High Desert Working Dogs

Weekly group training occurs on Saturdays from 7:30 AM until completion, alternating between protection/obedience and search & rescue training. Tuesday sessions are available by appointment for SAR and obedience. Training follows USCA and IRO standards for IGP (Schutzhund) and RH (Search & Rescue) sports, with three levels in each phase: beginner (V), intermediate (2A), and advanced (2B). Members train in tracking, obedience, protection, and SAR elements including nosework, rubble, avalanche, and area searches. The club hosts regional and national trials, seminars, and workshops throughout the year.

Pricing Summary

Pricing is not publicly listed. Membership and participation in club activities are likely fee-based, with events and trials requiring separate entry fees. No public pricing packages or rates are disclosed.

Policies

No cancellation or rescheduling policies are publicly stated. Participation requires attendance at scheduled sessions or appointment-based training. Event participation requires registration and entry fees.

High Desert Working Dogs Club is a nonprofit organization founded in 2005 that provides group training for working dog breeds, primarily German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and Dobermans. The club focuses on Schutzhund (IGP) and Search & Rescue (RH) sports, offering weekly training sessions in Whetstone, Arizona, on Saturdays starting at 7:30 AM, with Tuesday sessions by appointment only. Training takes place on a 5-acre plowed tracking field and utilizes 50 acres of desert and 100 acres of forested land for SAR exercises. The club works with USCA-certified helper Mike Beam and follows international standards from USCA and IRO. Members train for companionship, protection, service work, and competition, with many achieving titles in obedience, tracking, protection, and SAR phases. The club supports owners of all experience levels, from first-time handlers to seasoned competitors.

Training is group-based and facility-focused, with no private, in-home, or board-and-train services offered. The club emphasizes preserving working breed traits through structured, sport-oriented training that includes tracking, obedience, and protection phases.

The club also hosts regional and national trials, seminars, and workshops, including IGP and RH competitions, with certified judges and experienced handlers. Members have earned numerous AKC and USCA titles in obedience, rally, scent work, trick dog, and agility, demonstrating a strong commitment to comprehensive dog training.

The club is dedicated to public education on responsible breeding, care, and training of working dogs.

Accomplishments

The club has hosted over 10 IGP and RH trials and workshops since 2019, including a 2025 combined IGP/RH trial with USCA judge Stanley Craddock. Multiple members have earned IGP1, IGP2, IGP3, RH1, RH2A, RH2B, BH, and FH titles. Club members have also earned AKC titles in CGC, Rally, Scent Work, Trick Dog, and Agility. Sharon Olthof and Suzanne Browne have earned multiple titles across disciplines, including IGP3 and RH2B-FL. The club is affiliated with USCA and IRO, and uses certified helpers including Mike Beam.

How to Get Started!

Prospective members should contact Suzanne Browne at (301) 520-1315 or visit the Training or Events tab on the website to learn about upcoming sessions and trials. Training begins with attendance at Saturday group sessions or scheduling a Tuesday appointment for SAR/obedience.