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Frequently Asked Questions

Where do we meet?

  • We meet at New Life Community Church in Marion, 2011 West 10th St.  The entrance to the gym where we meet is at the east side of the building.  Classes are Thursdays at 6:45 p.m., with Novice and specialty classes at 7:30 p.m.  When enrollment is high enough, we offer classes at 6:00 p.m.

What should I bring to registration?

  • Filled out paperwork (found at www.mvotc.net/classes) – print, fill out and bring with you.  It is also good to send us an email to let us know you are coming. We now have online registrations, too, found on the Classes page.

  • A copy of current shot records for us to keep.  (Dogs need to be current on all their core shots.  Some puppies might not be old enough for the rabies vaccine, and that is okay.  However, they need to get it as soon as they are eligible.)

  • Payment of cash or check made out to MVOTC. Payment for class is $75 which covers the 7-week class.  However, the cost of the Scentwork class is $90.  Member pay $55 for regular classes and $70 for Scentwork classes.

What forms of payment are accepted?

  • We currently take checks made out to MVOTC or cash. However, PayPal and Venmo payments are coming soon.

Do I bring my dog each time?

  • No, the first week is registration, learning, and demos to prepare everyone for the other sessions.  Please leave your dog at home this week only.

  • Dogs come with their owners for Weeks 2-7.

How do I know which class to put my dog in?

  • Puppy class is for dogs at least 10 weeks old (who have had their second set of shots) through 1 year of age.  However, if you have a large breed dog that is at least six months of age, you will want to begin with Basic class.

  • Basic class is for dogs 1 year of age, or large breeds at least 6 months of age, or puppies who have completed AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy.  If you have questions about which class is best for your dog, just ask!

  • Please note that those in Puppy class have first priority when enrolling in the next Basic class.  We try our best to get everyone enrolled, but when classes get full, we might not be able to guarantee you a spot.

  • Those who have completed Basic class may choose to enroll in CD Prep, CGC, or Rally.

  • Members may join Novice at no additional charge.

  • We also offer Trick Dog Novice Class and Introduction to Scentwork.

Can I bring more than one dog?

  • You are welcome to have more than one dog as long as you bring someone else to train the other dog. 

What kinds of dogs do you train?

  • We train all types and breeds of dogs,

  • However, if your dog has aggression issues, we ask that you talk to our Director of Training to make sure that our classes are a good fit for your dog.  We can refer you to someone who offers one-on-one training if that is the case.  You may leave us a message on the “Contact Us” page on our website.

  • Some reactive or aggressive dogs do better if they have individual training first, but we offer group training.  If we feel that your dog needs that, we can direct you to a reliable trainer.

Are there any discounts?

  • Puppies moving directly from AKC Puppy to Basic class get a $10 discount.

  • Members who take a dog through AKC Puppy or Basic class get a $20 discount.

  • Members get a $20 discount for all classes that we offer in addition to Puppy and Basic.

  • Members who teach a class or assist with a class earn credits to pay for up to 50% of the cost of a class.

What if I want to keep working with my dog after I finish basic class?

  • Congratulations! You’ve made an excellent choice to help keep your dog learning and growing right alongside you. When you join our club, it offers you the opportunity to train every week with us at 7:30 on Thursday evenings during our Novice class.

  • We offer an Introduction to Rally class which helps prepare you and your dog for this fun competition.

  • Our CD (Companion Dog) class is for people and their dogs who want to prepare for competition. 

  • The Introduction to Scentwork class teaches you the skills necessary to begin your dog's AKC scent work journey.  You will learn what you need to know to begin competing in scentwork trials.

  • Another popular class is Trick Dog Novice Class.  If your dog learns 10 tricks during the class, it can earn its Trick Dog title through the AKC. 

  • Those who compete can use the Utility Ring during classes.  However, there is a specific order designed for competitors who must practice.  Others should stay clear of the ring. Please talk to our Director of Training for more information. Occasionally we will offer other types of classes for fun, including Trick Dog.

  • There are three levels of AKC Canine Good Citizen titles that your dog can earn, and we now offer classes to prepare for those evaluations.

  • Last, we have more classes that we are planning as we have time, space, and people to teach the classes.

How do I get registered?

How do I join club?  How much does it cost?

  • See Bev, our treasurer, for a form to sign up to join club. Once you submit the form and pay the dues ($50 for the year or $45 in August or $40 in September or $30 in October), your application will go before our board and then our members for approval before you become an official member. You’re welcome to come to Novice class 3 times for free before joining to try it out.

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