Programs

AKC Trick Dog Training
Teaching dog tricks is enjoyable for owners, mentally stimulating for dogs, and makes a team out of the handler and dog. The AKC Trick Dog program is broken out into five levels, allowing dogs with any amount of experience to participate. Tricks can be both entertaining and practical: for instance, teaching a dog ‘paws up’ for a therapy setting. All dogs (purebred and mixed breeds), can earn Trick Dog titles provided that the dog is AKC-registered, enrolled with AKC Canine Partners, or enrolled in the Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) program. The titles get listed on the dog’s AKC record and will appear after the dog's name. For a copy of the Trick Evaluator's Guide, click here. The AKC checklists for the various trick titles are available here.

AKC Trick Dog Testing
The first four levels of trick titles can be awarded by AKC-approved Canine Good Citizen evaluators on site at the Nassau Dog Training Club. The AKC will also recognize trick titles earned through the Do More With Your Dog (DMWYD) organization.

AKC Group Dog Obedience Training
Teaching your dog basic commands such as sit, stay, come and down will not only make your life easier, but will also fulfill your dog's desire to learn and please you. Training in a group setting also helps to socialize your dog to other dogs and people. An obedient, well-socialized dog is a pleasure to share your home with and is safe to have around children and others.

AKC Beginner Obedience Training
This group class teaches the essentials. You will learn how to make your dog heel (walk at your side without pulling), turn, stop, sit, lay down, stand, and most importantly -- acquire and keep your dog's attention and have him come when called (the "recall" exercise).

AKC Pre-Novice Obedience Training
This group class builds on the skills learned in Beginner Obedience Training. The dog and handler must demonstrate competence in the beginner exercises. Expect continued work on healing patterns with changes of pace and quarter turns, the recall on lead, and an introduction to long sits and downs.

AKC Novice Obedience Training
This group class builds on the skills learned in Pre-Novice Obedience. The dog and handler must demonstrate competence in the pre-novice exercises.  Expect healing on and off lead and off-lead recalls. The course will fine tune the long sit, down and stand for exam. Practice will also include "polite meet & greet" of other dogs and handlers.

AKC Competition Novice Obedience Training
This group class builds on what is taught in Novice Obedience Training and focuses on the skills needed to enter AKC Obedience trials.

AKC Novice Plus Training - the Rally Class
This group class teaches the Novice Rally Signs. Training is done with the dog on lead and a new course is practiced each week. To view the new AKC Rally Signs, go to Rally Signs. If you would like the mini-signs with explanations, go to Mini Signs.

Admissions and Registration

(If you have questions, please call 917-836-4937.)

To be admitted into any Nassau Dog Training Club course or program, you must complete our registration form and bring it -- along with the dog's vaccination records -- to registration day. (Please do not bring your dog to registration day.)

Registration for beginner classes will be by mail or email only. Classes will be on Tuesday nights, starting at approximately 6pm.

Members and non-members may register by mailing a completed registration form, your dog's vaccine record, and payment to Liz Shannon, Class Coordinator, 4 Seventh Street, Valley Stream, NY 11581, or you may email nassaudogtrainingclub@gmail.com. Please make your check payable to NDTC. Your registration form and vaccine record must be received one week prior to the start of class to enroll in this session. (Please print neatly and do not mail anything to the VFW.) All further communications -- including sending you the class schedule -- will be handled via email. 

Class size is limited. All CDC and NYS guidelines will be adhered to. Stay home if you do not feel well. Spectators will be allowed only with prior permission. All handlers must be at least 18 years old.

If you are registering for the Beginner Class and are not a club member, the fee is $160 for the eight-week session. If you are registering for any other class and are already a member and have paid your $30 individual, or $35 family, annual membership fee this year, the class fee is $90 for the first class and $80 for the second (if you are taking two classes in the same session). You will be notified of your class' start time by email about two days prior to the start of class, so please print legibly on the registration form. Checks will not be cashed until after you are notified of your class schedule.

First day of class

• Bring a well-fitting training collar and leash, not more than 6 feet long, as permitted for ring work by the AKC. (Note that flexi leads will not be permitted in class.)

• Bring 3 or 4 oz of small, soft training treats that you know your dog will enjoy. 

• Additional instructions will follow in response to your registration. 

AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Training
The CGC Program is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Program stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. As you work with your dog to teach the CGC skills, you'll discover the many benefits and joys of dog training under the direction of the Nassau Dog Training club. Dogs who have a solid obedience education are a joy to live with; they respond well to household routines, have good manners in the presence of people and other dogs, and they fully enjoy the company of the owner who took the time to provide training, intellectual stimulation, and a high quality life.

AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Testing and Certification
The CGC test is given by a certified evaluator on site at NDTC. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test are eligible to receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club. 

• To learn more about the AKC's CGC program, click here. 

• "CGC" is also an official AKC title that can be placed on the title records of dogs registered or listed with AKC. Dog owners who complete the CGC as a Title process may list the suffix “CGC” after the dog’s name. To have this credential added to your dog's title record, you will need the Addendum to Registration Form. 

• If your dog already has the CGC award, then you need the grandfathering form.

Therapy Dog Training
Therapy Dogs International (TDI®) is a volunteer organization dedicated to regulating, testing and registering therapy dogs and their volunteer handlers for the purpose of visiting nursing homes, hospitals, schools, libraries, shelters, funeral homes or anywhere else therapy dogs are needed. Have you been looking for a way to make a difference in your community? Training your dog to become a therapy dog and taking him where he is needed is the way. The Nassau Dog Training Club will help you enhance your dog's outstanding temperament and get him ready to be a therapy dog.For more information on TDI, click here.

Therapy Dog International (TDI) Testing
Any dog (regardless of breed, size, or pedigree) more than a year old who passes a test administered by a certified TDI evaluator can serve as a therapy dog. Each dog must pass a TDI temperament evaluation for suitability to become a Therapy Dog. The test also includes an evaluation of the dog’s behavior around people who use assistive service equipment (wheelchairs, crutches, etc.). For a copy of the TDI Testing Brochure, click here.

• The TDI test is given by a certified evaluator on site at NDTC.

• Do you already have a Therapy Dog? The AKC wants to recognize your remarkable achievement on the title records of dogs registered or listed with AKC. Dogs who have completed ten therapy visits are eligible for their first therapy title. Additional titles are also available. 

• For more information, see the AKC Therapy Dog title application.