Frequently Asked Questions

Both! North York Obedience Club is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit dog training club that has been helping dogs and their people learn together since 1961.

Like a training school, we offer professionally organized, reward-based classes taught by experienced volunteer instructors. Unlike a commercial training business, our goal is to build a community of dog lovers who enjoy learning together. Members can continue their training through classes, fun matches, trials, social events, and volunteer opportunities. Members also get priority access at registration time, ensuring a spot  in popular classes.

Whether you simply want a well-mannered family companion or hope to compete in Obedience or Rally, you'll find a welcoming place to learn, grow, and have fun with your dog at NYOC.

Yes. Current veterinary advice recommends early, controlled socialization rather than waiting until puppies have completed all of their vaccinations.

Puppies have a critical socialization period during the first few months of life. During this time they learn how to interact confidently with people, other dogs, and the world around them. Positive experiences during this window can help prevent fear, anxiety, and behaviour problems later in life.

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) states:

"The critical period for socialization of puppies occurs prior to three to four months of age... Therefore, veterinarians must encourage new puppy owners to socialize puppies with other healthy, vaccinated, non-aggressive dogs prior to finishing their initial vaccine series."

At NYOC, our Puppy Kindergarten provides a clean, controlled environment where puppies can safely learn, socialize, and build confidence while beginning their vaccination series.

Not at all! While puppy classes are a wonderful way to get started, dogs can learn at any age.

If your dog is over six months of age, our First Steps in Dog Training class is the perfect place to begin. You'll learn the foundations of good manners, build your dog's confidence, and develop practical skills that make everyday life together more enjoyable.

If you're not sure which class is the best fit for you and your dog, please contact our Training Secretary. We'd be happy to help you choose the right starting point.

Our classes are held at St. Matthew's Church, conveniently located near Fairview Mall (Don Mills and Sheppard Avenues) at:

St. Matthew the Apostle - Oriole Anglican Church
80 George Henry Bld
Toronto, ON M2J 1E7

Parking is available in the church parking lot off George Henry Boulevard.

We're easy to reach from the Don Valley Parkway, Highway 401, and Highway 404, making us convenient for dog owners across Toronto and the GTA.

Please note that NYOC uses the facility only on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings. We do not have access to the building at other times.

Accessibility: Our training area is located in the basement. If this may present an accessibility challenge, please contact our Training Secretary before registering. We will be happy to discuss whether alternative access arrangements can be made.

To provide the best learning experience, we keep our classes small and they're taught by our dedicated club members. Many of our classes are very popular, so opening registration during specific periods helps ensure everyone has a fair opportunity to register.

Our class sessions typically begin in September, November, January, and March, with registration opening approximately 2–4 weeks before each session starts.

If you'd like, we'll be happy to add you to our email list and let you know when the next registration period opens. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact our Training Secretary—we're always happy to help.

When registration is open, you'll find a Register button on our website that will take you to our online registration form. Simply choose the class you'd like to attend, complete the form, and submit your registration.

Because our classes are small and often fill quickly, we recommend registering as soon as registration opens.

If registration is currently closed, don't worry! We'd be happy to add you to our email list and let you know when the next registration period begins.

If you're unsure which class is right for you and your dog, or if you have any questions about the registration process, please contact our Training Secretary. We're always happy to help.

No. Everyone is welcome! You do not need to be an NYOC member to register for our training classes. Simply browse our class descriptions and choose the one that best matches your dog's age, experience, and your training goals. If you're unsure where to start, contact our training secretary.

Not at all.

Most of our students simply want a well-mannered, enjoyable family companion. While NYOC proudly hosts Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) Obedience and Rally Trials, the skills taught in our classes are just as valuable in everyday life. Better focus, reliable recalls, loose-leash walking, and calm behaviour around distractions all make life with your dog more enjoyable.

If competition interests you, we'll help you get there. If not, you'll still benefit from the same solid foundation and positive training methods.

If your puppy is between 8  weeks and 6 months of age, Puppy Kindergarten is the ideal place to begin.

Most dogs and handlers who are new to formal training will benefit from starting with Puppy Kindergarten or First Steps in Dog Training, even if their dog already knows a few basic cues. Dogs learn in context, and working in a group class with unfamiliar dogs, people, and distractions is very different from training at home.

If you and your dog have trained elsewhere or have previous experience, we'd be happy to help you choose the most appropriate class. Simply contact our Training Secretary before registering.

Occasionally, after the first class, an instructor may recommend moving you to a different level to ensure both you and your dog have the best learning experience.

NYOC uses modern, reward-based training methods supported by current research into how dogs learn.

We focus on teaching dogs what to do, rather than punishing them for making mistakes. Desired behaviours are reinforced with rewards such as food, toys, praise, and play, making learning enjoyable for both dogs and handlers.

We do not permit training methods or equipment that cause pain or intimidation. Research has shown that punishment-based training can damage the relationship between dog and handler and may actually interfere with learning.

Our instructors will show you how to communicate clearly with your dog, reward the behaviours you want, and redirect unwanted behaviours in a positive, effective way. The result is a dog that is confident, eager to learn, and enjoys working with you.

Once you have registered, about a week before classes start, you will receive an email confirming all the details for your first night, including what to bring which will vary somewhat from one class to another.

In most cases, no!

Puppies can begin learning at a surprisingly young age. Our Puppy Kindergarten welcomes puppies from 8 weeks of age, giving them an excellent start during this important stage of development.

Older dogs can learn too. While they may need a little more time and repetition, dogs of almost any age are capable of learning new skills. Whether you've adopted an adult dog or simply want to brush up on training, positive reinforcement is an effective and enjoyable way to teach at every stage of life.

As we like to say: it's never too early—or too late—to start training.

Many dogs are unsure around unfamiliar people, dogs, or new environments, and our instructors are experienced in helping them build confidence at their own pace.

We use gradual, positive training techniques that help dogs feel safe and successful. We do not use flooding or other methods that overwhelm or frighten dogs.

If your dog is shy, fearful, or reactive, please let us know before classes begin. This allows us to make appropriate arrangements and help create the best possible experience for everyone.

Our group classes are not designed to treat dogs with severe aggression or those that present a significant safety risk. If we believe a dog would be better served through private behaviour modification, we'll discuss this with you, recommend appropriate resources, and provide a partial refund in accordance with our policies.

The primary objective of Therapy Dogs is to bring smiles and a sense of well-being to everyone they visit. To do this, your dog must be safe, friendly and well trained.

NYOC Dog Training has two basic classes, First Steps and Second Steps, that will give you a start on this. You might also consider working with the NYOC K-9 Demonstration Team.  The Demonstration Team visits senior’s residences, long term care homes, libraries, Girl Guide and Boy Scout groups.  Although the dogs on the team do not have to be certified therapy dogs, they do have to have similar skills. Check out what it takes to join the Demonstration Team.

There are two organizations in Ontario that certify Therapy Dogs.  Look at the criteria for both people and dogs.

St. John Ambulance Therapy Dogs Canada

Therapeutic Paws of Canada

If your dog has a chronic health condition e.g., epilepsy, deafness, be sure to include this information on the registration form.
If your dog is sick, please don’t bring him/her to class. If you are unsure, check with your veterinarian and let your instructor know. We encourage you to come to the class and observe so that you will know what to practise with your dog at home when s/he is well.

You will be surprised at how much you and your dog can accomplish after successfully completing our First and Second Steps classes. Of course, this will require a commitment on your part to practice daily what you are learning at class. Multiple short sessions a day is far more effective than one longer training session at home.  Simply showing up once a week without practicing will not get you the results you desire, nor is it fair to your dog.

Attending all of the classes in a session does not mean you should automatically move your dog into the next higher class! Dogs and handlers benefit immensely from repeating a session. The second or third time through a class, you and your dog get so much more out of it! Not only can you both be stars but you will understand what you are doing, why you are doing it and how you can continue to make progress!

Even when you “graduate”, it is just the beginning of your dog’s life-long learning. You will need to continue to provide gentle guidance and positive reinforcement for behaviours you want your dog to do.  And if you really love dog training, there are all kinds of dog sports to explore!

If you have any questions, please contact the Membership Coordinator.

Right Here.

No, you do not have to become a member of NYOC in order to take training classes. Our classes are open to members and non-members.  However, there are some advantages to becoming a member such as being able to register for classes a week before non-members.

No, you do not have to volunteer to stay a member but it is a great way to make friends, and to learn informally about dog training and trialling.

There is no discount for simply being a member of the club.  However, club members can apply for training classes a week before the general public.  This is often important as some of our classes fill up very quickly.

Yes, for insurance purposes, you have to be a club member in order to be on the Demonstration Team.

No.  We have several people who are not members of NYOC but who volunteer regularly at the trials.

You might want to be on the K-9 Demonstration Team.  You may have made a number of friends in the club while you were taking training classes and you might want to stay in touch with them.  You might also have become a ‘life member” (see below).  Some people leave the club and then come back and join when they have a new dog they want to train.

No, sadly there is no discount at NYOC trials for club members.

Trials don’t usually make money so they are not inclined to give discounts.

Once you have belonged to NYOC for 30 years, you become a life member. This means you may continue to belong to the club without needing to pay the annual membership fees any more.

NYOC hosts two sets of Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) Obedience and Rally Trials each year:

• June – Bewdley Community Centre, Bewdley, Ontario
• November – International Centre, Mississauga, in conjunction with the Aurora Kennel Club's confirmation shows and Christmas Pet Expo

Trial details, including judges, schedules, and entry information, are published in the Premium List a few months before each event.

For the latest information, visit our Trials page.

June Trials
Bewdley Community Centre
7060 Lake Road
Bewdley, ON K0L 1E0

November Trials
International Centre – Hall 5
6000 Airport Road
Mississauga, ON L4V 1E8

Held in conjunction with the Aurora Kennel Club's confirmation shows and Christmas Pet Expo

Don't worry—everyone starts somewhere!

Dog sports have their own terminology, titles, and rules, which can seem confusing at first.

The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) website provides an overview of the many dog sports available in Canada.

Better yet, ask one of our instructors or experienced members. We'd be happy to help you get started. Many of us compete is wide variety of dog sports as well CKC Obedience and Rally Obedience.

Yes!

Mixed-breed dogs are eligible to compete in CKC Obedience, Rally, Agility, and most other performance events, earning the same titles as purebred dogs.

Before entering your first trial, your dog must have a CKC Canine Companion Number (CCN). Information about obtaining a CCN is available on the CKC website.

Some CKC events have different eligibility requirements, so always check the event's Premium List before entering.

To receive official CKC title certificates, you must either:

• become a CKC member, or
• pay the annual non-member participation fee.

Since the annual membership fee and the non-member participation fee are the same, most exhibitors choose to become CKC members.

The Canine Good Neighbour (CGN) Test is a Canadian Kennel Club program that recognizes dogs with good manners at home and in the community.

Open to both purebred and mixed-breed dogs, the test evaluates everyday skills such as polite greetings, walking through crowds, coming when called, and remaining under control in a variety of situations.

Many of the skills taught in NYOC's beginner classes provide excellent preparation for the CGN Test.

The CKC offers also offers some advice  on how to get started. To find a venue you can check upcoming trials across Ontario and Canada are listed on Canuck Dogs.

Each CKC trial publishes a Premium List, which contains everything you need to enter, including:

• entry forms
• eligibility requirements
• judges
• event schedule
• opening and closing dates
• rules
• event secretary's contact information

Once  it is available it will be part of the event listing on Canuck Dogs.

If this is your first trial, don't hesitate to ask your instructor or experienced club members. We'll be happy to help guide you through the process.

A Premium List is the official information package for a trial.

It contains everything you need to know before entering, including event details, judges, classes offered, awards, entry forms, rules, closing dates, and contact information.

NYOC publishes a Premium List before each of our trials. Premium lists for every event will be included in their listing on Canuck Dogs.

A Fun Match (sometimes called a Correction Match) is an informal practice trial designed to help you and your dog prepare for competition.

You can perform the same exercises used in an official trial, but in a relaxed environment where judges often provide helpful feedback and training suggestions.

NYOC usually holds Obedience and Rally Fun Matches on the Friday evening before our June Trials in Bewdley. Your instructor or other experienced NYOC club members can be a great source of advice in locating and participating in Fun Matches.

An Obedience Trial allows you and your dog to demonstrate the skills you've learned in training.

There are several levels of competition, allowing teams to progress as their skills develop. The first title in CKC Obedience is the Pre-Companion Dog (PCD).

Rally is a fun, interactive dog sport that combines Obedience with a course of numbered signs.

Working as a team, you and your dog complete a series of exercises such as:

• sits and stays
• figure eights
• weaving through pylons
• working around distractions

Unlike traditional Obedience, Rally allows you to talk to, praise, and encourage your dog throughout the course, making it a great introduction to dog sports.

Upcoming CKC trials across Ontario and Canada are listed on Canuck Dogs.

Your instructors and fellow club members are also an excellent source of advice and can recommend beginner-friendly trials that are a good fit for you and your dog.

The CKC Obedience and Rally Rule Book can be downloaded free from the CKC website or purchased through the CKC Order Desk.

If you're just getting started, don't worry about memorizing the rules. Your instructors will explain the rules you'll use in training and competition as you progress.

No. Under CKC rules, only dogs entered in the trial are permitted on the trial grounds.

Spectators, however, are always welcome. Watching a trial is one of the best ways to learn how events are run before entering with your own dog.

Absolutely!

Volunteering is one of the best ways to learn how Obedience and Rally Trials work while supporting the club. Whether you're new to the sport or an experienced exhibitor, there are plenty of ways to help, and no previous experience is necessary.

To learn more about volunteering, contact our Trial Chair at info@nyoc.ca.