Current Session: March 2024
Beginning Dog Training Classes
The Beginner obedience classes are held at the IDTC Training Space at The Shops at Ithaca Mall and are open to the general public. The normal progression through the classes is Puppy (if age appropriate), Beginner 1, Beyond Beginner 1, Beginner 2, CGC.
If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the registration process, please contact the Registrar, Marian Szebenyi.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the registration process, please contact the Registrar, Marian Szebenyi.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
Wednesdays @ 6:15pm / Beginner 1 (FULL)
Instructor Kathy Wolfe, Assistant Jean Bonesera and Maria Montreuil
8 dogs, 1 hour
March 6 - April 10
Not sure where to begin to teach your dog new things? Start here! Beginner 1 is for puppies 6 months and up and adult dogs (no upper age limit) with no previous formal training. This class will introduce dogs to basic manners and self-control. Handlers will be introduced to effective canine communication, including rewarding and leash handling, and how to troubleshoot undesirable behaviors.
Skills covered include:
After successful completion of Beginner 1, dogs should move to Beyond Beginner 1.
8 dogs, 1 hour
March 6 - April 10
Not sure where to begin to teach your dog new things? Start here! Beginner 1 is for puppies 6 months and up and adult dogs (no upper age limit) with no previous formal training. This class will introduce dogs to basic manners and self-control. Handlers will be introduced to effective canine communication, including rewarding and leash handling, and how to troubleshoot undesirable behaviors.
Skills covered include:
- Attention
- Sit
- Down
- Loose leash walking
- Recall
- Wait at a door
- Stay
- This is an introductory class, no prior training is required.
- Dogs should be at least 6 months old at the start of class.
- Dogs must have rabies vaccination and other age appropriate vaccinations per their vet’s recommendations.
- Please note: IDTC can not accept aggressive or reactive dogs in our classes.
After successful completion of Beginner 1, dogs should move to Beyond Beginner 1.
Wednesdays @ 7:30pm / Beginner 2 (FULL)
Instructor: Lisa D'Annibale, Assistant Jackie Puleo
8 dogs, 1 hour
March 6 - April 17
In Beginner 2, you will build on the training and skills started in Beginner 1, Beyond Beginner 1, or Puppy Beginner to improve reliability and precision. Sit and down will be taught without lures, and at both the left side and in front of the handler, and stand will be introduced. Changes of pace and left, right, and about turns will be added to left-side loose leash walking. Distractions and distance will be added to recalls. Sit for exam and other new skills will be introduced.
Requirements:
8 dogs, 1 hour
March 6 - April 17
In Beginner 2, you will build on the training and skills started in Beginner 1, Beyond Beginner 1, or Puppy Beginner to improve reliability and precision. Sit and down will be taught without lures, and at both the left side and in front of the handler, and stand will be introduced. Changes of pace and left, right, and about turns will be added to left-side loose leash walking. Distractions and distance will be added to recalls. Sit for exam and other new skills will be introduced.
Requirements:
- Dogs need to have successfully completed Beyond Beginner 1, or taken Puppy Beginner or Beginner 1 and been recommended by the Instructor. If you have had equivalent training elsewhere, please contact the Training Director for a placement evaluation.
- Dogs should be at least 6 months old at the start of class.
- Dogs must have rabies vaccination and other age appropriate vaccinations per their vet’s recommendations.
- Please note: IDTC can not accept aggressive or reactive dogs in our classes.
Thursdays @ 6:15pm / AKC STAR PUPPY (FULL)
Instructor: Marian Szebenyui, Assistant: Marlene Barken and Fran von Lukanovic
8 dogs, 1 hour
March 7 - April 18
Get your puppy started off on the right paw! This class is for puppies 3-6 months of age. The class will follow the AKC S.T.A.R. puppy curriculum focusing on socialization, training, activity, and responsibility. Puppies will learn basic skills through positive training and games. Handlers will also learn how to properly reward their dogs, troubleshoot problem behaviors, and age-appropriate activity and socialization routines for their puppy.
Skills covered include:
Requirements:
8 dogs, 1 hour
March 7 - April 18
Get your puppy started off on the right paw! This class is for puppies 3-6 months of age. The class will follow the AKC S.T.A.R. puppy curriculum focusing on socialization, training, activity, and responsibility. Puppies will learn basic skills through positive training and games. Handlers will also learn how to properly reward their dogs, troubleshoot problem behaviors, and age-appropriate activity and socialization routines for their puppy.
Skills covered include:
- Basic manners
- Attention,
- Leash walking
- Handling/grooming
- Sit
- Down
Requirements:
- This is an introductory class, no prior training is necessary.
- Puppies must be 3-6 months of age at the start of the session.
- Puppies must have age appropriate vaccinations per their vet’s recommendations.
- If students want the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy certification, they will need to pass the evaluation and attend at least 6 of the classes.
Thursdays @ 7:30pm / Beyond beginner 1 (FULL)
Instructor: Marty Gold, Assistant Kathy Hughes and Denise Moore
8 dogs, 1 hour
March 14 - May 2
Beyond Beginner 1 is a stepping stone class for dogs who recently graduated from Beginner 1 or Puppy Beginner before entering Beginner 2. The exercises begun in Beginner 1 will be solidified and made more challenging through distractions, new variations, and fun games. We will also add some skills like stand and heeling that have practical application and prepare you for more advanced training.
Beyond Beginner 1 is geared to help you and your dogs improve your skills and confidence in the following areas:
Requirements:
After successful completion of Beginner 1, dogs move to Beyond Beginner 1 for more practice before going on to Beginner 2.
8 dogs, 1 hour
March 14 - May 2
Beyond Beginner 1 is a stepping stone class for dogs who recently graduated from Beginner 1 or Puppy Beginner before entering Beginner 2. The exercises begun in Beginner 1 will be solidified and made more challenging through distractions, new variations, and fun games. We will also add some skills like stand and heeling that have practical application and prepare you for more advanced training.
Beyond Beginner 1 is geared to help you and your dogs improve your skills and confidence in the following areas:
- Attention/focus
- Wait/ stay
- Recall
- Loose leash walking
- Being calm and comfortable around other dogs and people
Requirements:
- Dogs need to have successfully completed Beyond Beginner 1, or taken Puppy Beginner or Beginner 1 and been recommended by the Instructor. If you have had equivalent training elsewhere, please contact the Training Director for a placement evaluation.
- Dogs should be at least 6 months old at the start of class.
- Dogs must have rabies vaccination and other age appropriate vaccinations per their vet’s recommendations.
- Please note: IDTC can not accept aggressive or reactive dogs in our classes.
After successful completion of Beginner 1, dogs move to Beyond Beginner 1 for more practice before going on to Beginner 2.
Saturdays @ 10am / Beyond puppy (FULL)
Instructor Lisa D'Annibale, Assistant TBA
Limited to 8 students, 1 hour
Feb 24, March 2, 16, 23, April 6, 13 (No class March 9, 30)
This is a class for puppies that have taken the AKC Star Puppy class and would like more practice under the guidance of an instructor.
Class enrollment is limited to those in the Nov 2023 or January 2024 STAR Puppy Class. If space is available, others may be admitted with instructor permission.
Limited to 8 students, 1 hour
Feb 24, March 2, 16, 23, April 6, 13 (No class March 9, 30)
This is a class for puppies that have taken the AKC Star Puppy class and would like more practice under the guidance of an instructor.
Class enrollment is limited to those in the Nov 2023 or January 2024 STAR Puppy Class. If space is available, others may be admitted with instructor permission.
Intermediate Classes Open to Members & Non-Members
These classes are open to both members and non-members. Non-members must have successfully completed Beginner Classes through at least Beginner 2 with IDTC.
Preference is given to club members if they sign up within the first hour. Register using the link above, you will be asked to provide vaccination information as an attachment and pay the fee ($110 for non-members, $40 for active members, $90 for inactive members) by check. Members may pay by PayPal.
If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the application process, please contact the Registrar, Marian Szebenyi.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
Preference is given to club members if they sign up within the first hour. Register using the link above, you will be asked to provide vaccination information as an attachment and pay the fee ($110 for non-members, $40 for active members, $90 for inactive members) by check. Members may pay by PayPal.
If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the application process, please contact the Registrar, Marian Szebenyi.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
Tuesdays @ 5pm / Therapy dog for cornell companions (FULL)
Instructor: Janet Gray, Assistant: Jean Snow
Limited to 8 teams, 1 hour
March 5 - April 16
Cornell Companions is Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine sponsored program where volunteers and their pets visit local hospitals, nursing homes, campus de-stress events, children with disabilities and reading programs. This course will help prepare humans and their dogs for the Cornell Companions therapy dog evaluation. Teams signing up for this class should be committed to becoming a therapy dog team and taking part in regular Cornell Companions visits. Prior to enrolling, please read the program FAQs or reach out to Janet Gray with any questions.
Skills covered include:
Limited to 8 teams, 1 hour
March 5 - April 16
Cornell Companions is Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine sponsored program where volunteers and their pets visit local hospitals, nursing homes, campus de-stress events, children with disabilities and reading programs. This course will help prepare humans and their dogs for the Cornell Companions therapy dog evaluation. Teams signing up for this class should be committed to becoming a therapy dog team and taking part in regular Cornell Companions visits. Prior to enrolling, please read the program FAQs or reach out to Janet Gray with any questions.
Skills covered include:
- Loose leash walking
- Sit, Down
- Stay, Recall
- Walking through a crowd
- Neutral reaction to other dogs
- Ignoring food distractions and dropped items
- Reacting calmly to wheelchairs, crutches, etc that may be encountered during visits
- It is strongly advised that dogs have Beginner 1 or Beginner 2 or equivalent training before entering this class.
- Dogs must be at least one year old and been owned by the current owner for at least 6 months.
- Dogs must have rabies vaccination and other age appropriate vaccinations per their vet’s recommendations to take part in class. Additionally:
- A health evaluation, including fecal examination, and vaccination records will need to be submitted as part of the process to become a Cornell Companion.
- Please note: Dogs being fed a raw diet are not currently eligible to be part of Cornell Companions.
- Please note: IDTC can not accept aggressive or reactive dogs in our classes.
tuesdays @ 6:15pm / CGC Prep (Full)
Instructor: Nancy Almann, Assistant Eglantina Lucio-Belbase
Limited to 8 students, 1 hour
This class is intended to provide extra practice and fun for beginner team aspiring to become a Canine Good Citizens (CGC) and provide a setting to work on obedience skills in a group. Exercises will be based on skills learned in Beginner 1 through CGC level and additional exercises including rally, tricks and focus games will be introduced.
Skills practiced will be driven by the needs and wants of the class, but may include:
Each class period will devote time for students to work on their individual problem areas.
Requirements:
Limited to 8 students, 1 hour
This class is intended to provide extra practice and fun for beginner team aspiring to become a Canine Good Citizens (CGC) and provide a setting to work on obedience skills in a group. Exercises will be based on skills learned in Beginner 1 through CGC level and additional exercises including rally, tricks and focus games will be introduced.
Skills practiced will be driven by the needs and wants of the class, but may include:
- Loose leash walking
- Stays
- Recalls
- Meeting another person, staying calm, allowing a pet or exam
- Groundwork exercises for out of sight stay with another person
- Obedience and focus games
Each class period will devote time for students to work on their individual problem areas.
Requirements:
- Open to Members and Non-members
- Dogs must have completed at least Beyond Beginner 1 with IDTC
- May be taken concurrently with Beginner 2, CGC, or other advanced classes for extra practice. May NOT be taken concurrently with Puppy, Beyond Puppy, Beginner 1, or Beyond Beginner 1 as dogs need to be working at Beginner 2 or above level on week 1.
Advanced Obedience Classes
The Advanced Obedience classes are held at the IDTC Training Space at The Shops at Ithaca Mall and are open to members only. If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the registration process, please contact the Registrar, Marian Szebenyi. If you want to inquire about drop-in availablity, please contact the instructor.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
wednesdays @ 5pm / Competition Beginner Novice (FULL)
Instructor: Judy Roberts, Assistant: Jan Estes
Limited to 6 teams, 1 hour
March 6 - April 10
This class is for teams beginning to show in AKC competition obedience. The exercises covered will be: heel on leash, figure eight, sit for exam, sit-stay, and recall. Special focus will be given to developing the dog’s attention. Beginner Novice is not a mandatory class, it is intended to get the teams used to a trial environment and to prepare them for the Novice class.
Please bring a crate, a six foot leash and more soft treats than you think you will need!
Requirements:
Limited to 6 teams, 1 hour
March 6 - April 10
This class is for teams beginning to show in AKC competition obedience. The exercises covered will be: heel on leash, figure eight, sit for exam, sit-stay, and recall. Special focus will be given to developing the dog’s attention. Beginner Novice is not a mandatory class, it is intended to get the teams used to a trial environment and to prepare them for the Novice class.
Please bring a crate, a six foot leash and more soft treats than you think you will need!
Requirements:
- Dogs must have passed the CGC test, and must be under control at all times
Thursdays @ 5pm / ring ready for obedience
Instructor: Sue Yanoff, Assistant: Deb Bain
Limited to 6 teams, 1 hour
March 14 - April 25
Do you want to get your dog ready for trialing? This class will help polish, proof, and problem solve the skills you need for Beginner Novice, Novice, or Open obedience. We will teach how to get your dog used to the pressure they will face in the ring, how to be comfortable and attentive entering the ring, how to get the food off your body, and how to move from one exercise to the next while keeping your dog motivated and connected.
This class is NOT for teaching skills. Your dog should already be trained to the level at which you want to trial.
Limited to 6 teams, 1 hour
March 14 - April 25
Do you want to get your dog ready for trialing? This class will help polish, proof, and problem solve the skills you need for Beginner Novice, Novice, or Open obedience. We will teach how to get your dog used to the pressure they will face in the ring, how to be comfortable and attentive entering the ring, how to get the food off your body, and how to move from one exercise to the next while keeping your dog motivated and connected.
This class is NOT for teaching skills. Your dog should already be trained to the level at which you want to trial.
Agility Classes
Agility classes are open to club members. Classes are held at the IDTC Training Space at The Shops at Ithaca Mall unless noted below. If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the registration process, please contact the Registrar, Linda Pacioretty. If you want to inquire about drop-in availablity, please contact the instructor.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
Sundays @ 2pm / Agility 2 (full)
Instructor: Susan Morse, Assistant: Marty Gold
Limited to 6 teams, 1.5 hours
The Sunday Agility 2 class is limited to those currently enrolled in the Sunday Agility 1 class with Tammy and Marty.
Limited to 6 teams, 1.5 hours
The Sunday Agility 2 class is limited to those currently enrolled in the Sunday Agility 1 class with Tammy and Marty.
Mondays @ 5:30pm / Agility 2 (FULL)
Instructor: Abby Christman, Assistant: Marguerite Hart
Limited to 6 students, 1.5 hours
The Monday Agility 2 class is limited to those students currently enrolled in the Monday Agility 1 class with Abby and Marguerite.
Limited to 6 students, 1.5 hours
The Monday Agility 2 class is limited to those students currently enrolled in the Monday Agility 1 class with Abby and Marguerite.
Fridays @ 6:30pm / advanced & Intermediate skills & drills
Instructor: Sue Yanoff
1.5 hours, Limited to 6 teams
March 15 - April 26
**Update: This class will have intermediate/advanced nested skills. Teams with skills equivalent to at least an Agility 2 level (found on page 2 here) may join.**
In Advanced Skills and Drills, we will be analyzing and running short sequences of 4-6 obstacles. These sequences will challenge the handler to consider and try various handling techniques.
Please note: IDTC will now be offering both Advanced Skills and Drills and Intermediate Skills and Drills as separate classes. This is the Advanced class, please consider which level would be more appropriate for you and your dog before registering.
Requirements:
1.5 hours, Limited to 6 teams
March 15 - April 26
**Update: This class will have intermediate/advanced nested skills. Teams with skills equivalent to at least an Agility 2 level (found on page 2 here) may join.**
In Advanced Skills and Drills, we will be analyzing and running short sequences of 4-6 obstacles. These sequences will challenge the handler to consider and try various handling techniques.
Please note: IDTC will now be offering both Advanced Skills and Drills and Intermediate Skills and Drills as separate classes. This is the Advanced class, please consider which level would be more appropriate for you and your dog before registering.
Requirements:
- Dogs need to be quiet when it is not their turn in the ring, enter and exit the ring under control, and have a solid stay and off-leash recall in an exciting environment.
Other Classes, Workshops & Seminars
Sometimes IDTC offers classes for members that don't fit in one of the above categories. Check here for offerings that may include nosework, happy ratters, parkour, fit dog, and more!
Single day workshops, seminars, and training sessions will be listed here as well.
Please read the information below carefully as these offerings may have different requirements, locations, or registration process.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
Single day workshops, seminars, and training sessions will be listed here as well.
Please read the information below carefully as these offerings may have different requirements, locations, or registration process.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
mondays @ 7:15pm / foundations of dog sport (FULL)
Co-instructors: Maddie Ulinski and Aimee Schulz
Limited to 6 dogs, 1 hour
March 4 - April 15
Register using the form above, standard class fees apply.
Want to set your dog up for a successful career competing in agility, obedience, and other fun sports? Foundations of Dog Sports will put you on the right path and make competition easier for you and your dog!
This class is for any dog that will go on to compete in any sport. Students will learn more about how to reward, how to use marker cues, how to let your dog acclimate to a new environment, and how to control arousal.
Skills covered include:
Requirements:
Note: This class or equivalent may be required to enroll in some future agility classes.
Limited to 6 dogs, 1 hour
March 4 - April 15
Register using the form above, standard class fees apply.
Want to set your dog up for a successful career competing in agility, obedience, and other fun sports? Foundations of Dog Sports will put you on the right path and make competition easier for you and your dog!
This class is for any dog that will go on to compete in any sport. Students will learn more about how to reward, how to use marker cues, how to let your dog acclimate to a new environment, and how to control arousal.
Skills covered include:
- Focus and attention
- Loose leash walking
- Off-leash recalls
- Stays / start line stay
- Targets
- Release cue
- Jumping skills
- Stationing
- Ring entry / exit.
Requirements:
- Dogs must be working at a CGC level.
- May be taken concurrently with CGC.
- Dogs should be comfortable and able to learn while working around new dogs and people, should be under control on leash, and ready to be introduced to off leash work in a controlled, group setting.
- May be taken concurrently with CGC.
- Handlers must be IDTC members.
- Dogs will be crated during class and some time will be devoted to reinforcing positive and calm crate behaviors.
Note: This class or equivalent may be required to enroll in some future agility classes.
tuesdays @ 7:30pm / conformation handling (FULL)
Instructor Diane Krause, assistant Stephanie Krause
45 minutes, Limited to 8 students
March 5-April 16, no class on weeks with club meetings
Register using the form above, standard class fees apply.
This class will teach you how to train and present (handle) your dog in the show ring. Stacking, baiting, gaiting, and ring procedure will be stressed. All levels welcome.
Priority will be given to those planning to show in the breed ring.
Requirements:
45 minutes, Limited to 8 students
March 5-April 16, no class on weeks with club meetings
Register using the form above, standard class fees apply.
This class will teach you how to train and present (handle) your dog in the show ring. Stacking, baiting, gaiting, and ring procedure will be stressed. All levels welcome.
Priority will be given to those planning to show in the breed ring.
Requirements:
- Dogs must be at least 14 weeks old and have age appropriate vaccinations.
- Handlers must be IDTC members.
Nose Work Handling Workshop / See details for dates & Registration
Instructor: Nancy Almann
The way we hold and manage a line during nose work searches can have a profound impact on how our dogs move and tackle a scent work puzzle. Whether you are new to nose work or you want to be the best partner for your dog, working on handling techniques can make you and your dog a better team.
This will be a hybrid workshop with 2 virtual sessions and one real time working session
Working spots are $20 for active members (who have priority), $70 for inactive members, and $5 for auditors.
Working spots: Limited to 8 dogs (4 per each in person group) MEMBERS ONLY
Unlimited auditing spots OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Requirements:
The way we hold and manage a line during nose work searches can have a profound impact on how our dogs move and tackle a scent work puzzle. Whether you are new to nose work or you want to be the best partner for your dog, working on handling techniques can make you and your dog a better team.
This will be a hybrid workshop with 2 virtual sessions and one real time working session
- Zoom session the week prior to the in-person portion of the workshop (date and time TBD). This session is a prerequisite to the live session on 2/25. E.g., live participation is required.
- Sunday, Feb 25th - 2 groups 9-11 am and 11:30-1 pm
- Follow-up zoom to review video from in-person session (date and time TBD).
Working spots are $20 for active members (who have priority), $70 for inactive members, and $5 for auditors.
Working spots: Limited to 8 dogs (4 per each in person group) MEMBERS ONLY
Unlimited auditing spots OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Requirements:
- Dogs must know how to find odor.
- Preference will be given to students from IDTC scent work classes who have had limited exposure to newer handling theories and techniques.
Please note that IDTC is unable to accept aggressive or reactive dogs in our classes. If you are concerned that your dog is aggressive or reactive to people or other dogs, please ask your vet for a referral to a certified animal behaviorist.