About Shelby County Obedience Club

Shelby County Obedience Club is a training club rather than a commercial school – "Our members are united by a shared love of dogs and a passion for helping them become well-mannered companions" – teaching from its own building at 3785 Given Ave in East Memphis.

The classes

Courses run six weeks, one hour a week, at $135. Beginner Obedience covers "heel on leash, sit, stand, lay down, place (or bed), stay and come when called", with printed lesson plans and homework, and the club notes the group setting itself is part of the value: socialization around other dogs and handlers. Introduction to AKC Rally Novice teaches the 42 Rally Novice signs and how to work a numbered course. Obstacle Familiarization (Ob-Fam I) is the agility entry point – A-frame, dog walk, tunnel, table, weave poles, tire jump and teeter – with equipment starting low and raised across the six weeks to build confidence. Conformation prep classes have also been offered to the public at $10 per class.

How to join a class

Registration is in person only, with vaccination records and $135 in cash or check – the club does not take cards – and no dogs at registration. Required vaccinations are rabies, the parvovirus series and DHLP, with Bordetella recommended. Further classes, including Rally Intermediate through Master and Obstacle Familiarization II, are open to members, and membership follows completing at least one public class.

One thing to know before you book

The club is direct about a limit worth respecting: "For the safety and comfort of all participants, we kindly ask that owners of reactive dogs seek private, one-on-one sessions with a qualified trainer before enrolling in group classes." If your dog barks and lunges on lead, start elsewhere and come here afterwards.