Next Session: May 2025
Registration will open April 18th 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 April 14th.
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.
Dog Training Classes Open to the Public
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. Once the registrar confirms your spot in the class, you will be asked to provide vaccination information 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. Once the registrar confirms your spot in the class, you will be asked to provide vaccination information 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 (3-6 months) / Thursdays @ 6:15pm - FULL
Instructor: Marian Szebenyi; Assistant: Christine Stratakos & Meagan Terry
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts May 1
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:
Requirements:
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts May 1
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.
AKC STAR PUPPY (5-9 months) / Thursdays @ 7:30pm - Full
Instructor: Kathy Hughes, Assistants: Denise Moore, Meagan Terry
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts May 1
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:
Requirements:
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts May 1
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 / WEdnesdays @ 6:15pm - Full
Instructor: Ellie O'Connor, Assistants: Jo Ann Molnar Kieffer, Sarah Simpkins
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts April 30
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 April 30
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 / Wednesdays @ 7:30pm - FULL
Instructor Marty Gold, Assistants Maria Montreuil, Breanna Jones
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts April 30
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 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts April 30
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 should be at least 6 months old at the start of class or have completed Puppy Beginner.
- 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 / Tuesdays @ 6:15pm
Instructor Lisa D'Annibale, Assistant Eglantina Lucio-Belbase
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts April 29, no class club meeting weeks
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 Beyond Beginner 2, Canine Good Citizen, or certain other members-only classes.
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts April 29, no class club meeting weeks
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 Beyond Beginner 2, Canine Good Citizen, or certain other members-only classes.
Beyond Beginner 2 / Thursdays @ 5pm
Instructor Sue Yanoff, Assistant Kerry Bosivert
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts May 1
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 May 1
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.
Canine Good Citizen / Wednesdays @ 5pm - FULL
Instructor Betty Baldwin, Assistants Katie Besemer, Pat Welch
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts April 30
Preparation for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, which will be given at the end of this class.
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts April 30
Preparation for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, which will be given at the end of this class.
Beginner Drop-ins / Saturdays @ 9:30am
Instructor Claire Yager
1 hour; limited to 8 dogs per week
Starts May 3
This supervised practice opportunity is limited to students enrolled in the May session beginner classes (puppy through CGC). More information on weekly sign-ups will be emailed directly.
1 hour; limited to 8 dogs per week
Starts May 3
This supervised practice opportunity is limited to students enrolled in the May session beginner classes (puppy through CGC). More information on weekly sign-ups will be emailed directly.
Members Only & Advanced Classes
Advanced 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. Once the registrar confirms your spot in the class, you will be asked to provide vaccination information 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 advanced class registrar, Linda Pacioretty. Some classes or special workshops will have a different 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 advanced class registrar, Linda Pacioretty. Some classes or special workshops will have a different registrar listed below.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
Trick Dog: Intermediate+ / Mondays @ 7:15pm
Instructor: Maddie Ulinski; Assistant: Abby Christman / Becky Robinson
8 teams; 1 hour; 8 weeks
Starts April 28
This class is for teams looking to continue their AKC Trick Dog journey! Teams with a TKN or higher title will work on perfecting their tricks for the next level of trick dog. Instructors will also help students make a plan and choose tricks for future levels as well as encouraging students to start thinking about Performer and Elite titles. Teams need to be proficient at shaping new behaviors for this class.
Requirements:
8 teams; 1 hour; 8 weeks
Starts April 28
This class is for teams looking to continue their AKC Trick Dog journey! Teams with a TKN or higher title will work on perfecting their tricks for the next level of trick dog. Instructors will also help students make a plan and choose tricks for future levels as well as encouraging students to start thinking about Performer and Elite titles. Teams need to be proficient at shaping new behaviors for this class.
Requirements:
- Dogs must be trained through a CGC level (took CGC class or passed test).
- Teams must have already earned their Trick Dog Novice (TKN).
- Teams should be proficient at shaping.
Obedience/Rally Skills & Drills / Fridays @ 4pm
Instructor: Claire Yager
8 teams; 6 weeks; 1 hour
Starts May 2
Join this class for practice and proofing with your obedience or rally dog. Each week, we will have a rally course set up as well as an obedience ring to practice what you need to work on.
Dogs will be on- or off-leash in the ring subject to handler comfort and control. It is recommended to have a crate, place mat, or other station for your dog to rest between runs.
Requirements:
8 teams; 6 weeks; 1 hour
Starts May 2
Join this class for practice and proofing with your obedience or rally dog. Each week, we will have a rally course set up as well as an obedience ring to practice what you need to work on.
Dogs will be on- or off-leash in the ring subject to handler comfort and control. It is recommended to have a crate, place mat, or other station for your dog to rest between runs.
Requirements:
- Dogs should be already trained at whatever rally or obedience level you are looking to practice.
- Handlers must be IDTC members.
Fun in the Obedience and Rally Rings / Tuesdays @ 5pm - FULL
Instructors: Lisa Mitchell and Rue Chagoll
8 teams; 6 weeks; 1 hour
Starts April 29
Join seasoned obedience and rally competitors Rue Chagoll and Lisa Mitchell for Fun in the Obedience and Rally Rings. This class is intended for teams aspiring to compete in the obedience and/or rally rings.
Key competition skills will be covered, including:
This will be a very active class. There will be assigned homework and attendance is important to be successful.
Requirements:
8 teams; 6 weeks; 1 hour
Starts April 29
Join seasoned obedience and rally competitors Rue Chagoll and Lisa Mitchell for Fun in the Obedience and Rally Rings. This class is intended for teams aspiring to compete in the obedience and/or rally rings.
Key competition skills will be covered, including:
- Heeling
- Turns
- Rally Maneuvers
- Recalls
- Jumps
- Changes of Pace
- Rules
- Ring Procedure
This will be a very active class. There will be assigned homework and attendance is important to be successful.
Requirements:
- Teams must have passed the CGC test
- Teams must be capable of walking on a loose leash
- Crates are required for every dog
Intermediate Agility: Short Courses / Sundays @ 1:30pm
Instructor: Susan Morse; Assistant: Meagan Terry
6 teams; 6 weeks; 1 hour
Starts May 4, no class weeks of CPE trials
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.
Requirements:
6 teams; 6 weeks; 1 hour
Starts May 4, no class weeks of CPE trials
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.
Requirements:
- Teams must have agility experience equivalent to the IDTC Agility 1-2 goals found here.
- Dogs should be quietly crated when it is not their turn in the ring.
Intermediate Agility: Short Courses / Saturdays @ 4:30pm - FULL
Instructor: Marty Gold
6 teams; 7 weeks; 1 hour
Starts May 3, no class weeks of CPE trials
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.
Requirements:
6 teams; 7 weeks; 1 hour
Starts May 3, no class weeks of CPE trials
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.
Requirements:
- Teams must have agility experience equivalent to the IDTC Agility 1-2 goals found here.
- Dogs should be quietly crated when it is not their turn in the ring.
Agility 3 / Mondays @ 5:30pm - Full
Instructor: Abby Christman
6 teams; 6 weeks; 1.5 hours
Starts April 28
This class will build on the skills introduced in Agility 1 & 2 and allow teams to get more practice and gain proficiency with the IDTC Intro Agility Goals. Preference will be given to students in the March Agility 2 session.
6 teams; 6 weeks; 1.5 hours
Starts April 28
This class will build on the skills introduced in Agility 1 & 2 and allow teams to get more practice and gain proficiency with the IDTC Intro Agility Goals. Preference will be given to students in the March Agility 2 session.
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.