Huntsville Kennel Club

Conformation training classes are offered in five 6–7 week cycles throughout the year, meeting weekly on scheduled dates. Classes begin at 6:30 PM and focus on show ring skills including gaiting, stacking, and handler presentation. Students must confirm attendance by 1 p.m. Sunday to ensure instructor availability. Equipment is provided if needed. Training is group-based and designed for AKC-registered puppies and dogs preparing for conformation shows.

Pricing Summary

Non-members pay $10 per class; members pay $5 per class. A full cycle of classes offers a slight cost savings. Registration requires a completed form and payment at class. No package pricing or membership fees are listed for training alone—membership is separate and requires application and approval.

Policies

Attendance requires confirmation with Monique Blackston by 1 p.m. on Sunday prior to class. Failure to confirm may result in denial of entry, even for members. Classes are not guaranteed if attendance is not confirmed. No cancellation or rescheduling policy is explicitly stated.

Huntsville Kennel Club is a nonprofit organization licensed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) that promotes the sport of purebred dogs in greater Huntsville since 1960. They offer conformation training classes focused on preparing AKC-registered puppies and dogs for dog shows, led by experienced members including AKC judges. Classes are held indoors at 2227 Drake Avenue, Building 9, Huntsville, AL, and require advance confirmation with Monique Blackston by Sunday at 1 p.m. to secure a spot. Non-members pay $10 per class; members pay $5. The club also provides a free breeder referral service to help families find reputable breeders and avoid unethical sources. While their primary focus is conformation showing, their training environment supports foundational obedience and handler-dog teamwork essential for competitive and family life.

The club does not offer private in-home training, boarding, day training, or behavior modification services. Their training is group-based and centered on show ring presentation, not general pet obedience or behavioral issues. They host monthly meetings, dog shows, and events like the Puppy Match, and encourage community involvement through membership.

They do not provide dog walking, grooming, daycare, boarding, or pet supply services. Their expertise is rooted in purebred dog conformation and AKC show standards, making them ideal for owners seeking to compete or learn show ring etiquette.

The club’s unique advantage is its access to experienced AKC judges and long-standing community ties within the purebred dog world, offering authentic, breed-specific guidance not commonly found in general dog training businesses.

Accomplishments

Club members include AKC judges with 25+ years of experience. The club has been promoting purebred dogs since 1960 and has had multiple members achieve success in 2024 dog shows. They host the annual Cotton Cluster of Shows in November 2025.

How to Get Started!

Prospective students must contact Monique Blackston via email, phone, or text at (205) 417-5906 to confirm attendance by 1 p.m. on Sunday. Complete and bring the Conformation Class Registration form to class along with payment ($10 for non-members, $5 for members).