Obedience Dog Training Club

Classes are 6 weeks long, held weekly at fixed times. Programs include AKC Star Puppy for puppies 10 weeks–12 months, Family Manners (basic obedience), Manners and More (CGC preparation), Beginner to Utility obedience, Foundation to Competition Agility, Rally, and coached weekly run-thrus for AKC/CDSP levels. Jr. Handlers program is for children 8–17. Run-thrus cycle through Novice, Open, and Utility levels every three weeks. Prerequisites are required for advanced classes. Classes are limited in size and require pre-registration via SignUp Genius or website.

Pricing Summary

Star Puppy, Family Manners, and Manners and More classes cost $140 for non-members and $130 for members. All other 1-hour classes cost $140 for non-members and $120 for members. Coached Run Thrus are $27/week for members and $38/week for non-members. Fees include 6.35% CT sales tax. Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable after the first week.

Policies

Classes canceled due to inclement weather are decided by instructors at least 4 hours before class and communicated via email, phone, or Facebook. No refunds or transfers after the first week. Run-thru and class registrations require SignUp Genius sign-up. No classes on Thanksgiving Eve, Christmas Eve, or New Year’s Eve.

The Obedience Dog Training Club of Waterbury, Inc. (ODTCW) is a volunteer-run dog training club founded in 1946 and located in Oxford, CT. They offer group training classes for pet owners and competitors, focusing on obedience, agility, rally, and field sports using positive reinforcement methods. Classes are available for puppies, adult dogs, and teens (Jr. Handlers), with programs like AKC Star Puppy, Canine Good Citizen (CGC), Beginner through Utility obedience, and Foundation to Competition-level agility. Their instructors are experienced competitors with titles in AKC, CDSP, UKC, and ASCA, and they emphasize building strong human-dog bonds through fun, structured training. The facility includes agility equipment, training mats, mirrors, and crate areas, and is open for weekly coached run-thrus and member-only events. Membership offers discounts and priority access to trials and seminars.

Instructors include Laurie Cafaro (obedience, nosework, trick dogs), Mindy Costanza (all levels of obedience), Frank McKane (adaptive balanced approach, 4,000+ dogs trained), and Barbara Siegel (agility, obedience, scent work). They also offer specialized programs like Jr. Handlers for children 8–17 and coached run-thrus for AKC and CDSP obedience levels.

ODTCW is not a boarding, grooming, or walking service provider, but offers a dedicated training facility with equipment available for members and class participants. They promote health, sport, and community among dog owners.

The club is conveniently located 5 minutes from Exit 16 off I-84.

Accomplishments

Instructors have earned multiple AKC, CDSP, UKC, and ASCA titles including UD, UDX, OTCH, Masters Preferred, and Golden Retriever Hall of Fame inductions. One instructor’s dog appeared on Law & Order SVU and Hulu; another’s Golden Retriever was featured on a Purina bag. Frank McKane has placed 63 AKC titles on 16 dogs and qualified for the Master Retriever National 16 times. Barbara Siegel’s 12-year-old dog earned Masters Preferred Bronze in agility. Laurie Cafaro’s dogs have won challenge trophies in obedience and breed rings.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients should visit the Classes page to view schedules and register online via SignUp Genius or the website. New members can apply for membership to receive class discounts. Contact classes@odtcw.com for class inquiries or membership@odtcw.com for membership details.