About Canine Obedience Training at Hunt Club

Canine Obedience Training at Hunt Club is the class-ladder end of the Virginia Beach market, run by Dory Hofmann – the site trades on her name throughout and the copyright line reads "All pictures are the sole property of Dory Hofmann."

A real ladder, not a single course

The class list is structured by level rather than sold as one package. Basic is "for dogs five months or older, is a course in which you and your pet learn skills, such as heel and loose leash walking, sit, stay, down, come, etc." Sub-Novice "introduces you and your dog to off-lead work." Novice "continues your work in obedience commands, but with emphasis now on off-lead exercises." Puppy Kindergarten "teaches training and socialization methods to puppies eight weeks to five months, as well as providing solutions to puppy's behavioral problems geared to this crucial stage of development." Group courses run as a "Group Class Descriptions – 5-week course (1 hour per week)".

Small dogs and sport

Two things here are unusual for the area. There is a dedicated small-dog track – Little Paws and Little Paws Agility, "for dogs 50 lbs and under and offer the same skills as Basic, Sub-Novice, Novice, Agility, Rally, and Rally Combo classes geared towards smaller dogs". And rally has been offered here for a long time: "As one of the first training centers in Tidewater to offer Rally, we are excited to offer this sport for fun or competion." Show handling and carting appear as occasional extras.

Private and in-home work

The home page sets out the alternative to classes: "In addition to traditional group classes, one on one sessions are available on site or in your home, allowing problem behaviors, such as aggression and separation anxiety, to be addressed on an individual basis." The strapline across the class page lists the delivery formats as "Group Classes ~ Private Lessons ~ In Your Home Training ~ We Train First".

Method and setting

The method statement is brief and specific: "Dory uses positive reinforcement, behavioral theory, and professional techniques to help enhance communication between dog and owner." One practical note that trips people up in a coastal summer – "Classes are usually held indoors."