Tri-State Kennel Club of Joplin

We offer group conformation, obedience, rally and agility training classes, from puppy kindergarten to the highest levels of competitive obedience and agility.  We teach and encourage positive training methods using treats, toys, and verbal praise as rewards.  All instructors are volunteers and have earned at least one AKC or UKC Title with their dog and/or have participated in continuing education at seminars or national traininig conferences as well as complete a hands-on apprenticeship program. All instructors offer their services on a volunteer basis and receive no remuneration.

The club reserves the right to dismiss any aggressive dog from class or request the dog be muzzled. If you feel your dog may have aggressive issues, please contact us. Many dogs are simply unruly and will benefit from training with proper equipment.

Good training needs a kind heart as well as a cool and well informed head....Konrad Most
Most TSKC instructors have decades of experience training their own dogs, competing for advanced obedience and agility titles and have assisted thousands of people develop the potential of their canine companions. TSKC instructors are well read and study with well known behaviorists and training experts. We are always learning and reaching for the best, most positive methods of training our dogs and yours.

GENERAL CLASSES:

The Puppy Headstart class, Beginner Home Manners, and Canine Good Citizen (advanced home manners) are the building blocks to a great companion or a solid performance team partner for you.
Current shot records must be provided for all classes.  Rabies and Bordetella (kennel cough) are mandatory and must be given by a veterinarian.  No exceptions!

 
PUPPY HEAD START  For puppies 8 to 20 weeks. This class is devoted to a wide range of subjects unique to puppy management and development not found in the curriculum of other classes.  Health, management, socialization as well as training are the foundations essential to developing your puppy into a polite adult and preparing the puppy for the next level of training. Puppies this age learn easily in this fun and motivational class. Class is limited to 6 students and includes training manual.

BEGINNER HOME MANNERS   For dogs any age over 16 weeks. Instructs owners in the use of positive reinforcement to teach their dog good manners and the basic exercises - walking on leash, come, sit, down and stay. Class includes a training manual and the book, Social Graces, by Margery West. This class can help channel the over exuberant dog into a well-mannered pet and/or train for basic competition skills. Please bring dogs the first night! Shot records are required by the first night. Limited to 8 dogs.

CANINE GOOD CITIZEN  This class will enhance the  skills learned in Beginner Home Manners and demonstrates application of those skills to everyday situations. This class is a step toward beginning competition obedience, rally, and agility classes. The American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Test is offered at the end of the class. Pass the test and you can receive the Canine Good Citizen certificate from the AKC! Limited to 12 dogs.

DELTA SOCIETY PET PARTNERS AND PET THERAPY  The Delta Society Pet Partners program is well recognized throughout the country. Locally, Freeman Hospital and the Joplin Public Library will allow only Delta registered dogs.  This class will teach you about therapy work with animals in hospitals, nursing homes, libraries, etc, and the benefits of the Delta certification program at www.deltasociety.org. Class concludes with an evaluation by a certified Delta Society evaluator. Dogs must be over one year of age, good temperament, good handler control, and have a CGC certificate. Email us about enrollment at www.joplindogs.com.  Classes held periodically throughout the year.

CLICK AND TRICK - Just for Fun  Only 4 weeks in length, this class uses a clicker (makes an audible sound to mark behavior and signal to the dog a reward is coming) to shape everyday behaviors and teach tricks. This is a highly motivational class, fun for both dog and owner. No previous training experience necessary, but handler should be able to control the dog. Great class for kids or adults, older dogs or puppies, potential therapy dogs, or dogs used in education. Contact Linda at 417-776-8281 or positivedogs@joplindogs.com for further information and to get on the list for this class.

CONFORMATION  Conformation classes are for those people, novice and advanced who want to show their dogs against like dogs in the competition breed ring.  We offer classes for beginner, advanced and junior showmanship. Classes are taught by volunteers who have achieved breed titles in both AKC and UKC show rings.

CONFORMATION BEGINNER CLASS  This class is for persons who are wanting to learn how to show their dog in breed conformation.  The class is geared toward new handlers just getting into the show environment. Handler will learn the basics on how to show their dog in a formal show environment. Techniques such as proper ring etiquette, footwork, standing the dog, breed characteristics, grooming tips, and preparing for a show will be addressed. Handlers should be able to control their dogs and puppies and they should be leash broken before attending class.  Those interested in regular conformation as well as junior showmanship are welcome.  This class is usually held in the Spring and Fall.

CONFORMATION SOCIALIZATION  This class is held throughout the year except from Thanksgiving through January 1. Handlers who already know how to exhibit dogs, but need practice and socialization for their dogs are welcome as well as those new to dog showing.  The class leader will be glad to help novices interested in learning how to show in conformation or junior showmanship. Handlers must be able to control their dogs and puppies and they should be leash broken before bringing them to class. 
 

OBEDIENCE   As with our other classes, all obedience classes from novice to advanced are Tri-State member volunteers who have many years of experience teaching pet and competition classes and all have achieved advanced competition titles.  Classes listed below range from the very novice to advanced to offer classes to all levels.

PRE-NOVICE AND NOVICE COMPETITION   Whether you just want more control or want to get started in obedience competition  this class includes instruction in all novice exercises, handling, footwork, beginning off-leash work, introduction to jumping, and all aspects of getting ready for exhibiting for AKC or UKC obedience venues.

RALLY STYLE OBEDIENCE  This class can be offered with the novice competition class or on its own but requires the dog and handler team to learn to navigate a course and perform various obedience exercises on signs at numbered stations on the course. This course introduces rally exercises, proper performance, and ring procedure. A Canine Good Citizen is a prerequisite.  Rally is a bridge from the Canine Good Citizen to competition obedience and/or agility and is an excellent start-up place for the new handler and young dog. 

OPEN AND UTILITY COMPETITION  This class offers instruction of advanced exercises including jumping, retrieving, scent discrimination, etc. for those who have already competed in obedience competitions.  Participants in this class may join the Novice class early for practice in those exercises common to all levels of obedience and then stay later for the open and utility work.

ATTENTION CLASS  The attention class is recommended as the foundation to gain the focus necessary for successful obedience competition. The primary emphasis of the class will be precision heeling with enhanced accuracy for the balance of novice exercises. The handler learns to get the dog to watch at side, in front, and in motion. This class is a must for persons desiring a reliable competition companion.

HANDLING CLASS  This class will help you to polish your performance for competition. You will learn ring etiquette, footwork, how to enter and prepare for a show, the various competition levels and in general help you gain confidence in  show circuit proceedings.  Class will be offered as there is enough interested persons.  For further information, please contact us at positivedogs@joplindogs.com.

AGILITY  Want to have fun with your dog? Then agility is for you!  Our agility classes are taught by experienced trainers who have achieved top AKC and UKC titles.  To date, our agility class grads have garnered over 100 titles in less than four years!  All classes use AKC regulation equipment and are taught with your dog's skill level and safety in mind. A Canine Good Citizen certificate is recommended.

FOUNDATIONS OF AGILITY  Beginner Home Manners is a requirement for this class. Foundations of Agility focuses on developing a positive dog/handler relationship. Targeting, crosses and other handling skills will be introduced. Most of the work will be on the 'flat' or on lowered obstacles. There will be continuation of stay and recall work with increased distractions. All classes held indoors. Dogs should be at least 4 months of age. No aggressive dogs. Class is limited to 6 students.

BEGINNING AGILITY  Beginning Agility is the continuation of the training of the obstacles and handling moves learned in the Foundations class. Communication between dog and handler will be emphasized. Dogs must be at least one year of age for their own health and safety. This class is held outdoors in a fenced regulation sized agility yard. Limit 8 students. No aggressive dogs.

INTERMEDIATE AGILITY   An 8 week training program for dogs that have completed a Beginning agility program. Sequencing of obstacles and increased attention from the dog will be stressed. Some distance handling will be introduced. This class is held outdoors in our fenced agility yard. Limit 8 students.

ADVANCED AGILITY  An 8 week training program for dogs that have completed an Intermediate Agility program. This class is geared towards improving the working relationship between dog and handler, and to prepare the agility team for competition. This class is held outdoors in our fenced agility yard.

COMPETITION AGILITY  Problem solving and refining skills for persons and dogs currently competing in agility. You will learn advanced techniques and increased course difficulty. Class is held outdoors in fenced agility yard.

Anyone can dominate a dog by physical or mental pressure, but only through the building of confidence through positive reinforcement can a reliable performance take place....Volhard

PLEASE NOTE*** Most classes are 45 minutes in length and class times are subject to change or a class may be rescheduled due to weather or other conflict. All breeds or mixes of dogs are welcome in our classes. Your class enrollment will be confirmed by phone or e-mail. Classes are limited and fill quickly, so be sure to mail your application, fees, shot records and management questionnaire promptly to the address below We MUST have Veterinary Proof of Rabies vaccinations. No fee refunds after the first class. However, you may have credit toward another class or private lesson.
If you have further questions, please call (417) 776-8281 or e-mail Linda at: positivedogs@joplindogs.com

MAIL APPLICATION, MANAGEMENT QUESTIONNAIRE, COPY OF SHOT RECORD & FEES TO:

TRI-STATE KENNEL CLUB
c/o Mary Patton
775 E. Daugherty,
Neosho MO. 64850

PRIVATE LESSONS
Private lessons are scheduled by the instructor. Price is $35.00 for the first lesson and $25.00 for each subsequent session. One-on-one instruction includes management tips and a training session for puppies or older dogs to get you on the right tract with your dog. Puppy or Beginner students seeking general instruction may be entitled to a discount on a beginner class. Private counseling to aide behavior modification may also be arranged. We are not set up to take your dog and train it for you.  Calll Linda at 417-776-8281 or Tina at 417-643-0176 or email positivedogs@joplindogs.com for more information.

TSKC MEETINGS
Most kennel club meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at approximately 7 pm. The public is welcome. Many of our meetings have informative programs, videos, or speakers. If you are interested in becoming a member of the TSKC, come to one of our meetings for a membership information packet. 

7. Can my child train a dog in the class?  A child who wishes to train a dog in class should be old enough to follow direction and be able to focus on the training processes. The child should be of a size to handle the dog without difficulty. A head halter type training collar may be required. A parent or guardian must be present during each class.

8.  What if my dog is not a pure-bred dog or is a rescue dog?   All dogs are welcome whether pure-bred, mixed breed or rescue, puppies to the very old dog.  In fact, rescue dogs will receive 1/2 price listed for their first class at TSKC!   Please be sure to bring rescue organization/Humane Society documentation when sign up.

NOTE:
Disruptive dogs (dogs who try to fight or display aggressive behavior) cannot be worked in the group. These will be worked with on a private basis. Dogs that are simply unruly can usually be handled in the group with proper equipment. Some people have scheduling problems and cannot make it to the group classes, thus making private lessons their only option. Private lessons are scheduled by building availability. If private lessons are the best option for you, call (417) 776-8281 to make arrangements.

Other Training

The Tri-State Kennel Club also offers conformation classes for those wishing to compete in the "breed ring." with their purebred dog. This differs from obedience training with the stress being on the dogs structure, movement, appearance, and presentation in the breed ring. For information about these classes, please indicate your interest on the return application.

Tri-State Kennel Club offers many types of training classes, Show-N-Go's, fun matches, seminars and workshops. In addition we sponsor two AKC sanctioned shows in the Spring and Fall.  You can learn more about these things through members of TSKC, the bulletin boards at our building or from the answering machine at (417) 623-5606.

Why Train with the Tri-State Kennel Club?

The Tri-State Kennel Club has been in existence nearly 80 years. Over the years, Tri-State Kennel Club has developed a mission. That mission is to provide the public a professionally run service to teach dog training and to provide club members structured classes. All TSKC instructors are experienced with dogs and have undergone additional training to teach classes. TSKC is committed to keeping their instructors educated with current training methods. Our instructors are all unpaid volunteers, who love dogs and work for the betterment of all dogs.

In addition to competent, professional instruction, what do you get at Tri-State Kennel Club?

* Our instructors are experienced dog trainers who have put obedience titles on their own dogs. Most have many years of training their own and other peoples dogs. They are not simply someone who has had one class or watched a video on how to teach dog training classes. Further, our instructors are all unpaid volunteer members of TSKC, a nonprofit organization developed to promote the sport of dogs This  means they have a dedication and passion for training.
* A  book and training manual are included
* Free counseling via telephone and e-mail.
* If your dog has a problem that the class instructor cannot solve, they have access to many other experienced trainers throughout the country to help come up with new solutions.
* Make-up training help if you fall behind or have problems.
* A comfortable area to train in. The training facility is heated and air-conditioned. There is a 40' X 40' work area and seating for visitors plus a fenced exercise area outdoors
* Group classes are limited in number so there is time for individual attention. There will be one or more assistants to help with all beginner classes to insure you will get the individual attention you and your dog need.
 

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RETURN BACK TO TSKC HOME PAGE - SEND US EMAIL AT positivedogs@joplindogs.com

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

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TRI-STATE KENNEL CLUB INC. DOG TRAINING CENTER

4191 W. CACTUS LANE, JOPLIN, MO 64804

PHONE:   417-623-5606 (LEAVE MESSAGE) OR WEBSITE http://www.joplindogs.com

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