Companion Dog Club
Omaha’s Dog Training Experts
COMPANION DOG CLUB is the oldest dog sports and obedience club in the Omaha-Council Bluffs area. Established in 1959 as a non-profit organization, it has grown to a membership of nearly 200 people, most of whom are actively involved, training and/or competing in obedience, agility, rally, flyball, scent sports or other dog-related activities.
From puppy kindergarten to advanced competition training, we offer several levels of classes aimed at a variety of needs: from the pet owner who wants a well mannered member of their household to the person preparing to compete in the obedience ring, nosework, agility, barn hunt, flyball, or conformation. Most of our classes are taught by instructors who have trained their own dog(s) to advanced titles in many disciplines and venues including AKC, CPE, and UKC.
If Omaha Public Schools are closed or have remote learning due to inclement weather, Companion’s classes will also be cancelled.
Training Classes Offered
We offer the following basic training classes for new and seasoned pet owners:
Companion Dog Puppy
Foundations Obedience
S.T.A.R. Puppy
Canine Good Citizen
If you need puppy training or need to work on doggy manners we have classes to suit your needs!
Nosework (or Scent Work) is a hot new canine sport! Once you try it, you’ll see how much fun it is. It is based on the work of detection dogs. Your dog learns to find specific odors hidden in different environments. It’s an excellent sport for any dog – young dogs, old dogs or even shy dogs – and for handlers who are short on time. There is a minimum amount of monetary and time resources needed to develop a well-honed team compared to most other dog sports.
This class will introduce the handler to training techniques that establish control and enhance the dog's performance in the field. It will introduce voice, whistle, and hand signal commands. It will demonstrate and practice bench work for retrieving and developing a soft mouth. The dog will learn to quarter in front of the hunter, using the wind as necessary to seek out upland game.
Prerequisites:
Dog must be at least six (6) months old
Some basic obedience such as able to walk on leash and understand sit
Please note: The first night of class is an orientation class, without your dog, at the Companion Dog Club building at 6:30 pm. From then on, the classes will be outdoors beginning at 6:00 PM. These will be four 2 hour sessions. Directions to the outdoor classes will be given at the orientation.
This class must have a minimum number of four dog and handler teams in order to start. The maximum size of the class is six dog and handler teams.
Normally this class occurs twice a year, in the spring and fall, usually April and September.
From beginning to competitive obedience or rally we’ve got you covered. Our seasoned instructors are the best in the Omaha area!
If your dog has completed basic obedience classes, have you thought about giving Rally a try? This fun sport provides an exciting challenge: dog-handler teams navigate a course of 10-20 signs and perform a series of different skills together. It’s a great way to take the next step in your training!
Rally provides many benefits:
Advance the teamwork with your dog
Improve your dog’s focus and obedience behaviors
Increase communication and trust
Our Conformation Classes are designed to help you and your dog shine in the show ring. Whether you're just starting out or looking to fine-tune your presentation, this class focuses on proper stacking, gaiting, ring etiquette, and judge interactions. All breeds and experience levels are welcome—come learn in a fun, supportive environment!
Tricks Class is a fun class for people who want to engage with their dogs and have fun! It also helps with play, focus, and targeting skills. We will work toward learning the skills listed in the American Kennel Club (AKC) Trick Dog titles. Most of these skills come from other AKC sports like Agility, Obedience, and Rally. There are no drills or required outcomes in this class. You will be able to test for AKC Trick titles during the last class. You and your dog will pick the tricks you want to focus on from the skills presented.
These skills can also be used in other Trick venues like Do More with Your Dog and “Dog Scouts.” You can use your Tricks skills to exercise your dog, impress your friends and family, and entertain people during Therapy Dog visits. They are also useful if you want to audition for performing arts or commercial work.
Prerequisites:
Dogs and handlers should have completed a previous basic dog class.
Dogs should have familiarity with the basics such as Come, Sit, Down, Stay, Leash Walking, etc. The dogs don’t have to know these perfectly, but the handler must be able to control the dog on a leash.
Agility is one of the fastest growing dog sports in the United States. This dog sport requires the handler and dog to build a relationship and form a team where the handler will drive their teammate through an obstacle course in a race of speed and obstacle performance accuracy. The dog will navigate jumps, tunnels, weave poles, teeters and other obstacles in their quest to get around the course.
If your dog needs a job to do agility is a great option!
Get ready for high-speed fun! Our Flyball Class introduces dogs and handlers to the exciting world of team relay racing. Dogs will learn to jump hurdles, trigger the spring-loaded box, and retrieve the ball—all while building confidence, focus, and drive. Perfect for energetic dogs who love to run, chase, and work as part of a team!
Unleash your dog’s natural instincts in our Barn Hunt Class! This fun and engaging sport challenges dogs to use their nose to locate hidden rats (safely contained in tubes) among straw bales in a course designed to mimic a barnyard setting. It’s a great way to build confidence, encourage problem-solving, and tap into your dog’s hunting drive in a safe, controlled environment.
Whether you're new to the sport or looking to compete, our classes teach foundation skills like scent discrimination, tunnel navigation, and safe climbing. All breeds and mixes are welcome—if your dog has a nose, they can barn hunt!