Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Dog Training Classes in Springfield, MO
Founded in 1970, we are the oldest dog training organization in the Springfield, Missouri area. As a non-profit, all-volunteer organization licensed by the American Kennel Club since 1984, we specialize in developing dogs that demonstrate consistent, reliable behavior in home environments, public spaces, and around other animals. Our comprehensive training programs emphasize both canine enjoyment and handler control through structured curricula in obedience, rally, agility, tracking, scent work, and tricks. With over 40 certified instructors who complete rigorous apprenticeships and continuing education, we maintain state-of-the-art facilities featuring climate-controlled training rooms and specialized equipment.Our community-focused approach combines technical expertise with fellowship opportunities for dog enthusiasts, while our membership program offers discounted classes and active participation in club governance. We maintain strong partnerships with local dog-related charities and provide specialized training pathways from puppy socialization to advanced competition preparation.
Services
Puppy Socialization
Home & Public Manners
Obedience Training
Agility Classes
Scent Work
Tracking
Tricks Training
CGC Certification
Rally Obedience
Fast CAT Testing
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of dog training experience in Springfield, MO
- Our 40+ instructors complete rigorous training and apprenticeship programs
- We maintain a climate-controlled training facility with specialized equipment
- We offer AKC-sanctioned classes from basic obedience to advanced competition
- Our members receive exclusive class discounts and club participation benefits
Associations and certifications
- American Kennel Club (AKC)
Services
Obedience Training
Our obedience training programs develop reliable command response in dogs of all ages. From basic puppy commands to advanced competition preparation, our AKC-sanctioned curriculum builds structured behavioral patterns. Classes focus on practical application in real-world environments while maintaining canine engagement through positive reinforcement techniques.
Agility Classes
We offer comprehensive agility training from foundational skills to competition readiness. Our courses develop handler-dog coordination through obstacle courses, timing exercises, and course navigation drills. Certified instructors utilize AKC-sanctioned training protocols to prepare teams for official trials and competitions.
Scent Work
Our scent detection programs harness dogs' natural olfactory abilities through structured search and identification exercises. Classes follow AKC Fast CAT and scent work trial standards, developing precision in odor recognition and location skills for both recreational and competitive applications.
Tracking
We provide specialized training in variable surface tracking that develops dogs' ability to follow human scent trails. Our AKC-certified programs build foundational tracking skills through progressive difficulty levels, preparing teams for official tracking tests and trials.
CGC Certification
Our CGC preparation courses train dogs to demonstrate proper behavior in public settings through standardized testing requirements. Programs focus on obedience, socialization, and temperament development to meet AKC Community Canine certification standards for well-mannered pets.
People
Pam Tynes
Instructor
Certified instructor since 1989 with multiple championship titles across obedience and agility. Active in pet therapy programs and former SMDTC board president with extensive seminar attendance.
Cathy Hawkins
Instructor
CPDT-certified trainer since 1971 who established SMDTC's first obedience classes. Recognized AKC TD/TDX judge with expertise across all dog groups and founder of Camp Jigsaw tracking program.
Susan Gilbert
Training Director
Instructor since 1988 with extensive competition experience in obedience and conformation. Currently oversees training programs as club Training Director with multiple titled German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers.
Brian Peterson
Scent Work Instructor
Specializes in AKC Scent Work with competition experience since 2019. Current SMDTC board member and Vice-President (2022-present) with focus on developing handler-dog partnerships.
Cheryl Dorsey
Instructor
Professional trainer since 1982 with National K-9 School certification. Holds multiple titles across various disciplines with extensive experience in scent work and tracking programs.
Questions
What training classes do you offer?
We provide puppy socialization, obedience, rally, agility, scent work, tracking, tricks, and CGC certification classes for all skill levels.
Are your instructors certified?
All instructors complete rigorous training programs including apprenticeships and continuing education. Many hold AKC certifications and competition titles.
Do you offer competitive training programs?
Yes, we prepare teams for AKC trials in obedience, rally, agility, tracking, scent work, and Fast CAT competitions with experienced competition instructors.
What facilities do you have available?
Our climate-controlled facility features two training rooms, parking areas, and fenced exercise spaces on one accessible level.
How can I join as a member?
Membership applications require $35 individual or $40 family dues. Benefits include class discounts and voting rights after approval by general membership.
Do you offer therapy dog training?
Yes, several instructors participate in pet therapy programs and prepare dogs for therapy certification through specialized training programs.
Reviews (4)
Jarrod Munder
Apr 18, 2022
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Small class sizes and wonderful instructors. Our lab puppy is much more well behaved after the Star Puppy and Home Manners classes. Looking forward to taking Public Manners soon!
Bryan Stockton
Mar 08, 2021
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Took my two dogs for dog training. The staff and volunteers were really nice and knew their stuff. They were able to suggest tips and tricks to correct all sorts of dog behavior. I went to get my dog to heel better but we came away with learning a lot more.
Megan Woods
Dec 09, 2020
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I'm so thankful our family found this Club! Everyone has been so nice, helpful and we've learned so much! The classes are perfect size so you get one on one help and work as a group! It is very clean and well maintained! We highly recommend them!
Jon Slaton
Jun 23, 2020
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It's probably a good idea to let everyone know, you have to have a title on your dog to teach. This ensures the instructor knows what they are teaching.
