New England Dog Training Club

NEDTC offers a structured, progressive curriculum starting with Puppy Kindergarten and the Beginner Steps Program (Steps 1–4), followed by Indoor Obedience and Sports, and Invite-Only Rally/Obedience and Sports. Classes are held weekly and emphasize positive reinforcement, communication, and skill-building for real-world situations and AKC competition preparation. The Steps Program is the core foundation for all levels, with trainers providing consistent, team-based instruction. Advanced students may pursue AKC titles in obedience, rally, tracking, and nosework.

Pricing Summary

Pricing details are not publicly listed on the website. Membership and class fees are likely structured per session or program, with membership required to participate in classes. Contact for specific rates.

Policies

Class rules require dogs to be up-to-date on vaccinations and prohibit aggressive dogs. Attendance is expected weekly; make-up classes are not mentioned. The club does not specify cancellation or rescheduling policies publicly.

The New England Dog Training Club (NEDTC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit obedience club founded in 1936, making it the oldest existing AKC obedience club in the United States. NEDTC offers group training classes for dogs of all breeds, ages, and backgrounds, including purebreds and mixed-breeds, with a focus on positive reinforcement methods. Their programs begin with Puppy Kindergarten and progress through the Steps Program (Steps 1–4), Intro to Competition, and Competitive Training, all designed to build trust, communication, and skills for everyday life and performance sports. Trainers are certified professionals with expertise in obedience, rally, nosework, agility, and behavior modification, and many are active competitors and volunteers in therapy dog programs. The club fosters a supportive, collaborative community where owners of first-time dogs and experienced handlers train together in a safe, encouraging environment. NEDTC also hosts AKC-sanctioned trials, seminars, and events to educate the public on responsible dog ownership.

Trainers include CPDT-KA and KPA-CTP certified professionals with decades of combined experience, and many are affiliated with Karen Pryor Academy, Victoria Stilwell Academy, and other respected institutions. The club emphasizes science-based, fear-free training and is especially skilled at helping anxious, reactive, or difficult cases. All classes are held at Cambridge Friends School in Cambridge, MA, and are open to all dogs regardless of registration status.

NEDTC does not offer private in-home, board-and-train, or day-training services. Their focus is exclusively on group classes and community-based training within a structured curriculum.

The club is not a breeder, groomer, daycare, or boarding facility, but supports therapy dog programs and offers resources for pet owners through videos, class rules, and FAQs.

Accomplishments

NEDTC is the oldest existing AKC obedience club in the U.S., founded in 1936. Trainers include CPDT-KA and KPA-CTP certified professionals. Donna Culbert was featured on WCVB’s Chronicle. Marissa Davis is a student at Karen Pryor Academy. Diane Kurkjian is a certified veterinary technician and former training director. The club hosts one AKC-sanctioned obedience trial annually and supports therapy dog programs in schools and the community.

How to Get Started!

Prospective students should review class offerings on the website, then enroll in the Beginner Steps Program or Puppy Kindergarten. Registration is likely done through the website, and new students are encouraged to contact the club via email for guidance on placement.