Full listing of Training Classes that are or have been available from MPMKC (in alphabetical order)
Agility Beginner Class: This class is for dogs 12 months of age or older. Dogs MUST respond to basic obedience commands (sit, down, come). Handlers are taught basic handling techniques. Training in safety and off-leash control are emphasized while simple agility obstacles are introduced. Jumps will be introduced at a lowered height. This class meets for 7 weeks (Bring dogs and treats the first night). Limit 8 dogs and permission of instructor.
Agility Intermediate Class: This class is for dogs 12 months of age or older that have completed the Beginning Agility Class. Dogs will be off leash outdoors and must have reasonable off-leash control and have been introduced to the obstacles and able to do most of them correctly. Obstacles are taught at increased height and speed, and use of the teeter-totter will be completed. Training in advanced handling skills is emphasized. This class meets for 7 weeks, and bitches in season are not permitted. (Bring dogs and treats the first night). Limit 8 dogs and permission of instructor.
Agility Advanced Class: Dogs will be off leash outdoors and must have good off-leash control and be ready or near ready for competition. We will be teaching more advanced handling skills and dog/handler teamwork. Having completed an Intermediate Agility Class or equivalent and permission of the instructor is required. This class meets for 7 weeks, and bitches in season are not permitted. (Bring dogs and treats the first night). Enrollment is limited.
Canine Good Citizen Class: Those wishing to give their dogs extra training on good behavior at home or when away from home should sign up for this class. Also, training for the CGC is the first step toward earning therapy certification if that is something you desire. You must have completed a Beginner's Class to qualify for this class. You may contact the instructor if you question whether you qualify or not. A flat collar or harness on dogs please; no training collars of any type. This class meets for 7 weeks. (Bring dogs the first night.)
Clicker Fun Class: Based on training methods used with dolphins, clicker training is a fun, no pressure way to train your dog. Whether your dog is young or old, your food- or toy-motivated friend will love clicker training. In this class, you'll learn how to teach your pet to sit, stay, come, down, heel, and do some tricks. Be prepared to have fun! This class meets for 7 weeks (no dogs the first night).
Conformation / Handling Class: This class is for dogs that will be entered in the AKC breed ring. This class meets for 7 weeks (Bring dogs the first night).
Conformation Junior Showmanship Class: This class is for young people, ages 10-17, who plan to show their dogs in 4-H and/or conformation events. This class meets for 7 weeks (Bring dogs the first night).
Freestyle – Dancing with Dogs: Participate in one of the most fun bond building activities for you and your dog. ANY dog can compete in Canine Musical Freestyle and is encouraged to learn this fun sport for titles or fun. Improve your Therapy work, add some fun to your obedience routine, or just come out to move to the music with your favorite 4-legged partner. Participants will receive all basic skills to compete in freestyle including dance moves, costuming, choreography, and music selection. (Bring dogs the first night.)
Obedience Beginner Class: This class is for dogs 6 months of age or older. Handlers are taught basic obedience commands on leash: heel, sit-stay, down-stay, stand, and come. Socialization with people and other pets is encouraged. Additional problem solving information is presented. This class meets for 7 weeks (no dogs the first night).
Obedience Intermediate Class: This class is for dogs 6 months of age or older that have had previous classes and plan to compete at obedience trials. Handlers are expected to have control on leash with off-leash control preferred. Basic or advanced understanding of obedience exercises is expected. This class meets for 7 weeks (bring dogs the first night).
Obedience Advanced Class: This class is for dogs that have graduated from the Beginning Obedience. Class and meets for 7 weeks (bring dogs the first night).
Obedience Competition Class: This class is geared for the handler and dog intending to compete in the obedience ring working toward a CD title. Dogs must have succeeded in at least two Pre-Novice or Beginning Obedience Classes and will be shown competitively in obedience trials. Permission of the instructor is required for enrollment. This class meets for 7 weeks (Bring dogs the first night).
Obedience Advanced Competition Class: This class is for dogs that have taken at least one Competition Obedience Class and will be shown competitively in obedience trails working toward the CDX and/or UD titles. Permission of the instructor is required for enrollment. This class meets for 7 weeks (Bring dogs the first night).
Puppy Class: Puppies from 3 to 6 months of age may enroll in the puppy class, provided that their vaccinations are complete. Handlers teach puppies how to walk on leash, sit, down-stay, etc. Socialization with people and other pets is emphasized. Additional information such as housebreaking, grooming, and nutrition is given in a lecture/demonstration situation. This class meets for 7 weeks (no dogs the first night).
Rally: Rally is half way between formal obedience and agility. Its the quickest growing recognized AKC competitive sport. Come out and see what fun you can have with your 4-legged partner, while you build your companion’s skills or motivate your dog for higher levels in obedience or agility. Rally encourages talking with your dog as the team negotiates a course or practiced routines. (Bring dogs the first night)
Animal Assistance - Therapy Dog / CGC exercises & practice sessions: Therapy Dog International (TDI) and AKC Canine Good Citizenship (CGC) practice run through sessions. Dog should have some basic training and be controllable on a flat collar and leash before participation in these sessions. (Bring dogs the first night)
The goal of this class is to develop dog/handler teams that are capable of passing a Working Certificate test for their breed, and/or an AKC Junior Hunter test for retrievers. The dogs will be worked in open field environments. The pre-requisites for this class are a basic obedience class (or equivalent) and the ability to recall your dog from a distance, off-leash. Skills learned will be retrieve to hand, introduction to guns and birds, double land retrieves, back-to-back single water retrieves and general problem solving. This class meets for 7 weeks (Bring dogs, and meet at the MPMKC Building the first night).
All classes are held at our indoor, heated, air-conditioned and fully matted facility located at: 7540 S. Mission, Mt. Pleasant, MI. A map is available below.
To enroll, fill out the enrollment form on the flyer (available for download above) and mail it to the instructor of the class for which you are enrolling. Checks should be made out to MPMKC. Flyers can also be found at the MPMKC building, most Mt. Pleasant veterinary offices, Soldans and Redbird pet supply.
- For general questions about classes, contact Diane Gaw at: (989) 772-7503 or Email.
- For specific questions about a particular class, please contact the instructor directly. Contact information can be found on each class page and on the class registration form.
MOST CLASS SIZES ARE LIMITED. FULL PAYMENT MUST BE MAILED WITH REGISTRATION to the Instructor. Confirmation of classes will not be mailed. If the class has filled by the time you register, you will be called. If you do not hear from us, assume that you are registered for the class. Proof of vaccinations (Rabies, DHL/PPv) will be required the first night of class. Bordetella is highly recommended.
