Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Vallejo Dog Training Club - Reward-Based Dog Training in Benicia, CA
The Vallejo Dog Training Club (VDTC) is a California-based non-profit organization dedicated to promoting responsible dog ownership and humane training methods. Established in 1948, we are a sanctioned member of the American Kennel Club and have served the Benicia community for over seven decades. Our mission focuses on protecting and advancing the welfare of all dogs through education, training, and competitive events. We offer science-based, reward-focused training programs for dogs of all breeds and skill levels, from pet companions to competition-ready teams.Our experienced instructors specialize in obedience, rally, agility, and conformation training while emphasizing positive reinforcement techniques that build trust between handlers and their canine partners. Through monthly meetings, community parades, and local events, we foster camaraderie among dog enthusiasts while demonstrating the value of well-trained dogs in society. Our members benefit from access to specialized workshops, trial opportunities, and a supportive network of experienced trainers committed to ethical training practices.
Services
Pet Dog Rally
Obedience Training
Competition Training
Dog Agility
Community Events
Details
- Year established: 1948
Highlights and features
- We use science-based, force-free training methods since 1948
- Our certified trainers hold multiple AKC competition titles
- We offer classes for all skill levels from pet dogs to competitors
- Our members participate in community service and local events
- Our instructors have decades of experience with various dog breeds
Associations and certifications
- American Kennel Club
Services
Obedience Training
Our obedience training programs develop well-mannered dogs through positive reinforcement techniques. Classes cover basic commands, leash handling, and advanced competition skills while emphasizing handler-dog communication. Trainers with decades of experience guide teams toward AKC titles through structured lesson plans that build confidence and reliability in various environments.
Rally Obedience
Rally obedience classes combine sequential skill stations with real-world application training. Instructors teach dogs to perform specific exercises at stations while maintaining engagement and focus. Our program prepares teams for AKC Rally competitions with progressive difficulty levels from novice to advanced excellence titles.
Dog Agility
Agility training develops physical coordination and handler communication through obstacle course instruction. We teach weave poles, jumps, and contact equipment with emphasis on safety and proper technique. Our graduates have earned multiple competition titles in regional and national events.
Conformation Training
Conformation training prepares dogs for AKC show rings through stance development, gaiting patterns, and handler presentation techniques. Instructors focus on breed-specific standards and ring etiquette while maintaining the dog's natural movement and structure.
Community Dog Events
We organize community parades and public demonstrations showcasing trained dogs' capabilities. These events promote responsible pet ownership and educate the public about proper dog handling while providing practical experience for competition teams.
People
Trish Iriye
Certified Professional Dog Trainer
BA holder and CPDT-KA certified trainer specializing in beginning manners and puppy classes. Fear Free Certified with experience in positive reinforcement methods and AKC Rally competitions.
Judy Gamet
Dance Education Specialist
Bachelor of Science in Dance Education with expertise in kinesiology. Combines movement science with dog training principles. Has trained Rottweilers for over 20 years using obedience techniques.
Teresa Russell
Obedience Trainer
Experienced trainer with 10 years at Napa Valley Dog Training Club. Holds multiple obedience titles for Labrador Retrievers and Jack Russell Terriers. Specializes in advanced competition training.
Joan Constantine
Rally Instructor
Active member since 1985 with extensive rally competition experience. First English Setter owner to earn RAE title. Provides specialized rally training instruction.
Questions
What training methods does Vallejo Dog Training Club use?
We use reward-based training methods that focus on positive reinforcement through food, toys, and praise without force or intimidation.
What types of dog training classes are available?
We offer obedience, rally, agility, conformation, and pet dog classes for all skill levels from beginners to competition teams.
How can I become a member of VDTC?
Complete our membership application, attend a meeting, and get approved by existing members to join our dog training community.
Do you participate in community events?
Yes, we regularly participate in local parades and community service events showcasing trained dogs and responsible pet ownership.
Are there competition opportunities for trained dogs?
We host AKC-sanctioned obedience trials, rally competitions, and agility events throughout the year for member dogs.
