FAQs

_ General Class Questions

         When and where are classes held?

o   We run three to five sessions of classes a year, beginning in January, March, June/July, August/September, and November/December.  Classes usually meet on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings in the Cornell Livestock Pavilion. Classes are an hour long. Most sessions are six weeks long, followed by a graduation party on week seven.

         Are there any restrictions on who may take classes?

o   You must be at least 12 years old (the 4-H runs a good dog training program for younger handlers). You must be a member of IDTC to take advanced classes. All dogs over four months of age must have current rabies vaccinations.

o   Ithaca Dog Training Club is unable to accept aggressive or reactive dogs in classes. If you are concerned that your dog may be aggressive or reactive to people or other dogs, please ask your vet for a referral to a certified animal behaviorist.

Beginner Classes

         How old should my dog be?

o   AKC STAR Puppy Beginners classes are for dogs under six months old. Puppies under three months are discouraged from attending classes because they may not yet have full immunity from their shots. All other classes do not have an age requirement.

         What if my dog has already had some training?

o   Beginner classes are for dogs that have had little or no training. If you feel that your dog would be better suited to advanced classes, contact the training director to evaluate your dog for advanced placement.

         What do beginner classes cover?  

o   See the Beginner Classes section for more information on what each class covers.

         Who should sign up for the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Class?

o   The CGC class is for those who have just completed Beginners II. IDTC members who have dogs working at the appropriate level may also take this course. For more information on the CGC, go to our classes page or the AKC CGC page.

         What other classes are offered?

o   To see our current class offerings, check out our classes page.  A registrar is assigned to each class level --
 that person can answer any further questions you might have about the classes.

Registration and Membership

         How do I sign up for classes?

o   To sign up for a Beginner class or an AKC STAR puppy class, you must complete the Beginner class form and send it to the registrar (listed on the classes page) with a copy of your dog’s current vaccination record. For questions about classes and availability, contact the registrar.

         How can I become an IDTC member?

For a detailed description, with fees, see this page. Briefly,
o   Anyone who completes a Beginner II class receives a membership application at graduation. If you have lost your application, you can download the form here.

o   If you were an IDTC member within the last 5 years, you can be reinstated by sending a note and your dues to the treasurer.

o   If you have trained elsewhere and/or have at least one leg towards a performance title, you may apply to become a club member.  Contact the training director for more information.