About Imperial Polk Obedience Club

A training club in Lakeland

Imperial Polk Obedience Club (IPOC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dog training club at 3611 Century Boulevard in Lakeland. Its motto is "Teaching YOU how to train your dog since 1964." Classes run in 7-week sessions that meet once a week.

Classes

Newcomers start with S.T.A.R. Puppy, Puppy Basics or Basic Obedience, which covers sit, down, stay, come, walking nicely on a leash and staying relaxed around new people. Most other classes require Basic Obedience first, and agility starts with an Agility Foundation class. From there the menu includes Advanced Basic, Urban Dog, a full competitive obedience track from Beginner Novice through Utility and UDX preparation, attention classes, rally, scent work, tricks, conformation, service dog training and agility. IPOC describes its advanced programs as using structured lessons and balanced reinforcement techniques.

Testing and practice space

The club hosts AKC testing for CGC, CGCA, Urban CGC, Trick Dog and S.T.A.R. Puppy, and holds trials in agility, obedience, rally and scent work. Members can rent rings, and anyone can book 30-minute pay-to-train sessions. Rescued dogs get a one-time $15 discount on an entry-level class within a year of adoption.

What students say

One student wrote that the training approach "was both gentle and assertive."