NOCI Puppy Class

Puppy Class is for puppies 6 months and younger.

About the Puppy Class

Puppy Class is designed for puppies 6 months and younger and focuses on helping them become confident, well-adjusted, and eager learners. This class is non-formal, developmentally appropriate, and centered on positive reinforcement, trust-building, and early socialization.

Your puppy will begin learning the foundational skills needed to successfully move into the Beginner Class after graduation.

Skills Taught

Formal Skills Taught

Puppies are introduced to core foundational obedience skills, including:

  • Leash handling
  • Heeling
  • Sit
  • Down
  • Stay
  • Front & Finish (around and swing)
  • Stand
  • Life-saving recall
  • AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Test (administered during the last week of class)

Non-Formal Skills & Confidence Building

Puppy Class also includes fun, confidence-building activities that support body awareness, resilience, and trust:

  • Introduction to new stimuli to help build confidence
  • Tunnel work
  • Ladder exercises
  • Cone weaving
  • Obstacle agility course
  • Impulse control games
  • Marker and release word training

These activities help puppies learn to navigate the world calmly and positively while strengthening their bond with their handler.

Eligibility

Puppies must:

  • Be 6 months old or younger
  • Have two distemper (DHPP) vaccinations appropriate for their age

Required Documentation

An official vaccination record must be provided and must be issued directly by your veterinarian.

  • Owner-written dates or handwritten cards are not accepted
  • Your veterinarian can provide a printed record upon request

Puppy Evaluation Requirements

All puppies younger than 6 months are placed directly into Puppy Class and do not need an evaluation to enroll. Evaluations are required only for older dogs entering the training program or for placement beyond the Beginner Class after graduation.

How to Enroll Your Puppy

We must receive all required components for your application to be considered complete. You will receive an email confirming receipt once we have your full packet. If anything is missing, we will contact you.

IMPORTANT:
Place your application, vaccination record, and payment in a sealed envelope addressed to Peggy Roesner.

Submission Guidelines

Applications can be dropped off or mailed. Please review the following:

  • A black drop box is available outside the NOCI Training Hall
  • The drop box is not waterproof — place your packet in a ziploc bag before depositing
  • Electronic submissions are not accepted
  • Please do not email applications or supporting documents
  • NOCI does not print paperwork for applicants
  • You will receive an email confirmation when your packet has been received
Step 1 — Complete the NOCI Class Application

Download the 3-page NOCI Class Application here: New Dog Application. 

Please remember:

  • Print the application before filling it out
  • Applications must be legible
  • Use an email address you check regularly
  • Add to your contacts so our messages don’t go to spam
Step 2 — Include Your Puppy’s Vaccination Record

Attach the most recent vaccination record issued by your veterinarian.

  • Owner-written dates are not accepted
  • Puppies must have received at least two DHPP boosters before attending class
  • Your vet can print an official record upon request
Step 3 — Completed Packet (With Payment)

Your packet must include:

  • Completed 3-page application
  • Veterinary vaccination record
  • Payment (check or cash only)
Step 4— Submit Your Completed Packet (With Payment)

Class Fees:

  • Standard fee: $150 for a seven-week session
  • Rescue dogs: $75 one-time discount with proof of rescue paperwork
  • Checks will not be deposited until your puppy is officially enrolled

Mail or drop off your packet to:
Peggy Roesner, NOCI Training Hall Secretary
Northwest Obedience Club, Inc.
110 W. Woodstock Street
Crystal Lake, IL 60014

For further info, contact us at .