Folks,

I've recently moved to Parkersburg, WV, and I'm looking for any SchH enthusiasts in my area. The closest clubs are 2+ hours away in Ohio and Pennsylvania, and the only club in WV is almost 5 hours to the east.

So, if there's anyone in the vicinity of Parkersburg that trains, I'd like to hook up for some mid-week sessions.

You can reply privately to schhbabe@yahoo.com<br />
Thanks!

Yvette

Hi Yvette, a look at the map and the DVG home page says you're right! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
We were in the same boat in Fredericton, NB, Canada, so we started our own club! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> You need 8 members to form a club, that's what we started with, now a year later we have 17 members training over 25 dogs!! We attended our first trial EVER in Mass. in Sept. achieved 6 BH's and 2 AD's on 7 dogs! We also have two members going for Helper Certification and our first trial dates for next August!
If you get enough interested bodies in your area, it's really not difficult to get a club going, especially DVG! The organization welcomes ALL breeds, even mixed, and they can ALL go to the Nationals if they achieve it! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
As secretary for our club, I'm familiar with the paperwork involved. If I can be of any help, please let me know!
Sincerely, Tammy Dempsey
Secretary for The Sirius Working Dog Association
Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada

Tammy,

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I don't have a problem with the concept of forming a new club, but a club needs members. I was hoping that posting on this discussion group would help me find people in the area who have interests in SchH so we could train together.

Hopefully some people will pop up!

Yvette

Hi Yvette, when we were starting our club we posted ads in the local newspapers, including a date for a meeting of interested parties. I did up a handout outlining what Schutzhund is, the organization we had chosen to train with (DVG) and approximate costs to get started. We had enough members to start the club at our very first meeting! It helped that my husband Ron and I have our own dog training business and have 26 and 11 years experience. However we were ALL new to Schutzhund! Oh, quick brag here... our club of a mere 13 months has just had TWO Helpers Certified this past weekend in Maryland!! My husband Ron Murray (Training Director) and our President Chris Kane!! Sorry, couldn't help myself there! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
I would recommend posting some flyers in doggy places, pet supply shops, vets offices etc. ads in newspapers, and if you have a community TV channel, they will post non-profit community events. Also check out the local dog training schools, especially if they train in protection! It's quite possible that there are intersted parties, but none with the confidence to get the ball rolling!
Good luck!
Tammy.

Hi Yvette,
I emailed you, but it was returned.