Next Session: March 2025
Registration will open February 21st at 8am.
- Between 8am and 8pm, you may submit one registration form per dog (regardless of handler). Any additional submissions will be thrown out. You will have the opportunity to mark a second choice class in case your first choice is full.
- After 8pm, you may register your dog(s) for as many classes as you want.
- IDTC members get preference in classes open to non-members if they register by 9am the day registration opens.
- Submitting the registration form does not guarantee a spot in class! If you do not get a spot in a class, you will be put on a wait list for this session in case a spot opens up.
- Please read the requirements listed for the class you are interested in and ensure you meet the prerequisites before submitting a registration form.
Click the plus sign to the right to learn more about priority registration!
Priority Registration will open December 16th.
Priority Registration is a perk for our instructors and teaching assistants. We appreciate the time they spend teaching, and making sure they can take classes that they are interested in helps them be more educated and better instructors. It's a win-win!
All current instructors and assistants will be emailed ~1 week before registration opens with a link for priority registration. If you have previously taught and have a certificate you would like to turn in for priority registration access, please email the Training Director.
Teaching Certificates may now be redeemed for priority registration (get to register for classes ~ 1 week before registration opens), with the following restrictions: Only the instructor who earned the certificate can use it for priority registration (non-transferable), and only one priority registration per instructor per session is allowed. The class still needs to be paid for as usual via check/PayPal/a second teaching certificate.
Please keep an eye on the club listserv for announcements regarding priority registration opening. It may be earlier or later than the date above due to the class planning process.
All current instructors and assistants will be emailed ~1 week before registration opens with a link for priority registration. If you have previously taught and have a certificate you would like to turn in for priority registration access, please email the Training Director.
Teaching Certificates may now be redeemed for priority registration (get to register for classes ~ 1 week before registration opens), with the following restrictions: Only the instructor who earned the certificate can use it for priority registration (non-transferable), and only one priority registration per instructor per session is allowed. The class still needs to be paid for as usual via check/PayPal/a second teaching certificate.
Please keep an eye on the club listserv for announcements regarding priority registration opening. It may be earlier or later than the date above due to the class planning process.
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.
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.
AKC STAR Puppy
Instructor TBD
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks Starts **Puppies 5-9 months old should register for this section** |
Instructor TBD
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks Starts **Puppies 3-6 months old should register for this section** |
Get your puppy started off on the right paw! This class is for puppies less than 1 year old. 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.
Beginner 1
Instructor TBD
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts
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 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts
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.
Beyond Beginner 1
Instructor
8 dogs; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts
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; 7 weeks
Starts
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.
Beginner 2
Instructor
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts
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:
After successful completion of Beginner 2, dogs may continue on to Canine Good Citizen or other members-only classes.
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts
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.
After successful completion of Beginner 2, dogs may continue on to Canine Good Citizen or other members-only classes.
Beyond beginner 2
Instructor
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts
In Beyond Beginner 2, you will build on the training and skills started in Beginner 1 and 2. The class will focus on increasing the 3 D’s, distance, duration and distraction. Emphasis is placed on dogs being able to work alongside other dogs and people. We will begin fading the use of lures. Requirements: Dogs should be able to sit and down on cue and stay in position at the handler’s side for 30 seconds (it’s ok if they need a reminder or two). Handlers should be able to get and hold their dog’s attention in a mildly distracting environment and know when and how to reward.
Requirements:
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts
In Beyond Beginner 2, you will build on the training and skills started in Beginner 1 and 2. The class will focus on increasing the 3 D’s, distance, duration and distraction. Emphasis is placed on dogs being able to work alongside other dogs and people. We will begin fading the use of lures. Requirements: Dogs should be able to sit and down on cue and stay in position at the handler’s side for 30 seconds (it’s ok if they need a reminder or two). Handlers should be able to get and hold their dog’s attention in a mildly distracting environment and know when and how to reward.
Requirements:
- Dogs need to have successfully completed Beginner 2 or 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.
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 listed below.
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 listed below.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
FIT Dog 1 & Sport Prep
Instructor: Becky Robinson, Assistant: Lynne Wilkes
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts Jan 14; no class on nights there are IDTC meetings
Registrar: Linda Pacioretty
The AKC FIT DOG Level One course is designed to inspire dog owners to engage in fitness-related activities with their dogs. Learning new exercises will challenge the dogs mentally, build confidence, and enhance proprioception. This class is for any dog that will go on to compete in any sport. Teams will work on foundational skills, practice impulse control and focusing while around other dogs. At the end of class, teams can earn an AKC Fit Dog Bronze Title.
Skills
Nose Touch / Chin Rest
Tuck Sit
Front Paw Targeting
Offer a Paw
Kick Back Stand
Spin Left/Right
Fold Back Down
Caveletti Poles / Grid Jumping
Pivot /Rear Legs
Ring Etiquette
Distracted recalls
Agility Contact End Behavior
For Members or Non-Members
Requirements:
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts Jan 14; no class on nights there are IDTC meetings
Registrar: Linda Pacioretty
The AKC FIT DOG Level One course is designed to inspire dog owners to engage in fitness-related activities with their dogs. Learning new exercises will challenge the dogs mentally, build confidence, and enhance proprioception. This class is for any dog that will go on to compete in any sport. Teams will work on foundational skills, practice impulse control and focusing while around other dogs. At the end of class, teams can earn an AKC Fit Dog Bronze Title.
Skills
Nose Touch / Chin Rest
Tuck Sit
Front Paw Targeting
Offer a Paw
Kick Back Stand
Spin Left/Right
Fold Back Down
Caveletti Poles / Grid Jumping
Pivot /Rear Legs
Ring Etiquette
Distracted recalls
Agility Contact End Behavior
For Members or Non-Members
Requirements:
- Non-members must have completed Beginner 2 and/or CGC class with IDTC. Member dogs must be working at a comparable level.
- Dogs should understand the training game and be able to focus on tasks during a group class.
- Owners should understand lure-reward based training methods, though capturing, and shaping as training concepts will also be used in class.
- This class is only for healthy dogs with no significant prior injuries or ongoing conditions.
- Dogs will be crated during class and some time will be devoted to reinforcing positive and calm crate behaviors.
Canine Good Citizen
Instructors: TBD
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts
Registrar: Marian Szebenyi
Preparation for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, which will be given at the end of this class. Open to members, as well as non-members who have completed Beginner II.
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts
Registrar: Marian Szebenyi
Preparation for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, which will be given at the end of this class. Open to members, as well as non-members who have completed Beginner II.
Advanced Obedience Classes
Advanced obedience classes are open to members only. Members will be accepted in a class based on the order they sign up or priority listed below. Register using the link above, you will be asked to provide vaccination information as an attachment and pay the fee ($40 for active members, $90 for inactive members) by check or PayPal.
If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the application process, please contact the registrar listed below.
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 application process, please contact the registrar listed below.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
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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. Registration opens about a month before the session starts and members will be accepted in a class based on the order they sign up or priority listed below. Register using the link above, you will be asked to provide vaccination information as an attachment and pay the fee ($40 for active members, $90 for inactive members) by check or PayPal.
If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the application process, please contact the Registrar, Linda Pacioretty.
Agility classes are only open to IDTC members. Dogs must have passed the CGC test or taken the CGC class with instructor recommendation for agility.
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 application process, please contact the Registrar, Linda Pacioretty.
Agility classes are only open to IDTC members. Dogs must have passed the CGC test or taken the CGC class with instructor recommendation for agility.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
agility 2 / Mondays @ 5:30pm
Instructor: Abby Christman; Assistant Maddie Ulinski
6 teams; 2 hours (includes equipment set up and clean up)
8 weeks; starts
This class is limited to students in the January Agility 1 class.
6 teams; 2 hours (includes equipment set up and clean up)
8 weeks; starts
This class is limited to students in the January Agility 1 class.
Weaves / sundays @ 1pm
Instructor: Susan Morse; Assistant: Meagan Terry
6 teams; 6 weeks; 1 hour
Starts
6 teams; 6 weeks; 1 hour
Starts
Intermediate Agility: Short Courses / Sundays @ 2:30pm
Instructor: Susan Morse; Assistant: Meagan Terry
6 teams; 6 weeks; 1.5 hours
Starts
6 teams; 6 weeks; 1.5 hours
Starts
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.
There are no other workshops or seminars this session.
TBD
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.