Piedmont Schutzhund Club

Training occurs twice weekly: Saturday mornings and Thursday afternoons/evenings. Sessions begin with obedience training on a first-come, first-served basis, followed by protection work. Training is structured around preparing for club-hosted trials (2–3 per year), with intensive prep weeks before each event. Dogs and handlers progress through IGP1-3, BH, FH, and other working titles. All training is group-based and led by Richard Shook.

Pricing Summary

Entry fees for club trials range from $70 to $100 depending on the title, payable via PayPal, Venmo, or check. No public pricing is listed for regular training sessions, which appear to be membership-based or donation-supported. Fees are submitted directly to club members, not the club as an entity.

Policies

Visitors must contact the club before arriving to confirm training is taking place. Handlers are fully responsible for their dogs’ actions and welfare during all club activities, both on and off club property. No formal cancellation or rescheduling policy is stated for training sessions.

Piedmont Schutzhund Club is a dog training club focused on Schutzhund (IGP) training, offering group sessions in obedience and protection work. The club meets regularly on Saturday mornings and Thursday afternoons/evenings at their facility in Claremont, NC, with training led by Richard Shook, the Training Director. They cater to handlers at all levels—from beginners with puppies to advanced competitors preparing for regional and national trials. The club hosts 2–3 trials per year and provides intensive preparation leading up to these events. Training is conducted in a supportive, experienced community of dog enthusiasts, with an emphasis on structured, high-level working dog sports.

The club does not offer private, in-home, or video training; all training occurs at their facility in group settings. They specialize in competition and working dog training, with a focus on IGP1-3, BH, FH, and related titles. Their environment is known for being welcoming and knowledgeable, with members praising Richard’s deep understanding of dog behavior and training techniques.

The club does not provide grooming, boarding, daycare, walking, or other pet services beyond training and trial hosting.

Accomplishments

Richard Shook has been training dogs for nearly 20 years and is recognized by members for his ability to read and train working dogs. The club regularly hosts trials judged by certified USCA officials and prepares handlers for regional and national competitions.

How to Get Started!

Prospective members should contact Richard Shook via phone or email to confirm training days and times before visiting. Visitors are welcome but must reach out first to ensure the club is meeting.