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Every Type of Classes HOTC has to offer!

Discover the perfect training program for you and your dog. Click one below to see what might interest you!

Agility

HOTC kicked off its Agility program in November of 1996. Since we are an AKC affiliated Club, our emphasis is on AKC Agility with references made to USDAA and NADAC Agility. We offer a positive environment with a focus on safety and enthusiasm.

Facility: Our Agility facility boasts a fully fenced area (200’ X 110') divided into multiple working areas. We have an abundance of AKC regulation equipment and lights for night training.

Instruction: Our Instructors have years of experience and have achieved titles in multiple competitive venues.

Curriculum: We offer a basic series (Foundations, Skills 1 & 2, Pre-Novice) and competition classes (Novice, Open, Excellent). Special classes like Distance and Jumping are also available.

Requirements: Enrollment depends on the specific class level and the age of the dog. Please check the specific Agility Class Descriptions for prerequisites.

Agility Class Descriptions

From puppy steps to competition titles, find your path here.

General Information

Requirements

Your dog must be in good physical condition (able to run, jump, climb).

Age: 6+ months (Foundations), 12+ months (Novice & Beyond).

Handlers: Starting at Foundations, you must move with your dog. Wheelchair users are welcomed (distance handling advised).

Paperwork: Rabies certificate required.

Equipment Required

  • Buckle collar & 4 ft leash
  • Soft yummy treats (hot dogs, cheese, leftovers) - bring variety!
  • Turf-type running shoes or soccer/baseball shoes (Deep tread, NO metal cleats)
  • Weather-appropriate clothing (Classes are outdoors)

Aggression Policy

We reserve the right to excuse any dog exhibiting aggressive or uncontrollable behavior. Dogs showing aggression are subject to discipline under the HOTC Agility Aggression Policy.
Placement: If you are new to HOTC or feel you should be moved to a different class, Contact us for an assessment
The Foundation Series

Foundations

Beginning Agility

Introduce yourself and your dog to the sport. Focus on drive, motivation, and basic obstacles at very low heights.

Goals: Basic obedience (sit, down, come, stay) outdoors. Obstacle familiarity. Pass end-of-class test.

Prerequisite: Completion of HOTC Beginner Obedience (or higher) or equivalent title.

Skills 1

Intermediate

Off-leash control with moderate obstacle heights.

Goals: Off-leash obedience. Warm-up techniques. Moderate height obstacles. Pass Skills 1 test.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Foundations.

Skills 2

Advance Basics

Introduction to sequencing, front crosses, and rear crosses. Competition level heights.

Goals: Navigate simple courses at competition height. Physical conditioning.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Skills 1.

Advanced Skills & Prep

Pre Novice

Prepare to run Novice sequences. Focus on contacts, weave poles, and reading courses.

Goals: Full height obstacles. Run a full course set by instructor.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Skills 2.

Novice

Preparation for AKC Novice titles.

Goals: Earn 2 Novice qualifying scores.

Prerequisite: Pre-Novice + Referral.

Competition Level

Novice

Prepare to run Novice sequences. Focus on contacts, weave poles, and reading courses.

Goals: Consistent full-height contacts. Earn 2 Novice qualifying scores.

Prerequisite: Pre-Novice completion + Instructor Referral.

Open

For the serious competitor. Obstacle discrimination and advanced handling for Open titles.

Goals: Reverse flow pivots, nailing contacts. Earn 3 Open qualifying scores.

Prerequisite: Novice Class + 3 Novice Qualifying Scores + Referral.

Excellent

Advanced handling strategies for Excellent titles, MACH, and beyond.

Goals: Obtain Excellent title or equivalent (AX, MACH).

Prerequisite: Open Class + 3 Open Qualifying Scores + Referral.

Obedience

We do not train dogs. We train you to train your dogs. Our 8-week sessions utilize positive, reward-based methods to build a bond between you and your companion.

Format: 8 weeks, 50 min/session. Small class sizes (1 assistant per 3 students).

Method: Positive, reward-based (treats/clickers).

Instructors: Experienced volunteers devoted to your success.

Obedience Class Descriptions

"We do not train dogs. We train you to train your dogs."

General Information

Requirements

Shots: Proof of immunization required at first class.

Attire: Comfortable clothes, shoes with backs (tennis shoes).

Health: Dogs must be healthy.

*Puppy & Manners 101 have orientation on night 1 (no dogs).

Equipment Required

  • Buckle collar & 4 ft leash
  • Soft yummy treats (hot dogs, cheese) - bring variety!
  • Additional equipment available in Pro Shop.

Multiple Dog Policy

Owners are encouraged NOT to enroll multiple dogs in the same class. If they become disruptive, you may be asked to drop one dog (no refunds).
Family Dog & Foundations

Puppy

Ages 8 wks - 4.5 mos

Building the relationship. Socialization, leash walking, house training, and confidence building.

Topics:

Socialization Leash Walking Recall Name Recognition Health Practices House Training Crate Training Confidence building by exposing puppy to various situations and objects

Prerequisite: Age 8 weeks to 18 weeks.

Manners 101

Ages 4.5 mos+

Helping dogs become well-behaved family members. Problem-solving and relationship building.

Attention/Focus Sit, Down Stay Moving Recall Walking on a loose leash Problem solving Sitting Politely for petting Standing for examination Relationship building games Off-leash recalls Heeling basics Health Issues Address crates as a positive & useful tool

Prerequisite: Over 18 weeks old.

Beyond Manners

Intermediate

Refining skills with increased difficulty and distractions. Flexible curriculum.

Improved attention/focus Walking on a loose leash with distractions Sit and down stay with added, distraction, duration, distance Exposure to various objects in day to day life such as baby carriages, wheelchairs, etc Utilize sounds CDs, baby crying, fireworks, thunder storms Advanced problem solving Coming when called in various situations off and on lead Door manners and proper greeting behaviors Incorporation of games to solve behavior issues

Prerequisite: Completed Manners 101 or equivalent skills.

Competition Track

Pre-Novice

Intro to AKC Obedience Trials and requirements.

More refined heeling Recalls with Straight sit in front Stand and be examined with handler at the end of the leash Introduce the finish exercise (dog returns to heel position on command after a recall and sit in front) Teaching the figure 8 exercise Utilize sounds CDs, baby crying, fireworks, thunder storms Sit stay (1 minute on 6' lead), down stay (1 minute on 6' lead) Sit stay get your leash Introduction to what is required to enter and show in Novice Obedience.

Prerequisite: Completed Beyond Manners.

Novice

Preparation for AKC Companion Dog (CD) title.

Focus: Competition readiness for Novice level.

Prerequisite: 6 months+, Pre-Novice completion.

Novice / Open

Bridge class leading to CD and CDX titles.

Focus: Heeling, turns, and change of pace.

Prerequisite: Understanding of heeling patterns.

Open

Preparation for Companion Dog Excellent (CDX).

Prerequisite: 1 year+, 2 qualifying Novice scores, CD title, or instructor permission.

Utility

The highest level. Prep for UD, UDX, and OTCH titles.

Prerequisite: 1 year+, 2 qualifying Open scores, CDX title, or instructor permission.

Specialty & Members Only

Members Only Classes

Competition Obedience Skills

For trainers working on multiple skill sets simultaneously. Run-throughs available.

Prereq: Pre-Novice

Obedience Maintenance

Maintains general obedience. Includes tricks, Fit Dog, and freestyle elements.

Prereq: Pre-Novice

Freestyle Skills

Creative

Interaction of obedience and tricks combined with music. No dance experience needed!

Prerequisite: Pre-Novice, Intro to Rally + Instructor Approval.

Advanced Freestyle

Creative

For teams desiring to compete in canine freestyle.

Prerequisite: 1 year+, Freestyle Skills + Instructor Approval.

Rally

Rally is a great sport, whether you are interested in formal obedience or just want to have fun building a stronger relationship with your dog. You and your dog navigate a course of signs indicating specific skills to perform.

What is it? A course where you and your dog move continuously through stations (signs) performing exercises.

Levels: Starts with on-leash skills (sits, turns, cones) and progresses to complex off-leash work.

Who is it for? Open to dogs of all breeds!

Rally Class Descriptions

From entry-level skills to Masters proficiency.

Rally Progression

Rally Skills

Entry Level

Introduction to Novice-level Rally signs and associated skills.

Focus: Learning the signs and how to perform them correctly.

Prerequisite: Manners 101.

Rally Novice

Novice Coursework

Utilize knowledge from Skills class to work through full Novice courses.

Focus: Course navigation under instructor guidance. Dogs remain on leash.

Prerequisite: Beyond Manners.

Rally Advanced

Intermediate

Learn Advanced level skills. Transition to off-leash work.

Focus: Gradual progression to off-leash. Introduction of some Excellent signs.

Prerequisite: Rally Novice.

Rally Excellent / Masters

Advanced Competition

Mastering the highest level of Rally skills and courses.

Focus: Performing required skills for Excellent/Masters and running full level courses.

Prerequisite: A Rally Title or skill level evaluation.

Freestyle

A creative interaction of obedience and trick behaviors combined with music and choreography. We emphasize the bond between handler and dog. No dance experience required!

Philosophy: Behaviors are taught from the ground up, building to advanced moves as the team progresses.

Community: We are a small, passionate group interested in 'dancing with dogs'. Because the community is small, classes vary based on student needs.

Freestyle Class Descriptions

Creativity, music, and the ultimate dog/handler bond.

Beginner Level

Freestyle Fundamentals

Foundation

Transitions easily into developing one's own routine for competition or performance.

Focus: Positions, behaviors, and transitions. Foremost goal: Have fun!

Prerequisite: Skills similar to 'Beyond Manners'. Advanced dogs welcome.

Routine Development

Creative Extension

An extension of the Fundamentals class for those wishing to develop a routine.

Focus: Using skills your dog already knows and applying them to music.

Prerequisite: Freestyle Fundamentals.

Intermediate Skills & Choreography

New "Come and Go" Format

As of August 2024, Intermediate classes operate as open training time where instructors help students with specific skills and routine development.

Intermediate Skills

Come & Go Format

Open training time to work on specific skills in the training room.

Curriculum: Building on positions/behaviors to create compound moves. Adding 'WOW' moves to spice up routines.

Prerequisite: Freestyle Fundamentals.

Intermediate Choreography

Come & Go Format

Open training time to work on choreography, props, and back chaining.

Curriculum: Music selection, costuming, and building a routine that conforms to competition rules.

Prerequisite: Intermediate Skills.

Freestyle Performance
Community Group

Canine Co-Motion Freestylers

Our group competes through the WCFO (World Canine Freestyle Organization) and performs across the North Alabama region for schools, churches, and civic groups.

Goal: To share the bond of dog/human teams appearing as if they are dancing!

Scent Work

Based on AKC Scent Work standards. You and your dog work as a team to locate specific odors in various environments. It allows your dog to use their strongest natural sense in a fun and engaging way.

Schedule: Classes meet monthly (dates may skip, check schedule).

Registration: Space is limited. Do not attend until you receive email confirmation.

Philosophy: We emphasize drive, motivation, and reading your dog.

Scent Work Class Descriptions

From learning odor to advanced searches.

Foundation & Novice

Pre-Novice

Beginner Dogs

Introduction to the sport. Learn about odor movement and motivation.

Emphasis: 1) Drive/Motivation, 2) Reading your dog, 3) Search types (containers, sand, etc).

Prerequisite: Manners 101 or Puppy Class (required for non-members).

Novice

Dogs on Odor

The first level of trial competition. Searching for Birch odor.

Focus: Searching 4 elements: Containers, Interior, Exterior, and Buried.

Prerequisite: Completion of Pre-Novice or Instructor approval.

Advanced Levels

Advanced

Intermediate

Searching for Birch AND Anise with increased difficulty.

Focus: Two boxes with odor (Birch/Anise combinations). All 4 elements.

Prerequisite: Earned 3 legs in Novice elements.

Excellent

Not Offered

Higher level search work.

Classes are not being offered at this time.

Questions or Registration?

Please contact one of our Scent Work coordinators for more information.

DE
Denise Edge
205-807-4133
MB
Mary Bankich
256-651-4000
BF
Beth Fitzgerald
256-503-3831
🏆 Congratulations to all our Majors and Champions! Our class has had great success this year.

Conformation

Prepare your dog for the show ring. Learn the art of handling, stacking, and gaiting to present your dog to its best advantage.

Format: Weekly drop-in class (1 hour).

Audience: Members and Non-members welcome.

Instructors: Andi Cobb, Adrienne Perry, and Jane Lash.

Attendance Policy

If no students arrive within the first 15 minutes, the class will be cancelled for that day.

Check Schedule Weekly

Please check this page regularly. The schedule changes frequently depending on instructor availability.

Class Details & Pricing

Non-Member Cost $10.00 (Handler + 1 dog)
Additional Dogs $5.00 (Same handler)
Arrival Time Please arrive 5 mins early for paperwork.

Dogs Socialization

If space permits (highly probable), you may bring your dog for socialization! Contact the Instructor if you are interested

Current Schedule

January

  • Jan 4 No Class
  • Jan 11 10:00 - 11:00am
  • Jan 18 10:00 - 11:00am
  • Jan 25 No Class

February

  • Feb 1 10:00 - 11:00am
  • Feb 8 No Class
  • Feb 15 No Class
  • Feb 22 No Class

Contact Instructor

AC
Andi Cobb
Lead Instructor
256-541-5592 [email protected]

Rocket City Racers

Flyball is a drag-racing relay with dogs! It is loud, exciting, and open to all breeds—from Chihuahuas to Great Danes.

The Sport: Two teams of 4 dogs race head-to-head over 51 feet of jumps.

The Goal: Trigger a spring-loaded box, catch the ball, and race back.

Scoring: Points earned for clean runs under 24 seconds (perfect score = 25 pts).

Visit NAFA Website
Get Involved

Beginner Class & Evaluation

Join the Team

Want to run with the Rocket City Racers? We do all we can to make it happen for you and your dog.

How to join:

  • Learn more about the sport
  • Get your dog evaluated
  • Join a beginner class
Contact Coordinator
Chrissy Barribeau
[email protected]

Friday Night Practice

Come Watch!

Curious about the noise? Come see what Flyball is all about.

When: Friday Nights

Where: HOTC Club Building

Most dogs need to get used to the racing environment before competing. It is not for the faint of heart!

Team Updates

The newest class of flyball dogs has officially graduated and they are burning up the lanes! Despite challenges, they have exceeded our expectations.

As our baby dogs have stepped up, our experienced dogs have stayed steady, providing stability for the young ones to succeed without everything falling apart. We mix new dogs with experienced veterans so everyone finds success.

🏆 Recent Titles & Milestones

  • ONYX
    20,000 Points Sage (Chrissy Barribeau) & Spencer (Sharon Casto)
  • IRON DOG
    10 Years Racing Comet (Pam Ashley)
  • Master
    5,000 Points Henry (Traci Bruce)
  • Champions
    FDCh-Silver (1,500 pts) Fisher (Billie Medendorp) & Albie (Melissa Kirksey) FDCh (1,000 pts) Halley (Pam Ashley)
  • Debut!
    3 Titles in One Day Pickles (Sherry Cowart) - FD, FDX, FDCh
New titles from June Tournament