Carolina Schutzhund Club

Training occurs on Saturdays during winter-spring months at their facility in Swansea, SC. Programs focus on Schutzhund disciplines: tracking, obedience, and protection. Newcomers must attend three sessions as non-members for evaluation of prey and defense drives before applying for membership. Membership requires USCA affiliation and approval by 3/4 of members present. Training is structured, ongoing, and driven by club standards and board oversight.

Pricing Summary

Individual membership: $200/year; Family membership (two people, one dog each): $250/year. Non-members pay $20 per dog for evaluation. Dues are prorated quarterly for mid-year joiners. Special levies may be added by majority vote. Payments accepted via PayPal.

Policies

Members must pay dues by end of January. Unpaid dues after February result in written notice; suspension after 30 additional days; termination after 60 days. Non-payment of special levies follows the same timeline. Visitors must complete a liability waiver before attending. Membership requires USCA membership verification.

Carolina Schutzhund Club is a working breed training club focused on Schutzhund, a sport that develops dogs in tracking, obedience, and protection work. They specialize in training German Shepherds and other working breeds to their highest potential, with an emphasis on preserving breed standards and promoting responsible ownership. The club welcomes newcomers and provides structured training sessions on Saturdays during winter-spring months at their private facility in Swansea, SC. Training is led by experienced handlers, including Training Director Lewis, who is noted for bringing out the best in dogs and handlers. The club supports police and search and rescue work and encourages participation in conformation shows. Members must be part of the United Schutzhund Clubs of America (USCA), and non-members can attend up to three sessions for evaluation before applying for membership.

The club operates as a nonprofit and requires all visitors to complete a liability waiver before attending. Training is conducted in a group setting at their dedicated facility, with a strong focus on working dog drives and temperament suitability.

They offer membership options including individual ($200/year) and family ($250/year) rates, with prorated dues for mid-year joiners. Non-members pay a $20 evaluation fee to assess a dog’s suitability for Schutzhund.

The club is not a general dog training service but is specifically oriented toward advanced working dog sports and requires a commitment to Schutzhund principles.

Accomplishments

Club is affiliated with the United Schutzhund Clubs of America (USCA) and hosts regional Schutzhund championships. Training Director Lewis is recognized for his expertise in developing working dogs. Club supports police and search and rescue initiatives and promotes adherence to SV breed standards.

How to Get Started!

Prospective members must contact the club via email or Facebook to schedule a visit. Attend three training sessions as a non-member for evaluation of the dog’s prey and defense drives by the Training Director. Submit a written application and receive approval from 3/4 of members present at the next meeting. Complete the Guest Release of Liability form before the first visit.