Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Expert Dog Training in Richmond, CA
Oakland Dog Training Club has been teaching people how to train their dogs since 1947. We believe that both people and dogs are happiest when the dog is a well-behaved family member who knows what is expected of them. We have found that training integrates better into family life if an owner is the one who trains the dog, rather than having this done by a professional trainer. Both purebred and mixed breed dogs are welcome at all our classes. ODTC offers a complete training program divided into different levels. In our group classes, your dog will learn to follow your commands even with the distractions of other dogs and people. Start with Puppy class or our Beginning Obedience class, depending on the age of your dog, and continue through Intermediate and Advanced (Off-Leash Control) classes.Many people even choose to continue their obedience training after the basics, and enter their dogs in Obedience Trials or prepare for Rally, Agility or Scent Work. Classes are held in our indoor training facility, which is fully matted, and has mirrors. You don't need to be a member to take our classes, but only registered students, club member dogs, and service dogs are allowed into our training facility. We are located near Point Isabel Dog Park, close to the Albany/El Cerrito/Richmond border.
Services
Puppy Training
Obedience Classes
Rally Training
Scent Work
Agility Training
Trick Dog Classes
Intermediate Obedience
Advanced Off-Leash Training
Competition Preparation
Small Dog Obedience
Details
- Year established: 1947
Highlights and features
- We have over 75 years of experience in dog training and community education.
- Our indoor facility features mirrors and full matting for optimal training conditions.
- We offer classes for all skill levels, from puppy basics to advanced competition.
- Instructors include nationally recognized AKC judges and certified trainers.
- We emphasize owner-led training to strengthen the human-dog relationship.
What people say
Experienced instructors
Structured training programs
Positive reinforcement methods
Excellent competition preparation
Knowledgeable staff
Services
Puppy Training
Our Puppy Training program focuses on socialization and basic obedience for puppies aged 12 weeks to 4.5 months. Dogs learn commands like sit, stay, and come while interacting with other puppies and people. The class addresses common issues like house-training, chewing, and barking. Puppies must have received their second immunization two weeks prior to starting class.
Obedience Classes
We offer structured obedience training at all levels from beginner to advanced. Our Beginning Obedience class teaches commands like come, sit, down, stay, and heel. Intermediate classes polish skills and prepare for off-leash control. Advanced classes focus on competition-level precision and complex exercises for AKC trials.
Rally Training
Our Rally Training program teaches handler-dog teams to navigate courses with varied exercises. Rally I focuses on Novice through Advanced levels, while Rally II prepares teams for Excellent and Masters levels. Classes emphasize teamwork, handling skills, and competition preparation in a supportive environment.
Scent Work
The Scent Work Introduction class teaches dogs to use their natural nose abilities. Dogs learn to detect target odors used in competition through container searches. This beginner-level class builds confidence and focus while introducing the fundamentals of scent detection sports for dogs of all breeds and ages.
Trick Dogs
Our Trick Dog classes teach fun and practical tricks to strengthen the human-dog bond. From basic tricks like spin to advanced behaviors, dogs learn through positive reinforcement. Participants can earn AKC Trick Dog Titles while improving obedience and socialization skills in an engaging environment.
People
Lizanne Kaiser
Instructor
AKC Obedience and Tracking Judge with over 20 years of competition experience. Has earned multiple national titles with German Shepherd Dogs, including Obedience Trial Champion and Champion Tracker. Specializes in relationship-based training methods.
Lauri Bobrosky
Instructor
Certified AKC CGC and Trick Dog Evaluator with 35+ years of obedience training experience. Former FEMA USAR team member with extensive search and rescue background. Trained multiple titled dogs in obedience, tracking, and conformation.
Albert Angulo
Instructor
Dog training journey began in 2012 with rescue dog Chloe. Completed Michael Ellis School for Dog Training. Specializes in instinct sports and has competed in AKC events. Focuses on building confidence through positive reinforcement methods.
Marian Pott
Instructor
AKC and AHBA herding judge with decades of experience training German Shepherds and Border Collies. Earned multiple herding titles and specializes in balanced training approaches that emphasize teamwork between handlers and dogs.
Harriet Tucker
Instructor
Certified AKC Rally and Obedience instructor with over 40 years of experience. Has trained multiple nationally ranked dogs across various breeds. Focuses on making training enjoyable while achieving competition-level precision and reliability.
Questions
When should I start training my puppy?
Formal training can begin at 12 weeks after the second set of vaccines. Socialization and basic habit training can start immediately when bringing a puppy home.
Why does my pet dog need training?
Training helps dogs become well-behaved family members who can accompany owners in various situations. It addresses practical skills like polite greetings, vet exam cooperation, and public behavior.
What training levels do you offer?
We offer Puppy, Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced (Off-Leash), and specialized classes like Rally, Agility, and Scent Work. Competition preparation is available for AKC events.
Do I need to be a member to take classes?
Membership is not required for classes, but only registered students, club member dogs, and service dogs are allowed in our training facility.
What are your facility features?
Our indoor training hall is fully matted with mirrors, located at 5327 Jacuzzi Street, Building 3, Suite E1, Richmond, CA. It's near Point Isabel Dog Park and close to Albany/El Cerrito.
How do I register for classes?
New students should email the registrar with class application and waiver. Continuing students email the registrar directly. Payment can be made via PayPal or check at the first class session.