PADOC holds three sessions of obedience classes a year beginning in September and ending in the spring. Classes start at puppy and go right up to classes for competition.
We also offer classes in rally obedience, conformation handling and special coaching/practices for the canine good neighbour (CGN) test.
All classes are held at St James Church, 221 Romaine St., Peterborough.
**Winter CGN Class Registration Now Open**
See below for details
To register, please reach out using the contact page.
Rally Obedience {}:
- Winter/Spring 2024 Schedule to come
FUNdamentals for the Family Pet
- Winter/Spring 2024 Schedule to come
Conformation Handling:
- Winter/Spring 2024 Schedule to come
Intermediate/Advanced Obedience
- Winter/Spring 2024 Schedule to come
Canine Good Neighbour (CGN):
- Saturdays mornings starting February 3, 2024 for 4 weeks - $100 - CGN test is $35 on March 2nd
Canine Calming:
- dogs and handlers are welcome to observe the Conformation Handling class - please contact us to tell us you would like to observe and arrange payment ($10 per session)
To register for a class please call 705-876-8708 and leave a message with a call back number or fill in our contact form. Include your dog's breed and age as well as which class you are interested in and Deb will write or call you back.
Class Descriptions:
FUNdamentals for the family pet:
Learn how to bring out the best in your dog by using positive reinforcement training in a class designed for dogs that have never taken a training class before. Throughout this six or eight-week course, we will teach you how to set your dog up to succeed. With confidence comes a trust and bond that will last a lifetime. You will become your dog's teacher as they learn how to sit, down, sit nicely for petting, walk nicely on leash, greet other dogs politely, leave it, stay, and come when called, and we’ll have some fun with doggy sports and teach them some tricks. Learn games that are actually a training session in disguise. This is the class your dog will thank you for taking.
Intermediate Obedience:
This class is designed for dogs that have been taught the basics in our FUNdamentals class or elsewhere. Dogs will learn how to walk nicely on leash, come when called, stay, go to your mat, anti-jumping and much more. As the class progresses, formal obedience will be introduced such as heel, front, finish and figure eights. We will be training using a reward based system. Please bring a flat collar, martingale collar, or head halter and a six foot leash as well as some small soft treats.
Conformation Handling
This class will teach you show ring procedures and help you to become comfortable in the show ring. With proper handling of your dog it will assist you in bringing out their best attributes.
We also encourage future handlers, the juniors, to attend to learn the craft.
Rally Obedience:
The chief objective of rally is to provide a fast-moving, fun and motivational activity that demonstrates a handler and dog’s competency in basic obedience exercises without requiring exact precision for success. Dogs in rally events should demonstrate willingness and enjoyment. To that end, handlers may use praise and encouragement throughout the rally course. Great for beginners and the more experienced competitor and a fun exercise to show off what you have both learned in classes!
In Winter 2022 we are running a Novice class. In the novice class, the focus is on learning the signs and getting the students and their dogs comfortable with running patterns and completing the signs/course aptly. It is expected that students would be first time competitors/young dog owners. In an intermediate class, the focus would be on learning intermediate/Advanced signs and honing skills. These students would have taken a rally course, be familiar with most rules but need help to learn more signs, and practice, practice practice.
Canine Good Neighbour - CGN
The Canine Good Neighbour Program is a 12-step test, that when completed successfully, will ensure that one of our most favoured companions, the dog, is accepted as a valued member of our communities right across the country. Canine Good Neighbours can be counted on to present good manners at home, in public places and in the presence of other dogs.
The test is non-competitive and allows dog and handler to demonstrate confidence and control in 12 steps. It assesses the handler and dog's relationship, together with the handler's ability to control the dog. Dogs are evaluated on their ability to perform basic exercises as well as their ability to demonstrate good manners in everyday situations. It is a CKC test and if successful you will receive a certificate from the CKC 
Canine Calming
Is your dog highly distracted and you just want them to calm down around other dogs and people? Is an obedience class just too much? In conjunction with our conformation handling class, we will be offering this opportunity to teach your dog to relax in an environment that is less high energy than an obedience class. Practice a little obedience, get your dog to focus on you, or just sit and be present with smells, other dogs and people. Our trainers will offer tips and tricks throughout the 45min-hour per week.
Advanced Obedience:
The advanced class is designed for dogs that have completed a basic obedience class and are ready to go on to more challenging activities such as heeling off leash, recalls, group stays and an introduction to competitive ring procedures. Off leash control is an important skill for your dog to master as it is the basis of other dog sports such as rally and agility. Each week will include some fun exercises as well. We will be using positive reinforcement such as small treats and verbal praise to encourage our dogs to focus on achieving these new skills.
Intro to Competitive Obedience:
This class is aimed at those who want to enter formal obedience events. We will not only be practicing the exercises but will go over rules of performance, acceptable behaviour in and out of the ring and will share some trialling tips that we have learned over the years. Intended for dogs at the pre-novice and novice level.
Competitive Obedience:
The class will focus mostly on Open exercises and will including off leash practice, fronts and finishes. The class will review trialing tips and etiquette. People should have their dogs trained at least to pre-novice level. Everyone should bring a crate for their dog, a dumbell and lots of high value treats.
Membership:
We are always happy to have new members join the club. Become a member of the club and enjoy discounted classes plus training nights.