JOIN OUR CLUB
Whether you’re new to the sport of Schutzhund/IGP or have titled dogs and want to stay sharp on your training, we welcome you to join Maine Schutzhund Club. We’re passionate about dog training and strive to maintain a welcoming, supportive environment where you and your working dog can thrive.
At Maine Schutzhund club, we count on our members for their dedication, commitment, and passion towards the sport of Schutzhund. Their expertise and knowledge contribute to a supportive and encouraging environment, where we can all grow and learn together.
To keep our club running smoothly, we aim to be transparent about our expectations from club members. If you can abide by the following, we would love to have you join us (please note: prospective members must attend a minimum of 6 full training sessions in order to be voted on for membership).
ARRIVE ON TIME
Arrive promptly so you may walk your dog and make sure they’ve eliminated before training begins. If you have to be late for practice, we understand! Just do your best to give us your arrival time so we can fit you into the schedule of dogs training that day.
HYGIENE AND COURTESY
Do not allow your dog to eliminate on the training field. This is a good practice to follow, as elimination accidents on the field will disqualify you during a trial. If your dog is going through heat, please let the group know: you may still work her by taking your turn last.
CRATE YOUR DOG
Your dog must remain safely crated in your vehicle while you are not training them, walking them after training to help them cool down, or giving them water/a bathroom break. You must have a means of keeping your dog warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather.
CONTAIN YOUR DOG
Do not your dog(s) to interact with other dogs, and do not allow them to visit/greet anyone before working.
ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE
Participate during training. Volunteer to act as a judge at training (don’t worry, we’ll teach you what the judge does if you don’t know), or be a spotter for other club members or help out in the group exercise. Be involved! Don’t just stare at your phone while fellow club members are working their dogs, please!
One of the best ways to learn is to observe others during their session on the field when it is not your turn, particularly during protection routines. We’re all friends here, so you’re bound to want to chat and catch up with fellow members, but endeavor to learn and help more than socialize.
PITCH IN, CLEAN UP
We all stay to help tidy up after training is done and don’t leave without making sure the training space we used — whether it’s the training field or the indoor training room — looks as it did when we arrived.
This includes tasks like picking up trash, cleaning the bathroom, vacuuming, closing the gate, turning the electric fence back on, etc. We get to use this amazing property free of charge, and we should endeavor to leave it better than when we arrive each time we use it.
Come Train With Us!
Our members play a vital role in organizing and participating in training sessions, competitions, and events; keeping the spirit of Schutzhund alive. If that sounds like you, then we’d love to have you!