First Dog Training Club

Training is offered in structured, progressive levels: Puppy Kindergarten (10 weeks–6 months), Beginner, Beginner Novice, Novice, Open, Utility, Advanced Beginner, and 3D (Duration, Distance, Distraction). Rally and Nose Work classes are offered at beginner to elite levels. Show Handling and Therapy Dog preparation are separate programs. Classes meet weekly for 6 weeks per session, with multiple time slots available Monday through Saturday. Students must complete prerequisite classes before advancing.

Pricing Summary

Beginner classes cost $156 for 6 weeks; advanced and specialty classes (rally, nose work, utility) cost $170 for 6 weeks. Show handling is $20 for members, $25 for non-members. Obedience Foundation class is $104 for 4 weeks. Prices vary slightly by class level and session.

Policies

All dogs (except puppies) must submit proof of current rabies vaccination with the class application. Buckle collars required for puppy class; slip collar and 6-ft leash for other classes. Dogs must be cleaned up after in the designated potty area—failure to comply results in loss of training privileges. Classes fill quickly; applications must be submitted by the deadline listed on the form.

The First Dog Training Club of Northern New Jersey is a nonprofit dog training organization founded in 1935 and affiliated with the American Kennel Club since 1947. They offer year-round group training classes in a fully matted, air-conditioned, and heated indoor facility in Westwood, NJ, catering to all breeds and mixed breeds. Classes include basic obedience, puppy kindergarten, advanced obedience, rally, conformation show handling, and K9 Nose Work. Instructors are active competitors with multiple AKC titles in obedience, rally, and conformation. The club also hosts AKC obedience and rally trials, therapy dog tests (Bright and Beautiful), CGC, trick dog, and scent work trials throughout the year. Non-members are welcome to enroll in classes. The facility includes a designated outdoor potty area and free on-site parking.

They emphasize responsible dog ownership and provide structured, progressive training from beginner to competition levels. All dogs (except puppies) must have up-to-date rabies vaccination certificates to enroll. Classes are limited to ten dogs to ensure individual attention.

The club offers specialized programs for therapy dog certification, competition preparation, and nose work, with sessions available during daytime, evening, and weekend hours.

Accomplishments

Founded in 1935, it is one of the oldest dog training clubs in the U.S. and the 4th largest AKC obedience club. Has hosted licensed obedience and rally trials since 1943. Instrumental in developing early obedience training methods. Founder Jerome B. Behrend is known as “The Father of Obedience Training.” Club has hosted demonstrations at Rockefeller Center and the Sportsman’s Show in NYC.

How to Get Started!

Prospective students must download and complete the class application and waiver form, submit it by the stated deadline, and include proof of rabies vaccination. Applications are reviewed, and enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited class sizes. Contact the Training Director via email for questions.