The vision for dog club started with the wish that there was a dog show at the San Juan County Fair open to all community members. The big picture being to build a community that promotes the love of dog sports and help people improve their dogs’ skills and mutual relationship through goal-oriented training. Training practice can be very difficult to do in public around strangers and their dogs; dog club provides a safe, controlled environment to build your dog’s life skills.
We’ve had a lot of great training meetups, and the first open dog show at the Fair was a wonderful experience! There is a lot of potential to build on this. The goal for this year is for the show at the Fair to be bigger and better, as well as have regular meetings for education, training and dog-related activities for both adults and junior handlers.
Welcome
All experience levels – you and your dog don’t need any previous knowledge or skills. Come with your goals and interests and take it from there!
All ages – Junior Handlers are encouraged! Welcome with parent permission.
Where to start – Check out basic info and practice sheets. Everyone starts somewhere! If your dog is reactive, check out this section.
How to progress – Get out with your dog! Practice regularly, ask questions, go to meetups. Practice sheets will be posted for different activities.
Getting help – Come to meet ups or just ask! You can phone, text, email, post in the Facebook group, or schedule a private meetup. See the Contact page.
Mutual Support vs. Professional Training: The club is for mutual support and mentoring, so for specific, significant or persistent issues working with a professional trainer is recommended.
Ethics
Ethics statement – Dog club is committed to humane, effective training methods that foster a strong dog-owner relationship and measurable progress toward more responsible freedom and fulfillment for the dog. Reinforcement is the foundation and majority of good coaching. We encourage methods that are least intrusive and minimally aversive (LIMA), and techniques that minimize conflict and frustration while teaching desired skills. We also recognize that what these mean varies for each dog.
Tools & Methods, including rewards, coaching techniques and equipment should prioritize the dog’s well-being and learning style. We support education, the individual’s choice, and the humane and nuanced use of any training tool.
For shows and events, AKC or other sponsoring organization guidelines for equipment are followed.
Dog club is a community where people who love their dogs support each other to make progress. No bullying or other bad behavior is tolerated.
FAQ
“My dog is a hot mess”
Every dog can benefit from Dog Club. Whether practicing from a distance or working up to on-leash in the presence of other dogs and people, every dog can improve. Practice makes better.
Benefits of Goal Oriented Training
Working toward a goal within a group provides motivation to the dog owner, to get out there and practice, improve and progress. Winning a ribbon or even just the experience of showing provides positive reinforcement to the owner as well as wonderful, fun memories.
Better life skills through training and consistent drive fulfillment helps every dog’s quality of life.
More on Ethics, including tool use:
Events
Practices
Dog Shows / The Fair
Other Events
Community Spotlight
Members
Sponsors / Community Support