Thursday, 23 March 2023
LEWISTOWN – The Mifflin County Dog Training Club celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.
Dogs and their owners have been meeting since 1988 for training and general canine education.
Founders Rhonda Kuhn and Ronde Dalton held the first MCDTC meeting Oct. 27, 1988 at Lundvall horse barn. During this meeting, club details such as membership dues, presentations, a code of ethics and a place to train dogs were established.
The original purpose of the club was to train dogs. Now, the club has grown to offer classes, clinics and visitations to schools and medical facilities.
President Maureen Romej said the club has been a great service for the community so dog owners do not have to travel to State College or Harrisburg for an obedience class.
MCDTC focuses on training using progressive training techniques and education. It also includes conformation showing, agility, rally, herding, tracking, field training, pet training for the public, therapy dog visits, rabies clinics, public awareness days and school demonstrations.
According to its code of ethics, MCDTC wishes to:
¯ Promote an active interest in, and a public appreciation of, the breeding of American Kennel Club and United Kennel Club recognized purebred dogs, as well as studying, owning, showing and obedience training of all dogs;
¯ Educate the public in all phases of being a responsible dog owner;
¯ Conduct and support obedience classes, canine learning, exhibitions and seminars;
¯ Provide the facilities for and make possible the training of dogs under the supervision of a qualified trainer or trainers;
¯ Do all in its power to protect and advance the interests of all breeds and to encourage sportsmanlike competition in dog training and at dogs shows and obedience trials;
¯ Encourage the public to buy AKC and UKC registered purebred dogs from recognized, reputable and established breeders.
MCDTC offers a class for every age: Kindergarten Puppy, Puppy Basic, Adult Basic and AKC Canine Good Citizen.
The club participates and hosts activities such as an annual rabies clinic, school demonstrations and training clinics for herding, tracking and massage.
Currently, MCDTC has five canines certified with Therapy Dogs International and the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. These dogs are taken for visits to the hospital and nursing homes.
Annual memberships for the club are available. A membership includes training workshops, reduced class rates and annual parties.
To find more information about classes and memberships, visit mifflincountydogs.org or the MCDTC Facebook page.
Monthly meetings are open to the public and are held at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at the Mifflin County Sportsman’s Club.
