Saccarappa Dog Obedience Club

Training is organized into progressive class levels for Competitive Obedience (Beginner Novice to Utility), Scent Work (Beginner to Advanced), Rally (Novice to Masters), and Breed Handling. Each class has strict prerequisites based on prior titles or instructor approval. Classes are 6 weeks long, held weekly on Monday evenings or Thursday mornings. Scent Work and Rally have specific session start dates. Training follows AKC standards with structured exercises and equipment requirements. Progression to higher levels requires completion of prior classes or titles.

Pricing Summary

Class fees range from $75–$130 per 6-week session, depending on program type and membership status. Members pay $75 for beginner/intermediate/advanced classes and $83 for Rally; non-members pay $97 for those same classes. Scent Work and Competition Obedience classes are $130 per session. Registration requires payment by mail, and fees are non-refundable. Class sizes are limited to 4–7 dogs per class.

Policies

Registration must be completed one week prior to class start and mailed to PO Box 1395, Westbrook, ME 04092. No registrations accepted at the facility. Classes require a minimum of 4 dogs to run. No refunds or make-up classes offered for missed sessions. No spectators allowed. Class spots are not guaranteed until payment and registration are received by mail.

Saccarappa Dog Obedience Club (SOC) is a dog training organization based in Portland, Maine, offering group obedience and sport-specific training classes for dog owners interested in competitive and family-oriented dog activities. They provide structured classes in Competitive Obedience, Scent Work, Rally, Breed Handling, and AKC Family Dog programs including STAR Puppy, CGC, and Tricks. Classes are taught by experienced professional trainers and judges with decades of combined experience in AKC, UKC, and other registries, including Robyn Beeler, Mary Thompson, Sherry Britton (40+ years), and Bob Cuzner (AKC Scent Work and Tracking Judge). Training occurs exclusively at their facility, Happy Tails Portland Training Center, on Monday evenings and Thursday mornings, with no in-home or private lessons offered. All classes are group-based, require pre-registration, and have strict prerequisites based on skill level. The club emphasizes competition readiness but also supports family dog behavior through foundational training. No spectators are allowed during sessions, and all communication must be done via email. Membership is required for discounted rates, and registration must be mailed to a PO Box—no in-person or online registration is available.

SOC is affiliated with the AKC and supports multiple dog sports including obedience, scent work, rally, conformation, tracking, and more. Their training philosophy centers on positive reinforcement with structured progression through AKC levels, and they prioritize consistency, precision, and handler-dog teamwork. The club is run by competitors for competitors, offering a niche environment for serious dog sports enthusiasts.

Note: The club does not offer boarding, grooming, walking, daycare, or retail services. All services are training-focused group classes only.

Accomplishments

Trainers include Robyn Beeler, Mary Thompson, and Sherry Britton, who have earned multiple AKC Championships in Obedience and Conformation, as well as advanced obedience titles. Sherry Britton has 40+ years of professional training experience and has handled dogs in advertising. Bob Cuzner is an AKC Tracking Judge and AKC Scent Work Judge. The club has members competing nationally in AKC, UKC, and other venues.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must email socdogs@yahoo.com or giffordelissa@gmail.com for class availability and registration information. Registration forms and payment must be mailed to the PO Box. No online or in-person registration is available. Prerequisites must be met before enrollment. Classes fill quickly and require early contact.