Conformation classes get you and your dog ready to show in the AKC and/or UKC conformation ring. Maverick Dog Training offers handling classes several times each week in Glendale. We practice hand-stacking, free-baiting, gaiting, and examining your dog in a show-ring type environment. All breeds are welcome, and puppies of any age can come! Please make sure your puppies are current on their vaccinations and please do NOT bring an ill dog to class.
Locations
For the rest of 2026, we are only holding outdoor classes, but after the first of the year, we hope to offer morning indoor classes as well at Precision Canine. Currently our morning classes meet once a month at Cholla Park. Our evening classes are at Sunnyside Park. Please click here or visit our Facebook group for dates and times of classes.
Sunnyside Park (a small neighborhood park with street parking and no restroom facilities) is on Cholla Street (between Peoria & Cactus) and 62nd Avenue in Glendale, AZ. We meet either north or south of the basketball court (depending on irrigation and other park activities) on 62nd Avenue.
Cholla Park (a small neighborhood park with a parking lot and no restroom facilities) is on Cholla Street (between Peoria & Cactus) and 53rd Avenue in Glendale, AZ. We meet just south of the playground.
Precision Canine is a training facility located at 2605 W Northern Ave next an animal hospital. There is a small potty yard between the grooming building and the animal hospital – please potty your dogs there BEFORE entering the building and please do not allow you dog to potty in or on the building. Class is held UPSTAIRS inside the building. Please only provide water for your dog on the tile upstairs – we want to make sure there are no spills or accidents on the mats. We lock the doors for safety when class starts AT 9:30 am…so please don’t be late!!
Cost
The cost of each class is $10 per person. We generally take a short break mid-class, at which time you are welcome to switch dogs if you want to bring two dogs (please bring a crate or a person to hold your second dog so they are not a distraction to the class). Payment can be made by cash, check, Venmo, or Zelle (credit cards are not accepted for handling class).
Private Lessons
If you are new to showing, it is strongly recommended that you take a private conformation lesson prior to attending the group class. Private lessons are $20/half hour and are available before and after the group class at the same location as the group class. Lessons must be pre-booked online through our EventBrite site. Private lessons that are scheduled DURING a class (7:30-8:00 PM or 8:00-8:30 PM) are reserved for clients that are using my handling services. Please book those time slots only if you would like me to work your dog in the class setting.
What to bring to class (or to your private handling lesson)
- Show lead and collar appropriate for your dog
- Bait – treats that your dog loves to work for (large soft treats are recommended, such as string cheese or hotdogs)
- Water & bowl for your dog (especially during summer months!)
- Poop bags (you MUST clean up after your dog!)
- Crate (if you bring more than one dog to class)
- Completed registration form and liability release (available at the class, and only required the first time you attend)
- Cool coat, blanket, etc. – anything you need to keep your dog comfortable!
