Puppy Class - This is for puppies up to 6 months old. Some of the topics covered in the classes are socializing your puppy, gentling exercises, house-breaking, nipping, jumping, and beginning obedience exercises such as sit, down, come, stay, and walk on a loose lead.

Pre-Basic - This class is for puppies that have taken the puppy class, want to train further and prefer because of the young age of their pet, not to enroll in the Basic class. This course will further the exercises learned in the puppy class.

Basic Obedience - This is for dogs over 5 months and up to any age. The course will cover obedience commands of sit, down, stand, stay, come and walk on a loose lead. All exercises are taught on lead. Attention is also introduced and the use of some obstacles to help build confidence.

Advanced Basic - This class is for dogs that have completed the Basic class. The basic exercises of sit, down, stay, come, walk are expanded upon with distractions. There will be some work on preparing the dog for the AKC's Canine Good Citizenship test which the club offers twice a year. These include but are not limited to walking in a crowd, petting by a stranger, being brushed, and noise distractions. This is all on lead.

Rally - A positive reinforcement class that is designed for the handler who is interested in learning the skills necessary to compete in Rally Obedience. Rally Obedience exercises differ significantly from traditional formal obedience exercises. Rally is really a combination of obedience and agility, and dogs and handlers LOVE it. Rally Obedience emphasizes fun and excitement for the dog / handler team while providing a more natural performance, which improves the dog's attitude and builds a sense of teamwork.

Pre-Novice - This course is for handlers that are considering obedience competition. This course will introduce all the exercises needed for the AKC's Companion Dog title. These include the stand for exam, on and off-lead heeling, long sits and downs, formal recalls, return to heel, and figure eight. Dogs should have a good knowledge of basic obedience to enroll.

Novice - This course is for handlers that want to polish their obedience performance in preparation for competition. Footwork, attention, how to create a better performance, motivation, and developing a foundation for advanced work are some elements covered in this class.

Beginning Open - Introduces the exercises for AKC's Companion Dog Excellent title. These include off lead heeling, drop on recall, retrieve on the flat and over a jump, broad jump, and long out of sight sits and downs. A good foundation of the Novice level work is recommended.

Advanced Open - This course is for dogs that are comfortable with all the exercises at the open level and need to polish their performance for competition.

Utility - This is for dogs that are working on the Utility Dog title. The scope of the class depends on the particular level of the students at the time of enrollment.

Agility Skills - This class is for puppies that have completed a puppy class or older dogs that have completed a basic class. The basics of clicker training and skills needed for agility are introduced. The dogs do not work on any of the contact equipment. They will be introduced to the jumps (set very low), tunnels, and work with many distractions. Dogs are on lead for this class.

Equipment Familiarization I - This is for dogs that are over 9 months old and have passed the required screening test for off-lead control and non-aggression around other dogs. This class introduces all the equipment used in competition agility and begins off lead work. The heights are set low to help build confidence, reliability, and safety. A minimum of 6 out of the 7 classes must be attended and a final proficiency test on equipment to be considered for advancement into the Equip. II class.

Equipment Familiarization II - Pre-requisite is satisfactory performance and required attendance in the Equipment I class. This course builds on the foundation built in the preceding class. The equipment is brought up to full height, sequencing and handler techniques are introduced.

Novice Agility - This is for dogs that have completed the Equipment II class and are comfortable with all the agility obstacles and are preparing to compete. This course is designed to improve handlers and dogs working as a team. Dogs with two legs earned toward their Novice Agility title are still eligible to enroll.

Breed Handling - This class is designed to prepare both the handler and the dog for competing in the conformation ring.

Merrimac Dog Training Club - Training Regulations - 2008

1. Puppies in “puppy” and “conformation” classes must be 12 weeks old on the first night of class. For all other classes, dogs must be at least five months old the first night of class.

2. Bitches in season are not permitted to participate in training classes. Handlers should attend class and work their bitches at home on exercises performed in classes missed.

3. All dogs must have shots appropriate for their age and breed; rabies, distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, kennel cough and parvo inoculations, before joining the classes. Proof of shots should be available at the first class and will be checked for “Puppy” and “Basic Obedience” classes. The instructor or training director may randomly request to examine these records at any class (and may excuse any dog for which such records cannot be produced), however the person signing the Training Class Application is fully responsible for insuring that shots are up to date.

4. Except for “Conformation” classes, the required training equipment consists of an appropriately fitted collar and a six foot leather or woven leash. Electronic collars are banned from activities sponsored by MDTC. For “Conformation classes, a collar/lead appropriate to the breed in conformation competition may be used.

5. At the discretion of the training director/assistant director, fighters and/or overly aggressive dogs may be barred from classes.

6. The instructor reserves the right to bar from classes any dog suspected of having a contagious disease.

7. Functional training attire that will allow kneeling should be worn. No loose fitting sandals. Soft-soled shoes (sneakers) must be worn. If you do not wear this type shoe, you will not be allowed in the class but you may watch.

8. You are responsible for cleaning up any accident your dog may have. Keep paper towels and plastic bags with you in case an accident occurs.

9. No alcoholic beverages will be permitted at training building.

10. Person or persons signing application form are the only persons permitted to train dogs at the club facility.

11. As a general rule, if Thomas Nelson Community College Hampton Campus is closed due to inclement weather, MDTC will also be closed.