Monterey Bay Dog Training-Santa Cruz Training Classes

Training is offered in progressive levels: Puppy (4–6 months), Beginner I & II, Intermediate, Novice, Open, and Utility. Each level builds on the previous, with obedience, heeling, stays, recalls, and eventually advanced exercises like jumps and retrieves. Rally and Conformation classes are available at all levels. Trick Dog classes are 4-week intensive sessions requiring completion of Beginner 1. CGC testing is offered regularly. Classes are ongoing and repeatable, especially Intermediate, until dogs are ready for Novice.

Pricing Summary

Eight-week group training sessions cost $120; 4-week Trick Dog classes cost $60. Registration requires payment by mail or online, with vaccination records submitted. Leashes and collars available for purchase. No cash payments accepted.

Policies

Registration requires submission of vaccination records and payment by mail or online—no cash. Returning students must use prior email to retain records. Classes may be full; waitlists are available upon request. No explicit cancellation or rescheduling policy is stated.

Monterey Bay Dog Training Club is a long-standing, AKC-affiliated dog training organization serving Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey Counties since 1966. They offer year-round group training classes at two locations: the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in Watsonville and the MidCounty Senior Center in Capitola. Classes are structured by skill level—Puppy, Beginner I & II, Intermediate, Novice, Open, and Utility—alongside specialized programs in Rally, Conformation, and AKC Trick Dog training. Their approach emphasizes positive reinforcement and gentle techniques to build well-mannered pets and competitive dogs. The club also hosts annual AKC-sanctioned trials in agility, obedience, rally, tracking, and scent work, and provides community-focused programs like the “Gifts from the Heart” veterinary aid fund and a $1000 annual scholarship to a UC Davis veterinary student. Trainers are highly experienced, with decades of combined expertise and multiple AKC titles among them.

They promote socialization from puppyhood through the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification and encourage ongoing learning with repeatable classes. Members benefit from bimonthly speaker meetings, networking, and volunteer opportunities in dog sports events. Training requires a 6-foot leather leash and metal training collar, and soft treats are recommended. Online registration is available, and waiting lists are offered for full classes.

Accomplishments

Club has been an AKC member for over 50 years. Trainers have earned dozens of AKC obedience and rally titles, including an AKC Rally National Championship win with a score of 399/400. The club annually awards a $1000 scholarship to a UC Davis vet student and funds veterinary care for dogs in need through “Gifts from the Heart.”

How to Get Started!

Visit the Classes page to view session dates and register online or download a registration form. Mail payment and vaccination records to the PO Box. If a class is full, contact MBDTC to be added to a waitlist. Online registration requires creating an account using prior email if previously registered.