[This material is also included on the ABOTC Booklet - please download this document, fill it out and bring it to your first class.]

Please read our Training Lessons - click here.

If you have a question about our classes that is not answered on this web site, please send your question to our team of trainers - click here.

Every Wednesday evening, dozens of caring and concerned dog owners - just like you - come to the top of Flagpole Hill and have a wonderful time training their dogs. Yes, it's hard work for a few hours a week, but the rewards - for you and your dog - are boundless.

All our instructors work for free. They instruct your classes because they want to encourage dog obedience, and loving and caring for your dog

We train you... to train your dog!

Training Choke Chain and Leash with Bolt Clip

You will need a choke chain or pinch collar and a six-foot leash with a bolt clip for class. A claw-type clip is not acceptable due to safety issues.

Click here to read more information about how to place the Training Choke Chain or Prong Collar on your dog.

We always have a large supply of chains, collars and leashes available for sale before and after each class.

• Leather leashes: $20
• Choke chains: $10
• Pinch collars: $15
• Premier collars: $10

Our Philosophy

The dog obedience training you receive at ABOTC is worth so much more than you can ever pay. This training teaches you how to be a friend with your dog, helps him to become a better companion, and establishes a bond between a human and their dog. You also get to meet new friends at class - both the human and doggy varieties.

You could have paid hundreds of dollars to other agencies or business to teach your dog. So, sometimes it is disappointing when students only come for one or two classes, then drop out.

Of course, it is hard work. You have to teach your dog each night, if only for 10 minutes. But the results are worthwhile. Sometimes even if your dog does everything well at home, they will come to class and act like you have taught them nothing. Please don’t worry - this happens to everyone.

When your dog starts doing the exercises in class properly, you know they are at last learning their lessons. Then you can keep coming to class to enjoy !!!

Class Location

Classes take place at Flagpole Hill in White Rock Lake Park, Dallas Texas.

Click here for a large map to Flagpole Hill.

We assemble at the top of the hill near the Dallas Park Administration Building Class. There is plenty of free parking.

Schedule

New classes start on the first Wednesday of each month Classes are held every Wednesday evening, starting promptly at 7:30 pm and ending at 8:30 pm.

Classes are held year-round, so dress appropriately. Avoid open-toed shoes if at all possible. Please arrive early in order to exercise your dog, ask questions of the instructors and reinforce recent lessons

Instructors

Click here for instructor biographies, photos and contact points

All our instructors work for free. They instruct your classes because they want to encourage dog obedience, and loving and caring for your dog Be sure to pick up after your dog if there is an accident before, during or after class.

Facilities

The Dallas Park and Recreation Department gets very upset when they find their yard has not been cleaned in the morning. They have graciously provided us with lights. Please see that their rules are observed.

Please remember to bring water, bug spray, poop bags and other personal items for yourself and your dog.

Etcetera

Most of our collected fees go toward advertising, awards, and our Summer and Christmas Party.

Although the American Kennel Club (AKC) allows only purebred dogs to show in their competitions, all the exercises performed in an AKC obedience show are exactly those which we teach in class. These exercises include heeling, stand, recall, finish, sit-stay, and down-stay.

All our instructors have shown in AKC shows and have obedience titles. If you would like to learn more about showing your dog, please ask. There are shows for mixed breed dogs through the United Kennel Club (UKC).

Canine Good Citizen

We also offer classes and certification for the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen program (CGC) on an as-requested basis. Canine Good Citizen is a certification program is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community.

The CGC Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club. Many dog owners choose CGC training as the first step in training their dogs.

The CGC Program lays the foundation for other AKC activities such as obedience, agility, tracking, and performance events. The CGC provides a solid foundation for Therapy Dog Certification. The CGC allows you to bring the dog to many hospitals or senior centers to visit their owners or provide entertainment to residents.

ABOTC Membership Fees

• Eight weeks of classes - $80..00
  
  
• Enrolling students for the Eight Weeks program who have adopted their dog from an Animal Shelter or Rescue Club - $40.00 (See Questions page for more information).
  
  
• One year membership after the first eight weeks - $50.00, or annual dues payable in January
  
  
• Everyone has an opportunity to make up missed classes

Please read our Training Lessons - click here.