Menu
Log in


Greater Columbia Obedience Club, Inc.

Log in
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: How do I register for a class?
A:
Classes are posted on the the Class Calendar on our website. Scroll down the page until you find the class you want and click the Register button. Please note: the 'Register' button will only appear when registration for that class is open. You will then be taken to the registration page for that class. You can register for the class and pay online by credit card (preferred) or pay by check. Payment is required to attend any class.

Q: Where should I send my check?
A: GCOC encourages payment by credit card on our secure registration pages and we accept all major credit cards. If you would prefer to pay by check, please mail your check to: GCOC P.O. Box 8534 Columbia, SC 29202. Payment must be received prior to the start of classes.

Q: When are the classes?
A: Classes are usually scheduled for one hour on week nights. Occasionally daytime and/or weekend classes are offered depending on instructor availability. Class dates and times are posted on our Class Calendar several weeks before the start date and registration opens, typically at least one week in advance.

Q: Where are the classes taught?
A: All Puppy, Basic, Obedience and Rally classes are held in our training building at 947 S. Stadium Rd. Suite #10 Columbia, SC. Some Agility classes are held on our Agility training field.

Q: The class I wanted to register for is full. Can I be on the waiting list?
A: Due to the volume of requests we receive, GCOC cannot maintain a waiting list for classes. Class start dates and times will be posted on GCOC's website as soon as they are scheduled. Prospective students are encouraged to check the website frequently and to enroll in a class as soon as registration opens. Not all classes are offered every session. Our classes fill very quickly.

Q: Does my dog have to be a purebred to take a GCOC class, join GCOC, compete in AKC events, etc. ?
A:
NO! GCOC classes are open to dogs of all kinds - rescues, mixed breeds and, of course, purebreds too. GCOC Membership is open to all dog enthusiasts interested in learning more or in helping others learn more about obedience and dog sports or those who simply want to socialize and learn from other dog lovers in the community.

Your dog does not have to be purebred to pursue AKC competition sports. The AKC now allows mixed breeds to compete in performance events. Any dog has to be registered with the AKC to enter a show or sport. Registration with the AKC does not have to be done right away. You can take a few classes and still register your do well before you both are ready for a show or competition. Check out the AKC's Canine Partners Program for mixed breed dogs or non-AKC registrable purebreds. 

If you have a dog with no registration papers who appears to be a purebred dog, the AKC will allow you to register the dog through the Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) program.

Q: What is the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test?
A: GCOC periodically offers the Canine Good Citizenship Test. Created by the AKC, the CGC is open to all dogs both purebred and mixed breeds of any age. Dogs must, however, be old enough to have received all necessary immunizations. See our Canine Good Citizen page for more information.

Q: Who are the GCOC Instructors?
A: All GCOC Instructors are club members who volunteer and give generously of their time and knowledge and are not compensated in any way. GCOC Instructors have a wide variety of dog training experience in many venues. Many of them have trained with some of the top experts in the country and they all have a working knowledge of canine learning theory, behavior, psychology and problem-solving. All of our instructors are also competitors and have won AKC, UKC, and/or other titles in a wide variety of canine disciplines. They compete at the local, regional and national level.

Q: Do I have to be a Member to attend at GCOC meeting?
A:
 You do not have to be a member to attend a meeting. Meeting dates, times and locations (via Zoom or in-person) are posted on GCOC's home page.

Q: How do I join GCOC?
A: 
GCOC offers its Members many great opportunities, including the chance to meet other dog lovers in the area. The club consists of people just starting out in the various canine sports and others who have been around for years. We all love sharing our dogs with others and working together. For information on how to join the club, check out the Join GCOC! page.

Greater Columbia Obedience Club, Inc.

All rights reserved. Copyright ® 2023.


Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software