High Desert Obedience Club

HiDOC offers group training classes in 7-week or 6-week sessions, with a 5-week session for Tricks. Puppy Pre-School is for puppies up to 10 months, focusing on basic obedience, manners, social skills, and preparing for the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy award. Basic Novice is for dogs 6 months or older, teaching on-leash control and problem-solving using reward-based techniques. The first week of Basic Novice and Scentwork is handler orientation only, with dogs joining from week two.

Introduction to AKC Rally requires solid basic skills and is limited to 6 students. Introduction to Scentwork is for dogs 6 months or older who are comfortable crated or waiting calmly. The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) course is a 6-week session that prepares dogs for the AKC CGC title, including instruction and practice of the ten required skills, with testing opportunities at week five. Tricks class is a 5-week session for dogs with basic obedience or CGC, focusing on positive, reward-based trick training.

Pricing Summary

Puppy Pre-School, Basic Novice, Introduction to AKC Rally, and Introduction to Scentwork classes cost $90.00 for a 7-week course. The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) course costs $60.00 for a 6-week session, and the Tricks class costs $60.00 for a 5-week session. Pre-registration discounts may apply. Membership benefits include class discounts. Annual membership dues are $20.00 for a single membership and $25.00 for a family membership, payable by June 30th.

Policies

Prong collars are allowed in Introduction to AKC Rally, but harnesses are not permitted. No prong collars are allowed in the Tricks class. Vaccination requirements for classes include proof of Rabies, Parvo, and Distemper. The first week of Basic Novice and Scentwork classes is for handler orientation only; dogs should be left at home for the first week.

High Desert Obedience Club (HiDOC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1981 in Lancaster, California, by passionate dog enthusiasts. Their mission is to provide every dog with a good education and to build confidence and companionship between dogs and handlers.

HiDOC offers group training classes in various disciplines, including obedience, Canine Good Citizen (CGC), rally, agility, and nosework. Classes are designed for different dog ages and skill levels, from Puppy Preschool and Beginning Obedience through Competition Level Training. They also prepare dogs and owners for AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy awards and CGC titles.

The club boasts experienced trainers, many of whom are active competitors, providing up-to-date training methods. They also offer discounts to veterans, fosters, and shelter dogs. HiDOC connects owners to opportunities for therapy dog work through their Pet Pals program, bringing joy to the community. They serve as a knowledge base for dog owners in the High Desert area, offering resources and community events.

Accomplishments

The High Desert Obedience Club (HiDOC) was founded in 1981 and is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Their trainers offer years of experience in proven obedience methods and extensive knowledge of pure and mixed breed dogs. Many trainers are active competitors and provide up-to-date training methods.

Specific trainers include:
* Michelle Clifton: Certified dog trainer through Animal Behavior College, AKC CGC evaluator, over 10 years of hands-on experience, accomplished competitor in numerous dog sports.
* Lynda Peppyl: AKC CGC Evaluator (#103376) for 7 years, qualified to test for CGC, CGCA, CGCU, and Trick Dog at all levels, former Australian Shepherd breeder, and multi-award winning AKC competitor.
* Juanita Forrest: AKC Fetch Judge (2024), long-time AKC CGC Evaluator (since 2007), over two decades of experience in competitive dog sports, actively competing in Obedience and Rally Obedience since 2004, and Agility since 2011, with multiple titles including Agility Championships. She has also added Scent Work to her repertoire.

How to Get Started!

To sign up for classes, clients can pre-register by a specified date for a discount or attend in-person sign-ups at A Better Way Pet Care. Alternatively, clients can download the class application form, complete it, and email it along with proof of vaccinations to hidoc.training@gmail.com. Upon receipt of the application and vaccine records, class instructions will be sent, and a payment request will be generated. Enrollment is confirmed upon payment and up-to-date vaccine records. Discounts are offered for active military personnel, first responders, senior citizens, service dogs in training, and dogs rescued from Shelters or Rescues (with proof).