We've moved into a beautiful new building in east Bradenton in a beautiful country setting. For your comfort and your dog's - the building is air conditioned and the floor is covered with thick rubber mats.

Puppies can start their "training" as early as 9 weeks old in a safe and secure setting. Dogs as old as 8 years old can also learn some new tricks! All breeds and mixed breeds are welcome. We offer day and evening classes during the week and on Saturdays. Most classes meet once a week at the same time for 6 weeks. Classes are limited in size and are pre-paid. Starting dates and times are below. Please call the Obedience Registrar at 941.374.SOTC to make sure that there is room in a class before you register for it. Registration forms are available wherever it says "Register Now".

All of our trained and experienced instructors use the "lure and reward" method of training. No chokers, prong or shock collars. Classes are fun for students and their companions. Family members are invited to watch and learn, too.

We look forward to meeting you and your canine companion.

SOTC is proud to offer 2 different age groups of Puppy Training! Before signing up for a Puppy Class, please make your choice based on the age of your puppy.

Puppy Level 1A (9-15 weeks old)  Register Now!
Class Fee $65*
Classes are 50-60 minutes long and meet once a week for 4 weeks.

• All motivational and positive methods are used in our puppy socialization class!
• This class covers basic cues and problem prevention.
• All training is done on a flat buckle collar.
• Maximum class size is 8 dogs; minimum class size is 3 dogs.
• Please see our Class Policies for more information.
• Puppies attend all 4 weeks.

Puppy Level 1B (16-21 weeks old)  Register Now!
Class Fee $95*
Classes are 50-60 minutes long and meet once a week for 6 weeks.

• All motivational and positive methods are used in our puppy socialization class!
• This class covers basic cues and problem prevention.
• All training is done on a flat buckle collar.
• Maximum class size is 8 dogs; minimum class size is 3 dogs.
• Please see our Class Policies for more information.
• Puppies attend all 6 weeks.

Beginners Level 1  Register Now!
Class Fee $95*
Classes are 50-60 minutes long and meet once a week for 6 weeks.

• Also known as “Companion” dog obedience.
• For dogs 5 months or older
• Handlers learn to train their dogs using basic cues in a group situation.
• Dogs are trained using a buckle collar, martingale collar or properly fitted head halter, and a four-six foot lead.
• This class uses only positive training methods and positive reinforcement (no correction or punishment) and will include many training tips. You will attend WITH your dog all 6 class sessions.
• Basic behaviors taught include Attention, Sit, Down, Come, Heel Position, Wait, Sit for Petting, Loose Leash Walking, Stand, Take it, Leave it, Stay, Distraction Work and more.
• Maximum class size is 8 dogs; minimum class size is 4 dogs.
• Please see our Class Policies for more information.

Beginners Level 2  Register Now!
Class Fee $95*
Classes are 50-60 minutes long and meet once a week for 6 weeks.

• This fun class will expand upon Level 1 class behaviors, introduce additional new behaviors with more distractions and include a lot more practice as a group to better proof your dog on its basic obedience skills.
• Dogs are allowed to be trained using martingale collars, flat buckle collars or head halters. Harnesses to be allowed at discretion of the instructor.
• No prong collars, choke chain training or excessive force will be allowed in this class.
• If you are coming to SOTC from another school, your dog is ready for an SOTC Beginner 2 class if he can heel with a loose leash, do a 1 minute sit-stay, a 3 minute down-stay and can focus on you with other dogs around. Please do not frustrate your dog by starting Beginner 2 too early.
• Maximum class size is 8 dogs; minimum class size is 4 dogs.
• Please see our Class Policies for more information.
• Dogs attend all 6 weeks.

Canine Good Citizen (CGC)  Register Now!
Class Fee $95*
Classes are 50-60 minutes long and meet once a week for 6 weeks.

• This class will help prepare your dog to take the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test which will be offered during the last week.
• The CGC test includes Accepting a Friendly Stranger, Sitting Politely for Petting, Appearance and Grooming, Walking on a Loose Leash, Walking Through a Crowd, Sit & Down, Staying in Place, Coming When Called, Reaction to Another Dog, Reaction to Distractions and Supervised Separation.
• Dogs are allowed to be trained using martingale collars, flat buckle collars or head halters. Harnesses to be allowed at discretion of the instructor.
• No prong collars, choke chain training or excessive force will be allowed in this class.
• Maximum class size is 8 dogs; minimum class size is 4 dogs.
• Please see our Class Policies for more information.
• Dogs attend all 6 weeks.

Intermediate  Register Now!
Class Fee $95*
Classes are 50-60 minutes long and meet once a week for 6 weeks.

• No electric or other similar collars are allowed.
• Classes are in 50 minute sessions for a period of six weeks.
• Maximum class size is 8 dogs; minimum class size is 4 dogs.
• Please see our Class Policies for more information.
• Dogs attend all 6 weeks.

Really Reliable Recall (for dogs 6 mths or older)  Register Now!
Class Fee $85*
Classes are 50-60 minutes long and meet once a week for 5 weeks.

• Prerequisite: Beginner Level 1
• The perfect class for dogs that don't always come when they are called
• For pets, agility, obedience and flyball dogs
• Handlers in this class must use food rewards for training.
• No prong collars, choke chain training or excessive force will be allowed in this class.
• Maximum class size is 6 dogs; minimum class size is 4 dogs.
• Please see our Class Policies for more information.

Please call Leslie at 374-SOTC if you are interested in a daytime class.

Really Reliable Recall Tune-Up  Register Now!
Class Fee $30*
Class Length 2 Weeks

• This is a specialized refresher class for dogs and handlers that have already taken the Really Reliable Recall Class.
• This class will meet twice - once inside the SOTC building and the second night outside on the agility field; this will enable us to replicate outdoor situations as well as the more familiar recall in close quarters.
• Handlers in this class must use food rewards for training, but may also utilize tug toys.
• No prong collars, choke chain training or excessive force will be allowed in this class.
• Maximum class size is 10 dogs; minimum class size is 6 dogs.
• Prerequisite, one session of Beginner 1.
• Additional Tune-Ups will be scheduled when there is an interest.
• Please see our Class Policies for more information.