Obedience Classes 2010

The Gavilan Kennel Club has been conducting training classes since 1985. These classes are open to the public and to dogs of any breed or mixed breed over the age of four months who have current vaccinations.

Our training methods encourage positive reinforcement and behavior modification. We're looking forward to helping you get the most enjoyment in learning teamwork with your dog. This page will help you decide which class best suits your needs.

Classes Offered

Puppy: An introduction to training for puppies 4 to 6 months old. Puppies learn socialization and basic exercises as taught in the beginners class. The class includes advice for puppy owners in housebreaking and eliminating bad habits.

Beginners: For dogs at least 7 months old who are new to training. Dogs learn to walk on leash, sit, sit-stay, down, down-stay, come when called, stand, finish and socialization.

Intermediate: For dogs who have completed Beginners or Puppy Classes. Dogs learn more controlled sit-stay, down-stay, heeling, recalls and are introduced to off-leash work and signal exercises. Dogs and handlers learn AKC Sub-Novice exercises.

Novice: For dogs who have completed the intermediate class. Dogs refine previously learned exercises and are introduced to dumbbell and jumping exercises. The Novice class prepares dogs and handlers for AKC Novice Competition.

Open/Utility: For dogs who have two legs towards a CD/CDX title or are admitted with instructor approval. The class teaches retrieving, scent discrimination, signal exercises and prepares dogs and handlers for AKC Open and Utility competition.

Class Requirements

Visitors are welcome. This facility has no accommodations for children and they are not permitted to play on the stable grounds. Visiting children must be accompanied by a supervising adult who is not involved in training. Prior authorization is required for visiting dogs.

Health: Dogs must be at least 4 months old and have current vaccinations for rabies and DHPP. Bring a copy of your dog's vaccination records to the first class. Dogs must be free of communicable disease for 30 days prior to the start of classes.

Handlers in obedience classes must be at least 12 years old and approved by the instructor.

Training Equipment: We recommend you purchase training items at class to get the correct fit for your dog. Leather leashes and property fitted metal training collars (Slip collars) are required for the safety and comfort of both handlers and dogs. The Puppy class instructor may make exceptions to allow buckle collars on some dogs. Also, bring a baggie. You are responsible for cleaning up any mess left by your dog.

Food: We prefer that you not feed your dog before class. Please bring poochies favorite treat (cut up hot dogs, etc).

Safety: Dogs posing a threat to people or other dogs may be required to leave.

Registration

Register by mail or come 30 minutes early to the first night of class. Please leave your dog in the car while you fill out the registration paperwork before class starts.

Fees:
Obedience Classes $ 80.00 / 8 weeks
Rally Classes $ 80.00 / 8 weeks

No Drop ins

No refunds will be made. However, you may transfer into a future class within six months of the original registration.

Obedience Class Location

Thorson Ranch
Watsonville Road
Morgan Hill, CA
Please observe the 5 mph speed limit when using driveway

Classes are outdoors in a fenced, covered horse arena on dirt.

DISCOUNT FOR ADOPTED DOGS

Dogs adopted from Rescue Groups or Animal Shelters will receive $10.00 off their first session of Puppy or Beginners class. Attach a copy of adoption papers with your registration for class.

For Obedience Information
Call Verne Carlino
(408) 683-0185

For Conformation Information
Fay Coburn
Call (408) 779-1551

The Application may be downloaded, filled out then mailed to the address at the bottom of the form.

Last Updated Friday, December 11 2009 @ 05:03 PM PST|1,078 Hits