Dog Owners’ Training Club of MD

Classes for Session 4 start on March 26th, 2025, with orientation on March 19th, 2025. Basic Orientation (without your dog) starts at 6:30 PM on March 19th, 2025. The club offers Obedience & Rally Trials and has been approved as an AKC Fit Dog Club, with future Fit Dog classes and activities planned. They also provide Farm Dog Certification testing.

Pricing Summary

Basic Class students and/or first-time trainers can expect to pay $120 for 8 weeks of classes in their first session. Annual Training Dues for returning members are $160. A Member Financial Aid Form is available.

Policies

Classes are cancelled if evening classes/activities are cancelled for Carroll County Schools. Harsh discipline is NOT accepted for any reason or excuse; such action by a handler is grounds for expulsion from both the DOTC and the AKC.

Dog Owners’ Training Club of MD (DOTC) is the second oldest obedience club in the USA and an AKC Member Club. They offer dog training classes based on the philosophy of treating all dogs with respect and kindness. Training methods emphasize repetition, encouragement, praise, treats, kindness, love, and affection. Harsh discipline is not accepted, and such action by a handler is grounds for expulsion from both DOTC and the AKC.

They accept all dog breeds and adhere to the rules and regulations of the AKC. Handlers are instructed to use buckle collars, slip collars, and martingales; e-collars are never accepted. Prong collars may only be used in exceptional cases with the approval of their Training Director.

DOTC also hosts Obedience & Rally Trials and has been approved as an AKC Fit Dog Club, with Fit Dog classes and activities to be announced. They also provide Farm Dog Certification testing videos.

Accomplishments

Dog Owners’ Training Club of MD is the Second Oldest Obedience Club in the USA and an AKC Member Club. Their bylaws were ratified by the AKC Board of Directors on February 8, 2019. They have been approved as an AKC Fit Dog Club.

How to Get Started!

New trainees and returning members need to send registration forms, a Class Choice form (for each dog), and a copy of the dog’s current rabies certificate. New trainees also need to send the Basic Class New Dog Information Form. Fees must be mailed using the Dues/Fees form to Registrar Cleo Curry at 505 South Bend Court, Westminster, MD 21157. Fees should be paid by the week before classes start or ASAP. Basic Orientation (without your dog) is required.