Questions you might have about Suburban Dog Training Club

•  Which class is the right one for me?

   If your puppy is between 8 weeks and 14 weeks of age, then the Puppy Kindergarten Class (KPT) is what you want.
   If your dog is over 15 weeks of age and has had little or no previous training, then the Beginner Class would be appropriate. This class is for dogs of all ages that have had little or no previous training.
   For experienced handlers, and dogs that are already trained in the basics. there are several options:  Manners and More Level One or Level Two, Rally Obedience, Confidence Building or Foundation for Dog Sports are all classes that are available. For non-members wanting to start with any class other than KPT or Beginners, evaluation of the dog and handler by one of our instructors would be necessary.
   For non-members who are experienced trainers, have previously shown competitively, or who have trained elsewhere, 7-week classes are available for Competition Novice, Open and Utility. For these classes, too, evaluation by an instructor must be done.
   You can download our Guide to Class Progression here to get an idea of which classes are appropriate when.

• Are there still spots available in the Beginner Class?

   Our Registrar, Barbara Williams, can tell you whether there are still spaces available in the upcoming Beginner Classes. You can call her at 610-828-8446 or email her.

• I want to sign up for a class. What do I do?

   If you want to sign up for KPT or Beginner Class, download the application form here. The application has all the details on it that you need to know. If you graduated from Beginner Class at SDTC and want to take a class at the next level, download the appropriate application form from here. If you're new to SDTC and you feel you and your dog are at a level more advanced than Beginner, contact us and we will get back to you to discuss evaluation for an appropriate higher-level class.

• Can I sit in on a class?

   Observers are always welcome at our classes (without your dog, please). You'll need a club member volunteer to accompany you. Click here and a member will contact you to set up a visit.

• Are bitches in season allowed to attend classes?

   Bitches in season may attend all classes EXCEPT Beginners and Manners and More I as long as they are wearing "britches."

• When are classes held?

   Puppy and Beginner classes are held in the evening. There are several advanced level and competition level classes in the daytime. Click here to see our schedule of class times.

• I mailed in my application. When will I find out when I can start?

   When our Registrar receives your application, she will contact you with a starting date and time. Please allow a little time for her to get back to you; our Registrar, along with lots of others, are all volunteers. If you have not heard back within a reasonable amount of time, go to the Contact Us page, at the bottom of which are phone numbers and email links for the appropriate people to contact.

• What is the difference between a student, a member and a training member?

   A STUDENT is anyone who has paid for an individual class.  You pay the fee for the class and attend the class for the seven weeks (or however many weeks the class is). A MEMBER is someone who has completed a class above the level of Beginner, has applied for and is voted in as a Club member and has paid the membership dues. A member can vote at the annual Club meeting, receives the Club's newsletter, and can win trophies, among other privileges. A TRAINING MEMBER is a Club member who has paid the yearly training fee and can participate in most of the classes for free, take the KPT and Beginner classes for half-price and use the building to train on their own time. (See the page Benefits of Club Membership)

• How do I become a member?

   You can apply for membership after completing a seven-week class that is above the KPT or Beginner level such as Manners and More, Show Handling, Confidence Building, Rally, or Introductory. Upon acceptance of your membership application and payment of your membership fee and training fee, you can train as often as you like in any classes offered, except KPT and Beginners. Paid training members can take the KPT or Beginner class at half-price.

• Should I become a member, or just sign up for a class periodically?

   Because of the cost of becoming a member, it's usually less expensive to sign up for several classes a year. Membership becomes worth it, cost-wise, for those who are involved, or are planning to be involved, in Obedience competition and plan on training at the club 52 weeks a year. Membership is also recommended for those who are willing to become involved in more than just classes e.g. volunteering in various capacities.

• Parking information:

   Our public parking lot is off of Willow Grove Avenue. The gravel portion of the lot is for SDTC students and visitors but as long as there is space, the Fire Company is ok with SDTC parking on the paved portion of the lot with the understanding that if a fire emergency call comes in, fire company personnel would park in the paved area, possibly blocking in SDTC folks.
   Our zoning agreement states that the back parking lot (Southampton Road access) is reserved for instructors, board members and anyone volunteering at the time of parking.

• Handicap access:

   There is one low step at our side entrance. Several parking spots are handicap-reserved in the Willow Grove Avenue parking lot.

• What are the drop-In classes:

   Several classes are drop-in classes, meaning you don't have to be a member or pre-register to take them. You can start any week. Simply show up, sign in on the sheet on the sign-in table in the main room, pay the fee (which is $15 as of December 2017, subject to change) and take the class. The classes available for drop-in are Rally - various levels,  Confidence Building, and Conformation Show Handling. See the Class Schedules page for days and times.

• Can I bring my class application to the school?

   SDTC is a club, not a business, and as such there is no "office" or office personnel at the facility to accept class applications or checks. All applications for classes must be mailed to the address listed on the application. Upon receipt, our Registrar will contact you.

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Suburban Dog Training Club is a member of the Pennsylvania Federation of Dog Clubs