Trail Creek Dog Training Club

Trail Creek Dog Training Club offers a variety of group classes structured as 6-week sessions, along with several drop-in classes.

Obedience classes include Puppy Class, focusing on socialization, common puppy problems, and basic skills like sit, down, stay, recall, and loose leash walking. Beginning Obedience covers skills for tests like AKC CGC and UKC SPOT, including heeling, distance stays, and recalls with distractions. Advanced Obedience is for dogs with basic skills needing repetition and may include competition obedience material.

Agility classes include Beginning Agility for safe introduction to equipment and basic handling, Intermediate Agility for building on skills and running basic courses, and Advanced Agility for competition-level skills. Private Agility lessons are also available by arrangement. Scent Work training is offered with Beginning Scent Work, teaching how to train dogs for this sport.

Drop-in classes are available for Rally Obedience, Competition Obedience, and Conformation, providing ring space, equipment, and coaching from experienced competitors. These drop-in sessions are not formal classes but allow for practice and group work. All classes are taught in group settings and are not suitable for aggressive or reactive dogs.

Pricing Summary

Classes are $90 for a 6-week session. A $10 discount is available for shelter/rescue dogs, senior citizens, or JR handlers. Enrollment in a second class for the same dog or a different dog is $70, with only one discount per enrollment. Drop-in classes are available for Rally Obedience at $10.00 per night and Conformation at $5.00 per night.

Policies

All classes are taught in group settings with various dogs and humans in close proximity. Because of this, classes are not ideal for aggressive or reactive dogs.

Trail Creek Dog Training Club (TCDTC) is a not-for-profit dog club based out of La Porte, Indiana, run entirely by volunteers dedicated to promoting the dog and human bond. The club offers various community classes throughout the year, including puppy socialization, basic and advanced obedience, and agility.

TCDTC also hosts various dog sport events in different venues such as UKC, AKC, and NACSW, including Agility, Conformation, Obedience, and Nosework. Formed in the early 1970s, the club has a long history of providing group and private training classes, community demonstrations, and dog show events.

The club is heavily involved in the community, primarily in La Porte County and nearby counties like St. Joseph, Dubois, and Elkhart. Members participate in 4-H dog projects, therapy dog programs, public community event demonstrations, and volunteer at local schools to educate children about pet care and training. The facility is also available for rent for special events.

Accomplishments

Trail Creek Dog Training Club was formed in the early 1970s in response to local interest in dog training. Since then, it has hosted various dog activities, including training classes, community demonstrations, and dog show events.

The club is run entirely by volunteers and is heavily involved in community activities, with members participating in 4-H dog projects, therapy dog programs, and public demonstrations at festivals, malls, and local schools. Notable members include Kasha Strathman, whose Alaskan Malamute Amy has earned over 200 titles in various dog sports, and Badger, who is the #1 Alaskan Malamute in FastCAT. Cathy Gray’s Siberian Huskies have earned UKC Diamond Grand Champion titles in Conformation. Jackie Foldenauer’s Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have achieved multiple UKC Agility and Nosework titles. Lee Ann Layman and Nicole’s Bouvier de Flandres have earned Champion and Master Draft Dog titles, with Chloe awarded HIT Bouvier at the 2024 National Specialty. Lorraine Tighe, a long-time club member and instructor since the early 1990s, had her original dog receive the club’s first Canine Good Citizen title and continues therapy work with her Belgian Tervuren.

How to Get Started!

To sign up for classes, clients can attend a designated sign-up night, such as April 15th from 5:45-6:30 pm. Attendees should not bring their dogs but must bring vaccination records and payment. Alternatively, clients can mail a class application, which must include vaccination records and payment. Puppies require proof of a negative fecal check. The club accepts check or cash payments.