Dog Training Club of Dallas County

DTCDC offers a six-week, one-hour-per-week group class structure with progressive levels: Puppy (9 weeks–5 months), Beginner (6+ months), Intermediate, Novice Polish, Open, Utility, Rally (Novice through Masters), Conformation, and Nosework (Beginner through Master). Each level requires completion of the prior level and instructor recommendation. Puppy class focuses on socialization and basic manners. Beginner class teaches attention, loose-leash walking, sit, down, stay, and door manners. Intermediate builds teamwork and impulse control for CGC or competition. Advanced classes prepare for AKC obedience and rally titles. Nosework and Trick Dog classes are offered as specialty options. All classes use positive reinforcement and require specific equipment: buckle collar, six-foot leash, and appropriate treats.

Pricing Summary

All classes cost $110 for a 6-week session. Canine Good Citizen testing is $10 for members and $20 for non-members. Show N Go events cost $9 for the first five minutes and $1 per additional minute, with a 5-minute minimum and 10-minute maximum.

Policies

Females in estrus are not permitted in class but may observe without their dog. Aggressive dogs must wear a muzzle to continue; if they remain disruptive, they will be asked to leave. The facility is drug- and alcohol-free—anyone under the influence will be asked to leave. Only flat-soled shoes are allowed on the training floor. Registration is online only. No refunds or make-up classes are mentioned.

The Dog Training Club of Dallas County (DTCDC) is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organization founded in 1974 that offers structured, group-based obedience and specialty training classes for dog owners in Dallas County. They provide a progressive curriculum including Puppy, Beginner, Intermediate, Novice, Open, Utility, Rally, Conformation, and Nosework classes—all held indoors in a climate-controlled facility. Their training emphasizes positive reinforcement methods, with instructors focused on helping handlers build strong communication and teamwork with their dogs. Classes are six weeks long, meeting once weekly for one hour, and cost $110 per session. DTCDC also offers AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy certification and Canine Good Citizen testing. They welcome all dog sizes and ages, from puppies as young as 9 weeks to senior dogs, and offer specialized programs for competition, behavior, and trick training. Their facility prohibits high heels and chain leashes for safety, and only flat-soled shoes are allowed on the training floor.

DTCDC does not offer private, in-home, board-and-train, or day-training services. All training occurs in a group facility setting. They also host Show N Go events for practice and competition preparation. Their instructors are experienced volunteers, many of whom have competed in obedience and rally sports. The club promotes responsible ownership through education on socialization, crate training, grooming, and home behavior management.

They maintain a strict policy against aggressive dogs unless muzzled, and do not allow females in estrus to attend. The facility is drug- and alcohol-free. Additional resources like class manuals and reading materials are available online for members and students.

Accomplishments

DTCDC is an authorized AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy training provider and offers AKC Canine Good Citizen testing. They have been operating since 1974 as a volunteer-run nonprofit club with a long-standing reputation in the Dallas dog training community.

How to Get Started!

Prospective students must register online through the DTCDC website. After registration, an orientation video becomes available. Classes are offered in six-week sessions, with the next session starting October 13, 2025. Students must meet prerequisites for advanced classes, including completion of prior levels and instructor approval.