CLASSES

Next Session of Classes Start

March 18, 2025 at Old Trace Park, Ridgeland

March 20, 2025 at Lakeshore Church, Byram

Classes Taught Each Session

AKC S.T.A.R.Puppy (3-6 months of age)

Only at Old Trace Park Location.

This class is specially tailored to a puppy’s limited attention span. You learn how to teach basic obedience commands and receive tips on socialization, care and raising a puppy. This class follows the curriculum for the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program and is taught by a CGC Evaluator. After completion of the 6 class sessions, your puppy will be eligible to take the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test, which will be offered at the end of the course.

For more information on AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program click this link:  AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy  

Basic Obedience (6 months of age and older)

 This class teaches basic obedience commands such as heel, sit, down, stay, come and other commands that you will use in everyday life with your pet.  Basic Obedience  is the fundamental class for all dog and handler teams. You will learn how to train your dog and your dog will learn the basic commands, as well as, how to behave around strangers. Your instructor can also help in suggesting ways to deal with dog behavior problems. Dogs are never too old for this class as long as they are in good health.  Basic Obedience is often repeated by our students. The first time shows remarkable changes and the second time reinforces and fine tunes everything learned. Mastering the skills of this class are essential if you would like to participate in any other sports and activities that are available to do with your dog.

Advanced/CGC (requires JOTC’s Basic Obedience)

Only At Old Trace Park Location.

Builds on the basic obedience class and teaches more complex exercises, as well as teaching how to handle distractions and new situations. All the exercises necessary to obtain AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification are taught in this class. At the end of this class, JOTC offers Canine Good Citizen testing.  Requires a minimum of 6 dogs for class 

For more information on AKC’s CGC program click this link:    AKC CGC

Rally (requires JOTC’s Basic Obedience)

Only at Old Trace Park Location


AKC Rally is a sporting event in which teams of handler and dog navigate through a course of 10-20 signs.  Each sign has a skill for the dog to perform, such as a sit or down. Rally is based on the concept of the dog and handler working together as a team. The Rally program has five levels, from Novice to Master.  Novice level courses can be completed with skills learned in Basic Obedience. Each additional level increases in difficulty.  Rally is a great introduction to competing in the various dog sports, especially, in building confidence in both handler and dog.

For more information on AKC’s Rally Program click this link:   AKC Rally

Class Costs and Payment Policies

  • The cost of each 6 week session of  classes is $125.00.  Payment is due with registration to ensure your place in class.  Credit cards/PayPal are accepted online. If you prefer to pay by check please mail to JOTC Class, 1402 Olivia Ln, Terry, MS 39170
  • As a small non-profit organization, we must pass along the charges to us by our credit card processor or PayPal of $4.00 for each class. 
  • No refunds will be given after the first class.
  • Fee of $35.00 will be charged for returned checks.  Returned checks will not be redeposited.

Class Locations

North Class

South Class

Old Trace Park,
 Ridgeland, MS 
Lakeshore Church
6880 S. Siwell Rd
Byram, MS 39272

General Information About Our Classes

  • Training classes are offered twice each year, in the Spring and in the Fall.  
  • Each session is a total of six one hour classes. Classes Start at 7:00 p.m. Old Trace Park has a Basic Obedience Class at 5:45 p.m.
  • Each session offers classes in two locations, north location on Tuesday nights and south location on Thursday nights.
  • Pre-registration is required for all classes in order to ensure proper class sizes.
  • Proof of vaccination is required. Rabies vaccination must have been given by a licensed veterinarian.
  •  Puppies are taught in a separate class.
  • Each class includes a chain slip training collar, fitted by a JOTC member.  
  • Our classes are small, usually with about 15 or less per class. Each student will receive the individual attention necessary to help you fully understand each exercise as well as successfully work through any training problems you encounter.
  • During class you will be the one to train your dog under the guidance of our instructors.
  • JOTC welcomes all breeds of dogs to classes, regardless of whether the dog is a pure breed or mixed. HOWEVER, JOTC does NOT allow wolves, wolf hybrids or aggressive dogs in any of its classes.
  • Instructors for all classes are required to meet specific criteria, and are experienced in dog training.
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