Classes at ACA
We offer six-week long group classes which take place primarily in the evenings Monday through Thursday. Our classes are taught by instructors who are accomplished in the areas they teach, and who have experience with many different breeds and challenges.
Please carefully review the descriptions and prerequisites for each class. If your dog has never attended a class at ACA and will be taking any class other than Puppy Kindergarten, you need to attend our testing. It is a requirement. Please check our calendar for the next testing date.
Foundation | Obedience | Agility
Special Training
Rally Obedience
In this class, students will learn the skills necessary to perform AKC Novice, Intermediate/Advanced, and Excellent Rally courses. Two weeks will be spent on each level, beginning with Novice. Students will learn the Rally regulations and the rules for each level, how to perform the various signs, and how to walk courses and strategize the flow of a course. We will reinforce the foundation training needed at each level. Each week there will be a competition course set up for handlers to perform individually, with instructor coaching, as well as a practice side that will focus on learning new signs. Note: Since we are only able to offer one section of Rally this session, courses and levels may be modified depending on the skill level of the handler/dog teams that register for the class.* Instructors:
Prerequisites: Successful completion of ACA's Competition Obedience Foundations class, or any ACA obedience class above the COF level, and/or permission of an ACA obedience instructor. Students (current ACA or new) can also Test into Rally Obedience.
Foundation Training
Agility Foundations 1
In this class dogs will be taught the skills needed to begin agility classes such as: cone work, shaping tricks and behaviors, interaction with props/equipment, toy work, stays, and recalls. This is a very fun class that can be taken in preparation for Agility Foundations 2 or as a stand-alone fun class Instructors:
Prerequisites: ACA's Puppy Kindergarten and/or ACA's Obedience Foundations 1 (with instructor permission) or 2 as well as viewing the orientation content and videos. This class is a prerequisite for Agility Foundations 2.
Young Dog Bridge Class
This class is designed to challenge older puppies/young dogs who have been taught basic behaviors (sit, down, stay, come) and help handlers improve the dogs ability to listen, ignore distractions, and build a reciprocal connection. This class will take your dog's training to the next level by teaching trick foundations and working with handlers to teach dogs that you are as valuable as the reward. Through training-based activities, not only will your relationship grow, but your dog will be better prepared for starting obedience and/or agility foundations. Instructors:
Prerequisites: Attendance of ACA Puppy Kindergarten class and/or permission of instructors Elsie Maylot, Diann Gastley, and/or Marianne Pieper.
Puppy Kindergarten
This class will introduce puppies to social situations as well as beginning obedience training suitable for puppies 8 weeks to no more than 10 months of age. This class also covers the skills needed to pass the S.T.A.R. Puppy Program, with an emphasis on owner education. Instructors:
Prerequisites: Attending a previous ACA Puppy and/or Obedience Foundations class OR watching the orientation video and reading the orientation handout prior to the first class.
Good Dog 1
This class is designed to help owners train a well-behaved dog that is attentive and responsive. Dogs are taught manners, with an emphasis on self-control, sit, down, stays, coming when called, "leave it", polite leash walking, and appropriate greeting behavior. Focus on the handler will be emphasized as more distractions are introduced. No previous training experience is required. Students must watch the Orientation videos and read the Orientation handouts prior to the start of the session. Instructors:
Prerequisites: This class is for dogs six months or older, who have successfully passed the required Testing at ACA (see General Notes above for dates/times), or who have taken a previous ACA class such as Puppy Kindergarten and have permission of an ACA instructor.
Good Dog 2
This class will build on the skills taught in Good Dog 1 and Puppy K including walking politely on leash, greeting people, coming when called, and stays. We will add more "real world" distractions to various training situations, so handlers learn to apply class material outside of class. Practical tricks and games will be included to continue to strengthen the relationship with your dog and improve your training skills. If there is enough interest, test items from the Canine Good Citizen test will be introduced. In addition to reinforcing and expanding on basic skills, this class can be used as a stepping-stone to more advanced obedience classes. Instructors:
Prerequisites: Prerequisites: This class is for dogs six months or older, who have taken a previous ACA class such as Good Dog 1 and/or have permission of an ACA instructor.
Agility Foundations 1
In this class dogs will be taught the skills needed to begin agility classes such as: cone work, shaping tricks and behaviors, interaction with props/equipment, toy work, stays, and recalls. This is a very fun class that can be taken in preparation for Agility Foundations 2 or as a stand-alone fun class Instructors:
Prerequisites: ACA's Good Dog 1 or 2(with instructor permission). This class is a prerequisite for Agility Foundations 2.
Agility Foundations 2
In this class dogs will be taught agility skills including: targeting, cone work, stays, station work, board work, obstacles (table, tire, tunnel, as well as an introduction to the dog walk and a-frame), beginning jump work, tricks, warm-up routine, and toy/drive work. Instructors:
Prerequisites: Dog and handler attendance of Agility Foundation 1 or higher class at A Click Above and permission of Claudia Bates.
Agility Foundations 3
This class is a continuation of Foundation 2, with concentration given to jumping skills and beginning handling over jumps and tunnels as well as other skills. Skills taught will include: stays, beginning agility handling on short sequences, jumping skills on one jump, contact obstacle skills (mainly end behavior), and beginning weaves. Instructors:
Prerequisites: Attending a previous Agility Foundation 3 or 2 Class and permission of Claudia Bates.
Agility Foundations 4
This class is a continuation of skills learned in Foundation 2 and 3 classes with concentration on contact work. Skills taught will include: targeting/board work, stays, contact end behavior, teeter, weaves, and full contact work. Instructors:
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of Agility Foundation 3 and permission of Claudia Bates
Intro to Scentwork
Scentwork is a very fun activity for dogs and handlers. It is inspired by working detection dogs. Dogs will enjoy scenting and searching and putting their keen sense of smell to work! Scentwork is a light physical activity that can be a good extracurricular activity for pets, agility, and obedience dogs. The activity is addictive for handlers and dogs. All four elements will be done each week. Instructors: Karen Allen
Prerequisites: Attendance of Class #1 of the session will cover orientation.
Intro to Odor
Scentwork is a very fun activity for dogs and handlers. It is inspired by working detection dogs. Dogs will enjoy scenting and searching and putting their keen sense of smell to work! Scentwork is a light physical activity that can be a good extracurricular activity for pets, agility, and obedience dogs. The activity is addictive for handlers and dogs. Instructors:
Prerequisites: Pre-requisite for Intro to Odor is attendance of Intro To Scentwork with Karen Allen
Advanced Scentwork
Scentwork is a very fun activity for dogs and handlers. It is inspired by working detection dogs. Dogs will enjoy scenting and searching and putting their keen sense of smell to work! Scentwork is a light physical activity that can be a good extracurricular activity for pets, agility, and obedience dogs. The activity is addictive for handlers and dogs. All four elements will be done each week. Instructors:
Prerequisites: This class will be a continuation of previous classes. Permission of Karen Allen is required.
Fitness Foundations 1 with Samantha Burton
In this class, students will learn the essential building blocks for canine fitness. The class will focus on posture, weight shifting, and correct form for the dynamic exercises. Each week will offer a trick that complements fitness. Class weeks 1, 3, 5, and 6 will have lesson plans and correspondence via email. Students may submit up to 5 minutes of video per week and ask questions via email. Class Weeks 2 and 4 will be held via Zoom (time and day TBD). Class Week 7 will be held in person at ACA at the conclusion of the scheduled class session (see General notes for date/time). Details will be sent in class confirmations. Instructors: Samantha Burton
Prerequisites: Dogsmust be at least one year of age and be sound (no limping or injury). Equipment: 2 small platforms of the same size that are big enough for the dog to sit on individually as well as a platform, plank, or yoga mat long enough to allow the dog to lie down.
Fitness Foundations 2 with Samantha Burton
In this class, students will learn the essential building blocks for canine fitness. The class will focus on posture, weight shifting, and correct form for the dynamic exercises. Each week will offer a trick that complements fitness. Class weeks 1, 3, 5, and 6 will have lesson plans and correspondence via email. Students may submit up to 5 minutes of video per week and ask questions via email. Class Weeks 2 and 4 will be held via Zoom (time and day TBD). Class Week 7 will be held in person at ACA at the conclusion of the scheduled class session (see General notes for date/time). Details will be sent in class confirmations. Instructors: Samantha Burton
Prerequisites: Completion of FF1 with Sam Burton and permission of Sam Burton. Equipment: 2 small platforms of the same size that are big enough for the dog to sit on individually as well a platform or plank (long enough for your dog to comfortably stand on), 1 inflatable piece (big enough for your dog to sit on, such as a bone or large disk), and 4 Cavaletti poles (details on these will be sent by instructor).
Fitness Foundations 3 with Sam Burton
In this class, students will learn the essential building blocks for canine fitness. The class will focus on posture, weight shifting, and correct form for the dynamic exercises. This is a hybrid class with 3 in person lessons and feedback via video submission in between classes. Details will be sent in class confirmations. Instructors: Samantha Burton
Prerequisites: Completion of FF2 with Sam Burton and permission of Sam Burton. Equipment: We will use a combination of equipment used in FF1 and 2. See general notes for in person dates.
Obedience Training
Utility Skills with Karen Allen
This class is a competitive obedience class for dog and handler teams working towards the Utility Dog title. The sessions will be broken down as follows: Three weeks will be spent on improving heeling, signals, articles, and the moving stand; three weeks will be spent on how to improve gloves, go outs, and directed jumping. Instructors:
Prerequisites: Dog/Handler teams must have attained a UKC, ASCA, or AKC Companion Dog title (provide date to Karen), must be able to retrieve a dumbbell, or have permission from Karen Allen.
Competition Novice/Intro to Open
This class will help students to polish Novice skills to a "ring ready" level. In addition, Open skills and exercises will be introduced. This class will help students with dogs competing in Novice, or getting ready to compete in Novice to bridge the gap to Open. Instructors:
Prerequisites: Teams must have attended ACA's Open class and/or have permission of Karen Allen. Testing into class will also be permitted.
Competition Open/Introduction to Utility
This class will help students to polish Open Obedience skills to a "ring ready" level. In addition, Utility skills and exercises will be introduced. This is a wonderful class to bridge the gap between Open and Utility. Instructors:
Prerequisites: Teams must have attended ACA's Open class and/or have permission of Karen Allen. Testing into class will also be permitted.
Games for Confidence and Control 1
These classes will help dogs and handlers struggling with over-arousal and stress in busy and distracting environments. Whether your dog is unsure and nervous or over-the-top excited by everything, this class is for you! Most of the content of this class is borrowed from Leslie McDevitt's Control Unleashed, but we are also using principles and methods borrowed from Sarah Stremming, Hannah Branigan, Dr. Amy Cook, and the Behavior Vets team. Instructors: Claudia and Sarah
Prerequisites: Permission of Claudia Bates and Sarah Dyer.
Games for Confidence and Control 2
These classes will help dogs and handlers struggling with over-arousal and stress in busy and distracting environments. Whether your dog is unsure and nervous or over-the-top excited by everything, this class is for you! Most of the content of this class is borrowed from Leslie McDevitt's Control Unleashed, but we are also using principles and methods borrowed from Sarah Stremming, Hannah Branigan, Dr. Amy Cook, and the Behavior Vets team. Games for Confidence and Control 2 will build on the skills taught in GCC1. Instructors: Claudia and Sarah
Prerequisites: Permission of Claudia Bates and Sarah Dyer.
Competition Obedience Foundations
This class is geared toward handlers who are interested in showing in Obedience and/or Rally, or who want to explore higher level work. It is required for those planning to take Competition Obedience I or Rally Obedience classes at ACA. Skills covered include maintaining attention, handler-focused heeling, the figure 8 exercise, turns, pivots, changes of pace, and related footwork. Recalls with fronts, both types of finishes, and the stand and stand stay will also be included. Additional exercises unique to the Beginner Novice title, and to Rally, will be added if there is time and interest. This class is ideal for those starting a dog on the competition obedience track, for those who want to develop obedience skills for Rally, or for dogs already in an upper-level obedience class that could benefit from more foundation work. Instructors:
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Good Dog 1 and/or Good Dog 2, and /or permission of an ACA instructor.
Novice Obedience
This Competitive obedience class geared towards dogs and handlers working towards the Companion Dog title. Please note: Due to the nature of this class, each handler may register only one dog. Instructors:
Prerequisites: Dog/Handler teams must have attended ACA's Obedience Foundations for Competition or have attended previous Novice Obedience classes at ACA.
Open Obedience with Karen Allen
This class is designed to help handlers brush up on skills needed for competing in Open obedience classes. The class will include the following: retrieving exercises, all jumping exercises, and heeling exercises. Please note: Due to the nature of this class, each handler may register only one dog. Instructors:
Prerequisites: Dog/Handler teams must have attained a UKC or AKC Companion Dog title (provide date legs were acquired on registration form) and must be able to retrieve a dumbbell or have permission from Karen Allen.
Open and Utility Foundations
This class is designed for obedience handlers looking to compete in the Open and Utility levels. The goal of the class is to introduce students to the range of advanced skills required for these classes. In addition to reinforcing core skills, such as heeling and position changes, we will work on a variety of exercises, to include retrieving, jumping (high, bar, and broad), scent discrimination, and go-out targeting, among other things. Instructors:
Prerequisites: Permission of Nancy Walkins or Lis Breyer
Agility Training
Agility Handling with Video Analysis
The concentration of this class will be to use video to improve handling and be able to better recognize errors in body position. The sequences will involve mostly jumps and tunnels but may also involve contacts and/or weaves. Each week one or two short courses will be run and videotaped. The videos will be posted online. LIMITED TO 8 DOGS. Instructors:
Prerequisites: Permission of Elsie Maylott.
Handling Skills
This class will include the learning of agility handling skills at an intermediate pace and level, using jumps and tunnels including: the tire, long jump, jumps, and tunnels in the form of shorter sequences. Skills taught will include a variety of handling techniques (front crosses, rear crosses, blind crosses, etc.). Students will be taught handling required for common patterns seen on agility courses (serpentine, threadle, pinwheel, etc.), efficient lines, as well as choosing the best handling options for each individual team. This class should be paired with one of the Contacts and Weaves classes. Instructors:
Prerequisites: Completion of Foundation 3 and 4 and/or have permission from Diann Gastley/Trish Dranchak.
Crossing Skills
This class is designed to help students perfect their timing and skills with Front, Rear, and Blind Crosses in small sequences using Jumps and Tunnels. Great class for additional sequencing practice with coaching. Instructors:
Prerequisites: Completion of at least one session of Handling Skills taught at ACA.
Competition Handling Skills
Coursework focusing on a different skill set each week, such as tunnel entrances and exits, distance handling, layering, technique training, S lines, back sides, threadles, lateral lead outs. Must be proficient on all obstacles. 12 weave poles and all contacts may be used. Instructors:
Prerequisites: Completion of Sequencing with Jumps and Tunnels, or Handling Skills, proficiency on all equipment and/or permission of Trish Dranchak. This class requires performance of all contact obstacles and twelve weave poles on both sides.
Advanced Agility Handling Skills
The concentration of this class will be to improve handling and be able to better recognize errors in body position. The sequences will involve mostly jumps and tunnels but may also involve contacts and/or weaves. LIMITED TO 8 DOGS. Instructors:
Prerequisites: Permission of Elsie Maylott.
Contacts and Weaves
in this class, contact and weaving skills taught will be geared to advancing the dog on to one of the advanced classes. Specific attention will be given to fast and accurate contact work, using (primarily) the targeting method. Contact and weave stations and grid exercises will be used. This class can and should be taken in conjunction with either Handling Skills or one of the Intermediate classes. Please note: while there will be instruction provided in this class, many sequences or stations will be set up for students to practice independently. Instructors:
Prerequisites: Dogs must have taken Agility Foundations 3 and 4 with ACA and have permission from Claudia Bates.
Contacts and Handling
This class combines skills taught in Contacts and Weaves and Handling Skills. Students will have three weeks of each class. See descriptions of Contacts and Weaves and Handling Skills for details. Instructors:
Prerequisites: Dogs must have taken Agility Foundations 3 and 4 with ACA and have permission from Claudia Bates.
Novice Competition Handling Skills
This class builds on the agility handling skills taught in previous handling classes. Skills taught will include a variety of handling techniques (front crosses, rear crosses, blind crosses, etc.). Students will be taught handling required for common patterns seen on agility courses (serpentine, threadle, pinwheel, etc.), efficient lines, as well as choosing the best handling options for each individual team.oles and all contacts may be used. Instructors:
Prerequisites: This class requires completion of Handling Skills class, Pre-Comp Handling Skills, mastery of all equipment, including six weave poles, and/or permission of Trish Dranchak or Ashley Anderson.
Advanced Competition Handling Skills
Skills class focusing on a different skill set each week, such as tunnel entrances and exits, distance handling, layering, technique training, S lines, back sides, threadles, lateral lead outs, and more! Must be proficient on all obstacles. Twelve weave poles and all contacts may be used. Instructors:
Prerequisites: Dogs must be currently competing at the Novice or above level (having earned at least one standard leg) and have proficiency on all obstacles including full contacts and 12 weaves.
Coursework for Competition
These classes are designed to work on courses seen at the Novice through Premiere/Masters level. Each week handler will be able to choose from three different nested courses from Novice through Masters. The Novice courses will be suitable for students and dogs just beginning to trial while the more advanced courses will present many challenges seen at the Advanced, Masters, and even international competitions. Sequences, small courses, and full-size courses will be done in this class to help the dog and handler team to fine tune the skills learned in previous handling classes. These classes fine tune the application of handling skills, (acquired through our intermediate programs such as Sequencing with Jumps and Contacts), course analysis, obstacle independence, and obstacle discrimination. Instructors:
Prerequisites: Completion of any of the following at ACA: Previous Competition Coursework classes (taken with current dog,) or Competition Handling Skills, as well as proficiency of dogwalk and A-frame, the seesaw, 12 weave poles on both sides, and handling techniques (front crosses, blind crosses, rear crosses, etc). Permission of Claudia Bates.
Coursework for Competition
These classes are designed to work on courses seen at the Novice through Premiere/Masters level. Each week handler will be able to choose from three different nested courses from Novice through Masters. The Novice courses will be suitable for students and dogs just beginning to trial while the more advanced courses will present many challenges seen at the Advanced, Masters, and even international competitions. Sequences, small courses, and full-size courses will be done in this class to help the dog and handler team to fine tune the skills learned in previous handling classes. These classes fine tune the application of handling skills, (acquired through our intermediate programs such as Sequencing with Jumps and Contacts), course analysis, obstacle independence, and obstacle discrimination. Instructors:
Prerequisites: Dogs in this class need to have earned an AKC OA or UKI BID (s). In addition, we require Completion of any of the following at ACA: Previous Competition Coursework classes (taken with current dog,) or Competition Handling Skills (with permission of your current instructor), as well as proficiency of dogwalk and A-frame, the seesaw, 12 weave poles on both sides, and handling techniques (front crosses, blind crosses, rear crosses, etc) and/or permission of Claudia Bates.