Ipoc

IPOC offers a comprehensive range of dog training programs, starting with Puppy Class for pups 8 weeks to 5 months old, covering basic obedience, recalls, and introduction to different surfaces and agility. Basic Obedience is for dogs 6 months and older, focusing on loose leash walking, sit, down, stand, stay, and recall, preparing dogs for the AKC CGC test. Advanced Basic builds upon these skills, introducing heel position, attention, and pivots, and is a prerequisite for many advanced obedience classes.

Their Agility program requires completion of Agility Foundation, which introduces flat work, targets, body awareness, and obstacles for dogs 6 months and older. Subsequent Agility 1-4 classes progress from introducing equipment to advanced competition-level handling. The Conformation class is a drop-in run-through simulating a show, helping handlers prepare their dogs for the show ring.

The Rally program progresses through Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Excellent, and Master levels, requiring elementary skills like heeling and recall, with Advanced Basic Obedience as a prerequisite for lower levels and off-leash heeling for higher levels. The Service Dog Skills program focuses on training mobility service dogs to mitigate handler disabilities, covering tasks like retrieving and bracing, and public access. This class follows Assistance Dogs International standards and requires the handler to have an ADA-recognized disability and the dog to have Basic Obedience proficiency and no aggression.

Scent Work classes (Beginner and Advanced) introduce dogs and handlers to scent detection, requiring Basic Obedience or an evaluation. The Obedience program includes Beginner Novice, Urban Dog (training in real-world urban environments), Competition Novice, and advanced Open and Utility classes for competitive obedience. Tricks classes are also offered for fun and AKC Trick Dog titles. All training sessions require proof of vaccination, a properly fitted training collar, a leash, a dog crate, and high-value, light-colored treats.

Pricing Summary

Specific class fees, times, and schedules are available on their class schedule page. The fee for the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test is listed on their Home page. Scent Work Beginner class requires an evaluation, with a fee equivalent to the Basic Obedience pass/fail test.

Membership dues are $50 annually for an Active Adult Member and $80 for an Active Couple. A late fee of $5.00 per month applies after June 1st, with a grace period until June 30th, after which membership is terminated and reapplication is required.

Building rental rates are $350 for the first whole day and $300 for additional days, with a $475 refundable damage/cleanup deposit. Early setup before 5:00 PM on the day before rental is $50, and kitchen use is $15 per day. Half-day rentals are available for $200. Equipment rental is $50. The “Pay To Train” option is available for a very small fee, offering 30-minute slots with a maximum of three slots per day.

Policies

Agility classes with fewer than three registered students will be cancelled. For membership, annual dues must be paid by June 1st; a $5.00 monthly late fee applies, and membership is terminated if not paid by June 30th, requiring reapplication.

The “Pay To Train” facility use is by appointment only, requiring requests by 6:00 PM the night before the desired session. Users must set up and put away their own equipment and cooperate with other trainers by rotating turns in the rings, with a maximum of 30 minutes in any one ring at a time.

Building rentals require sufficient advance notice to ensure availability and arrangements for access, with a contract required for daily and weekend rentals.

Imperial Polk Obedience Club (IPOC) is a dog training club located in Lakeland, Florida, offering a variety of group classes for dog owners. They provide training in disciplines such as agility, rally, scent work, tricks, obedience, and conformation. The club aims to help dog owners develop a strong relationship with their pets and prepare them for various AKC titles and competitions.

IPOC operates a physical training center that is air-conditioned and equipped with mats and training equipment. They also offer a “Pay To Train” option, allowing members to utilize the facility for their own training sessions. Beyond classes, IPOC serves as a resource hub, providing referrals to veterinary behaviorists for dogs with behavior problems, links to training equipment suppliers, and information on rescue organizations, dog health, genetics, and various dog registries.

Membership benefits include discounts on classes and trial entries, participation in club teams, annual awards banquets, Christmas parties, and exclusive seminars. The club also hosts monthly meetings, sometimes featuring guest speakers and demonstrations. IPOC conducts AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) tests upon graduation from their Basic Obedience class, promoting responsible dog ownership and basic manners.

Accomplishments

Imperial Polk Obedience Club is a recognized dog training club that hosts and supports various AKC (American Kennel Club) events and titles, including Agility, Rally, Obedience (Novice, Open, Utility, UDX), and Canine Good Citizen (CGC). They also provide resources and information related to other registries such as the United Kennel Club (UKC), Companion Dog Sports Program (CDSP), and Teacup Dogs Agility Association. Their Service Dog Skills program adheres to the standards set forth by Assistance Dogs International.

How to Get Started!

To begin, prospective clients should view the class schedule for current classes, times, and fees. For Conformation classes, individuals are advised to call for information and leave their name and phone number for a return call.

Enrollment in Scent Work Beginner class requires either successful completion of Basic Obedience or passing a Basic Obedience pass/fail evaluation administered by an IPOC trainer, which can be scheduled through the registrar. For “Pay To Train” sessions, appointments must be made by finding the event in IPOC’s Google Calendar, identifying the person in charge, and contacting them by their preferred method to request a 30-minute slot by 6:00 PM the night before.

To join IPOC as an Active Adult Member, candidates must complete one full course, submit a membership application with a check, volunteer for three jobs within six months (e.g., stewarding, cleaning, committee work, teaching), and attend three General Membership Meetings within six months. For Active Couple candidates, the volunteer requirement is six jobs within six months.