We’re doing something new this fall for our training classes. We’ll be offering three on Monday evenings, beginning October 7th and running through November 11th.

At 6 p.m. we’re offering a 40-minute beginning obedience course for people who want to make their dog easier to live with. This is not competitive obedience training, though it could certainly lay the groundwork for that. The instructor, Lori Genaw, wants to make sure that people who took this summer’s class know that they are welcome to come back to continue their training as well as newcomers who are just getting started. The cost of the obedience class is $35 for 6 sessions. We have a special offer for people who have adopted their dogs from the Humane Society of Preble County– you can take this course for just $20! The class is an hour-long, and is open to puppies and adult dogs. Handlers should be 10 and up, and we ask that minors be accompanied by at least one parent. For dogs that are ready at the completion of the course, you may have your dog tested for a Canine Good Citizen title. This is not only a nice accomplishment for you and your dog, but can ease your situation with home insurance.

At 6:40, we will offer a continuation of our Conformation classes. Classes last 40-minutes and will cover showing dogs on grass, showing indoors, stacking in front of a mirror, video feedback, cavaletti work, free-stacking, hand-stacking, gaiting, lead control and bait management. (Not all in same class! Over the course of six weeks! ) Dogs of all ages and levels of experience are welcome.  Handlers should be at least 10 years old, and we ask that minors be accompanied by at least one parent. Classes will be taught outside under lights and cover as weather permits, and will move indoors later in the course. The cost for Conformation classes is $25 for six weeks, or $5 per class if you just want to drop  by for one or two.

At 7:20, we will– for the first time ever– be offering a Beginner’s Course in Rally. The AKC describes rally as “a sport in which the dog and handler complete a course that has been designed by the rally judge. The judge tells the handler to begin, and the dog and handler proceed at their own pace through a course of designated stations (10 – 20, depending on the level). Each of these stations has a sign providing instructions regarding the next skill that is to be performed . . . Rally offers both the dogs and handlers an experience that is fun and energizing. The canine team moves at their own pace, very similar to rally-style auto racing. Rally was designed with the traditional pet owner in mind, but it can still be very challenging for those who enjoy higher levels of competition.”  Open to dogs who have basic obedience skills, six months and up. Handlers should be at least 10 years old, and we ask that minors be accompanied by at least one parent. Cost for the rally course is $25 for 6 weeks training.

All classes are free for members of Fort St. Clair Kennel Club. Maybe you should think about joining?

Classes are held at Preble County Fairgrounds, 722 S. Franklin St, Eaton, OH. The classes will begin the sheep pavilion, which is on the right hand side on the lane, across from the back of the grandstand.

If you’d like more information or to pre-register, please call Lori Genaw (937) 696-2585; or email the club at fsckc@earthlink.net.