Wenatchee Kennel Club Inc

WKC offers six class sessions per year: Jan-Feb, Mar-Apr, May-June, July-Aug, Sept-Oct, and Nov-Dec. Class schedules are published on the 22nd of the month preceding the start of the next session, with registration opening at 6 PM two days later on the 22nd. Most classes have limited enrollment and require pre-registration, except for Show Handling.

Classes are open to the general public and all breeds. Dogs must not display aggression toward people or other dogs to attend group classes. Bitches in season must wear panties. WKC reserves the right to cancel any class with fewer than 3 dogs. No refunds are given for unused classes, but refunds before a session starts are reviewed case-by-case. Puppies must have at least 2 of their 3 puppy shots before starting Beginner Puppy class, and proof of up-to-date immunizations is required for Beginner Dog. The Canine Good Citizen Test is offered at the final lesson of Basic Obedience.

Pricing Summary

Standard 7-week classes range from $105 to $125. Seminars and other non-standard offerings vary in cost. Club members receive a $10 discount on each standard class, excluding seminars and non-standard offerings. Personal use of the indoor training room is $10/hour for the first dog and $5/hour for additional dogs, payable inside the building. Outdoor training areas are free but require advance reservation. The Therapy Dog certification test is $10 if not attending the class, and instructor credits or member discounts are not applicable for this specific test or seminar. Membership dues are $30/year for individual, $45/year for family, and $15/year for junior membership, with a $2 convenience fee for online payments.

Policies

Pre-registration is required for all classes except Show Handling. There are no refunds for unused classes; refunds before a session starts are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. WKC reserves the right to cancel or combine any class with fewer than 3 registrants.

The club reserves the right to exclude any dog that displays disruptive or potentially dangerous behavior, as determined by the instructor. All persons on WKC property must comply with local, state, and federal COVID-19 requirements, and individuals exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms should not enter the property. Agility instructors are the only people allowed to move contact equipment, and no equipment should be dragged across the floor.

Wenatchee Kennel Club (WKC) is a non-profit organization for dog sports enthusiasts in North Central Washington, with a training center in East Wenatchee. Their mission is to promote responsible pet ownership and engage handlers and dogs in learning activities that exercise both brains and muscles. They welcome all purebred and mixed-breed dogs and their handlers who want to build great canine companionship.

WKC offers year-round dog training classes, teaching owners how to train their dogs using positive methods to achieve desired behaviors. Many classes are geared towards participation in various dog sports, including Agility, Obedience, Rally Obedience, Tracking, Dog Shows (Conformation), and Hunt Tests. They host several events annually under American Kennel Club rules.

While membership is encouraged and offers benefits like class discounts, it is not required to participate in classes, events, or general meetings. The club also maintains a lending library of dog-related media and print titles for members.

Accomplishments

WKC was initially incorporated in 1961 and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2011. They held their first AKC licensed show in 1963 and their first AKC sanctioned Tracking Test in 1991. The average pass rate for their TD (Tracking Dog) tests has been 64%, which is higher than the national average of 55%. Their first AKC sanctioned Agility Trials were held in 2003.

WKC received the American Kennel Club Summer 2018 Public Education Award. The club is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The current Board of Directors includes Louise Day (President), Lew Wagman (Vice President), Willard Fields (Treasurer), Kelly Boreson (Secretary), Carla Duncan (Director), John Njus (Director), and Maggy Susman (Director).

How to Get Started!

To sign up for a class, prospective students should first read the class description and ensure they meet any prerequisites. They should then check the “Registrations Received” page on the website to confirm space availability. Online registration forms must be completed for each dog, even if registering for multiple classes.

Payment can be made online via credit card or by mailing a check, which must be postmarked within 3 days of registration to avoid forfeiting the spot. All registrants agree to abide by WKC’s Facility Rules and understand the Hold Harmless agreement by submitting their online form. Class schedules are posted on the 20th of the month prior to the session, with online registration beginning at 6 PM on the 22nd.