Prerequisites: 2-6 month old dogs or permission of instructor
Raising a puppy isn't easy but you are not alone. Join our experts as they take you through socialization, potty training, play-biting, and how to prevent fears and phobias! Each class is action packed with information and activities - and as if that isn't enough, puppy play rounds out your evening creating a tired puppy while you learn to shape fair and appropriate play! Class is 90 minutes and includes handouts and one-on-one assistance, if you need it. We're here to help! Join us for a great learning experience.
Prerequisites: Dogs 12+ months old, Successful completion of OBC201 Beyond Intermediate Obedience
This course is the continuation of the Obedience relationship with the addition of advanced concepts of established commands including: long-line assisted Sit- and Down-Stays with distance, long distance Attention Focus, Heel-free with automatic Sit, off-leash Figure-8s, working in crowds for a tighter Heel, off-leash Stand for Exam, Rock Solid recalls with a formal approach and working up to Sit- and Down-Stays with the Handlers leaving the ring.
This class takes it to the edge using the simple scientific concepts introduced in the Beginner and Intermediate(s) classes. Are you ready?
Prerequisites: Dogs 6+ month old
This class is for dogs at least 6 months of age. The class will focus on establishing basic behaviors and good training habits for a lifetime of learning, utilizing the separation of the 3Ds (Distraction, Duration and Distance) for learning clarity with a strong emphasis on the “Timing of the Mark” and how treats are used within established science for maximum efficacy. This is an excellent class to continue your leadership skill development.
Beginner is an ideal class for preparing to obtain your CGC. Exercises include: Attention Focus, refining Loose Leash Walking (and getting ready for the next step of leash walking), Sit at the front and at the side, Down at the front and side, Stay, Leave It (food and objects), Wait, Handling / Sit for Exam, Stand, plus games to create a solid foundation for Come.
S.T.A.R. graduates will find that this class builds upon their excellent skills and yet challenging and informative.
**If your dog has not completed the STAR Curriculum, please consider taking S.T.A.R. (if age appropriate).**
Prerequisites: Dogs 10+ months old, Successful completion of OBC200 Intermediate Obedience
If you have taken Beginner Obedience and Intermediate, join this challenging and informative class to hone your skills and prepare you for the next level. We will play Beginner Obedience games, practice perfect CGC greetings, create flawless figure 8’s and lay a strong foundation for going off-leash with your obedience! We will go through Attention Focus in the Heel as a tool, Independent Down Stays (with duration), Stand for Exam, Wait-in-Motion, Sit-in-Motion, Down-in-Motion, and left and right side finish.
This class focuses on trouble-shooting the Beginner Obedience performance as well as task-analysis to focus on repairing incomplete commands and removing inadvertent body language and leash cues that are dragging your performance down. Designed as a team-building class, all members are invited to step up their game!
Prerequisites: Dogs 12+ months old, Successful completion of OBC300 Advanced Obedience, Passed OBT110 Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test
This course is designed with the Obedience Competitor in mind and will focus primarily on preparation for Companion Dog Trials. All candidates will be working primarily off-leash and must have off-leash concepts mastered. The class will set up and practice specifically for trials covering, registration, treat reduction and all concepts necessary to create well-mannered competitors. Weekly class goals will depend on the skill of the student competitors and may vary from class to class.
SKILLS REQUIRED: Super Advanced candidates must be able to demonstrate positive control of their dogs with and without the leash. The handler must be able to hold the dog’s Attention Focus for 3 minutes in the presence of distractions with the minimal use of treats; 3 minute SIT STAY away from the dog; 3 minute DOWN STAY without the presence of the handler; must be able to demonstrate a proper return and a RECALL off-leash without a long line. Strong Leave It and Wait are a must, as are STAND, FINISH, FIGURE-8 and HEEL (in an off-leash environment).
Candidates who are still mastering off-leash concepts but who demonstrate good skills in ADVANCED are welcome as long as their dog does not pose a significant risk to the dogs that are already completely off-leash. Training Tabs may be utilized. Long Lines may be used. Please bring your own.
Dogs at this level should already possess the Canine Good Citizen Urban award.
Prerequisites: Dogs 12+ months old, Successful completion of OBC201 Beyond Intermediate Obedience, AND Instructor approval
For those ready to title their dogs for Beginner Novice (BN-V), this class will pace you through the steps including how to set up an obedience trial map and strategies for successful submissions. We will begin recording in Week One. Bring your phone or other device to record your own runs. Copies of the AKC Obedience Maps and Virtual Trial Regulations will be provided.
Students will be permitted to repeat this class at regular cost as long as necessary to title if they continue to meet class requirements. This class does have a waiting list so Instructor approval is required to make sure that those that have been on the waiting list are enrolled first. Waiting list handler teams should remain enrolled in Super Advanced until they are accepted into this class to maintain their dog's readiness for trial.
Bring your sense of humor and good sportsmanship attitude because the Virtual Trialers are a supportive team that wants to enjoy the virtual trialing experience!
For those ready to title their dogs for Novice (CD-V), this class will pace you through the steps including how to set up an obedience trial map and strategies for successful submissions. We will begin recording in Week One. Bring your phone or other device to record your own runs. Copies of the AKC Obedience Maps and Virtual Trial Regulations will be provided.
Prerequisites: Dogs 8+ month old, Successful completion of AGC100 Agility 1 Foundations: Part A
Part 2 of a 2-part class. This indoor class will build on the skills learned in AGC 100 Agility 1 Foundations: Part A in teaching dog-handler teams foundational agility skills and safety. The curriculum is based on shaping behaviors through the use of positive reinforcement. Activities include start line stay, body awareness and flexibility, impulse control, introduction to contact end behavior, targeting/nose touch, directions, and handling “on the flat.” Dogs will continue to interact with equipment such as wobble board, tunnel, table, 2x2 weaves, and wing jumps (bars will be on the ground for puppies or very low for adult dogs). Dog-handler teams will begin sequencing with multiple obstacles.
Dogs must be fitted with a flat buckle collar and a six-foot leash. No choke, pinch, gentle leaders or corrective harnesses will be allowed. Owners need to bring lots of small, soft treats and A CRATE.
Prerequisites: Dogs 8+ month old, Successful completion of OBC100
Part 1 of a 2-part class. This indoor class will introduce handlers and their dogs to basic agility skills and safety. The curriculum is based on shaping behaviors through the use of positive reinforcement. Activities include start line stay, body awareness and flexibility, impulse control, introduction to contact end behavior, targeting/nose touch, directions, and handling “on the flat.” Dogs will begin to interact with equipment such as wobble board, tunnel, table, and 2x2 weaves. Most work will be on lead, so dogs must be fitted with a flat buckle collar and a six-foot leash. No choke, pinch, gentle leaders or corrective harnesses will be allowed. Owners need to bring lots of small, soft treats and A CRATE. Tug toy(s) highly recommended. PREREQUISITE: Beginner Obedience. Dogs should come into the class with a basic knowledge of sit, down, and come.
Prerequisites: Dogs 12+ month old, Successful completion of AGC201 Agility 2 Beginner Part B
Note: This class is outdoors on the agility field. In the event of inclement weather, class sessions will be rescheduled.
Part 1 of a 2-part class. Sequences, handling skills and course work will be a major portion of this class. Emphasis will be on honing basic handling skills: front cross, rear cross, and blind cross. Higher level skills will be introduced such as: backsides, threadles, serpentines, 270's, pinwheels, boxes, and discriminations. Specific issues will be addressed as needed: lack of focus, start line woes, weave woes, contact performance, building drive, etc. Expect to work short sequences (rather than full courses). Course analysis will be introduced (what is the best strategy for handling the most common challenges). Teams should be weaving 6 poles and have contact criteria established and reasonably consistent. Students should expect to repeat this class.
Please pay close attention to the dates for this course.
Prerequisites: Dogs 7+ months old, Successful completion of OBC100 Beginner Obedience
This course will continue building on the foundation of OCC’s Beginner class moving towards randomizing reward structure and differentiating between bribery vs rewards. Initial focus will be on transitioning perfect loose leash walking into the more formal Heel with the automatic Sit, emphasizing Halts and pace changes as well as directional turns. Integrating the process of helping your dog learn to generalize and hold longer commands, we will work on Attention Focus duration, Sit Stay durations, Down Stay durations, and the Stand (without Handler support) and work towards Handling in the Stand-Stay.
Included are the Intro into a Figure-8 exercise, perfecting the Finish, Long Line Recalls, the Greeting Exercise Game and other Learning Challenges for a fun learning experience. Heavy emphasis on preparing for the CGC-Exam, but challenging enough for the dog that has already earned his/her CGC!
By invitation only.
Prerequisites: Dogs 12+ month old, Successful completion of AGC300 Agility 3 Intermediate: Part A
Prerequisites: Dogs 12+ months old, Successful completion of OBC300 Advanced Obedience
Due to the advanced nature of the curriculum, this course requires Instructor approval to join. For the competition minded, this workshop offers exercises including and beyond the scope of Open. To compete in Open or Utility, candidates must have live-trialed at the Novice level. To join this class candidates must have either a live-CD or be actively trialing to complete the CD; a CD-V will be accepted if the member is currently trialing for the live title. Topics will include but will not be limited to: Jumps and Jump Form, Send-outs, Position Changes with distance (signal exercises) and Dumbbell Retrieve on both the flat and High Jump, Broad Jump, Long Sits and Downs and Off-Leash challenges. Members will also start Directed Jumping and the Directed Retrieve, as they are ready. This class is progressive and will continue to move forward as the dogs are able - missing one session can set you behind; missing a semester will set you too far behind to continue. Scent discrimination will not be covered. It is strongly recommended that live-trial candidates continue to take Advanced to keep their off-leash skills as sharp as possible.
Note: Any dogs under one year of age allowed in class will be restricted in jump height.
Please note that this class will not meet on 07/06/2025 and will end on 07/27/2025.
Prerequisites: Dogs 8+ month old, Successful completion of AGC101 Agility 1 Foundations: Part B
For those moving up from Agility Foundations B
For those currently in Agility 2.
Prerequisites: RCC100 Reactivity Beginner, By instructor invitation only, 1+ year old dogs
BY INSTRUCTOR INVITATION ONLY. This class requires a registration code to register. Student-dog teams must be referred by their RCC100 Beginner Reactivity Instructor. Please contact your instructor or training@occdogtraining.org for more information and an evaluation form.
This class will be made up of students that have completed Reactivity Beginner and have a reliable shaped response upon presentation of the trigger. In these sessions, we will work towards more realistic class settings with multiple triggers and dogs that move and interact naturally. The Intermediate Class may be merged with the Beginner Class depending upon enrollment numbers but the goals will remain appropriate to the dog’s level of understanding.
Due to the highly specialized skills the class requires, there is a class charge of $150.00. No discounts can be used. If volunteer hours are utilized, 8 hours will result in a $50 discount off the class price.
Prerequisites: 1+ year old dogs and instructor invitation
2025 marks the 70th Anniversary of the Obedience Club of Chattanooga, and we’re pulling out all the stops to celebrate this incredible milestone!
Join us for a fun-filled afternoon as we honor seven decades of dedication, community, and canine companionship at our Annual July Picnic, happening:
Sunday, July 6th 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM OCC Building (All festivities will be indoors!)
Enjoy delicious grilled hamburgers and hotdogs (on us!), and bring your favorite sides, drinks, or desserts to share. It’s the perfect chance to reconnect with fellow members, make new friends, and celebrate everything that makes our club special.
Games • Memories • Great Food • Great Company
Be sure to register using the button to your left and then sign up to bring an item using the links below!
Sign-up to Bring an Item Here
See what everyone has signed-up to bring here
We can’t wait to see you there — let’s make this a celebration to remember!
Prerequisites: RCC200 Reactivity Intermediate, By instructor invitation only, 1+ year old dogs
BY INSTRUCTOR INVITATION ONLY. This class requires a registration code to register. Please contact your instructor or training@occdogtraining.org for more information.
If you have EVER taken reactivity before, you are welcome to sign up to hone your skills. Hey! A refresher never hurts! Feel free to register for whatever you feel will benefit you as the Reactivity Team will be there to help!
Due to the highly specialized skills the class requires, there is a class charge of $50.00. No discounts can be used. If volunteer hours are utilized, 2 hours will result in a $10 discount off the class price.
Registration for the fourth semester of 2025 opens for priority and premium individual and household members.
Week six for AGC101 Agility 1 Foundations: Part B
Registration for the fourth semester of 2025 opens for club members.
Prerequisites: Curiosity about interpreting canine body language
Learn canine body language by watching and actively discussing as it occurs in the play environment.
Registration for this class is for people only, if you wish to bring your dog please sign-up with your dog for the appropriate Fair Play class instead and you will still be able to participate in the conversation.
Prerequisites: 4+ month old dogs under 15 lbs
This unique play opportunity will teach you how to "ground" your tiny dog during play and to create trust in the working partnership of you and your dog. Littles who are well grounded and have shown bravery may be asked if they would like to stay over into the Wallflowers class! We will actively discuss body language as it occurs.
No females in heat, no dogs with known reactivity issues, no dogs with a history of a bite. Additionally, play time may be restricted for intact males.
Please bring your own crates if you need one. This class will not have moderated entrances and exits, instead the owner will be on the floor with their dog. If you cannot sit on the floor, this class will not benefit your dog. Event Rules are available on-site. Come join this unique play experience!
Prerequisites: 5 month to 8 year old dogs
Shy dogs unite! Come play with other shy dogs! Wallflowers who have shown bravery may be asked if they would like to stay over into the Adult Play class! Hopefully our Wallflowers will graduate from “Shy Play” and move up into the Adult Play Class. This class may also be appropriate for some of our smaller or younger dogs. We will actively discuss body language as it occurs.
Please bring your own crates if you need one. Entrances and Exits are moderated. Event Rules are available on-site.
If your dog has NEVER played in a moderated group before, you are welcome to sign-up for pre-play testing to see if your dog’s skills are appropriate for group play. This testing is available by appointment times that are not necessarily on Fair Play Fridays. Contact the Instructor for testing. If your dog needs One-on-One Therapeutic play, this service is available by appointment.
**To assure valid vaccinations and to regulate the classes, all participants must be registered in order to play.
Prerequisites: 8 month to 8 year old dogs
All dogs over 8 months and under 8 years of age are eligible to play! We will actively discuss body language as it occurs.
If your dog has NEVER played in a moderated group before, you are welcome to sign-up for pre-play testing to see if your dog’s skills are appropriate for group play. This testing is available by appointment times that are not necessarily on Fair Play Fridays. Contact the Instructor for testing. Age exceptions can be granted on a case-by-case basis (contact the Instructor if you would like to be considered for an exception). If your dog needs One-on-One Therapeutic play, this service is available by appointment.
Over-the-top, no-holds-barred, but must be polite big-dog rough-play. Not for Wallflowers. By invitation only.
Doors open at 1:30
Starting at 1:30 the OCC Board and other club members will be available to help with registration, getting membership and/or classes paid for, getting your shot records verified, and any other questions you might have.
Orientation begins at 2:00
At 2:00 will will begin orientation where we give you everything you need to know about starting your first class at OCC and being a club member. This is a great time to get your questions answered so you are prepared for your first day of class and a great experience as an OCC club member.
Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required.
Potluck dinner begins at 6:00 pm
Bring a dish and enjoy mingling with your fellow members.
Member meeting 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
This is the best way to get more involved with the club! Find out what's going on. Take advantage of volunteer opportunities. Provide your input and help OCC in its objective to promote the training of dogs.
Prerequisites: 6+ month old dogs, invitation by instructor only
Training is fun, training changes your relationship with your dog and training changes your dog. But is training enough? Do you have behavioral concerns beyond the scope of obedience exercises? Come to this informative clinic, offered once a session to discuss relevant treatment plans to help shape your canine's behavior. Housetraining, Stealing Objects, Counter-Cruising, Excessive Barking, Door Greetings, Jumping up, Toys and Inappropriate Chewing, are just a few of the subjects on the table. This Clinic is purely a Q&A. Your questions will be answered by our Certified Master Trainer and animal behavior expert. Attendees are not required to stay for the entire clinic once their concern has been addressed. Come and go as you please. This Workshop is for humans only, but dogs may attend if they remain manageable during discussions. While we may discuss Reactivity, Human-directed Aggression and Dog-to-Dog Aggression, we regret that these dogs cannot attend the discussion.
Registration for the fifth semester of 2025 opens for priority and premium individual and household members.
Registration for the fifth semester of 2025 opens for club members.