Classes run in 7-week sessions. Check prerequisites before you register: most programs build on Basic Obedience. Exact tuition is on the Pricing page; the current session's day/time grid with instructor assignments is on the Class Schedule.
Every dog at IPOC starts here. S.T.A.R. Puppy and Beginning Obedience take puppies 8 weeks to 5 months through loose-leash walking, sit, down, stand, reliable recalls, exposure to different walking surfaces, and their first tricks: building toward AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Certification. Basic Obedience picks up at 6 months and works toward the AKC Canine Good Citizen test. Advanced Basic is the bridge into Competitive Obedience and Urban Dog.
A structured ladder for handlers working toward AKC obedience titles: each level builds directly on the one before it. The Attention class (Thursday 1:00–2:00 PM) runs alongside the ladder, using armband targets, foot targets, and platforms to sharpen focus for both Obedience and Rally.
| Level | Schedule | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner Novice | Wednesday 6:00–7:00 PM | Pass Advanced Basic |
| Competitive Novice | Wednesday 11:00 AM–12:00 PM or 7:15–8:15 PM | Loose-leash walking, solid sit, solid down-stay |
| Beginning / Intermediate Open | Wednesday 12:00–1:00 PM | Completed Novice title or pass a Novice skills test |
| Advanced Open / Proofing | Wednesday 10:00–11:00 AM or 12:00–1:00 PM | Graduate Novice, Open title, or pass an Open skills test |
| Beginning Utility | Wednesday 10:00–11:00 AM | Instructor evaluation |
| UDX (Advanced Open & Utility) | Wednesday 9:00–10:00 AM | Instructor evaluation |
Is your dog fast, confident, and loves a good time? Successful completion of Agility Foundation is a prerequisite for every other agility class: dogs should have good manners, a reliable recall, and ideally a 7-second stay before starting.
AKC Rally is all about teamwork: you and your dog navigate 10 to 20 numbered stations together, side-by-side, at your own brisk pace. Verbal commands and hand signals are allowed; touching your dog is not.
Scent Work lets dogs put their nose to work the way real detection dogs do. It's open to all dogs, any breed or experience level.
Class simulates a real dog show: the instructor plays judge, examines each dog, and directs ring movement. Covers stand-for-examination, baiting, gaiting, table stands for table breeds, and junior handler technique.
Trains toward the AKC Trick Dog Program at every level, from 10 basic skills up to a full routine with props and a script. Mental stimulation, physical exercise, and a stronger bond, one trick at a time.
Trains mobility service dogs for physical support, balance, stability, retrieves, and deep-pressure therapy, including public-access work and field trips to local stores and restaurants, following Assistance Dogs International standards. This program does not prepare dogs for medical alert, hearing, emotional support, therapy, or guide work.
Real-world proofing for CGC graduates: practicing manners and focus amid actual foot traffic, storefronts, and street noise instead of a training ring.
Certified AKC Evaluators run testing on site: Canine Good Citizen (CGC/CGCA), Urban Canine Good Citizen (CGCU), Trick Dog (TKN/TKI/TKA/TKP), and S.T.A.R. Puppy. CGC & Tricks testing is currently scheduled by appointment with Terry Baroni. Evaluation fees are on the Pricing page.
