West Los Angeles Obedience

West Los Angeles Obedience Training Club offers weekly group classes typically lasting 6 to 8 weeks, covering a range of disciplines from foundational obedience to advanced dog sports. Programs include Puppy Manners for puppies 3-6 months old, focusing on basic commands, leash training, and managing common puppy behaviors. Novice Obedience is for dogs 5 months and older, teaching basic obedience using positive reinforcement. Intermediate and Advanced Obedience classes build upon these skills, preparing dogs for well-behaved pet status and competition.

Specialized sports training includes Agility, offered for beginning through advanced students, focusing on handler-dog teamwork and obstacle navigation. Nose Work classes develop natural scenting abilities for all breeds and ages, progressing from introduction to odor work. Conformation classes teach the basics of the show ring for unaltered, purebred dogs, while Tricks classes focus on learning AKC Novice Trick Dog skills. Rally Obedience is available from beginning to master levels, teaching handlers and dogs to navigate course signs for competition.

Class sizes are limited, with Puppy classes capped at 9 students, other Obedience and Rally classes at 12, and continuing Agility classes at 8. A current waiver is required for all participants and is valid for one year. The club does not offer private training through the club, but trainers may offer it independently. Dogs with behavioral issues like aggression or extreme shyness are not suitable for group classes and are advised to seek private instruction.

Pricing Summary

Classes are typically 6-8 weeks in duration. Puppy Manners costs $135 for 6 weeks. Novice and Intermediate Obedience classes are $155 for 6 weeks. Advanced Obedience, Advanced Obedience II, and Open/Utility Obedience classes are $175 for 8 weeks, except Open/Utility which is $155 for 8 weeks. Rally Obedience classes are $165 for 8 weeks. Conformation classes are $130 for 6 weeks. Nose Work classes are $150 for 6 weeks.

Payments are accepted online via PayPal or debit/credit card; checks are no longer accepted as of January 2025. No make-ups or pro-rated fees are allowed for classes, except for Puppy Manners under special circumstances, and no refunds are given once a class has started.

Policies

The club has a strict policy regarding class attendance and refunds. Generally, no make-ups or pro-rated fees are allowed for any classes, and no refunds are given once a class has started. An exception for make-ups exists for Puppy Manners classes, and agility class makeups are allowed per instructor approval. If a student needs to drop a class before it starts, a full refund can be issued if payment was made via PayPal.

A current waiver is mandatory for all participants and must be renewed annually. Dogs exhibiting behavioral issues such as aggression, fearfulness, or extreme shyness are not suitable for group classes, and the club reserves the right to dismiss unsuitable dogs. Each dog enrolled in a class requires a separate handler. For agility classes, specific guidelines include mandatory on-time payment, prompt notification for absences, and handler participation in equipment setup and tear-down. Crates are strongly encouraged and may become required in 2025, and dogs must be leashed to and from the training ring.

The West Los Angeles Obedience Training Club (WLAOTC) is a long-standing organization, founded in 1951, dedicated to training people to train their dogs. They offer a wide variety of weekly group classes, typically lasting 6 to 8 weeks, for dogs of all ages and skill levels. Their programs range from basic puppy manners and foundational obedience to advanced competition training in various dog sports.

WLAOTC provides specialized training in agility, nose work, tricks, rally obedience, and conformation, catering to both pet owners and those interested in competitive dog sports. All classes are held at the Cheviot Hills Recreation Center in West Los Angeles, fostering a club-like atmosphere where dog enthusiasts can socialize and learn together.

Beyond training, the club offers additional benefits to its members, including biannual meetings, an outstanding member newsletter, social events, and access to a video library. They also facilitate volume purchases of dog-related items and occasionally sponsor workshops featuring well-known canine experts. The club emphasizes building a strong relationship between dogs and their handlers through positive reinforcement methods.

Accomplishments

The West Los Angeles Obedience Training Club was founded in 1951, demonstrating a long history in dog training. They publish an outstanding member newsletter. The club occasionally sponsors special workshops featuring well-known canine experts, such as Susan Garret and veterinary sports specialist Chris Zink, D.V.M., PhD.

How to Get Started!

To get started, potential students can pre-register online for obedience classes or join the agility notification list via the website. Puppy Manners classes are recommended for puppies 3-6 months old with most shots, while Novice Obedience is suitable for dogs 5 months and older. For advanced classes, new students must register, and the registrar will facilitate trainer approval.

A spot in a class is tentatively held upon online registration but is only confirmed once the required waiver is completed online and payment is received. If a confirmation email is not received after registration, students are advised to contact the club. Becoming an active club member or enrolling in an obedience class can increase the likelihood of securing a spot in popular agility classes.