Training Offered at CVOC - 2026
The Catawba Valley Obedience Club offers a variety of training techniques structured to fit the needs and goals of the individual. In addition to classes, the club sponsors and supports various social and educational activities throughout the area.
• Basic Obedience Training
• Canine Good Citizen™ Training/Testing
• Therapy Dog Skills Training
• Advanced Canine Good Citizen℠ Training/Testing
• Rally Training
• Tricks Training
Basic Obedience Class
This Class is now full - Check out the next Basic Obedience Class starting June 4, 2026.
Class Dates - January 8, 15, 22, 29, February 5, 2026
Classes starts at 6:00pm
PRE-REGISTRATION AND VACCINATION RECORDS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL CLASSES - When you submit your completed application for a class, vaccination records and payment must accompany it, or your registration is NOT complete.
Registration for this class opens November 26, 2025.
Cost- $90.00
Instructor - Shirley McGillen
Description
This class introduces the handlers and dogs to some basic obedience commands that should help both partners in their daily lives. It requires patience, firmness and consistency on the handler's part to teach their dogs to be a friend and companion. The dogs learn to be more confident in their abilities as they mature. Most of these commands are also taught with hand signals. You'll be amazed at what your dog can accomplish. You can also keep up the training on your own as your dog matures so they don't forget how to behave in public or at home. It's up to you and your dog to continue working together!
| These are the basic commands in the 5 week class: |
• Sit/Stay
• Stay
• Down
• Down/Stay
• Stand
• Stand/Stay
• Heel |
• Wait
• Halt
• Back or Back Up
• Leave It
• Off
• Ignoring Other Dogs
• Walking in Crowded Places |
- Proof of dog's vaccination records are required.
- Registration and payment required in advance to secure a spot in class.
- Classes held indoors in an AC/Heated facility
- Class size is limited
- Children handling a dog for any class must have prior approval before registration with the parent or guardian attending all classes.
- PLEASE NOTE: Out of control dogs, excessive barking and lunging, and aggression are not allowed in our group setting.
INTERESTED IN THIS CLASS? REGISTER ONLINE!
Class size is limited to 10 people.
Please Note: This Class is now full - Check out the next Basic Obedience Class starting June 4, 2026.
AKC Canine Good Citizen™ (CGC) Prep Class and Test
Class Dates - February 19, 26, March 5, 2026
Test Date - March 12, 2026
Classes starts at 6:00pm
PRE-REGISTRATION AND VACCINATION RECORDS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL CLASSES - When you submit your completed application for a class, vaccination records and payment must accompany it, or your registration is NOT complete.
NOTE: This is not a training class. Dogs should know basic obedience before taking this class.
Pre-registration for this class starts January 22, 2026.
Cost- $90.00 for class/$10.00 for test
Instructor - Peggy Seitz and Janice Stockinger
Evaluator - Tracy Cooper
Description
The AKC Canine Good Citizen™ (CGC) class is designed for dogs and owners who look forward to having a dog who behaves well in various settings with their owner. This requires the dog to follow simple actions like walk on a loose lead, as well as to sit or down and stay in that position for several minutes. The dog will also be required to come when called in a controlled situation. The dog should not be alarmed or fearful when a loud noise happens.
These skills are required for a therapy dog candidate. A therapy dog needs to be comfortable working around medical equipment such as walkers or wheelchairs, and with patients who might move differently or make unusual noises. All of these skills will be used in this class, and can be used with a therapy dog organization.
- Proof of dog's vaccination records are required.
- Registration and payment required in advance to secure a spot in class.
- Classes held indoors in an AC/Heated facility
- Class size is limited
- Children handling a dog for any class must have prior approval before registration with the parent or guardian attending all classes.
- PLEASE NOTE: Out of control dogs, excessive barking and lunging, and aggression are not allowed in our group setting.
INTERESTED IN THIS CLASS? REGISTER ONLINE!
Class size is limited to 10 people.
Therapy Dog Skills Class
Class Dates - March 26, April 2, 9, 16, 2026
Classes starts at 6:00pm
PRE-REGISTRATION AND VACCINATION RECORDS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL CLASSES - When you submit your completed application for a class, vaccination records and payment must accompany it, or your registration is NOT complete.
NOTE: This is not a training class. Dogs should know basic obedience before taking this class.
Pre-registration for this class starts February 26, 2026.
Cost- $120.00 for class
Instructor - Barbara Busch
Description
The Therapy Dog Skills class is designed for dogs and owners who look forward to having a dog who behaves well in various settings with their owner. This requires the dog to follow simple actions like walk on a loose lead, as well as to sit or down and stay in that position for several minutes. The dog will also be required to come when called in a controlled situation. The dog should not be alarmed or fearful when a loud noise happens.
These skills are required for a therapy dog candidate. A therapy dog needs to be comfortable working around medical equipment such as walkers or wheelchairs, and with patients who might move differently or make unusual noises. All of these skills will be used in this class, and can be used with a therapy dog organization.
- Proof of dog's vaccination records are required.
- Registration and payment required in advance to secure a spot in class.
- Classes held indoors in an AC/Heated facility
- Class size is limited
- Children handling a dog for any class must have prior approval before registration with the parent or guardian attending all classes.
- PLEASE NOTE: Out of control dogs, excessive barking and lunging, and aggression are not allowed in our group setting.
INTERESTED IN THIS CLASS? REGISTER ONLINE!
Class size is limited to 10 people.
Informational Session:
Service Dog vs Emotional Support Animal - What is the Difference?
Date - April 30, 2026
Session starts at 6:00pm
NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT BRING DOGS TO THIS SESSION. This is not a training class. This is an informational session.
Cost- Free for Everyone - General Public Welcome!
Presenter - Kristen Mahoney
Description
Have you ever wondered what makes a service dog different from a therapy dog or an emotional support animal (ESA)? This informative session is designed for community members who want to better understand the unique roles dogs can play in supporting people's health and well-being.
In this orientation, participants will learn:
• Service Dogs - Highly trained working dogs that perform specific tasks to assist individuals with diabilities, protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Therapy Dogs - Specially trained companion animals that provide comfort and affection in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and disaster relief settings. Therapy dogs are invited to serve others but do not have public access rights under the ADA.
• Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) - Pets that provide comfort to their owners through companionship. ESAs are not task-trained like service dogs, and while they may have certain housing or air-travel considerations, they do not have the same public access rights.
This orientation will include:
• Clear explanations of the different categories
• Guidance on where each type of animal is permitted
• Real-world examples of how these animals enrich lives
• A Q&A session to answer community questions
Who should attend?
Teachers, business owners, healthcare staff, students, and anyone who wants to better understand these important distinctions and support both the public and working animals respectfully.
- Classes held indoors in an AC/Heated facility
- Class size is limited
INTERESTED IN THIS CLASS? REGISTER ONLINE!
Dog Tricks Class and Test
Class Dates - May 7, 14, 21, 2026
Test Date - May 28, 2026
Classes starts at 6:00pm
PRE-REGISTRATION AND VACCINATION RECORDS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL CLASSES - When you submit your completed application for a class, vaccination records and payment must accompany it, or your registration is NOT complete.
NOTE: This is not a training class. Dogs should know basic obedience before taking this class.
Pre-registration for this class starts April 19, 2026.
Cost- $90.00 for class/$10.00 for test
Instructor - Tracy Cooper
Evaluator - Tracy Cooper
Description
Far from being frivolous, tricks act as building blocks for more advanced behaviors and provide practical training experience for the owner.
The 4-week class focuses on tricks with foundation applications, such as sit, down, hand touches, paws up leading to more advanced tricks like item retrieval, leg weaves, lights on/off and more. While there is a lot of content in this class, it is important that students move at their dog's pace rather than trying to complete all tricks. Emphasis will be put on building tricks that are fun for the dog and that may look different for individual dogs.
Key Benefits of Tricks Training:
• Tricks can help improve a dog's focus and lower stress, making it easier to train for and perform in competitive settings.
• Builds a stronger bond: The process of training builds a fun, positive, and cooperative working relationship between the handler and the dog.
• Enhances training skills: Owners gain valuable experience by practicing a variety of training techniques, including cues, shaping, luring, and targeting.
• Mental and physical stimulation: Tricks provide mental enrichment and physical exercise, which can also help prevent boredom and problem behaviors.
• Increases confidence: Successfully learning new tricks can boost a dog's confidence, which is beneficial in new or uncertain situations.
- Proof of dog's vaccination records are required.
- Registration and payment required in advance to secure a spot in class.
- Classes held indoors in an AC/Heated facility
- Class size is limited
- Children handling a dog for any class must have prior approval before registration with the parent or guardian attending all classes.
- PLEASE NOTE: Out of control dogs, excessive barking and lunging, and aggression are not allowed in our group setting.
INTERESTED IN THIS CLASS? REGISTER ONLINE!
Class size is limited to 10 people.
Basic Obedience Class
Class Dates - June 4, 11, 18, 25, No class July 2, July 9, 2026
Classes starts at 6:00pm
PRE-REGISTRATION AND VACCINATION RECORDS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL CLASSES - When you submit your completed application for a class, vaccination records and payment must accompany it, or your registration is NOT complete.
Pre-registration for this class starts May 7, 2026.
Cost- $150.00
Instructor - Shirley McGillen
Description
This class introduces the handlers and dogs to some basic obedience commands that should help both partners in their daily lives. It requires patience, firmness and consistency on the handler's part to teach their dogs to be a friend and companion. The dogs learn to be more confident in their abilities as they mature. Most of these commands are also taught with hand signals. You'll be amazed at what your dog can accomplish. You can also keep up the training on your own as your dog matures so they don't forget how to behave in public or at home. It's up to you and your dog to continue working together!
| These are the basic commands in the 5 week class: |
• Sit/Stay
• Stay
• Down
• Down/Stay
• Stand
• Stand/Stay
• Heel |
• Wait
• Halt
• Back or Back Up
• Leave It
• Off
• Ignoring Other Dogs
• Walking in Crowded Places |
- Proof of dog's vaccination records are required.
- Registration and payment required in advance to secure a spot in class.
- Classes held indoors in an AC/Heated facility
- Class size is limited
- Children handling a dog for any class must have prior approval before registration with the parent or guardian attending all classes.
- PLEASE NOTE: Out of control dogs, excessive barking and lunging, and aggression are not allowed in our group setting.
INTERESTED IN THIS CLASS? REGISTER ONLINE!
Class size is limited to 10 people.
AKC Canine Good Citizen™ (CGC) Prep Class and Test
Class Dates - July 23, 30, August 6, 2026
Test Date - August 13, 2026
Classes starts at 6:00pm
PRE-REGISTRATION AND VACCINATION RECORDS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL CLASSES - When you submit your completed application for a class, vaccination records and payment must accompany it, or your registration is NOT complete.
NOTE: This is not a training class. Dogs should know basic obedience before taking this class.
Pre-registration for this class starts January 25, 2026.
Cost- $90.00 for class/$10.00 for test
Instructor - Peggy Seitz and Janice Stockinger
Evaluator - Suzanne Hefner
Description
The AKC Canine Good Citizen™ (CGC) class is designed for dogs and owners who look forward to having a dog who behaves well in various settings with their owner. This requires the dog to follow simple actions like walk on a loose lead, as well as to sit or down and stay in that position for several minutes. The dog will also be required to come when called in a controlled situation. The dog should not be alarmed or fearful when a loud noise happens.
These skills are required for a therapy dog candidate. A therapy dog needs to be comfortable working around medical equipment such as walkers or wheelchairs, and with patients who might move differently or make unusual noises. All of these skills will be used in this class, and can be used with a therapy dog organization.
- Proof of dog's vaccination records are required.
- Registration and payment required in advance to secure a spot in class.
- Classes held indoors in an AC/Heated facility
- Class size is limited
- Children handling a dog for any class must have prior approval before registration with the parent or guardian attending all classes.
- PLEASE NOTE: Out of control dogs, excessive barking and lunging, and aggression are not allowed in our group setting.
INTERESTED IN THIS CLASS? REGISTER ONLINE!
Class size is limited to 10 people.
Therapy Dog Skills Class
Class Dates - August 27, September 3, 10, 17, 2026
Classes starts at 6:00pm
PRE-REGISTRATION AND VACCINATION RECORDS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL CLASSES - When you submit your completed application for a class, vaccination records and payment must accompany it, or your registration is NOT complete.
NOTE: This is not a training class. Dogs should know basic obedience before taking this class.
Pre-registration for this class starts July 30, 2026.
Cost- $120.00 for class
Instructor - Barbara Busch
Description
The Therapy Dog Skills class is designed for dogs and owners who look forward to having a dog who behaves well in various settings with their owner. This requires the dog to follow simple actions like walk on a loose lead, as well as to sit or down and stay in that position for several minutes. The dog will also be required to come when called in a controlled situation. The dog should not be alarmed or fearful when a loud noise happens.
These skills are required for a therapy dog candidate. A therapy dog needs to be comfortable working around medical equipment such as walkers or wheelchairs, and with patients who might move differently or make unusual noises. All of these skills will be used in this class, and can be used with a therapy dog organization.
- Proof of dog's vaccination records are required.
- Registration and payment required in advance to secure a spot in class.
- Classes held indoors in an AC/Heated facility
- Class size is limited
- Children handling a dog for any class must have prior approval before registration with the parent or guardian attending all classes.
- PLEASE NOTE: Out of control dogs, excessive barking and lunging, and aggression are not allowed in our group setting.
INTERESTED IN THIS CLASS? REGISTER ONLINE!
Class size is limited to 10 people.
AKC Community Canine℠ (CGCA) Class and Test
Class Dates - October 1, 8, 15, 2026
Test Date - October 22, 2026
Classes starts at 6:00pm
PRE-REGISTRATION AND VACCINATION RECORDS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL CLASSES - When you submit your completed application for a class, vaccination records and payment must accompany it, or your registration is NOT complete.
NOTE: This is not a training class. Dogs should know basic obedience before taking this class.
Pre-registration for this class starts September 3, 2026.
Cost- $90.00 for class/$10.00 for test
Instructor - Suzanne Hefner
Evaluator - Suzanne Hefner
Description
Class:
AKC Community Canine℠ is an advanced level of the Canine Good Citizen™ (CGC) Program. In AKC Community Canine, dogs can earn the CGCA (Advanced CGC) title.
The goal of AKC Community Canine is to test the dog's skills in a natural setting. For example, rather than the dog being tested in a ring, in AKC Community Canine, the "walks through a crowd" test item will involve the dog walking through a real crowd at a dog show, on a busy sidewalks, at a training club or in a local park.
| Key Skills Covered: |
• Dog stands, sits or lies down and waits under control
• Walks on a loose leash in a natural situation (not in a ring) and does not pull
• Walks on a loose leash through a crowd
• Dog walks past distraction dogs present; does not pull |
• Dog allows person who is carring something to approach and pet it
• "Leave It"
• Down or sit-stay at a distance
• Recall with disctractions present (coming when called)
• Dog enters/exits a doorway or narrow passgeway (in leash, with owner) in a controlled manner |
Test:
Dogs who pass the AKC Community Canine℠ test are eligible to earn the AKC's "CGCA" Title. To earn the CGCA title, the dog must 1) be registered or listed with AKC (AKC number, PAL, or AKC Canine Partners number and, 2) already have a Canine Good Citizen® award/title on record.
- Proof of dog's vaccination records are required.
- Registration and payment required in advance to secure a spot in class.
- Classes held indoors in an AC/Heated facility
- Class size is limited
- Children handling a dog for any class must have prior approval before registration with the parent or guardian attending all classes.
- PLEASE NOTE: Out of control dogs, excessive barking and lunging, and aggression are not allowed in our group setting.
INTERESTED IN THIS CLASS? REGISTER ONLINE!
Class size is limited to 10 people.
Dog Tricks Class and Test
Class Dates - November 5, 12, 19, 2026
Test Date - December 3, 2026
Classes starts at 6:00pm
PRE-REGISTRATION AND VACCINATION RECORDS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL CLASSES - When you submit your completed application for a class, vaccination records and payment must accompany it, or your registration is NOT complete.
NOTE: This is not a training class. Dogs should know basic obedience before taking this class.
Pre-registration for this class starts October 8, 2026.
Cost- $90.00 for class/$10.00 for test
Instructor - To Be Announced
Evaluator - To Be Announced
Description
Far from being frivoulous, tricks act as building blocks for more advanced behaviors and provide practical training experience for the owner.
The 4-week class focuses on tricks with foundation applications, such as sit, down, hand touches, paws up leading to more advanced tricks like item retrieval, leg weaves, lights on/off and more. While there is a lot of content in this class, it is important that students move at their dog's pace rather than trying to complete all tricks. Emphasis will be put on building tricks that are fun for the dog and that may look different for individual dogs.
Key Benefits of Tricks Training:
• Tricks can help improve a dog's focus and lower stress, making it easier to train for and perform in competitive settings.
• Builds a stronger bond: The process of training builds a fun, positive, and cooperative working relationship between the handler and the dog.
• Enhances training skills: Owners gain valuable experience by practicing a variety of training techniques, including cues, shaping, luring, and targeting.
• Mental and physical stimulation: Tricks provide mental enrichment and physical exercise, which can also help prevent boredom and problem behaviors.
• Increases confidence: Successfully learning new tricks can boost a dog's confidence, which is beneficial in new or uncertain situations.
- Proof of dog's vaccination records are required.
- Registration and payment required in advance to secure a spot in class.
- Classes held indoors in an AC/Heated facility
- Class size is limited
- Children handling a dog for any class must have prior approval before registration with the parent or guardian attending all classes.
- PLEASE NOTE: Out of control dogs, excessive barking and lunging, and aggression are not allowed in our group setting.
INTERESTED IN THIS CLASS? REGISTER ONLINE!
Class size is limited to 10 people.
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