Classes & Training

Julia Mares took this picture before CGC class. Thanks for the great picture Julia! Click to enlarge.

Next session for obedience, rally novice, intermediate/advanced and excellent, puppy classes, into to scent work and trick dog training and will be April 29, 2025 –

Our online registration will open in early April – Payments must be received prior to classes starting or your spot will not be held.

 We offer four 7 week class sessions each year beginning in January, March, May and August. Classes are held on TUESDAY evenings at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora, with the exception of Agility, which is held in Jamestown at the Humane Society. View our Class Schedule page for the dates of upcoming classes. STKC provides positive, reward based training.
Note: not all classes are offered every session, depending on availability of instructors.
Bitches in season must skip classes during their season.

PUPPY – Designed for the socialization and early training of puppies approximately 9-18 weeks old. Puppies and their people are introduced to common basic training, as well as the safe introduction of novel experiences.

BASIC MANNERS TRAINING  – An introductory class ideal for all dogs at least 5-6 months old. There is no upper age limit. Basic obedience and all aspects of the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen test are introduced and practiced to help your dog become a socialized, well-mannered family member.
For those interested, a Canine Good Citizen test will be offered by the club two times per year, dates to be announced.
For more information on the AKC’s CGC program, click here

INTERMEDIATE TRAINING/CGC PREP – Further instruction and preparation for the Canine Good Citizen test. This class is for the dogs that have completed the Basic Manners Training and want to learn more about obedience.

RALLY – We will offer Novice, Intermediate/Advanced and Excellent if there is enough interest in three classes. You and your dog must have taken a basic obedience class in the past. Class doesn’t not have to have been with STKC. Learn the new signs, and tips on how to compete in this fun sport.

INTRO TO COMPETITION OBEDIENCE – Beginner Novice – Have you ever wondered what it takes to get started in competition obedience? If you’re ready to take your obedience training to the next level while building a strong bond with your dog through focused training and teamwork, this class may be for you. All exercises in Beginner Novice Obedience will be covered.
Prerequisites: Dogs must have taken a basic obedience and intermediate obedience class.

TRICK DOG CLASS – This class will introduce you to learning tricks to pass a trick dog test.  Basic manners class suggested before taking this class. Open to dogs 6 months and older. Check out this you tube video of tricks that can be taught to your dog!

INTRODUCTION TO SCENT WORK – Scent Work is a fun sport that builds on your dog’s natural ability to sniff out the locations of specific odors. Based on professional detection dog techniques, scent work is a great way for dogs of all ages and breeds to have fun, build confidence, and burn mental and physical energy. This class provides an overview of the sport of canine nose work and will introduce your dog to searching for a target odor. Dogs must be comfortable in a crate while other dogs are working. LIMIT TO 6 DOGS

AGILITY  – Offered in Spring and Fall, weather dependent. Agility classes are held on the Humane Society of Tuolumne County property in Jamestown. You will be introduced to the safe execution of all agility obstacles in the Introduction to Agility class with more advanced techniques offered in the Skill Building Class. Requires prior completion of a basic obedience class.  Agility class will start May 7th, 2025

Please see our Class Schedule page for start dates and times. 

Latest News & Updates

Barktoberfest – October 11th and 12th, 2025

We will have the 4 – 6 month puppy competition, obedience and rally trials and the National Owner Handled Series. Other offerings include Trick Dog Testing, Canine Good Citizen and Barn Hunt! PLEASE DO NOT BRING ANY DOGS THAT ARE NOT ENTERED IN THE SHOW OR ACTIVITIES. In gratitude for the support of our exhibitors, […]

Rattlesnake Aversion Clinic

Rattlesnake Aversion Training hosted by Natural Solutions returns to Tuolumne County. Training classes April 25, 2025 and April 26, 2026 – LOCATION SONORA / COLUMBIA, CA AREA – 2025 FORM IS READY BELOW Your dog will learn to avoid rattlesnakes by sight, sound and smell. The application is below. Print and fill out this form […]