Keystone Canine Club

Classes are structured in progressive levels: Puppy Pre-School and Building Puppy Confidence for young pups, followed by Family Manners I, II, and III for foundational to advanced obedience. They offer specialized classes in Agility, Rally, Scent Work, and Tricks, plus preparation for AKC CGC, CGCA, and TDI certification tests. Drop-in classes include Competition Level Obedience and Conformation. All classes are 50 minutes, with enrollment based on instructor approval and vaccination records.

Pricing Summary

Class prices are listed on their Class Prices page; all classes are seven weeks long and require online registration and payment by the session closing date. No pricing details are publicly listed, but they offer gift certificates and accept only online enrollment.

Policies

All dogs must be up-to-date on vaccinations with records presented at first class unless the owner is a current member. Dogs must be on leash or crated when not working; only flat buckle, martingale, slip, or chain collars and harnesses are allowed. No flexi-leashes during active training. Instructors may require withdrawal if a dog’s behavior is unsafe or incompatible with the class. Registration and payment are required by the session closing date; no drop-ins except for designated ongoing classes. No refunds or rescheduling mentioned.

Keystone Canine Training Club is a non-profit organization based in Pittsburgh, PA, offering group dog training classes for dog owners in the south suburbs. They provide a wide range of obedience, agility, rally, scent work, and tricks classes designed to build well-behaved family pets and prepare dogs for certification tests like AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC), Advanced CGC, and Therapy Dog International (TDI). Their classes are taught by volunteer instructors who are certified in CGC, CGCA, and Puppy STAR evaluations. They emphasize positive, confidence-building training with supervised socialization for puppies and structured progression from basic to advanced levels. The club also offers community outreach programs, including demonstrations at senior centers and nursing homes, and hosts dog trials and workshops. They do not offer service dog training or in-home visits. All classes are held at their facility at 5167 Brownsville Road in Baldwin Borough.

Dogs must be up-to-date on vaccinations, and only flat buckle collars, martingales, slip chains, or harnesses are permitted during class. They require online registration and do not allow drop-ins except for specific ongoing classes like Competition Level Obedience and Conformation. Their instructors tailor lessons to the majority skill level in each class and reserve the right to remove dogs for behavioral issues.

They also offer a suggested class sequence, free downloadable preparation guides, and a YouTube channel showcasing their programs. Their community-focused, volunteer-driven model keeps costs low and fosters a supportive, non-judgmental environment for shy or anxious dogs.

Accomplishments

Keystone Canine Training Club has been featured in local newspapers, cable TV, and the Wall Street Journal. One of their instructors and her dog performed with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. They have certified evaluators for AKC Canine Good Citizen, Advanced CGC, and Therapy Dog International programs. Their community outreach includes frequent demonstrations at senior homes and daycare centers.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must visit the Class Schedule page to enroll online. They must review the Class Requirements and Preparation for First Class PDF guides before registering. Vaccination records must be brought to the first class unless already on file as a member. Registration opens on specific dates announced on the homepage, and classes fill quickly.