COVID Status Effective as of 7/16/2023
until further notice

Masks are highly encouraged for all unvaccinated individuals in the building for  drop-ins and classes.  Events held at the building may have a different policy as determined by the trial committee.

No current limits on occupancy in the building.  Social distancing should continue to be observed where possible.

What if… you have been exposed to a person that tested positive for COVID-19 or you have tested positive yourself?  Please check the club’s COVID-19 Mitigation Policy for what you should do next.

Welcome and please feel free to explore our website.  If you are new to dog training and to dog sports, you may want to start with the information below on our beginner classes.

In normal times, we hold regularly scheduled and very affordable dog obedience training classes as well as many other classes and events for various dog sports at our spacious, up to date training facility in Halethorpe, MD (immediately south of Baltimore near the junction of I-695 and I-95).

SPRING 2024 ROLLING REGISTRATION SCHEDULE :
                                           

• 03/12 – Catalog Posted to ODTC Website
• 03/18, 6am – Registration begins for ODTC Contributing Members 
• 03/21, 6am – Registration begins for ODTC Training Members
• 03/24, 6am – Registration begins for ODTC Provisional Members & Non-members
• Week of 4/8 – Spring Classes begin

SPRING 2024 INTRODUCTORY CLASSES

(For Advanced Classes, please see our full Course Catalog )

[OB101] Puppy Kindergarten 
Instructor: Kara O’Connor
Assistant: Carol Carr            
Class Limit: 6
Starts:  4/23/24
Day/Time: Tuesday, 6:00pm – 7:00pm (6 Weeks)

For puppies 14 weeks to 6 months old. This class is for focusing on the start of obedience foundations and behavior issues.  Emphasis on positive socialization to people and other puppies, environmental surroundings, and contacts. General behavior topics will include crate training, housetraining, reading body language, and reducing nipping and jumping. We will focus on skills like communication and attention to owner, loose leash walking, rear end awareness, good play and greeting skills with dogs and people, sit, down, come, wait, even tricks! This is a “food” reward-based class. The next class would be the Basic Obedience class.  Note:  Bring current rabies certificate for puppies over 4 months to the first night of class. Puppies attend the first class.  Front training room.

[OB105] Basic Obedience 
Instructor:  Tamalee Kramp
Assistant: Kara O’Connor            
Class Limit: 8
Starts:  4/9/24
Day/Time: Tuesday, 7:15pm – 8:15pm (7 Weeks)

This class is for puppies older than six months and adult dogs that are just starting their training or need a refresher.  The course will introduce dogs to all the basic obedience commands such as sit, down, stand, come, off, and loose-leash walking.  In addition, we will practice the commands with real life training exercises, such as not bolting through the door when opened and park bench manners, etc.  This is a “food” reward-based class. Priority:  priority registration is given to students graduating from the prior semester of Puppy Kindergarten [OB101] or Star Puppy [OB102] classes.  Notes:  1) At least 3 dogs must be registered for class to be held.  2) The FIRST day of class, please come WITHOUT your dog & with a copy of your dog’s Rabies certificate.  Main Ring 1.

[OB105A] Basic Obedience 
Instructor:  Francine Bethea       
Class Limit: 7
Starts:  4/16/24
Day/Time: Tuesday, 6:00pm – 7:00pm (7 Weeks)

This class is for puppies older than six months and adult dogs that are just starting their training or need a refresher.  The course will introduce dogs to all the basic obedience commands such as sit, down, stand, come, off, and loose-leash walking.  In addition, we will practice the commands with real life training exercises, such as not bolting through the door when opened and park bench manners, etc.  This is a “food” reward-based class.  Priority:  priority registration is given to students graduating from the prior session of Puppy Kindergarten [OB101] or Star Puppy [OB102] classes.  Notes:  1) At least 3 dogs must be registered for class to be held.  2) The FIRST day of class, please come WITHOUT your dog & with a copy of your dog’s Rabies certificate.  Main Ring 2. 

[OB110] Continuing Basic with AKC CGC and Tricks
Instructor:  Debby Brannan
Assistant: Sue Hayes
Class Limit: 8
Starts:  4/9/24
Day/Time: Tuesday, 6:00pm – 7:00pm (8 Weeks)

This class is intended for puppies older than 8 months and adult dogs.  Dog reactive dogs are not allowed in this class.  In this class we will cover each of the Canine Good Citizen exercises to prepare you for the CGC test.  The students will be taught how to train and handle their dog to successfully complete each of the CGC exercises. Additionally, tricks will be taught to prepare your dog for the Novice Trick Dog Test.  At the eighth week of class an AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test and the AKC Novice Trick Dog test will be offered (date to be announced in class).  Prerequisites:  This class is open to dogs that have a sound temperament and clear understanding of the basic exercises, dogs owned by handlers with recent Basic obedience training or dogs that have been evaluated by the instructor.  Priority:  priority registration is given to [OB105 (A/B/C)] students graduating from the prior session of classes and were given approval from the instructor to move up to [OB110A] classes.  Main Ring 1.

[OB110A] Continuing Basic with AKC CGC and Tricks
Instructors:  Judi Ruff and Russ Bobb
Class Limit: 10
Starts:  4/10/24
Day/Time: Wednesday, 1:30pm – 2:30pm (10 Weeks)

This class is intended for puppies older than 8 months and adult dogs.  Dog reactive dogs are not allowed in this class.  In this class we will cover all of the Canine Good Citizen exercises to prepare you for the CGC test.  The students will be taught how to train and handle their dog to successfully complete each of the CGC exercises. Additionally, tricks will be taught to prepare your dog for the Novice Trick Dog Test.  At the eighth week of class an AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test and the AKC Novice Trick Dog test will be offered (date to be announced in class).  Prerequisites:  This class is open to dogs that have a sound temperament and clear understanding of the basic exercises, dogs owned by handlers with recent Basic obedience training or dogs that have been evaluated by the instructor.  Priority registration is given to [OB105 (A/B/C)] students graduating from the prior session of classes and were given approval from the instructor to move up to [OB110A] classes. Main Ring 1.

[OB111] AKC Urban CGCU and AKC Community Canine Class
Instructors:  Judi Ruff and Russ Bobb
Class Limit: 12
Starts:  4/10/24
Day/Time: Wednesday, 3:00pm – 4:30pm (8 Weeks)

This class is intended for dogs that have their AKC Canine Good Citizen title.  The 10 test exercises will be practiced and taught in greater detail to prepare your dog for the Urban CGCU and the AKC Community Canine test.  Testing: Week 7 the AKC Community Canine test will be offered.  Week 8 the AKC Urban CGCU test will be offered (date and location to be announced in class).  Minimum of 6 students for the class to be held.  Main Ring 1.

[NW102] Introduction to Odor/K9 Nose Work©
Instructor:  Sue Cox, ANWI and Jaqueline Reardon, CNWI
Class Limit: 7
Starts: 4/11/24
Class Dates: 4/11, 5/2, 5/16, 5/30. 6/13, and Travel Day
Day/Time: Thursday, 6:00pm – 7:30pm (6 Weeks)

This is the next sequence in the program for dog/handler teams who have completed NW 101 – NW Foundations:  Introduction/Foundation to K9 Nose work©. The instruction provided in this class will follow the methods and foundation of K9 Nose Work©. Classes focus on continued teaching and encouraging the development of your dog’s natural scenting abilities by using their desire to hunt for food and/or toys, now paired with NACSW competition odors (Birch/Anise/Clove). Searches may be videotaped as part of the educational process. Dogs are worked one at a time and must be crated between activities.  Dogs may be introduced to indoor settings, outdoor settings, and vehicles in addition to continuing work with containers/boxes. NOTE:  One dog per handler. Class Dates:  April 11, May 2, May 16, May 30, June 13; Travel Day – Date and location to be announced.

[AG050] Foundations for Dog Sports
Instructors:  Margaret McDowell, Susan Rosenvold, Kelly Raiser, Carol Carr, and Kim Culp
Class Limit: 10
Starts: 4/10/24
Day/Time: Wednesday, 8:15pm – 9:45pm (10 Weeks)

This class is for dogs aged 5 1/2 months & up who have graduated from a Basic Obedience or Puppy Kindergarten class. Dogs will be introduced to the basic relationship building and foundation skills needed to be competitive in timed, physically active dog sports such as agility, flyball, rally, and disc dog. Foundation training includes board & target training; fitness training; impulse control games; drive games with recalls and sends; emphasizing tugging as a reward; rear-end awareness and body coordination exercises. Dogs can and should be entered in this class at a young age (although it is reasonable to expect very young dogs to rotate through it twice to expose them to each foundation exercise twice during their “puppy brain” stage). This class is primarily taught using a clicker to shape behaviors. Students will be exposed to a variety of “proofing” techniques to improve their dog’s performance. Graduation criteria: (1) ability to hold a “stay” position with handler at least 10′ away; (2) dog exhibits body control coordination through demonstration of class exercises (3) dog can stay focused on handler while working around other dogs in low arousal situations (4) dog sends around an object from at least 6′ away (5) Handler exhibits understanding of training principles; including the 3 D’s for proofing, using a clicker for shaping behaviors, and handling/engaging with your dog. Students planning to move ahead to Agility 1 have the additional criteria of (1) Dog actively engages with a toy, viewing it as a reward and (2) dog assumes and maintains four-feet on position on a travel board. Prerequisite: Verification of graduation from Basic Obedience class, a CGC certificate or completion of test at ODTC Intro to Agility workshop. Note: The first night of class is required for participation in the course. Dogs do not come to the first night of class. Agility Ring.

[AG052] Foundations for Dog Sports
Instructors:  Dale Martins and Maureen Shea
Class Limit: 6
Starts: 4/8/24
Day/Time: Monday, 4:30pm – 6:00pm (7 Weeks)

This class is for puppies age 4 months to 1 year at the start of class. Puppies will be introduced to crate games, which helps teach impulse control. The puppy will learn body awareness and how to think with “It’s Your Choice”. Handlers will learn how to train their puppy by having fun, and playing with their new addition, creating a strong bond between you and your dog. Wire crate needed. Notes: 1) Dogs do not come to the first class. 2) Bring current rabies certificate for puppies over 4 months to the first night of class. Front training room.

[AG110] Agility 1
Instructors:   Rebecca Sorgenfrei, Bryan Stephenson, Cris Fitchitt, and Lynda Folwick
Class Limit: 8
Starts: 4/11/24
Day/Time: Thursday, 6:30pm – 8:00pm (10 Weeks)

This course is intended to introduce dogs to the agility obstacles and to introduce handlers to the training methods for achieving safe, confident, and competent obstacle performance as well as a good working relationship allowing for off leash agility performance. Emphasis will be given to establishing a foundation for independent obstacle performance. Classes will be divided by gating into multiple work stations. Dogs must be capable of working with other dogs working at the same time. By the end of the session dogs should: have a good understanding of the 2on/2off end behavior without requiring a target; be able to drive to the end of the teeter with at least a 16” drop; drive through a partially closed weave channel with good footwork and speed irrespective of handler position; perform a four-jump grid with the handler in a variety of positions; send to a straight or curved tunnel; and send to and stay on a table. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Foundations for Dog Sports or permission of Instructor. NOTE: This class is run at the same time as Flyball and there may be excessive noise. Agility Ring.

[FB100] Beginner Flyball
Instructors:  Lauralee McGuire/Hoffman
Starts: 4/11/24
Day/Time: Thursday, 7:00pm – 8:30pm

This class is for those who want to learn the sport.  Dogs should be proficient in basic obedience & be under control in the presence of other dogs.  This course is NOT an entry class for the competition course.   Prerequisites: Basic obedience. Location:  Main Rings 1 & 2.

[FB100] Beginner Flyball
Instructors:  Kate Bobb
Starts: 4/12/24
Day/Time: Friday, 6:30pm – 7:30pm

This class is for those who want to learn the sport. Dogs should be proficient in basic obedience & be under control in the presence of other dogs. This course is NOT an entry class for the competition course. Prerequisites: Basic obedience. *CLASS DATES: No class May 24 & Jun 7. Location: Main Rings 1 & 2.

Email questions to Ashley Donaldson/Rosalyn Dupont  at registrarodtc@gmail.com

Agility Privates

World team member Terry Herman is offering privates at the building on Monday and Wednesday.  Click here for more information, or  To register for a private lesson:

Monday or Wednesday Privates: click here: [EL AG540A] Privates

Interested in our advanced class offerings?  See this link.

About Us:  The Oriole Dog Training Club, Inc is a non-profit organization formed in 1945 to  promote  the utility of dogs regardless of pedigree as well behaved and reliable companions  for their own safety and well being, for the pleasure of their owners, and so they will be considered good canine citizens of the community.

We hold regularly scheduled and very affordable dog obedience training classes as well as many other classes and events for various dog sports at our spacious, up to date  training facility in Halethorpe, MD (immediately south of Baltimore near the junction of I-695 and I-95)

Our all volunteer instructing staff is passionate about both companion dog (pet manners) training and dog sports training, and collectively represents decades of experience.

We are a licensed club with the American Kennel Club  (AKC®) and in addition hold group membership with the following dog sporting organizations:

• North American Flyball Association (NAFA®)
• United States Dog Agility Association(USDAA®)
• North American Dog Agility Council (NADAC)
• Canine Performance Events (CPE)
• National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW)
• Barn Hunt Association (BHA)

Our club members range in experience from those just beginning the journey of learning how to train and trial with a dog to talented amateurs with a part-time interest in dog training and even to members who compete or judge successfully at the national (sometimes even international) level.

In addition to dog training classes, we organize and hold numerous community outreach activities, canine health clinics, seminars, workshops, and dog sporting events both at our training building and at multiple locations in and around the Baltimore, Columbia, and Washington DC metro area including:

• obedience (AKC®),
• tracking (AKC®),
• agility (USDAA®, NADAC, AKC®,CPE),
• flyball (NAFA®),
• rally (AKC Rally®)
• scentwork (NACSW, BHA, AKC®)
• coursing (AKC Fast CAT®)

Have questions?  Explore our website or start with our FAQ.

Address:
9 Azar Ct.
Halethorpe, MD 21227

Detailed directions to our facility can also be found here