Meetups
We primarily communicate via email. Please contact us: info@sjcdog.com for meeting dates, times and location. You can also join our Facebook group.
How it works:
- If you can make it, RSVP (I like to avoid drop ins, so we’re all on the same page).
- Email with a short note letting us know what you’ll be working on and what you’re looking for in the meetup. I’ll respond and answer any questions.
At the meetup:
- Dogs are on leash and we stay in our own bubble (at least 6 ft). Basically, dog show vibe- No nose to nose greetings to avoid drama between strange dogs.
- What to practice: Your choice! If you want help or advice, we’re here to help!
- Some ideas: obedience, play (on leash), practice elements for the dog show at Fair or public manners/ neutrality. Nosework. Or whatever you want.
- Reactivity people can practice at a comfortable distance. When you arrive, if your dog is reactive, check in with me before getting your dog out.
- There are more details in the documents below.
There are three types of training practice that may be going on, so three zones:
- Dog friendly / dog neutral teams can practice in a group setting.
- Reactive dog people work individually at the outskirts staying at or under threshold. You’ll choose a distance where your dog is not barking and is able to check in with you regularly. Please review the attachment below.
- The chill zone is where you can just sit and hang out with your leashed dog and practice conditioned relaxation. Bring a chair.
Please check out the welcome and reactive documents below.
Thank you, RSVP if we haven’t talked already. Hope to see you there!
Vision and Philosophy
The vision for dog club started with the wish for a dog show at the San Juan County Fair open to all community members. The big picture being to build a community promoting the love of dog sports, helping owners who may need support, and helping dogs feel fulfilled. Practicing can be very difficult in public around random 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 two dog shows at the Fair were wonderful experiences! 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 – Contact us to chat about the club and get all your questions answered. Basic info and practice sheets are coming soon. Everyone starts somewhere! If your dog is reactive, there is a ton of information in 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. Hopefully, you’re interested in participating at the Fair, but if not, that’s ok too. Your dog’s progress and fulfillment are what’s most important.
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
Dog club is committed to high standards for integrity, relationship and quality of life of both dog and owner.
Methods—Positive reinforcement is an important part of every being’s learning process. To achieve reliability, there is also a wealth of proven, humane, and effective dog training methods that achieve measurable results. This group supports the individual’s choice for their specific situation. We do not condone heavy-handed compulsion-based methods or ones involving significant conflict or frustration.
Tools- Equipment should prioritize safety, the dog’s well-being, and the dog’s learning style. We support open-mindedness, lifelong learning, and skill improvement. No tool shaming: we support the individual’s choice for the humane and nuanced use of any training tool.
Shows and events: AKC or other sponsoring organization guidelines for behavior, methods and equipment are followed.
Dog club is a community of people who love their dogs and support each other to make progress. All people welcome. No bullying or other bad behavior is tolerated.