Making the Connection with Marion Crain
Saturday & Sunday
September 26 & 27, 2026

Marion started training dogs as a 4H’er, and has been competing in AKC obedience ever since. She has trained Shelties, Keeshonden, and Border Collies, and has lived, trained and shown widely across the country, including NY, CA, OH, WV, NC, and MO.  Her achievements include:   ✦ 13 OTCH/UDX dogs (6 Border Collies, 7 Keeshonden)   ✦ Multiple 200 scores (Sheltie, 3 Border Collies, 3 Keeshonden)  ✦ Multiple tournament placements (AKC Classic, AKC NOC Group placements, and more)  ✦ Over 500 HIT’s and 400 HC’s; over 4000 OTCH points  ✦ Keeshond ranked # 1 all breeds for 2021, Front & Finish Delaney System (open & utility placements)  ✦ Five Herding CHs, Nine Conformation CHs, two GCH, and four RACHs  “The joy of dog obedience training lies in making a deep connection with each dog we train. Join Marion Crain for her dynamic Making the Connection seminar and discover how true engagement and drive become the foundation for every successful obedience exercise. The strength of your foundation – and how each exercise is originally taught – determines whether you have solid pieces to return to as training advances and new challenges arise in the show ring. This seminar focuses on building a powerful working relationship between you and your dog, creating clarity, reliability, and enthusiasm that carry seamlessly from practice to competition. Marion will teach you how to truly teach your dog, what to look for throughout the learning process, and how to develop sustained motivation and sharp focus so connection comes first and precision naturally follows. If you want more animation, stronger performance, and a dog that works in genuine partnership with you, this seminar is one you won’t want to miss.  This seminar is designed to help you build a relationship with your dog that you can take into the ring. Marion will focus on the methods she uses to build drive & motivation; finding the balance between control and drive; and avoiding and managing food and toy dependence.  SATURDAY: Training philosophy & foundation, including use of food and toys; quick and motivating transitions; precise animated heeling; speedy recalls and returns; and stationary positions in preparation for signals and command discrimination.    SUNDAY: Continue and build on foundations for more advanced work, including retrieves, go outs, jumping, scent discrimination, and signals.   20 working spots, unlimited auditors All levels of dogs and handlers permitted. BIS ok with panties. Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Cost for 2 Day Working slot: Members – $275, Non-Members – $300 Cost for 2 Day Auditing slot: Members – $150, Non-Members – $175 Cost for 1 Day Auditing slot: Members – $75, Non-Members – $100 Light breakfast and snacks will be provided. Lunch will be provided at participant cost.  Registration opens: Monday, June 15 at 8am for Members Wednesday, June 17 at 8am for Non-Members Register on links below: MAKING THE CONNECTION 2 DAY WORKING SLOT MAKING THE CONNECTION 2 DAY – AUDIT ONLY MAKING THE CONNECTION 1 DAY AUDIT SLOT – SATURDAY MAKING THE CONNECTION 1 DAY AUDIT SLOT – SUNDAY Online registration and payment are required. Payment is due in full at the time of registration. No refunds will be given unless there is a replacement for your slot. Credits will be issued for all removals or cancellations of club members and refunds will be issued to all non-members in the case of removals or cancellations. A $10 processing fee will be deducted from your refund. E-mail seminar questions to odtcobedience@gmail.com. For registration issues, contact Seminar Registrar, Lorinda McKisson at Lmckisson@gmail.com. Location: Oriole Dog Training Club – 9 Azar Court, Halethorpe, MD 21227 Doors open at 8am. Please bring waterproof tarp for under your crates. BIS Seminar Policy:Unless otherwise specified, BIS are allowed in seminars if they wear tight fitting panties. Separate crating spaces can be arranged if necessary. If, in the opinion of the presenter or the club, the presence of the bitch becomes disruptive to the seminar, she may be removed from the building or other appropriate action taken. There is a $10 clean-up fee for accidents that occur on the turfOnly non-crumbly, non-staining dog treats may be used on the fieldDogs are to be relieved in designated outdoor areasDogs are to be crated when not workingFor more policy information, go to https://orioledogclub.org/house-rules/.