Hangtown Kennel Club

Training is structured in progressive levels: Puppy Kindergarten (12–5 months), Beginning Obedience (5+ months), Beginner 2 Obedience, Intermediate Obedience, and Beginner Novice Competition. Additional programs include Rally (Beginning, Intermediate, Virtual Novice Title), CGC preparation, Scent Work, Fit Dog fitness training, and Tricks for AKC Trick Dog Titles. All classes are lead-based, with class sizes limited to 8–12 dogs. Conformation is offered as drop-in practice only.

Pricing Summary

Six-week sessions cost $110 for Beginning Obedience and Puppy Kindergarten (includes leash and collar); all other six-week sessions are $90. Four-week sessions are $80 (with equipment) or $60 (without). Conformation classes are $5 per drop-in session. Refunds are available before the first class (minus $12 fee) or before the second class (minus equipment cost and $12 fee). No refunds after the second class.

Policies

Full refund (minus $12 processing fee) if requested before the first class. Full refund (minus equipment cost and $12 fee) if requested before the second class. No refunds after the second class. Minimum class size is 5 students. Handlers under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Hangtown Kennel Club is a non-profit, AKC-licensed all-breed dog club in Placerville, California, offering group obedience, rally, conformation, scent work, and trick training classes for dogs of all ages. Classes are held outdoors at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds and Shingle Springs Community Center, with sessions running spring through summer. They provide structured, progressive training from Puppy Kindergarten through competition-level obedience and rally, including AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) preparation and virtual rally title opportunities. The club also offers drop-in conformation practice and annual rattlesnake avoidance clinics. Members are active in AKC events and community service, including therapy dog visits and breed demonstrations.

All classes are group-based, with small class sizes (8–12 dogs), and require pre-registration except for conformation. Training emphasizes positive methods with lead-based exercises, and equipment like leashes and collars are included in some packages. The club is led by Cathy Keeler and supported by experienced members involved in AKC competitions.

They also host two annual AKC-sanctioned dog shows and an agility trial, fostering a strong community for dog owners interested in competitive and recreational training.

Accomplishments

Hangtown Kennel Club is an AKC-licensed club that hosts two annual AKC All-Breed, Obedience, and Rally Dog Shows in conjunction with The Kennel Club of the California Sierra. They also host an annual AKC Sanctioned Match and offer AKC-recognized virtual rally title opportunities.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must review class descriptions and register online via the Class Registration page. Registration is required for all classes except conformation. Classes fill quickly and are held Wednesday evenings.