class
For puppies 8 weeks up to 20 weeks at start of class. Don’t wait for problems to develop. Practical advice on how to prevent or correct general behavior problems. Excellent for the first time puppy owner or a refresher & socialization class for new puppies. Bring vaccines record to first class, please — NO PUPPIES for the first session.
Equipment: Handlers must wear a MASK if not yet fully vaccinated for COVID 19; puppies need 4’-6’ leash, buckle collar, favorite toy, SOFT treats.
No checks or cash are accepted for the upcoming March-April Session.
Registration is now open on our NEW website.
Click the link in blue provided below to be migrated to the new website to register.
Email us at classes@tcdtc.com with any questions regarding future classes
*DO NOT BRING PUPPIES TO FIRST CLASS**
Tuesdays at 5:30- 6:30 pm.
8 weeks
$100
Instructor: J. Nash, Asst T. Thiel
Class limit: 10 puppies
NOTE; ALL HANDLERS MUST WEAR MASKS WHEN INSIDE OUR TCDTC FACILITY if you are not yet fully vaccinated against Covid 19.
Please do not attend classes if you: have a fever, are coughing, sneezing or feeling ill, or if you need to quarantine due to COVID exposure.
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If class is filled, please contact classes@tcdtc.com to be placed on a notification list for future classes. (For dogs 5 mos or older at introductory levels, the TCDTC Basic Obedience class is recommended for older pups through mature dogs. Email us for notification of next availability.)
Contact classes@tcdtc.com with questions.
Basic Obedience
Send email to classes@tcdtc.com for notification of registration opening for the next class session.
For dogs at least 5 months of age. Basic Obedience Class is designed for the owner who wants a well-behaved pet, one who will come when called, sit, stay, etc. when YOU want them follow your commands.
Equipment: Handlers may be asked to wear a MASK; dogs need 4’-6’ dog leash, buckle collar, favorite toy and soft treats.
We are monitoring the state of MI safety precautions for COVID. Requirements may change as threat levels for our area change.
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Email us at: classes@tcdtc.com if you have questions regarding our Basic Training program or want to be notified of upcoming or future sessions.
Number of weeks for each class (#sessions) is based on instructor pacing, practice and preference.
DO NOT BRING DOGS TO FIRST CLASS WITH THIS INSTRUCTOR, G. LEIS.
Email us if you want to be put on a notification list for future sessions
The first night is the Orientation lecture night. No dogs to first class!
Instructor: G. Leis
Meets: TUESDAYS
TIME: 6:45-7:45 pm.
Class Limit is approximately 10 students
**NO DOGS TO FIRST CLASS **
$125 per student
10 weeks
Instructor: G. Leis
NOTE; ALL HANDLERS MAY BE ASKED TO WEAR MASKS WHEN INSIDE OUR TCDTC FACILITY.
Please do not attend classes if you: have a fever, a runny nose, are coughing, sneezing or feeling ill, or if you need to quarantine due to COVID exposure.
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If class is full, or if you prefer to enroll for a future session, please Email classes@tcdtc.com .
We will notify you when registration opens for our next session of you intended class.
Contact classes@tcdtc.com to be notified of future sessions and information to register.
Conformation
Conformation class meets each month on the 1st, 3rd and 4th/5th Thursdays at 7:00 pm. (second Thursday is night of TCDTC club meeting).
Classes will resume January 6, 2022, indoors at the TCDTC facility.
All HANDLERS in the facility must wear a mask if they are not yet fully vaccinated against COVID 19, and social distancing is requested while on the premises.
Get your dog ready for breed ring competition or refresh your champion. Drop-in session; $10 per visit (covers 2 dogs per handler per visit). This class is ongoing with no advanced registration needed**. Just Drop in and pay on-site. (NOTE: All other TCDTC classes require advance payment!!)
BRING DOGS TO EACH SESSION.
Up to 2 dogs per one handler for one visit fee. Only paid handlers in the ring are allowed in the building due to Coronavirus concerns at this time.
For further information, email classes@tcdtc.com, or call 989.790.5898
NOTE: Because there is no class list to notify, please check our Facebook page or the homepage of this tcdtc.com website for last minute cancellation announcements, in case of instructor illness or unavailability, severe weather, or other unforseen circumstances.
Thursdays at 7PM (except not 2nd Thursday of each month)| $10 Drop-In Sessions. Call us or email classes@tcdtc.com with questions.
**NOTE: Only this class is pay-as-you-go, with payments collected on-site! All other TCDTC classes require pre-payment and pre-registration.
Instructor: Shon Kelley
The weekly Conformation class (our club’s ONLY drop-in training class) meets on Thursday nights at 7 pm. Please check our homepage on this website or our Tri Cities Dog Training Club of Saginaw Bay FaceBook page for weekly announcements in case of cancellation for Conformation training, and for all our other classes, in the event of instructor illness or emergency.
Payments FOR THIS CLASS ONLY are made for drop-in visits, per single weekly sessions.
Advanced Basic
Obedience
This class is available for dogs who have completed their TCDTC Basic class or by permission of the instructor. The class focus is on continuation of Basic with emphasis on improving response to commands and reliability. This class provides a lot of proofing with a wide range of distractions to improve performance.
Equipment: Handler must wear a MASK if not yet fully vaccinated against COVID 19; dogs need 4’-6’ leash, buckle collar, favorite toy or soft treats.
BRING DOGS TO THE FIRST CLASS.
MUST HAVE COMPLETED TCDTC BASIC OBEDIENCE CLASS (or obtain Instructor Permission) IN ORDER TO ENROLL.
Tuesdays at 8 -9 PM.
Advanced Basic Class is currently in session. Email us at classes@tcdtc.com if you want to be placed on the notification list for our next 10-week session.
Online payments are encouraged due to COVID contact precautions.
10 weeks.
$125 per student
Instructors: G. Leis
Class limit: 10
NOTE: TCDTC club members are asked to also register in advance in writing. Members’ drop-in participation is discouraged for this session.
Contact classes@tcdtc.com with questions.
Open/Utility Obedience
(This class is currently not offered for Fall 2021)
This class will focus on the skills and exercises needed for the AKC Open and Utility Obedience titles.
OPEN: Training will include: heeling (on/off lead), stand for exam, recalls (straight/drop), jumping (high/broad). Must have proper fitting dumbbell for retrieving and a long line/flexi lead.
UTILITY: For dogs that have been through TCDTC Novice/OPEN class, or with permission of instructor. This class is for trainers at the CDX level. This training puts in the foundation work, which includes all phases of the Utility exercises. Scent discrimination, directed retrieving, and signal work included; also, the moving stand, go-outs and directed jumping. Class may be repeated.
BRING DOGS TO FIRST CLASS.
Pre-requisite: Advanced Basic Obedience Class or permission of instructor.
Class meets: Currently not scheduled
Time TBD p.m., 8 weeks.
$100 per student
Instructor: TBD
Class limit: 6 students
Contact classes@tcdtc.com with questions regarding future sessions.
Rally Obedience Class
This class will begin accepting registrations for January session, 2022 at 4 pm on Dec. 10, 2021.
Rally Class is to help you learn how to compete in rally and have fun working on obedience skills at the same time. Classes will cover levels Novice to Excellent. Training assistance will be tailored to the needs of the students.
BRING DOGS TO THE FIRST CLASS.
Class meets: Monday, 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Class begins: January 10, 2022
8 weeks.
$100 per student
Instructor: L. Lemmer
Class limit: 8 students
Contact classes@tcdtc.com with questions.
Group Heeling
(Members only)
TCDTC Members training in group settings with other club members &/or with the weekly Advanced Basic Class group.
Members of TCDTC are welcome to work independently with other members or to join the weekly Advanced Basic Class to hone their skills and proofing for their dogs in a group setting.
DUE TO COVID -19 CLASS SIZE LIMITATIONS, ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED FOR MEMBERS.
ENROLLMENT IS LIMITED, EVEN FOR MEMBERS.
Tuesdays
8-9 pm
Instructor: G.Leis
Ongoing YEAR-ROUND, except for July, August & December.
Contact classes@tcdtc.com with questions.
AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program ® –
Next Dates TBA, 2022.
CGC Preparation class, date TBA, 6:30-8:30 pm.
AKC CGC Testing: Date TBA, 2022.
Starts at 6:30 pm.
Earning the AKC CGC award will ensure that your dog is a well-respected member of your community. The Canine Good Citizen award is the one of the first AKC certificates your dog can earn and CGC provides an excellent foundation for all other training.
Equipment: 6’ leash, buckle collar or harness. Handlers must wear a mask.
BRING DOG TO ALL SESSIONS
CGC Testing Preparation Class**
6:30-8:30 PM , date TBA, 2022
$35 per student
Instructor: G. Leis
CGC Testing Night (Prior week preparation class is optional)
Date, TBA, 2022, 6:30 pm start.
$15 per handler/dog examination
NOTE: PARTICIPANTS MAY REGISTER IN ADVANCE OR PAY TEST FEE at TIME OF TESTING
Examiner: L. Lemmer
CGC Testing Preparation Seminar & CGC Testing Night — Combination Option
$50 is cost for both 1-night CGC preparation class and one-night CGC Testing. Pre-register on line or by mail for the test preparation class, and pay in advance at the time of registration to assure your place in class. Participants may also pay the test fee on-site the night of testing .
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**Please Note: Test preparation class is highly recommended, but not required, for participation in CGC testing.**
Email classes@tcdtc.com for future session scheduling interest.
Contact classes@tcdtc.com with questions regarding future sessions.
Novice / Beginning Novice Obedience
This class is not being offered at this time in fall 2021 or winter 2022.
(Pre-requisite – Basic Obedience)
This class is for trainers seeking competition skills at optional Beginning Novice and/or Regular Novice Obedience Levels. This class puts in the foundation work, which includes all phases of the Novice and pre-Novice Beginner exercises.
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BRING DOGS TO FIRST CLASS.
Mondays next date TBA
6:00-7:00 pm.
8 Weeks
$100 per student
Limit 8 students
Instructor: L. Lemmer
This class is offered as a combination class. Both Novice and Beginning Novice Obedience skills and ring exercise patterns will be taught.
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For further information email classes@tcdtc.com, or call 989.790.5898
Contact classes@tcdtc.com with questions.
Trick Dog Seminar &
AKC Title Testing
(Class is not yet scheduled for Fall 2021.)
Email us at classes@tcdtc.com for notification when available.
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Did you know that AKC now has titles for your dog doing tricks?
Can your dog shake hands, do high five, fetch, jump a bar, spin circles, speak on command, do paws up, touch, kiss your cheek, etc?
If your dog has an AKC CGC (Canine Good Citizen) title, then you only have to do 5 more tricks to earn an AKC Trick Dog Novice title (10 without the CGC title.)
Come have fun with your dog and possibly work towards an AKC Trick Title!
Bring your dog, a collar, a 6-foot leash and high-interest soft treats to all sessions.
The approx. 1 hour-long per week, 3-week seminar, will be followed by regulation AKC Trick Dog testing on Wed., Nov. 20, 2019. Testing is wholly optional and requires a separate $15 minimum fee (testing fees are paid to instructor at seminar).
Equipment: 6’ leash, collar, high interest soft treats to all classes.
BRING DOG TO FIRST CLASS
Date & Time TBD| $50 | 3 weeks
Seminar/Training: TBD
Testing: TBD $15 for 1st TD level + $5 for ea. add’l level (Pay for add’l levels at final class training session)
Limit 6 student/handlers and their dogs.
Instructor: To Be Announced
RE: Trick Dog Examination fees (applicable for certification): There will be an additional $15 charge for the first optional Testing level examination (Novice, Intermediate or Advanced level). Handlers may pay $5 each for exams at the second and/or third additional levels, with all $15/$5 exam fees payable at the Trick Dog seminar to instructor. Trick dog testing on Nov 20 is not required to participate in the training seminar Oct 30, Nov 6 & 13.
Three-week Trick Dog Seminar sign up: required in advance. Register on-line with Paypal or register with a completed form, and accompanying check/money order by mail.
Contact classes@tcdtc.com for further information on current or future sessions.
Contact classes@tcdtc.com with questions regarding future sessions.
TCDTC CLASSES- ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT INFO!
*PUPPY/BASIC CLASSES MUST HAVE AT LEAST THREE PUPPIES/DOGS TO HOLD THE CLASS*
**Remember to bring a PHOTOCOPY of your dog’s current vaccination record with you to the first class**
Classes fill quickly so register right away to insure a spot this session!
Classes are held indoors at the TCDTC Training Center (6285 Bay Rd, Suite 6, Saginaw, MI 48604. Entry is at the REAR of the building complex.)
Registration will continue up until classes start, or when classes are full.
CLASSES FILL EARLY — often in a matter of a few hours or days following posting, Do Not Wait!!
Please read our Cancellation Policy here.
The TCDTC registration form, AND FULL PAYMENT, is required IN ADVANCE. YOU ARE NOT REGISTERED UNTIL YOU ARE FULLY PAID AND PAYMENT IS RECEIVED BY OUR CLASSES COORDINATOR, Anne Rysse. Class sizes are small, don’t miss your opportunity! Classes often fill in a matter of days, not weeks, once they are posted for registration.
* Info will be posted on the events page when Therapy Dog training programs are available. *
WEATHER CANCELLATION POLICY
When DELTA COLLEGE IS CLOSED FOR ITS EVENING CLASSES DUE TO WEATHER EMERGENCIES, we will also be closed. You can also contact your instructor directly. (Delta College has a link on its website to receive text alerts for closings. Sign up here ( https://local.nixle.com/signup/widget/g/314/) if you want to receive a text notice!)
Registration Forms & Payments
The registration form available through our website link is electronically fillable. We recommend that you fill the form online, and submit it to us electronically. If you would prefer to print the page and mail it in with check or money order, please make the check or money order payable to “TCDTC” and mail the form to us immediately. WALK-IN Registrations are NOT ACCEPTED for multi-week classes. Call us at (989) 790-5898 to arrange for cash or to drop-off payments.
Registration forms and payments should be IN OUR HANDS ASAP prior to the start of classes. Popular classes can easily fill up in 1 or 2 days. Online registration is your best bet to enroll.
All TCDTC Class Descriptions
(All classes listed may not be offered every session)
INTRO TO PUPPY (short course): For puppies from 8 weeks to 4 months old: basic socialization, information instruction on sit, down, stand, stay, walk on leash, and come when called. House training, nutrition, appropriate equipment, basic grooming and health care are also discussed.
PUPPY (8 wk class): For puppies 8 weeks to 4 months. Don’t wait for problems to develop. Practical advice on how to prevent or correct general behavior problems. Excellent for the first time puppy owner or a refresher class for new puppies. Equipment: 4’-6’ leash, buckle collar, favorite toy or treats. DO NOT BRING PUPPIES TO FIRST CLASS.
PUPPY II: For puppies 5 months to 1 year. Don’t wait for problems to develop. Practical advice on how to prevent or correct general behavior problems. Excellent for the first time puppy owner or a refresher class for new puppies. Prior Puppy class is not required. Equipment: 4’-6’ leash, buckle or training collar, favorite toy or treats. PLEASE BRING PUPPIES TO FIRST CLASS.
BRIDGE TO BASICS (short course): For dogs that have completed a TCDTC puppy class within the last year or by permission of instructor. Class will continue and expand on what was learned in puppy class. Sit, down, stand, stays, attention work, manners and the beginning steps of leash work and heeling. Dogs will come with owner/handler to each class.
BASIC OBEDIENCE (8 or 10-wk class, varies by instructor): For dogs at least 5 months. Class is designed for the owner who wants a well-behaved pet, one who will come when called, sit, stay, etc. when YOU want them. Equipment: 4’-6’ leash, buckle collar, favorite toy or treats. DO NOT BRING DOGS TO FIRST CLASS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED IN SCHEDULE ABOVE.
BRIDGE TO ADVANCED BASICS: (short course) For dogs who have completed a TCDTC Basics class, or permission of the instructor. Continuation of basic skills with proofing for reliability and distractions to improve response and performance..
ADVANCED BASIC OBEDIENCE (10 wk class): For dogs who have had a TCDTC basic class or permission of the instructor. Focus is on continuation of basic with emphasis on improving response to commands and reliability. A lot of proofing with distractions to improve performance. BRING DOGS TO THE FIRST CLASS.
BEGINNER NOVICE (8 wk class): Dogs must be able to do a sit stay and have had some basic training, or permission of instructor. This class can also prepare handlers to enter their dog in the AKC Beginner Novice competitive level. BRING DOGS TO FIRST CLASS.
NOVICE OBEDIENCE (8 week class): (Prerequisite: Basic/Advanced Basic Obedience, competition experience by handler (or permission of the instructor)
This class is a continuation and polishing of exercises taught in the lower level Basic & Advanced Basic Obedience classes. Dogs should already know heel, sit, stand, down, stay, and come on leash. Novice obedience teaches control off-leash and perfects what the dogs have already learned and owner/handler skills. This class puts in the foundation work so dogs and handlers will know enough that, WITH PRACTICE, they could enter an AKC Obedience trial and earn a Companion Dog (CD) title. It is not required to enter a show or competition to take the class. Class may be repeated if desired. BRING DOGS TO FIRST CLASS.
OPEN OBEDIENCE (8 wk class): For dogs that have been through TCDTC Advanced class or permission of instructor. Class will consist of the AKC Novice/Open exercises. Things that will be covered include: heeling (on/off lead), stand for exam, recalls (straight/drop), jumping (high/broad), and must have proper fitting dumbbell for retrieving. You will also need a long line/flexi lead. BRING DOGS TO FIRST CLASS.
RALLY (8 wk class): Class is to help you learn how to compete in Rally and have fun working on obedience skills at the same time. Classes will cover all difficulty levels. Training assistance will be tailored to the needs of the students. BRING DOGS TO THE FIRST CLASS.
UTILITY OBEDIENCE (8 wk class): For dogs that have been through TCDTC Novice/OPEN class, or with permission of instructor. This class is for trainers at the CDX level. This class puts in the foundation work, which includes all phases of the Utility exercises. Scent discrimination, directed retrieving, and signal work included; also, the moving stand, go-outs and directed jumping. Class may be repeated. BRING DOGS TO FIRST CLASS.
CONFORMATION: Get your dog ready for the breed ring or refresh your champion. (This is our only) Drop-in Class; $10 per visit (Limit 2 dogs per handler per visit). Class is ongoing. BRING DOGS TO THE FIRST CLASS.
Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Preparation Seminar and AKC CGC testing: This single 2-hour seminar and subsequent of CGC testing will provide successful handlers with the CGC Certification for their dog. More information can be found on this website by clicking the tab to “Classes /class descriptions” or (http://tcdtc.com/index.php/classes/) and by pasting this url for AKC into your search engine address bar.
https://www.akc.org/products-services/training-programs/canine-good-citizen/
COMPETITIVE OBEDIENCE: A class designed to prepare dogs/handlers for the AKC novice, open, or utility ring. Other classes/venues can be covered depending on interest. BRING DOGS TO THE FIRST CLASS.
COMPETITIVE OBEDIENCE (combined): This class is designed to help those preparing for the obedience competition ring with their dog at any level: Novice, Open or Utility. The instructor will assess your performance and individualize lessons for the help you need to succeed. BRING DOGS TO THE FIRST CLASS.
H.A.M. (Handling/Attn/Motivation) WORKSHOP:
This class will present human handlers with the theory and techniques of training, primarily through instructor lecture, rather than working with dogs in class.
Class will cover handling…in/out of ring, attention, and motivation (and more) with your dog. If dogs are brought to class (not required), all dogs must be crated unless working on handler footwork with leashed dogs. Any dogs on premises must be able to remain quiet in crates. Please bring pen/paper to take notes.
NOSE WORK SKILLS: This class will teach your dog to identify scents as distinct markers and search for them specifically. Class prepares for AKC Nose Work title.
TEACHING YOUR DOG TO RETRIEVE: Teach your dog how to retrieve a dumbbell for AKC open work, or just to get the newspaper for you. If you want your dog to retrieve something for you, this is the class for you!
TEACH YOUR DOG FUN TRICKS (short course): This is a class for those who would like to have some fun with the obedience lessons previously learned and bond a little tighter with their dog. It builds confidence in dog and handler in a relaxed setting as well as adding some new skills. The dogs should have basic obedience and be well mannered.
TRICK DOG AKC TITLE PREP CLASS (a 3-wk class) & TESTING (1 night): Did you know that AKC now has titles for your dog doing tricks?
Can your dog shake hands, do high five, fetch, jump a bar, spin circles, speak on command, do paws up, touch, kiss your cheek, etc?
If your dog has an AKC CGC (Canine Good Citizen) title,
then you only have to do 5 more tricks to earn an AKC Trick Dog Novice title (10 without the CGC title.)
Come have fun with your dog and possibly work towards an AKC Trick Title!
The hour-long, 3-week class can be followed by regulation AKC Trick Dog testing. Testing is wholly optional and requires a separate fee.