San Mateo Dog Training Club

General Class Info

Class sessions are six weeks in length and meet at our training hall at 595 Taylor Way, Unit 2, San Carlos CA 94070. See Below for specific class information.

Registration

There are two ways to register for classes:

Discounts

Discounts are offered to returning students: 10% for returning students and 50% for those going to a new competition level (such as Intermediate to Novice, etc.). There are no discounts for Conformation or Specialty Classes.

Parking

For classes starting at 5:30PM or later and on the weekend you may park in front of units 3, 5, 6, and in the spots marked "visitor" at the end of the lot. You may always park on the street. Daytime weekday classes may only park in the visitor spots or on the street.

It would be helpful if you arrive a few minutes early on the first night in order to check in. Please bring proof of current vaccinations or titers and a current rabies certificate on your first night. Your proof of vaccinations can also be emailed to smdtci@gmail.com. Please state which class your dog is enrolled in. Keep your dog on leash at all times.

Potty Area

Do NOT allow your dog to eliminate on the landscaping of this industrial complex. Potty your dogs along the street-side plantings or across the street and absolutely PICK UP THE POOP. We have poop bags in the hall and you can deposit the full bag in our white plastic trash can in the hall. It is clearly marked.

Our Classes

Family Dog Classes

Puppy Kindergarten

Start the basics of good manners and obedience while safely socializing your youngster to other pups and their people. By socializing we mean that your puppy will get to be around other dogs on leash and will learn to focus on you.

Prerequisites: For puppies from 12 weeks to approx. 6 months of age.

Other Requirements: Puppies must have had two DHPP vaccinations prior to the second class. First class of each session is for owners only, no puppies.
Equipment: A properly fitted collar (no harnesses) and a six foot leather or fabric leash (no chain leashes).

Instructor: Melodie Farrell

Thursday 5:30pm - 6:30pm

  • 5:30pm - 6:30pm

  • Start Date

    Mar 28, 2024
  • End Date

    May 2, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Now Enrolling
Note: If there are enough registrations at this time, another class may be added at 6:30pm. Check online registration page for all available times.

Thursday 5:30pm - 6:30pm

  • 5:30pm - 6:30pm

  • Start Date

    May 9, 2024
  • End Date

    Jun 13, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Now Enrolling
Note: If there are enough registrations at this time, another class may be added at 6:30pm. Check online registration page for all available times.

Thursday 5:30pm - 6:30pm

  • 5:30pm - 6:30pm

  • Start Date

    Jun 20, 2024
  • End Date

    Aug 1, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Now Enrolling
Note: If there are enough registrations at this time, another class may be added at 6:30pm. Check online registration page for all available times.
No class on: Jul 4, 2024

Basic Obedience

Learning loose leash walking, heel position, coming when called and three stay positions: sit, stand and down.

Owners should be prepared to bring a six-foot leather or synthetic leash with a snap/clip, a buckle collar that can be adjusted, plus any other collars (no harnesses) you are using. Bring a treat pouch and plenty of small, easy-to-swallow treats that the dog is crazy about getting. NO retractable leashes, please.

Prerequisites: For dogs 6 months of age or older who have passed puppy class or have had little to no prior training.

Other Requirements: Current on vaccinations or titer from vet; current rabies

Instructor: Marian Pott (Monday) and Amanda Gardner (Saturday)

Monday 6:30pm - 7:30pm

  • 6:30pm - 7:30pm

  • Start Date

    Mar 25, 2024
  • End Date

    Apr 29, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Now Enrolling

Saturday 2:30pm - 3:30pm

  • 2:30pm - 3:30pm

  • Start Date

    Mar 30, 2024
  • End Date

    May 4, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Now Enrolling

Monday 6:30pm - 7:30pm

  • 6:30pm - 7:30pm

  • Start Date

    May 6, 2024
  • End Date

    Jun 17, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Now Enrolling
Note: No class on: May 27, 2024

Saturday 2:30pm - 3:30pm

  • 2:30pm - 3:30pm

  • Start Date

    May 11, 2024
  • End Date

    Jun 15, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Now Enrolling

Intermediate Obedience

Continuing to solidify the basic exercises of heel work and staying with distractions, plus the Figure 8, distance stays and recalls and the finish.

Owners should bring a longline or retractable leash to class for the distance work.

Prerequisites: For dogs who have graduated from our Basic program or its equivalent from another school. To ensure proper class placement, dogs who have not been previously enrolled at SMDTC may need to be evaluated prior to class.

Instructor: Marian Pott (Monday) and Amanda Gardner (Saturday)

Monday 7:30pm - 8:30pm

  • 7:30pm - 8:30pm

  • Start Date

    Mar 25, 2024
  • End Date

    Apr 29, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Now Enrolling

Saturday 3:30pm - 4:30pm

  • 3:30pm - 4:30pm

  • Start Date

    Mar 30, 2024
  • End Date

    May 4, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Now Enrolling

Monday 7:30pm - 8:30pm

  • 7:30pm - 8:30pm

  • Start Date

    May 6, 2024
  • End Date

    Jun 17, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Now Enrolling
Note: No class on: May 27, 2024

Saturday 3:30pm - 4:30pm

  • 3:30pm - 4:30pm

  • Start Date

    May 11, 2024
  • End Date

    Jun 15, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Now Enrolling

Canine Good Citizen (CGC)

CGC is a ten-skill training program that focuses on teaching the basics of good manners and obedience, instilling the values of responsible ownership, and strengthening the bond between you and your dog at home and out in the community. You may sign up for just a CGC test for a fee of $15 (contact the club to be put on the test only list).

Prerequisites: In order to enter the CGC class, dogs must have successfully completed our Basic Class and should already be able to walk on a loose leash, sit, down, come and stay and not be aggressive to other dogs or people.

Other Requirements: Dogs must attend CGC class in a well-fitted collar (no harnesses).

Instructor: Melodie Farrell

Sunday 6:00pm - 7:00pm

  • 6:00pm - 7:00pm

  • Start Date

    Apr 7, 2024
  • End Date

    May 5, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    5
  • Fees

    $135
  • Status

    Now Enrolling

Canine Good Citizen Advanced (CGCA)

AKC Community Canine is the advanced level of AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program. As with CGC, AKC Community Canine has a 10-step test of skills. It's the third and most advanced level of the Canine Good Citizen Program. The goal of AKC Community Canine is to test the dog’s skills in a natural setting. You may sign up for just a CGCA test for a fee of $15 (contact the club to be put on the test only list).

Prerequisites: In order to enter the CGCA class, dogs must have earned the CGC award or title and be able to walk on a loose leash, sit, down, come and stay. Dogs must not be aggressive to other dogs or people.

Instructor: Melodie Farrell

 

No sessions scheduled. Please check back later.

Tricks!

Want to have fun training your dog to do tricks and earn a title, too? Take this Tricks! class.  Your dog will learn tricks like Speak, Crawl, Fetch, Get your (stuffed toy, etc.), Get In, High 5, Jump, Kiss, Paws Up, Shake Paw, Spin, Hand Signals and many more.  Then successfully demonstrate 10 of the 20 tricks required for the Novice level and you have a title! if your dog has earned its CGC you need only perform 5 tricks for the Novice level. Dogs will be tested the last night of the class.  (The levels are based on the requirements of the original titling organization:  Do More With Your Dog. AKC is now offering the same titles when tested by a CGC Evaluator--Melodie is an AKC Evaluator).  Your dog needs to be registered with the AKC to get the title--remember AKC registers mixed breeds in the Canine Partners program. Your dog does not need to be registered to have fun training Tricks!

Other Requirements: Dogs should be proficient in Basic Obedience. No aggressive dogs in class.

Instructor: Melodie Farrell

Sunday 6:00pm - 7:00pm

  • 6:00pm - 7:00pm

  • Start Date

    May 12, 2024
  • End Date

    Jun 16, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Now Enrolling

Communicating With Your Dog

Dogs are not mind readers. They are dependent on us to effectively and clearly communicate our expectations to them, both verbally and non-verbally. This course will focus on our ability to communicate with our dogs using a combination of verbal commands, body language, and footwork.

Prerequisites: Dog and handler should have the obedience skills that are taught in an Intermediate level class.

Other Requirements: Please bring a crate for your dog.

Instructor: Amanda Gardner

Thursday 1:00pm - 2:00pm

  • 1:00pm - 2:00pm

  • Start Date

    Mar 28, 2024
  • End Date

    May 2, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Now Enrolling

Thursday 1:00pm - 2:00pm

  • 1:00pm - 2:00pm

  • Start Date

    May 9, 2024
  • End Date

    Jun 13, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Now Enrolling

Competition Obedience Classes

Our competition obedience classes will help prepare the dog and owner to enter the world of AKC obedience trials, a titling sport that consists of increasingly more complex skills and levels. If you are interested in showing your dog these are the classes for you. Enrollment is dependent upon the dog having successfully completed the Family Dog classes (or their equivalent) or being currently in training for trials.

Novice

Prepare to obtain the title of Companion Dog by learning the skills and rules for competing in the AKC-titling class of Novice Obedience. On and off-leash heeling with precision, recalls, group sits and downs, Figure-Eights, Stand For Exam and left and right finishes.

Please Note: Our Competition classes are generally filled each session. Please contact the class registrar Sue Clough at smdtci@gmail.com to be put on the waiting list.

Instructor: Marian Pott (Monday) and Cathy Dutra (Tuesday)

Monday 5:30pm - 6:30pm

  • 5:30pm - 6:30pm

  • Start Date

    Mar 25, 2024
  • End Date

    Apr 29, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Full
Note: Our Competition classes are generally filled each session. Please contact the class registrar Sue Clough at smdtci@gmail.com to be put on the waiting list.

Tuesday 5:30pm - 6:30pm

  • 5:30pm - 6:30pm

  • Start Date

    Mar 26, 2024
  • End Date

    Apr 30, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Full
Note: Our Competition classes are generally filled each session. Please contact the class registrar Sue Clough at smdtci@gmail.com to be put on the waiting list.

Tuesday 6:30pm - 7:30pm

  • 6:30pm - 7:30pm

  • Start Date

    Mar 26, 2024
  • End Date

    Apr 30, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Full
Note: Our Competition classes are generally filled each session. Please contact the class registrar Sue Clough at smdtci@gmail.com to be put on the waiting list.

Thursday 12:00pm - 1:00pm

  • 12:00pm - 1:00pm

  • Start Date

    Mar 28, 2024
  • End Date

    May 2, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Full
Note: Our Competition classes are generally filled each session. Please contact the class registrar Sue Clough at smdtci@gmail.com to be put on the waiting list.

Monday 5:30pm - 6:30pm

  • 5:30pm - 6:30pm

  • Start Date

    May 6, 2024
  • End Date

    Jun 17, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Full
Note: Our Competition classes are generally filled each session. Please contact the class registrar Sue Clough at smdtci@gmail.com to be put on the waiting list.
No class on: May 27, 2024

Tuesday 5:30pm - 6:30pm

  • 5:30pm - 6:30pm

  • Start Date

    May 7, 2024
  • End Date

    Jun 11, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Full
Note: Our Competition classes are generally filled each session. Please contact the class registrar Sue Clough at smdtci@gmail.com to be put on the waiting list.

Tuesday 6:30pm - 7:30pm

  • 6:30pm - 7:30pm

  • Start Date

    May 7, 2024
  • End Date

    Jun 11, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Full
Note: Our Competition classes are generally filled each session. Please contact the class registrar Sue Clough at smdtci@gmail.com to be put on the waiting list.

Thursday 12:00pm - 1:00pm

  • 12:00pm - 1:00pm

  • Start Date

    May 9, 2024
  • End Date

    Jun 13, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Full
Note: Our Competition classes are generally filled each session. Please contact the class registrar Sue Clough at smdtci@gmail.com to be put on the waiting list.

Open & Utility (Combined)

Learn or polish your dogs' skills in retrieve over the high jump, broad jump, out-of-sight stays, scent discrimination, signals and directed retrieves and jumping.

Please Note: Our Competition classes are generally filled each session. Please contact the class registrar Sue Clough at smdtci@gmail.com to be put on the waiting list.

Prerequisites: Dog must have earned AKC Companion Dog (C. D.) title.

Instructor: Cathy Dutra

Tuesday 7:30pm - 8:30pm

  • 7:30pm - 8:30pm

  • Start Date

    Mar 26, 2024
  • End Date

    Apr 30, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Full
Note: Our Competition classes are generally filled each session. Please contact the class registrar Sue Clough at smdtci@gmail.com to be put on the waiting list.

Tuesday 7:30pm - 8:30pm

  • 7:30pm - 8:30pm

  • Start Date

    May 7, 2024
  • End Date

    Jun 11, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Full
Note: Our Competition classes are generally filled each session. Please contact the class registrar Sue Clough at smdtci@gmail.com to be put on the waiting list.

Ring Ready! Obedience

Get ready for obedience competitions with real ring practice. For more information, view the flyer for January through June 2024 or the flyer for July through December 2024. Fees are $15 for two runs in Beginner Novice or Novice, or for one run in Open or Utility. A second run in Open and/or Utility is $10. Online registration required.

Instructor: Harriet Tucker

Sunday 11:30am

  • 11:30am

  • Class Dates

    Apr 7, May 5, Jun 23, Jul 7, Aug 11, Oct 6, Oct 27, Nov 10, Dec 8
  • Fees

    $15 / class
  • Status

    Now Enrolling

Introduction to Competition Obedience

This class will introduce students to competitive Obedience and Rally. It will focus on both AKC Novice Obedience and AKC Rally Novice. Students will learn the skills and rules for competing in both Obedience and Rally in preparation to obtain the AKC titles of Companion Dog and Rally Novice.

Prerequisites: Dog and handler should have the obedience skills that are taught in an Intermediate level class.

Instructor: Amanda Gardner

Thursday 7:30pm - 8:30pm

  • 7:30pm - 8:30pm

  • Start Date

    Mar 28, 2024
  • End Date

    May 2, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Now Enrolling

Saturday 4:30pm - 5:30pm

  • 4:30pm - 5:30pm

  • Start Date

    Mar 30, 2024
  • End Date

    May 4, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Now Enrolling

Thursday 7:30pm - 8:30pm

  • 7:30pm - 8:30pm

  • Start Date

    May 9, 2024
  • End Date

    Jun 13, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Now Enrolling

Saturday 4:30pm - 5:30pm

  • 4:30pm - 5:30pm

  • Start Date

    May 11, 2024
  • End Date

    Jun 15, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Now Enrolling

Readying and Proofing for Novice, Open, & Utility Competition

Prepare for Novice, Open, and Utility obedience competition with a maximum of 4 students for a semi-private learning experience.

Exercises Covered

Novice: Perfect Heeling, Recalls, and Stays

Open: Heeling Warm-up, Figure 8, Dumbbell Games, Play Training, Retrieve on Flat, Command Discrimination, High Jump Retrieve, Ring Entering, Broad Jump, Drop on Recall

Utility: Heeling Warm-up, Signals, Articles, Go Out, Pivots, Gloves, Jumps (center and off-center), Moving Stand, Fun with Pressure, Ring Entering

Please note: Our competition classes are generally filled each session. Please contact the class registrar Sue Clough at smdtci@gmail.com to be put on the waiting list.

Prerequisites: For Novice, your dog should have a good understanding of the Novice exercises. For Open/Utility exercises, your dog should be able to retrieve and jump. For Open you will need a dumbbell and for Utility you will need a set of articles and a set of gloves.

Instructor: Marian Pott

Monday 4:00pm - 5:00pm

  • 4:00pm - 5:00pm

  • Start Date

    Mar 25, 2024
  • End Date

    Apr 29, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Full
Note: Our Competition classes are generally filled each session. Please contact the class registrar Sue Clough at smdtci@gmail.com to be put on the waiting list.

Monday 4:00pm - 5:00pm

  • 4:00pm - 5:00pm

  • Start Date

    May 6, 2024
  • End Date

    Jun 17, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Full
Note: Our Competition classes are generally filled each session. Please contact the class registrar Sue Clough at smdtci@gmail.com to be put on the waiting list.
No class on: May 27, 2024

Rally Classes

Rally

Learn all about the fun sport of Rally with your dog!

Prerequisites: Must have completed our Intermediate Class or comparable class.

Other Requirements: You must bring a crate to contain your dog while you walk the rally course prior to executing the course with your dog.

Instructor: Cathy Dutra

Wednesday 5:30pm - 6:30pm

  • 5:30pm - 6:30pm

  • Start Date

    Mar 27, 2024
  • End Date

    May 1, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Full
Note: Our Competition classes are generally filled each session. Please contact the class registrar Sue Clough at smdtci@gmail.com to be put on the waiting list.

Wednesday 6:30pm - 7:30pm

  • 6:30pm - 7:30pm

  • Start Date

    Mar 27, 2024
  • End Date

    May 1, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Full
Note: Our Competition classes are generally filled each session. Please contact the class registrar Sue Clough at smdtci@gmail.com to be put on the waiting list.

Wednesday 5:30pm - 6:30pm

  • 5:30pm - 6:30pm

  • Start Date

    May 8, 2024
  • End Date

    Jun 12, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Full
Note: Our Competition classes are generally filled each session. Please contact the class registrar Sue Clough at smdtci@gmail.com to be put on the waiting list.

Wednesday 6:30pm - 7:30pm

  • 6:30pm - 7:30pm

  • Start Date

    May 8, 2024
  • End Date

    Jun 12, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Full
Note: Our Competition classes are generally filled each session. Please contact the class registrar Sue Clough at smdtci@gmail.com to be put on the waiting list.

Rally Ready!

Get ready for Rally competitions with real ring practice. For more information, view the flyer for January through June 2024 or the flyer for July through December 2024.  Fees are $15 for two runs. Online registration required.

Other Requirements: Dog and handler should know the AKC Rally signs for Novice. Advanced, Excellent, and Masters courses will also be practiced.

Instructor: Harriet Tucker

Sunday 12:00pm

  • 12:00pm

  • Class Dates

    May 26, Jul 21, Aug 18, Nov 24
  • Fees

    $15 / class
  • Status

    Now Enrolling

Introduction to Rally Novice

An introduction to Rally for dogs and handlers that are new to this exciting sport. This class will introduce dogs and handlers to the basics of Rally and teach the Novice signs.

Prerequisites: Dog and handler should have the obedience skills that are taught in an Intermediate level class.

Instructor: Amanda Gardner

Wednesday 3:15pm - 4:15pm

  • 3:15pm - 4:15pm

  • Start Date

    Mar 27, 2024
  • End Date

    May 1, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Now Enrolling

Wednesday 3:15pm - 4:15pm

  • 3:15pm - 4:15pm

  • Start Date

    May 8, 2024
  • End Date

    Jun 12, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Now Enrolling

Daytime Rally

Small, daytime lessons with a maximum of 4 students. This semi-private learning experience will focus on the Advanced, Excellent, and Master signs.

Prerequisites: Dog and handler should know the AKC Rally Novice signs.

Instructor: Amanda Gardner

Wednesday 2:10pm - 3:10pm

  • 2:10pm - 3:10pm

  • Start Date

    Mar 27, 2024
  • End Date

    May 1, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Full
Note: Our Competition classes are generally filled each session. Please contact the class registrar Sue Clough at smdtci@gmail.com to be put on the waiting list.

Wednesday 2:10pm - 3:10pm

  • 2:10pm - 3:10pm

  • Start Date

    May 8, 2024
  • End Date

    Jun 12, 2024
  • # Wks# Weeks

    6
  • Fees

    $160
  • Status

    Full
Note: Our Competition classes are generally filled each session. Please contact the class registrar Sue Clough at smdtci@gmail.com to be put on the waiting list.

Conformation Classes

Conformation

Conformation class

Note: You must sign up online for the Wednesday Conformation class no later than Monday. Due to Covid-19 we are no longer allowing drop-ins for Conformation. No credits or refunds will be given for last minute cancellations.

Instructor: Anna Diaz

Wednesday 7:40pm - 8:40pm

  • 7:40pm - 8:40pm

  • Class Dates

    Every Wednesday
  • Fees

    $20
  • Status

    Now Training
Note: You must sign up online for the Wednesday Conformation class no later than Monday. Due to Covid-19 we are no longer allowing drop-ins for Conformation. No credits or refunds will be given for last minute cancellations.

Scent Work

Our classes are Advanced and Competition classes which are generally filled each session. Anyone inquiring about Advanced or Competition classes must have dogs who can search for birch, anise and clove. Please contact instructor, Denise Gormish, to be put on a waiting list.

Instructor: Denise Gormish

Contact Denise Gormish at denise@gormish.org