The Sandhills Working Dog Club

Training is conducted in group sessions twice weekly (Tuesdays at 6pm and Saturdays at 9am) at their facility in Lillington, NC. Sessions follow a structured format: obedience training first, followed by protection work. Each session emphasizes hands-on participation, peer learning, and direct feedback from Julio Hernandez and experienced helpers. Members are expected to train regularly (ideally twice weekly) and come prepared with appropriate gear. The club supports progression through IGP levels (IGP 1-3, GPr 1-3, BH-VT) and hosts official USCA trials. Training is not structured as a fixed curriculum but evolves based on individual dog and handler needs within a group setting.

Pricing Summary

Pricing details are not listed on the website. Members are expected to join USCA for official trialing and scorebooks. No membership fees are explicitly stated, but participation requires adherence to club rules and gear requirements. Contact Julio Hernandez for details on any potential fees.

Policies

Dogs must be leashed in the parking area and crated when not training. Owners must pick up after their dogs immediately; failure to do so results in a monetary penalty (six-pack for urine, twelve-pack for feces). Training continues in all weather except thunderstorms. Visitors are encouraged to call or text ahead to confirm sessions, as days may be canceled. No formal cancellation policy is stated for members, but attendance is expected to be consistent for progress.

The Sandhills Working Dog Club is a friendly, all-breed IGP club based in Lillington, NC, dedicated to helping dog owners succeed in high-level dog sports like obedience, tracking, and protection work. Led by Training Director Julio Hernandez, a seasoned working dog enthusiast and breeder of working line German Shepherd Dogs under the kennel name “Kriegshund-Zug,” the club offers group training sessions twice weekly on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings. The club welcomes beginners and experienced handlers alike, emphasizing teamwork, active participation, and learning from peers. Members are encouraged to arrive on time, crate their dogs, and assist with field setup and spotting during sessions. The club provides detailed tips and gear recommendations for IGP training, including specific equipment like fur saver collars, prong collars, long lines, and agitation harnesses. Training is conducted at their dedicated facility, and they host official USCA trials. The club also offers resources for external learning and promotes responsible, structured training practices.

Julio Hernandez provides direct guidance and is available for questions via phone. The club does not offer private in-home training, boarding, or grooming services, but focuses exclusively on group-based IGP sport training. Dogs must be leashed in the parking area and crated when not training. The club trains in all weather conditions and encourages owners to come prepared with appropriate clothing and gear. They emphasize safety, especially in protection work, and strongly advise against practicing bite work at home.

The club is a full-member of the United Schutzhund Clubs of America (USCA), ensuring adherence to standardized IGP rules and scoring. Visitors are welcome to observe or participate, and new members are encouraged to introduce themselves and ask questions during sessions.

Accomplishments

Julio Hernandez has competed locally, regionally, and nationally in IGP sports. He is a breeder of working line German Shepherd Dogs under the kennel name “Kriegshund-Zug.” The club hosts official USCA trials and has served as a judge and helper for regional competitions. The club is a full-member of the United Schutzhund Clubs of America (USCA), indicating adherence to national standards.

How to Get Started!

First-time visitors are welcome to attend a Tuesday evening or Saturday morning session. Bring your dog, treats, a toy, a flat collar or fur saver, and a crate. Your dog must be leashed in the parking area and crated when not training. Introduce yourself to the group, and ask to be added to the list for obedience and protection training. Julio Hernandez will evaluate your dog and guide you on next steps. Call ahead to confirm the session is running.