Alameda County Schutzhund Club

ACSC offers ongoing group training sessions in obedience, tracking, and protection, aligned with IGP competition standards. Training occurs weekly at their outdoor facility in Livermore. Sessions are structured around sport-specific skills, with emphasis on precision, control, and handler-dog communication. Specialized clinics (e.g., IGP Jumping Clinic with Sonia Parisi) are offered periodically. All training is conducted on-site, with no virtual or in-home options. Dogs must be under control at all times, and training slots are prioritized for members.

Pricing Summary

Non-members pay $20 per dog per session for obedience or protection training, plus a one-time $10 field use fee. Annual membership is approximately $200. Training fees are per session, with no package pricing listed. Fees are consistent across obedience and protection sessions.

Policies

Dogs must be current on rabies vaccinations. All dogs must be crated when not on the field. Only one dog and handler may be on the field at a time unless instructed otherwise. No dog-to-dog interaction is allowed outside formal training sessions. The gate at 972 Laughlin Road is unlocked only during scheduled training times. Visitors must close and secure the gate after entering. Speed limit is 10 mph on the property. Training continues rain or shine. Facility closes during extremely foul weather.

The Alameda County Schutzhund Club (ACSC) is a dedicated training club focused on Schutzhund (now called IGP) — a sport that develops and evaluates working traits in dogs, especially German Shepherds, to enhance their usefulness and companionship. ACSC provides group training sessions in obedience, tracking, and protection, all structured around IGP competition standards. The club welcomes drop-ins and observers, making it accessible for newcomers to experience the sport firsthand. Training occurs at a natural pasture facility in Livermore, CA, with sessions held rain or shine. The club emphasizes safety, consistency, and building a strong bond between handler and dog through purpose-driven training. Members and visitors train under experienced handlers and board members, including Richard Sheppard, the Training Director. ACSC does not offer private, in-home, or board-and-train services — all training occurs at their facility in group settings.

The club values community, sportsmanship, and the preservation of working dog heritage. They host specialty clinics led by internationally recognized trainers like Sonia Parisi, offering advanced skill development. ACSC encourages participation in titling events and provides equipment recommendations and health guidelines to support safe training. Merchandise is available to show club pride, and the facility includes a port-a-potty and limited seating with partial sun/rain protection.

All dogs must be current on rabies vaccinations and are required to be crated when not on the field. Training is focused on large, working, and herding breeds suited for IGP, with an emphasis on control, confidence, and precision.

ACSC is not a general obedience school; it is a specialized club for those committed to the IGP sport.

The club is guided by a board including Tom Hall (President), Robert Becker (Vice President), Stephanie Muszek (Secretary), Maryn Wunderley (Treasurer), Richard Sheppard (Training Director), and Luke Van Holten (Sergeant of Arms).

Accomplishments

ACSC hosts internationally recognized trainers such as Sonia Parisi for specialty clinics. The club’s Training Director, Richard Sheppard, leads the program. The club is affiliated with USCA (United Schutzhund Clubs of America) and supports IGP titling. The club has been active in preserving the working heritage of German Shepherds and other breeds through competitive Schutzhund/IGP training.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients are welcome to drop in or observe a training session. No appointment is required. First-time visitors pay $20 per session plus a one-time $10 field use fee. Contact ACSCK9@gmail.com for questions or to confirm training times. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to familiarize themselves with the facility and rules.