Brief History
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The Ann Arbor Dog Training Club was formed in 1967 by a group of individuals looking for a location to train their
dogs. The group began meeting one night a week at the Ann Arbor Armory. Classes were soon added. In June of 1979 the club held
its first Obedience Trial. Tracking Tests followed in October of 1979. Agility Trials were added in 1999.
As the club grew, training locations changed. The club moved first to a store front on Ashley Street in 1973 and then to the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds. In 1985 the club purchased the 6 acre site which is the current home of the Ann Arbor Dog Training Club. Through the years many improvements have been made to the building and grounds by club members. The facilities currently house 4 training rooms. The club has 4 teaching sessions during the year with the total number of classes averaging between 60-70 per year. Today, our membership has grown to over 150 active members.
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Mission Statement
| The Objectives of the Ann Arbor Dog Training Club are to conduct classes and occasional clinics and demonstrations in the training and care of
dogs, and otherwise to disseminate knowledge wherever possible; to encourage and work with other groups and individuals with similar
interests; to hold and support dog obedience trials and tracking tests according to the regulations of the American Kennel Club, to
promote public awareness and sensitivity to dog welfare.
The AADTC conducts regular social and training activities to simulate the growth and development of the Club toward those objectives. Club meetings are held each month (guests are welcome) to discuss Club business and activities. Quite often a guest speaker is invited to share a viewpoint, update the Club on a new piece of dog-related legislation, or discuss dog health problems. The fall is a busy time of year with our annual tracking and obedience trials. Classes are held throughout the year along with fun matches and other miscellaneous activities. Occasionally we offer obedience or dog behavior clinics. Our members have diverse interests and besides training for obedience competition, are also active in flyball competition, stock dog herding, field trials, tracking, agility, lure coursing, breeding and conformation showing. Some of our members are affiliated with the Humane Society, and a few offer private counseling. |
Membership
| To become a member of the AADTC you will need to enroll in two classes offered by the club, attend meetings, and help at various club functions (Fun matches, Work-Bees, Trials, Tracking Tests, etc.) and be supported by two current club members and two instructors. This sounds intimidating, however it isn't if you are committed to having fun with dogs and people! You are welcome to attend club meetings, held the second Friday of each month at 7:30pm at out training facility. |