Grand Forks Dog Training Club

The Grand Forks Dog Training Club offers group classes for dogs of all breeds, mixes, sizes, ages, and abilities, focusing on training dogs to be good companions using positive motivation and reinforcement.

Entry-level foundation classes include Puppy Kindergarten (0-6 months, 6 weeks, socialization, puppy obedience, confidence building, optional AKC STAR Puppy Certification), Puppy Plus (6-12 months, 4 or 6 weeks, puppy obedience, confidence building, bonding skills), Basic Manners (1 year+, 4 or 6 weeks, foundation skills, basic obedience, leash skills), and Scentwork Classes (6 months+, 4 or 6 weeks, AKC scentwork odors). They also offer FAST-CAT Fun Runs (12 months+, drop-in, advanced sign-up recommended).

Advanced skills classes require completion of introductory classes or equivalent, with some requiring evaluation. These include Puppy Advanced (must complete Puppy Kindergarten, 6 weeks, advances skills, problem solutions), Intermediate Manners (must complete Puppy Plus/Basic Manners/Puppy Advanced, 6 weeks, continued fundamental skills, consistency, distance, duration, distractions), and Beginner Obedience (must complete Puppy Advanced/Intermediate Manners, 6 weeks, proofing skills, loose leash walking, drop/leave it, mat training).

Beyond Beginner Obedience, there are two paths: Obedience & Rally Skills (refining heeling, position changes, turns, pivots, stays, recall, fronts, finishes, and rally signs), leading to Obedience 1-3 or Rally and Rally Advanced. Agility Classes (8 months+, must complete Beginner Obedience or instructor approval, 6 weeks, off-leash team sport, AKC standards, progresses through six levels). Advancement between all advanced classes is contingent on instructor approval and skill mastery.

Other options include Canine Good Citizen & Trick Dog Evaluations and Therapy Dog information/testing through Alliance of Therapy Dogs.

Pricing Summary

Class costs vary based on length and type. A 6-week class is $80, a 5-week class is $70, and a 4-week class is $55. Agility classes are $85 per six-week class, which includes an $80 class fee plus a $5 equipment fee. The Agility League costs $70 per season, consisting of a $60 club payment and a $10 equipment fee, not including AKC agility league sign-up fees.

Drop-in punch cards are available: Agility for $65 (six sessions + $5 equipment fee), Rally for $60 (six sessions), and FastCat for $60 (six sessions). A single drop-in session (no instruction) or FastCAT Fun Run costs $10. A drop-in session with trainer instruction is $15.

Additional costs include $5 for AKC STAR Puppy Certification (for those in Puppy Kindergarten) and $10 for Canine Good Citizen (CGC) or Trick Dog Evaluations. Private lessons are not available. Payment is non-refundable once received. Onsite payment options include cash, checks (payable to GFDTC), or PayPal.

Policies

Once payment has been received, there will be no refunds or credits. Females in season are generally not allowed in the training facility unless the instructor permits, provided certain rules are followed. The minimum age for children to take a class with a dog is ten years old, requiring a parent or guardian on the floor at all times. Minors aged 16-18 may handle their dog solo with a parent or guardian signing a waiver upon registration.

The Grand Forks Dog Training Club strives to promote responsible dog ownership in the Greater Grand Forks community. Their club members compete in dog sports and activities, and donate their time to share their knowledge through group training classes. They provide education and training for all kinds of dogs, instructing people with dogs of all breeds, mixes, sizes, ages, and abilities to train their dogs to be good companions.

Their methods are based on positive motivation and reinforcement, believing in FIRM, FAIR, CONSISTENT training with heavy doses of PRAISE & REWARDS. All instructors are club members who donate their time, experience, and passion for dog sports, having trained and shown their own dogs in areas they teach, such as breed competitions, scent work, obedience, rally, herding, and agility trials.

The club offers basic training classes and advanced classes, setting training standards high in accordance with AKC standards for conformation, obedience, rally, scent work, and agility. They focus on educating owners on how to teach their dog. They also offer Fast CAT Fun Runs during summer months and host AKC Fast CAT, Scent Work, and Rally Obedience trials.

Additionally, the GFDTC offers Canine Good Citizen and Trick Dog evaluations and provides information and testing opportunities for Therapy Dog certification through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. They also engage in community outreach by bringing dogs to public events, schools, senior centers, and nursing homes for entertainment and education.

Accomplishments

The Grand Forks Dog Training Club was founded in 1956 and rekindled in 2005. Their instructors are club members who have trained and shown their own dogs in various dog sports and activities, including breed competitions, scent work, obedience, rally, herding, and agility trials. They set training standards high in accordance with the American Kennel Club (AKC) for conformation, obedience, rally, scent work, and agility. They host AKC-affiliated competitive and community events such as FastCAT, Scent Work, and Rally Obedience trials. They also have affiliated members approved to provide Therapy Dog testing through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD).

How to Get Started!

To get started, dog owners should submit a class request form online. A registration coordinator will then email them to update on placement status, especially if there’s a waiting list. Once a future class is confirmed, an email will be sent with the class date, time, and cost. For Fast CAT Fun Runs, advanced sign-up online is recommended to reserve a slot. Payment is due upon arrival and can be made via cash, check, or PayPal. Participants must be prepared to sign a waiver.