Podium Schutzhund Club

Training occurs on Wednesdays (obedience only) and Saturdays (tracking at 9 am, obedience at 11 am, protection at 3 pm). Sessions are group-based and ongoing, with no one-time consultations offered. Training is structured around the three phases of Schutzhund: obedience, tracking, and protection. Members train year-round with a two-week break between Christmas and New Year. The club emphasizes progressive skill development leading to competitive titles.

Pricing Summary

Pricing is not publicly listed. Training is offered through membership and scheduled group sessions. Fees for seminars, trials, and events are charged separately. No package or rate details are available on the website.

Policies

No cancellation or rescheduling policies are stated on the website. Training schedule is subject to change. Visitors must contact the club in advance to arrange a facility visit.

The Podium Schutzhund Club is a dog training facility in Kearneysville, WV, specializing in Schutzhund, a demanding working dog sport that includes obedience, tracking, and protection training. Founded in 1997 and affiliated with DVG America and AWMA, the club offers group training sessions three days a week at their private facility, with structured sessions for obedience, tracking, and protection. Head trainer Hardy Ernsting, with over 45 years of experience since 1978, leads a team of certified trainers and decoys who help dogs and owners achieve titles at local, regional, national, and international levels. The club emphasizes strong human-dog bonds, community support, and high-level performance in working dog sports. Visitors are welcome to observe training sessions, and the club hosts seminars, trials, and conformation shows. Training is focused on working breeds and dogs with drive, not general pet obedience.

The facility is located near I-81, serving the panhandle regions of West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia. They offer no in-home, boarding, or day training services. Their programs are intensive and designed for committed owners willing to invest significant time and effort into advanced training.

The club does not offer general pet training, puppy socialization, behavior modification for fear or anxiety, or services for brachycephalic or small breeds. Their focus is exclusively on competitive working dog sports.

They provide video and photo galleries of training and events, and maintain a vet corner with health resources for working dogs.

Accomplishments

Founded in 1997, the club has hosted national and international events including the Universal Sieger Show (GSDCA-WDA), AWMA regional and national trials, and German Shepherd conformation shows. Head trainer Hardy Ernsting earned an IPO3 title at the World Championship in Turin, Italy. Hundreds of titles have been achieved by club members under his leadership.

How to Get Started!

Prospective members are welcome to visit during scheduled training times. Contact Hardy or Sabine Ernsting to arrange a visit and begin training. No formal evaluation or consultation is advertised prior to joining.