Classes
Conformation Show Handling
Showing dogs is a great sport where the thrill of competition is combined with the joy of seeing beautiful dogs. Dog shows or conformation events are intended to evaluate breeding stock. The size of these events ranges from large all-breed shows, to small local specialty club shows featuring a specific breed. The dog's conformation, overall appearance, structure and movement is judged.
Conformation Show Handling
Handling your dog is an exceptional and enjoyable experience. From the grooming table to the show ring, you and your dog will develop a bond. While training classes offer the best hands-on way to practice for the show ring, attending shows and observing your breed is also a great way to gain understanding of what judges and other competitors do.
Dog showing is a sport, and like any sport, there are skills to acquire. These include:
- Holding the lead
- Gaiting your dog correctly around the ring with other dogs present
- Executing the various individual gaiting patterns called for by a judge
- Presenting your dog to the judge
- Hand stacking your dog (using your hands to place each of the dog's feet so that it stands in the desired position)
- Standing your dog for the judge's examination
- Baiting (how and when to use a treat to get your dog to perk up and stand at attention)
- Free stacking (walking the dog into the desired position by use of bait and leash, without hands)
Show Handling classes are offered on a pay as you go system. Attendees are asked to create an account with us so you can register for the sessions you wish to attend.
Fee of $20 per class for non-members. Discounted fee for DTCCC training members.
You may pay for your session(s) online, by exact change or by check made payable to: DTCCC
Attendees may bring only dogs owned by them.
Female dogs in season are not permitted in the training building. No exceptions.
Class Schedule
AKC Fit Dog
The AKC FIT DOG program began in January 2023 and has continued to grow in popularity ever since. This program is designed to encourage dogs and their owners to be active together through titles. As an AKC FIT DOG Instructor and organizer of a FIT DOG Club hosting virtual events for dogs and people across the country, I’ve seen firsthand how my clients and club members (both dogs and people) of all ages have benefited from this program by becoming more motivated to exercise.
A core component of the AKC FIT DOG program is walking with your dog, something most of us do with our dogs every day. Walking is a gentle exercise that can help to improve circulation, muscular strength, improve overall health for both dogs and people, and now walking the dog can put you on the path towards new titles.
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Fit Dog Level 1
Prerequisite: Level 2: Beyond Basics
Fit Dog Level 1 is an introductory course designed to kickstart you and your dog’s fitness journey, inspiring handlers to engage in fitness-related activities while prioritizing safety and minimizing the risk of injury. This course offers a fun, structured approach to help dogs stay active, healthy, and mentally engaged, while strengthening the bond between you and your pup.
Tailored for healthy dogs with no significant injuries or ongoing medical conditions, Fit Dog Level 1 follows a carefully crafted curriculum aimed at achieving three points toward the AKC Fit Dog Bronze title. Throughout the course, dogs will develop essential fitness skills, including warm-up and cool-down stretches, strength-building exercises such as sit-to-stand, targeting, cavaletti work, and hind-end awareness exercises.
Fit Dog Level 2
Prerequisite: Fit Dog Level 1
Fit Dog Level 2 continues building on the skills and concepts learned in Fit Dog Level 1. This course offers a fun, structured approach to help dogs stay active, healthy, and mentally engaged, while strengthening the bond between you and your pup.
Fit Dog Level 2 follows a carefully crafted curriculum aimed at achieving six points toward the AKC Fit Dog Silver title. Throughout the course, dogs will build on the skills learned in Level 1, and learn new skills including warm-up and cool-down stretches, strength building exercises including balance equipment and props, rear paw targeting and hind-end awareness exercises, and more challenging position changes to keep our pups strong and resilient.
Fit Dog Level 3
Prerequisite: Fit Dog Level 2
Fit Dog Level 3 continues building on the skills and concepts learned in Fit Dog Level 2. This course offers a fun, structured approach to help dogs stay active, healthy, and mentally engaged, while strengthening the bond between you and your pup.
Fit Dog Level 3 follows a carefully crafted curriculum aimed at achieving up to twelve points toward the AKC Fit Dog Gold title. Throughout the course, dogs will build on the skills learned in Level 1 and 2, and learn new skills including stretching exercises, strength building exercises utilizing balance equipment, props and position changes, rear paw targeting and hind-end awareness exercises, as well as sidestepping and ipsilateral targeting.
