Training Classes
Drop-in Conformation Training Classes in the Greater Bay Area
Conformation classes prepare the handler and dog for the show ring. Here you will learn how to present the dog to the judge and how to gait the dog and how to show the dog off to its best advantage. Conformation drop-in training classes are an opportunity for handlers and their dogs to have a simulated show ring experience.
The first and most important thing to bring to class is you – happy, enthusiastic, and ready for fun. And then: dog, training collar (slip collar), high value soft treats (bait), dog toys (squeaky or furry). Don’t feed the dog within three hours of training. As time goes on, the collar, leash, and feeding time may change. The training classes should be fun for you and your dog.
Monday
Hap Magee Conformation Class – holds drop-in conformation classes every Monday on the front lawn at Hap Magee Park located at 1027 La Gonda Way, Danville, CA. Classes are an hour long and are held at 5pm at a cost of $15 per dog per class. Instructor: Erin P. Cody
Del Monte Kennel Club offers drop-in conformation classes on Mondays in the Salinas Room at the Monterey County Fairgrounds located at 2004 Fairground Rd, Monterey, CA. Classes are 45 minutes long and start at 7pm at a cost of $15 per dog, per class.
Tuesday
Mensona Kennel Club holds drop-in conformation classes every Tuesday (except the first Tuesday of every month) at the 4H Center, 6445 Commerce Blvd, Rohnert Park, CA. The classes are 30 minutes long and are held at 6pm and 6:30pm for $10 per dog per class.
Santa Clara Dog Training Club offers drop-in conformation class every Tuesday at 760 Hillsdale Ave, San Jose, CA. Classes are approx 45 minutes long at are held at 6pm and 7pm at a cost of $17 per dog, per class if registered and paid in advance online, or $25 day-of in person.
Sycamore Lane Kennels offers drop-in conformation class every Tuesday at their facilities located at 5111 W. Sargent Road, Lodi, CA. Classes are from 6pm to 8pm and are generally available both indoors and outdoors (weather permitting) at a cost of $20 cash, per handler. Because both of the instructors are professional handlers there are weeks when they don’t have class so please verify class status each week on the Sycamore Lane Kennels Facebook page.
Gavilan Kennel Club offers drop-in conformation classes on Tuesdays in the horse barn at 255 Fitzgerald Ave, San Martin, CA. Classes are 45 minutes long and start at 7pm at a cost of $15 per dog, per class.
Sun Maid Kennel Club offers handling class every Tuesday (except for meeting nights) at Pet Supplies Plus located at 1235 Shaw Ave., Clovis, CA. Classes are 1 hour long and start at 6pm at a cost of $5 per dog, per class.
Donner Trail Kennel Club offers handling class every Tuesday and Thursday (except for meeting nights) at the Orangevale Vet Hospital located at 6248 Main Ave, Suite D, Orangevale, CA. Classes are 1 hour long and start at 7pm at a cost of $10 per handler, multiple dogs welcome at no extra charge. Juniors always free!
Concord Conformation Class offers handling on Tuesdays and Thursdays outside on the lawn at Concord Community Park located at 3501 Cowell Rd, Concord, CA. Classes are 1 hour long at a cost of $15 per handler, multiple dogs welcome at no extra charge. Start times vary (often a morning and afternoon class) but the morning classes generally start at 11am and the afternoon classes vary on start time so please sign-up for the FB group for up-to-date class schedules.
Fremont Dog Training Club holds drop-in conformation classes every Tuesday at the 45581 Industrial Pl # 5, Fremont, CA. The classes are 1 hour long and start at 6:30pm. The cost is $15 and is limited to 10 dogs.
Wednesday
Chief Solano Kennel Club offers drop-in conformation class every Wednesday indoors at the Elmira Volunteer Fire Department building located 6080 A Street, Elmira, CA. Classes are 40 minutes go from 7:50pm to 8:30pm at a cost of $15 per dog, per class.
San Lorenzo Dog Training Club offers drop-in conformation classes on Wednesdays at their facilities located at 534 Lewelling Blvd, Suite C, San Leandro, CA. Classes are 45 minutes long and start at 6:30pm at a cost of $15 per dog, per class.
San Mateo Dog Training Club Due to covid concerns they are no longer offering drop-in classes but offer conformation class every Wednesday to a limited number of people who sign-up in advance online (classes fill up fast and you must sign-up by Monday).Their facilities are located at 595 Taylor Way, Suite 2, San Carlos, CA. Classes are 1 hour long starting at 7:40pm at a cost of $20 per dog, per class.
Dog Training Club of Salinas Valley offers drop-in conformation classes on Wednesdays in the Castroville Community Center at 11261 Crane Street, Castroville, CA. Classes are 45 minutes long and start at 7:15pm at a cost of $15 per dog, per class.
Mt. Diablo Dog Training Club. Due to covid concerns they are no longer offering drop-in classes but offer conformation class every Wednesday to a limited number of people who sign-up in advance online (classes fill up fast and you must sign-up by Monday).Their facilities are located at 730 Las Juntas St, Martinez, CA. Classes are 50 minutes long starting at 5pm at a cost of $15 per dog, per class with a class limit of 10 dogs per class.
Thursday
County-Wide Dog Training Club holds drop-in conformation classes every Thursday at their facilities located at 887 Sebastopol Rd, Santa Rosa, CA. Classes are 1 hour long and start at 6:30pm and 7:30pm. Cost for non-members of the club is $12 per dog per class.
Donner Trail Kennel Club offers handling class every Tuesday and Thursday (except for meeting nights) at the Orangevale Vet Hospital located at 6248 Main Ave, Suite D, Orangevale, CA. Classes are 1 hour long and start at 7pm at a cost of $10 per handler, multiple dogs welcome at no extra charge. Juniors always free!
Concord Conformation Class offers handling on Tuesdays and Thursdays outside on the lawn at Concord Community Park located at 3501 Cowell Rd, Concord, CA. Classes are 1 hour long at a cost of $15 per handler, multiple dogs welcome at no extra charge. Start times vary (often a morning and afternoon class) but the morning classes generally start at 11am and the afternoon classes vary on start time so please sign-up for the FB group for up-to-date class schedules.
Sunday
Competition K9 Offers Drop holds conformation “session” classes every Thursday at their facilities located at 887 Sebastopol Rd, Santa Rosa, CA. that last 1 hour. There is a class at 4pm and another at 5:15pm. Cost for non-members of their club is $80 total for 4 sessions ($20 per per class). UPDATE: Due to COVID restrictions, they cannot accept walk-in registrations and are limiting classes to 6 people. You must be registered online prior to the start of class in order to attend. Contact registrar@county-widedtc.org to register in advance.
* Please refer to the websites/phone numbers for each training establishment to verify if the class will be happening that week. Do note that some of these classes are postponed during the holiday season.