Q: What is the inclement weather policy?
A: Classes will be postponed if Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) close due to weather. To ensure you receive your full 6-week session, any canceled class will be rescheduled, typically extending the course end date by one week.
Q: Why are some classes only open to members?
A: SCOC is a volunteer-run club — our members are the heart of what we do! They’re not only our students but also our instructors and the people who keep the club going. Some classes are offered exclusively to members as a way to support our community and give back to those who help make SCOC possible. Becoming a member means joining a welcoming group of dog lovers who learn, train, and grow together.
Q: What exactly does membership entail?
A: The club meets once a month. New members must apply and be approved by the club. There is a membership fee and optional annual training fee. Members without the annual training fee may train at a reduced rate.
Q: Do I need to register for the classes?
A: Yes, registration is required for our Beginner Obedience course. Please refer to our calendar for upcoming registration dates.
Rally Novice and Agility classes do not require pre-registration, but we do ask that you bring a copy of your dog’s current vaccination records to the first class.
Q: What is your vaccination policy?
A: All dogs must have had the following vaccinations or yearly boosters:
Q: What do I need for class?
A: For your class, please have a 6 foot leash (no chains or retractable leashes, please) and a well fitted collar. We will be glad to check your collar and make recommendations so it fits properly. It is also a good idea to bring plenty of small, quick-to-eat treats and/or a favorite toy to class to make learning lots of fun.
Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: Currently we only accept cash or check.
Q: Does my dog need to be crate trained?
A: We provide crates on-site for dogs of all sizes, though crating is not required for our public classes. In our Rally and Agility classes, we highly recommend that your dog is comfortable being crated. Crating helps reduce distractions during training and allows you to focus more effectively on working with your dog.
Q: My dog is reactive. Can I still take a class?
A: We understand that every dog is different, but for the safety and comfort of all participants, we cannot accommodate severely reactive dogs in group classes. If your dog shows signs of reactivity, we strongly recommend working with a specialized trainer first. Mildly reactive dogs may be eligible to join our Beginner Obedience class. Please be sure to note your dog’s behavior during registration so we can better evaluate whether the class will be a good fit for you both.
Q: What is your bad weather policy?
A: Meetings and/or classes can be canceled due to bad weather. The weather shall be considered as BAD if the PUBLIC SCHOOLS (Memphis and/or Shelby County) have been closed due to the weather conditions. Unless notified otherwise: classes will meet on the regular class day of the next week and be extended by the class missed, and club meetings will meet on their regular day on the following week.
Q: What is AKC rally?
A: AKC Rally is a fun and interactive dog sport that combines elements of traditional obedience with a course of numbered signs. Each sign provides an instruction, such as a sit, turn, or heel command, which you and your dog complete together as a team. Rally emphasizes communication, teamwork, and enthusiasm—making it a great way to strengthen your bond while building obedience skills in a positive and supportive setting. It’s suitable for all breeds and experience levels!
Q: Is SCOC affiliated with AKC?
A: No, we are not affiliated with AKC, however our courses can be used to prepare for AKC companion competitions.
Q: Where can I find the registration form or membership form?
A: You can download and print the forms below. Printed copies are available at registration (Obedience) and in class (Rally and Ob-Fam).
A: Classes will be postponed if Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) close due to weather. To ensure you receive your full 6-week session, any canceled class will be rescheduled, typically extending the course end date by one week.
Q: Why are some classes only open to members?
A: SCOC is a volunteer-run club — our members are the heart of what we do! They’re not only our students but also our instructors and the people who keep the club going. Some classes are offered exclusively to members as a way to support our community and give back to those who help make SCOC possible. Becoming a member means joining a welcoming group of dog lovers who learn, train, and grow together.
Q: What exactly does membership entail?
A: The club meets once a month. New members must apply and be approved by the club. There is a membership fee and optional annual training fee. Members without the annual training fee may train at a reduced rate.
Q: Do I need to register for the classes?
A: Yes, registration is required for our Beginner Obedience course. Please refer to our calendar for upcoming registration dates.
Rally Novice and Agility classes do not require pre-registration, but we do ask that you bring a copy of your dog’s current vaccination records to the first class.
Q: What is your vaccination policy?
A: All dogs must have had the following vaccinations or yearly boosters:
- Rabies
- Parvovirus series (sometimes shown as the '-P' in DHLP-P)
- DHLP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza)
Q: What do I need for class?
A: For your class, please have a 6 foot leash (no chains or retractable leashes, please) and a well fitted collar. We will be glad to check your collar and make recommendations so it fits properly. It is also a good idea to bring plenty of small, quick-to-eat treats and/or a favorite toy to class to make learning lots of fun.
Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: Currently we only accept cash or check.
Q: Does my dog need to be crate trained?
A: We provide crates on-site for dogs of all sizes, though crating is not required for our public classes. In our Rally and Agility classes, we highly recommend that your dog is comfortable being crated. Crating helps reduce distractions during training and allows you to focus more effectively on working with your dog.
Q: My dog is reactive. Can I still take a class?
A: We understand that every dog is different, but for the safety and comfort of all participants, we cannot accommodate severely reactive dogs in group classes. If your dog shows signs of reactivity, we strongly recommend working with a specialized trainer first. Mildly reactive dogs may be eligible to join our Beginner Obedience class. Please be sure to note your dog’s behavior during registration so we can better evaluate whether the class will be a good fit for you both.
Q: What is your bad weather policy?
A: Meetings and/or classes can be canceled due to bad weather. The weather shall be considered as BAD if the PUBLIC SCHOOLS (Memphis and/or Shelby County) have been closed due to the weather conditions. Unless notified otherwise: classes will meet on the regular class day of the next week and be extended by the class missed, and club meetings will meet on their regular day on the following week.
Q: What is AKC rally?
A: AKC Rally is a fun and interactive dog sport that combines elements of traditional obedience with a course of numbered signs. Each sign provides an instruction, such as a sit, turn, or heel command, which you and your dog complete together as a team. Rally emphasizes communication, teamwork, and enthusiasm—making it a great way to strengthen your bond while building obedience skills in a positive and supportive setting. It’s suitable for all breeds and experience levels!
Q: Is SCOC affiliated with AKC?
A: No, we are not affiliated with AKC, however our courses can be used to prepare for AKC companion competitions.
Q: Where can I find the registration form or membership form?
A: You can download and print the forms below. Printed copies are available at registration (Obedience) and in class (Rally and Ob-Fam).
| scoc_class_registration_form.pdf |