FAQ
Everything from “is my dog too old” to “do I really need a crate.”
Contact our secretary at secretary@gooddog.org and express interest in joining. She'll send you a membership application. Annual membership runs September 1 to August 31 and is included with your class fee.
A session is $250, which includes your annual club membership. Junior Handlers (17 and younger) get 30% off, and a further 20% can be paid in Doggie Bytes. We accept up to 50% payment in Doggie Dollars or Doggie Bytes earned by volunteering at our shows.
We offer two training sessions per year — one starting in September and one in February. Each runs about 16 weeks.
Email the secretary and we'll work it out together. It depends on the skills you've learned elsewhere, and we'll often schedule an evaluation so we can see where you are in your training.
Yes. All major credit cards are welcome.
At least 9 months. A dog's growth plates take time to close, and it's important to limit repetitive stress to those areas as they grow to prevent damage and injury.
Absolutely. One Good Dog member started training her dog at 10 years old, and he competed successfully in the Veterans divisions in NADAC and USDAA — still going at 13½. A "veteran" is a dog 7 years or older.
The herding breeds — border collies, shelties, Australian shepherds, corgis — seem to have a natural instinct for it and do very well in competition. But all breeds are encouraged to participate, as long as they're healthy and in good shape.
Obedience helps, but it isn't a prerequisite. Your dog should be able to cope in a large dog and handler setting without undue stress. Keep working on recalls at home — our classes are fenced, but demos and shows usually aren't.
Absolutely. Obedience provides a good foundation, while agility lets you and your dog form a team and have some fun. Many dogs have successful careers in both with no trouble telling them apart.
Yes, especially if you plan to compete. Homework may be assigned by your instructor. Keep sessions short and fun, and never push too far — dogs often need more confidence at the current step than you'd think.
Not at all. Our trainers teach as though every dog will compete, but you don't have to. Classes are fun and motivational, and we hope learning something new together strengthens the bond you have with your dog.
Yes. A crate or pen confines your dog while equipment is being set up and during class when needed. For the safety of your dog and others, we cannot allow a dog to be tied to a fence, chair or other object and left unattended — a tie-down stake isn't sufficient.
Yes. The training field at Faith Family Church is fully fenced and gated.
We don't offer make-up classes. If you miss a week, keep working the homework and come back the following week to work at your and your dog's pace.
Doggie Bytes are earned by volunteering during shows.
They can be applied toward class fees and select show fees — up to 50% of a class fee. You can check your current balance here.