Frequently Asked Questions

The Cleveland All-breed Training Club (CABTC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting responsible dog ownership through balanced training and community education. We have been serving dog owners in the greater Cleveland area since 1949.

Membership is open to all dog enthusiasts, regardless of breed or experience level. We welcome both beginners and seasoned dog handlers looking to improve their dogs’ manners, social skills, and performance in various canine sports.

Please park in the MIDDLE of the parking lot at all times. Spaces along the front of the building are reserved for instructors and office managers. Agility classes will be on the right side (Suite B – Door 2) and all other classes will take place on the left side (Suite A – Door 5 and Puppy Room – Door 4).

Please potty your dogs in the BACK of the building on the gravel. DO NOT potty your dog on any grass, including in front of or between any of the buildings! Clean up is mandatory: supplies are available throughout the potty area.

CABTC focuses on a balanced training experience. We have experienced, talented, and skilled instructors with experience training a wide variety of dogs in a range of activities and skill sets.

We offer a wide range of classes including basic obedience, puppy socialization, advanced obedience, rally, conformation, agility, and more. Our goal is to provide a balanced training experience for all breeds, ages, and skill levels. CABTC’s instructors have many years of training experience with a wide variety of dogs in a wide range of activities.

Our class schedules vary by discipline, season, and instructor availability. Typically we offer a reduced class load over the summer. All of our classes are regularly updated on our website and registration system, so please check there for the most current information.

No. CABTC offers group classes in a variety of disciplines and activities. These classes are offered as 6-7 week long sessions or drop ins.

No. While our instructors are experienced in training dogs with a range of personalities, motivations, and hurdles to overcome, CABTC does not offer any group or private classes for reactive or aggressive dogs. Due to the nature of our class structure and building layout, dogs that have shown aggression to dogs or people are not allowed on CABTC property at any time. We appreciate your assistance in keeping all CABTC visitors safe.

Absolutely. We welcome prospective students to observe ongoing classes to get a feel for our training environment and methods. Just contact us in advance, and we’ll be happy to arrange a suitable time for your visit.

Simply visit our website’s “Classes” section to find current offerings and schedules. Each discipline at CABTC is unique in its class offerings, so make sure you read more about the classes in the introduction. From there, you can complete the online registration form and submit any required documents. You may also reach out by email if you have additional questions.

The class times listed on the CABTC website are based on our total class offerings and do not reflect current availability. If you do not see your class/class time on the registration system, that means the class has filled. We encourage you to go ahead and sign up for alternative class time offering, as our classes tend to fill quickly. If there are no alternatives that work with your schedule, check back in a couple of months as we continue to schedule and open more classes. In the meantime, explore other disciplines to see if you would like to try something new with your pup!

We recommend bringing a sturdy leash (no retractable leashes, please), plenty of small, soft treats for rewards, and any veterinary records requested during registration. Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for dog training.

CABTC is allowing ONE or TWO handlers per dog as specified by your instructor. The extra handler MUST be listed under your profile as an ALTERNATE HANDLER. If your alternate handler is not listed in your account, their name will not appear on the roster and may not attend class with you. The Alternate Handler needs to be designated, if necessary, one week prior to the start date of class. Here are instructions:

1. Log in to the registration system
2. Go to “My Info” and scroll through until you see the Handler Name box.
3. Update the information in that box.
4. Scroll down and SAVE your changes.

We are sorry that your pup is/you are not feeling well. There is no need to contact us. Your instructor will take note of your absence in the attendance and ensure to catch you up on missed skills when your pup/you feel better at the next class session.

Dogs in heat can only participate in classes listed under Conformation, Fit Dog, Obedience, Rally, Tricks/Patterns. If your dog is in heat, they must wear a diaper at all times while they are in the building. Dogs in heat CAN NOT participate in classes listed under Agility or Scent Work under any circumstances.

If CABTC is cancelling a class due to the weather, you will be notified by email. You may also check the CABTC website which will have a pop up notification stating the dates and classes that will be impacted by the weather cancellations. Additionally, this information will be present at the top of the home page in the form of a yellow banner. A message will also be placed on the CABTC answering machine if you prefer to call.

Refunds for classes must be requested 48 hours prior to the start of a training class. Any requests to change a class start date must be made 1 week prior to the start date of the registered class. Once the class begins, no refunds will be given for all or a portion of the class fee.