Monterey Bay Dog Training – Watsonville Training Classes

Training is offered in progressive levels: Puppy (4–6 months), Beginner I & II, Intermediate, Novice, Open, and Utility obedience. Rally and Conformation classes are available at all levels. Trick Dog classes are 4-week sessions requiring completion of Beginner 1. Canine Good Citizen (CGC) testing is offered monthly. Classes meet twice weekly (Tuesday and Thursday evenings) at two locations. Intermediate class is ongoing and repeatable until readiness for Novice. All classes emphasize leash walking, sit, down, stay, recall, and heeling, with hand signals and off-leash work introduced progressively.

Pricing Summary

8-week obedience classes cost $120; 4-week Trick Dog classes cost $60. Registration requires payment by check or online, with vaccination records submitted. No cash accepted. Equipment (leash, collar) required and available for purchase. No refunds or prorated fees mentioned.

Policies

Registration requires submission of vaccination records and payment by check or online (no cash). Classes are non-refundable. Returning students must use their prior email to retain records. If a class is full, students may join a waiting list by contacting the club. Conformation classes are drop-in starting week two. No specific cancellation or rescheduling policy is stated.

Monterey Bay Dog Training Club is a long-standing, AKC-affiliated dog training organization based in Watsonville, CA, serving Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey Counties since 1966. They offer year-round group training classes at two facilities: the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in Watsonville and the MidCounty Senior Center in Capitola. Classes are structured by skill level—from Puppy (4–6 months) through Beginner I & II, Intermediate, Novice, Open, and Utility obedience—as well as Rally, Conformation, and AKC Trick Dog programs. Their training emphasizes positive reinforcement while also incorporating controlled corrections, with instructors focused on building strong handler-dog bonds, improving manners at home, and preparing dogs for competition. The club hosts annual AKC trials in agility, obedience, rally, tracking, and scent work, and offers special programs like the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification. They also support the community through scholarships for UC Davis veterinary students and donations to the Birchbark Foundation for injured dogs.

Instructors are highly experienced, with many having trained dogs for decades and earned multiple AKC titles. Carol Davis, Dorothy Mash, and Edie Losch are current lead trainers, with Luane Vidak as a retired but highly respected former instructor. The club promotes ongoing education for trainers and encourages community involvement through volunteering and events.

They offer online registration and require vaccination records, a 6-foot leather leash, and a metal training collar for classes. Soft treats are recommended. Classes are 8 weeks long for obedience and 4 weeks for Trick Dog, with fees of $120 and $60 respectively. Drop-in Conformation classes begin in week two. The club does not offer private, in-home, board-and-train, or day training services.

Accomplishments

Club has been an AKC member since 1966 and hosts annual AKC trials in agility, obedience, rally, tracking, and scent work. Trainer Carol Davis won 1st place at the 2025 AKC Rally National Championship with a score of 399/400 and has 68 obedience and 17 rally titles. Dorothy Mash has over 30 years of teaching experience and has earned obedience titles on multiple breeds. Luane Vidak earned 29 obedience titles, 18 agility titles, and held leadership roles in multiple trials. The club annually awards a $1,000 scholarship to a UC Davis veterinary student.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must register online via the club’s DogBizPro portal or download and mail a registration form with payment and vaccination records. Online registration opens in November for January classes. New students should review class times and locations on the Classes page and ensure their dog meets age and prerequisite requirements (e.g., Beginner 1 completion for Trick Dog class).