Winston Salem Dog Training Club

Classes are offered in 4-, 5-, 6-, or 8-week formats, with weekly 45-minute sessions. Programs are divided into Family Dog (Puppy, Beginner, Therapy Dog), Non-Competitive Titles (CGC, FIT Dog), and Competition Focused (Agility, Obedience, Rally, Scent Work, Flyball). All classes use motivational reward-based training. Students must log into their WSDTC account to register. Make-up classes may be scheduled for weather-related cancellations.

Pricing Summary

Eight-week group classes cost $120; shorter sessions (4–6 weeks) are priced proportionally. Additional field fees apply for outdoor agility, scent work, and tracking. Registration requires a WSDTC account and opens during specific windows each session.

Policies

WSDTC follows Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools’ weather closure and delay schedule. If schools are delayed, morning classes may proceed at instructor discretion. If schools are dismissed early or closed, afternoon, evening, and weekend classes are canceled. Make-up classes are attempted when possible. Dogs exhibiting aggression or danger to others may be dismissed. Registration fees are non-refundable.

Winston-Salem Dog Training Club is a nonprofit organization with over 61 years of experience providing group dog training classes to the public in Winston-Salem, NC. Founded in 1964 and affiliated with the American Kennel Club (AKC), the club offers affordable, volunteer-led classes for all breeds and life stages—from puppies to senior dogs. Classes focus on positive reinforcement methods using food and toys, and cover basic obedience, therapy dog preparation, agility, rally, scent work, tracking, and flyball. The club operates from a dedicated 8,000-square-foot heated and air-conditioned facility with matted floors, private fields for agility and tracking, and a designated dog potty area. They also host sanctioned AKC and NADAC trials, fostering a community-centered environment for training and competition. The club is not equipped to handle serious behavioral issues like aggression and refers such cases to professional specialists.

All instructors and staff are unpaid volunteers who are experienced dog owners and competitors, ensuring low-cost, high-quality instruction. The club supports community service initiatives, including therapy dog visits and partnerships with local animal welfare organizations like Piedmont Animal Welfare Alliance. Their facility is available for rent with board approval, and they follow local school district weather policies for class cancellations.

WSDTC emphasizes accessibility, with classes priced at $120 for an eight-week session, and offers opportunities for dogs to earn non-competitive titles like CGC, FIT Dog, and Farm Dog, as well as competitive certifications in obedience, rally, and agility.

Accomplishments

Founded in 1964, WSDTC has operated for over 61 years as an AKC member club. It hosts sanctioned AKC and NADAC trials in obedience, rally, agility, tracking, and scent work. The club is home to the NADAC Leaps and Bounds Agility Group and First in Flight Flyball Team. It supports community service through therapy dog visits and partnerships with local shelters.

How to Get Started!

Prospective students must create or log into a WSDTC account via the DogBizPro registration portal. Class schedules are published in late November for the Winter Session, with registration opening in early December. New students should review the “Know Before You Go” page for facility rules and preparation guidelines.