Formal Obedience

Competition obedience, also referred to as “formal” obedience, requires precision and teamwork as the dog and handler work through a set number of exercises that are called out by a judge. The exercises never vary and require the team to work with minimal cues. These exercises include heeling, recalls, and stays and progress in difficulty through the levels to retrieves, scent discrimination, send aways and more.
C-Wags obedience aims to provide the challenges that other obedience venues provide (such as CKC) in a way that is more rewarding and fun for the team. Food is allowed at the completion of exercises, and encouragement and praise is allowed during the exercise. No group exercises are required at any level, no judge exams and the difficulty of exercises progresses on par with other venues.
Intro to Formal Obedience
Upcoming Classes:
- To be announced
Class Instructor(s):
- Kristi
$235 + GST (six week class)
Lay the groundwork for a successful obedience competition career with Marvel Dog Training Academy’s Intro to Formal Obedience class. You and your dog will learn the basics of the novice level of formal obedience. We will cover engagement, heeling, recalls, sit/stand and stays for the trial exam.
Class Requirements:
- Dog and handler must have completed one of the following classes: Puppy Pre-school, Puppy Kindergarten or Everyday Obedience Beginner or Level 1
- Dogs must be able to work around distractions, other dogs and handlers.
- Current set of vaccines
Novice/Open Obedience
Upcoming Classes:
- Wednesday, April 16 at 3:45pm – FULL
- Wednesday, April 16 at 5:00pm
Class Instructor(s):
- Kristi
$235 + GST (six week class)
Novice/Open – Lay the groundwork for a successful obedience competition career with our Novice/Open Obedience class. You and your dog will learn the basics of the novice and open levels of formal obedience. We will cover foundational games and exercises that focus on creating an amazing attitude and bombproof skills.
We will be working multiple dogs at the same time, therefore a long line is recommended if you have one.
Class Requirements:
- Dog and handler must have completed: Intro to Obedience
- Dogs must be able to work around distractions, other dogs and handlers.
- Current set of vaccines
Open/Utility Obedience
Upcoming Classes:
- Wednesday, April 16 at 6:15pm
Class Instructor(s):
- Kristi
$235 + GST (six week class)
Take your obedience training to the next level with our Open/Utility Obedience class. We will be focusing on foundation skills and beyond, for these challenging and fun levels of formal obedience. This class focuses on fun and engaging games that build the foundation for your CKC CDX and UD title. Learn to master advanced exercises with precision and excitement. Through group training, your dog will develop focus and reliability in a stimulating environment.
We will be working multiple dogs at the same time, therefore a long line is recommended if you have one.
Class Requirements:
- Dog and handler must have completed: Intro to Obedience
- Dogs must be able to work around distractions, other dogs and handlers.
- Current set of vaccines
Retrieve for Formal Obedience
Upcoming Classes:
- To be announced
Class Instructor(s):
- Kristi
$235 + GST (six week class)
Dogs will learn all the fundamentals of a formal retrieve in this class. Dogs and puppies of all ages and skill levels are welcome! It is recommended that handlers have a plastic or wooden dowel and a properly sized dumbbell for the class.
Class Requirements:
- Dog and handler must have completed: Intro to Obedience
- Dogs must be able to work around distractions, other dogs and handlers.
- Current set of vaccines
Foundation Games for Obedience and Rally
Upcoming Classes:
- To be announced
Class Instructor(s):
- Kristi
$235 + GST (six week class)
In this class we will focus on the fundamentals that will set dogs and puppies up for success in a competition environment using fun games. We will work on engagement, proper positioning, impulse control, body awareness and more, all within the context of making it a fun game for ourselves and our dogs.
Class Requirements:
- Dogs must be able to work around distractions, other dogs and handlers.
- Current set of vaccines
Rally Obedience

Rally Obedience, or Rally-O, is a dynamic dog sport that emphasizes teamwork and enjoyment. Unlike traditional obedience competitions with rigid routines, Rally offers a variety of exercises and a more relaxed atmosphere. This inclusive sport welcomes dogs of all breeds, ages, and abilities.
Intro to Rally
Upcoming Classes:
- To be announced
Class Instructor(s):
- Pauline
$235 + GST (six week class)
This class is for those who are interested in Rally starting with solid foundations or for those who are already competing in Rally but need to brush up on their handling skills and improve their dog’s foundations by receiving expert guidance while improving the following:
- Heeling skills
- Sit – Down – Stand
- Recall – Finish both directions
- All Turns – Pivots
- Transitions
- Stay
Class Requirements:
- Dogs must be able to work around distractions, other dogs and handlers.
- Current set of vaccines
Rally Novice/Intermediate
Upcoming Classes:
- To be announced
Class Instructor(s):
- Pauline
$235 + GST (six week class)
Get ready to conquer the Rally ring! Marvel Dog Training Academy’s Rally Novice/Intermediate class is designed to give you and your dog the confidence and skills needed to succeed in the ring. Through hands-on practice with mini Rally courses using official CKC Novice signs, existing skills will be polished and precision in cues and behaviours will be increased.
Our expert trainers will provide valuable guidance and tips to help you navigate the competition environment with ease.
Class Requirements:
- Dogs must be able to work around distractions, other dogs and handlers.
- Current set of vaccines
Rally Intermediate/Advanced
Upcoming Classes:
- Monday, April 14 at 4:00pm
Class Instructor(s):
- Pauline
$200 + GST (five week class)
Join us for Advanced Rally Obedience and take your dog-handling skills to new heights. Learn every sign, perfect your performance, and build confidence with mini-rally courses in each class. You’ll be trial-ready in no time!
Class Requirements:
- Dogs must be able to work around distractions, other dogs and handlers.
- Current set of vaccines
Rally Excellent
Upcoming Classes:
- To be announced
Class Instructor(s):
- Kristi
- Pauline
$235 + GST (six week class)
Our Rally Obedience Excellent class is designed to take your skills to the next level. Through hands-on practice with mini Rally courses using official CKC Excellent/Master signs, existing skills will be polished and precision in cues and behaviours will be increased.
Class Requirements:
- Dog and handler must have completed Rally Intermediate/Advanced
- Dogs must be able to work around distractions, other dogs and handlers.
- Current set of vaccines
Rally Novice/Intermediate Coursework
Upcoming Classes:
- To be announced
Class Instructor(s):
- Pauline
$235 + GST (six week class)
Ready to take your Rally team to the championship level? This class is designed to help you and your dog excel in Novice and Advanced competition. Learn new courses weekly, master advanced signs, and perfect your performance with expert guidance. Join us and discover the thrill of Rally success.
Class Requirements:
- Dog and handler must have completed Rally Novice
- Dogs must be able to work around distractions, other dogs and handlers.
- Current set of vaccines
Rally Advanced/Excellent Coursework
Upcoming Classes:
- To be announced
Class Instructor(s):
- Kristi
- Pauline
$235 + GST (six week class)
Get ready to conquer the Rally ring! Our Rally Obedience Coursework class is designed to take your skills to the Advanced/Excellent level. Each week, we’ll introduce two new Rally courses, focusing on precision, speed, and teamwork.
Through intensive training, mock trials, and expert guidance, you’ll gain the confidence and expertise needed to excel in competition. Whether you’re a seasoned Rally competitor or aiming to advance to higher levels, this class will help you achieve your goals.
Class Requirements:
- Dog and handler must have completed Rally Novice
- Dogs must be able to work around distractions, other dogs and handlers.
- Current set of vaccines
Rally Coursework – Single Session
Upcoming Classes:
- To be announced
Class Instructor(s):
- Kristi
- Pauline
$40 + GST (six week class)
Elevate your Rally game with our specialized single-session coursework. Designed for both Novice/Advanced and Excellent/Masters competitors, this intensive format offers focused training tailored to your skill level.
Each session introduces new course layouts, emphasizing precision, speed, and teamwork. Benefit from expert guidance, hands-on practice, and simulated trial experiences to enhance your performance. Whether you’re fine-tuning existing skills or mastering advanced maneuvers, our experienced instructors will help you achieve your Rally goals.
Class Requirements:
- Dogs must be able to work around distractions, other dogs and handlers.
- Current set of vaccines