Next session for basic obedience, rally novice, intermediate/advanced, and excellent, puppy classes, continuing scent work, and Competition obedience dog training will be on October 13, 2026.
Payments MUST be received prior to classes starting or your spot will not be held.
We offer five 7-week class sessions each year beginning in January, March, May, August, and October. 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 the availability of instructors.
Bitches in season must skip classes during their season.
Students will have until the second class session to drop their class for a partial refund. Students will be refunded their class fee minus the classes actually attended.
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.
BEGINNING OBEDIENCE TRAINING
An introductory class ideal for all dogs at least 5-6 months old. There is no upper age limit.
INTERMEDIATE TRAINING/CGC PREP
Further instruction and preparation for the Canine Good Citizen test. This class is for the dogs that have completed the Beginning Obedience Training and want to learn more about obedience. 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.
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 have to have been with STKC. Learn the new signs, and tips on how to compete in this fun sport.
Think of an AKC Rally event as any team sport: You and your dog navigate a course, side-by-side, as you steer him through a course of 10-20 different signs. Each of these signs provides instructions regarding the next skill that is to be performed. The dog and handler move continuously throughout the course with the dog under control at the handler’s left side. There is a clear sense of teamwork between the dog and handler both during and between the numbered signs. Although each performance is timed, having a good race time is not the goal; it’s all about working as a team while performing the skills, with the dog under control.
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 is suggested before taking this class. In some sessions, we may offer more advanced trick dog training for higher levels. Open to dogs 6 months and older. Check out this YouTube 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. Please see our Class Schedule page for start dates and times.
AKC FIT DOG
AKC Fit Dog program is to encourage healthy, active lifestyles for both dogs and their owners. This course includes a guided fitness class with canine body conditioning exercises, an organized group walk, and the AKC fitness-related Bronze title.