Sarasota Obedience Training

Sarasota Obedience Training Club offers a wide range of group classes for dogs of various ages and skill levels, focusing on positive reinforcement methods.
nnPuppy classes (Levels A and B) cater to puppies 11-21 weeks old, covering basic cues and problem prevention, and include the AKC S.T.A.R. puppy program. An Advanced Puppy class is available for dogs 6-17 months old, focusing on basic obedience.
nnObedience classes range from Beginners Level 1 (for dogs 5 months or older, covering basic cues like sit, down, stay, loose leash walking) to Beginners Level 2 (Canine Good Citizen prep) and Level 3 (proofing behaviors, off-leash heeling, distance commands). Competition Obedience classes are offered at Fundamentals, Novice, Open, and Intro-Utility levels, including Utility Proofing and AKC Fetch Novice Title Class. A Reliable Recall class is also available.
nnAgility training progresses from Foundations (prerequisite for all agility classes, covering groundwork, handling, introductory jumping) through Level II Beginner, Beginners and Pre-Novice, Beginner Refresher, Level III Pre-Novice, Level IV Novice, Level V Open, Excellent/Masters Jumpers Coursework, Premier Agility, Agility Weaves that Rock, Cue with Confidence and Run with Independence, Introduction to Weaves, and Agility Jumping Grid Work.
nnRally classes include Intro to Rally Focus, Rally Obedience Novice-Intermediate-Advanced, and Rally Obedience Excellent-Masters. Scentwork classes are structured in units (1A & B, 2A & B, 3A & B) focusing on developing scent detection skills for AKC and UKC trials. Flyball classes are offered at Beginner and Advanced levels, emphasizing positive training methods for this high-energy team sport. Specialty classes include Connection, Cooperation & Control (CCC)™ and Introduction to Canine Freestyle.

Pricing Summary

Most classes cost $110 for a 6-week session, with Flyball classes costing $105 and Connection, Cooperation & Control (CCC)™ Level 1 costing $150. Online registration and payment are required a minimum of one week before the class start date. There is a $25 charge for canceling class registration.

Policies

Online registration and payment are required a minimum of one week before the class start date. No registration on the first night of class is allowed. There is a $25 charge for canceling class registration, as the club incurs costs for holding a spot and administrative tasks. For Flyball, if the class does not have the minimum one week prior to the start date, it may be cancelled or rescheduled. Uncontrollable, disruptive or aggressive dogs may be dismissed from Flyball classes or required to use a muzzle and practice away from other dogs. Puppies must be at least 11 weeks old and have completed two sets of vaccinations, with documentation required for verification.

Sarasota Obedience Training Club has been helping dog owners in Southwest Florida train their canine companions since 1962. They offer a variety of group classes for those interested in competition or simply training a well-behaved pet.
nnThe club is run by dog-loving volunteers with decades of experience in dog training and teaching. In addition to training classes, they host multiple competitions annually in agility, obedience, rally, and scentwork, and frequently organize seminars with top trainers and judges.
nnSOTC is conveniently located off I-75 in east Sarasota, between State Road 64 and 70, just beyond Lakewood Ranch. Their facility includes a two-ring indoor climate-controlled building and a fully-fenced, lighted outdoor grass agility field.

Accomplishments

Sarasota Obedience Training Club has been helping dog owners since 1962. The club is run by dog-loving volunteers with decades of experience training dogs and teaching others. They host multiple competitions a year in agility, obedience, rally, and scentwork, and frequently host seminars by top trainers and judges. Their Puppy Level B class is an AKC S.T.A.R. puppy class taught by certified STAR instructors.

How to Get Started!

To get started, dog owners must register and pay online a minimum of one week before the class start date. Registration links are provided for specific class schedules. For questions about class content or seminars, contact the respective training director (e.g., Kristi Kita for Agility, June Plank for Obedience/Puppy/Rally, Wendy Hudson for Flyball, Janet Wyatt for Scentwork). For questions about fees or class availability in Agility, contact Bonnie Scott. Instructor permission or evaluation may be required for advanced classes.