For #VolunteersWeek, we feature Stewartry Dog Training Club, which was established in 1987 to provide people in the Stewartry and surrounding areas with an opportunity to train and learn with their dogs.
The club also runs classes for puppies to help new owners, is registered with the Kennel Club and runs the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog award scheme.
The training club provides on opportunity for those who are interested to improve their skills and knowledge, promotes responsible dog ownership, assists those who are facing challenges with their dog’s behaviour and is a social space for like-minded individuals.
The range of dog training related activities has grown in recent years along with the interest of pet dog owners to take part in organised activities.
With the significant increase in dog ownership as a result of the pandemic, this has led to an increase in demand. Our small club is run entirely by volunteers who not only give freely of their time to run the classes and associated administration but attend appropriate training courses to enhance their own skills and knowledge. Our members range in age from primary school to those in their eighties and we cater for all abilities.
As well as improving the health and well-being of over 80 members and their dogs, the wider community benefit from the increase in responsible dog ownership resulting from the training we provide.
We have also worked with young people who have volunteered with the Club as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award activities.
Over the past 37 years, the Club has taken part in a range of local gala day activities in addition to our routine training activities. Our members have also travelled the length and breadth of the country taking part in a range of canine activities including obedience, scent work, mantrailing and agility, including competing in agility at Crufts.
Special mention must also be made of our chairperson and lead instructor, Pam Stokes, who has been the lynchpin of the Club for 27 years.