About WSOTC

Started by a group of about 15 dog lovers in August of 1946, WSOTC is the only AKC obedience member club in the state.  The program for the first meeting was Blanche Sanders’ movie on novice obedience. Our first obedience trial was held in 1949, with 36 entries.  Over the years our trials have been held in various locations including Seattle Center and Magnuson Park.  Our 100th trial was in 2011 with 2012 marking our first year at the Evergreen Fairgrounds in Monroe.

Tracking tests were added in 1964, agility trials in 2001, and rally obedience in 2005.  Back to back obedience and rally trials are held in early spring, Agility trials in July, and TD and TDX tests in spring and fall.

Obedience classes were held from the early years, in the early 1950’s in an armory, large enough to hold four classes at one time.  For a brief period, we had classes in a building that the club purchased, though that soon proved to be inadequate in terms of size and expense.  Current classes are held in Magnuson Park and the Lake City Community Center.   Beginning classes are geared to help average pet owners develop a better relationship with their dogs and to educate people in their responsibilities as dog owners. For those who wish further training and to prepare for obedience competition, additional classes are also offered.   We offer three training sessions per year—fall, winter and spring.  Classes include Kindergarten Puppy Training, Beginning Obedience/Basic Manners, Rally, Novice, Open, Utility, and Canine Good Citizen (CGC). An AKC CGC test is conducted at the end of each session.  Instructors are club members who volunteer their time and who complete internships before teaching classes. Most instructors and assistants show their dogs and are good resources for students interested in competing at AKC shows.

Other club activities include public education, keeping abreast of canine legislation, awards to members who have competed with their dogs, donations to dog-related charities in years when income exceeds expenses, educational programs for members and social activities.

Meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month at varying locations. Check the calendar to see the schedule. New members are always welcome.