About AWSOMM

AWSOMM is a USDAA member club. We are currently geared towards being an available practice resource for people who are either currently competing or training to prepare for competition in dog agility. We don't  offer beginner type classes.  That's not to say that club members don't start new dogs at the club practices... Just that we think people's first introduction to the sport is better handled in a more formal class format.

 While the club is a USDAA member club, our members compete in all of the available venues (USDAA, NADAC, AKC, UKC, CPE , AAC, ASCA, and TDAA). Some of our members have achieved the highest levels of competition and titles in multiple organizations. Others are just beginning competition at the Novice level with their first dog(s).

In the summer (from about April through the end of September), the club practices are held at the Matejek's home in the Lake Orion area.  In the winter (October through March), the club practices are held on the second and fourth  Sundays of the month  at  North Lapeer Canine Academy located near Fostoria (about 15 miles north of Lapeer). The Academy is heated, and has a rubberized floor making it ideal for training in the winter.

Practices are pretty informal with various club members helping each other out by pointing out handling techniques that would be helpful as well as mistakes made by the various handlers. With the varied experience level of our members, it's rather unusual for someone to have a problem and not receive one or more alternative solutions to solve it.

Practice sessions vary considerably, some weeks being "create your own training set" from a variety of obstacles set up in the training area. Other times, there is a numbered course set up although no one is required to run the course as numbered. Still other times, we practice some of the games classes (Snooker, Jumpers, Gamblers). On occasion there might be a particular "training set" set up.  Again, you're free to follow the established set, or create your own exercise that you think might benefit your dog more.

Membership procedures are pretty simple... Attend two or more practices. This gives the members the chance to evaluate you and your dog. It's not that we're expecting every dog to be a model citizen... But, for example, let's assume a dog has a problem with being dog aggressive. We want to see that the owner accepts the fact, and is willing to work to both improve the dog, as well as prevent any problems from occurring at club events. Once you've attended at least two practices, you need to fill out a club membership application and have it endorsed by two club members. At the next club business meeting , your application will be voted on and (hopefully) approved.

Membership dues are currently $30.00. There is no charge for members to attend club practice. 

The club hosts two outdoor USDAA sanctioned trials each year, in May and September.  In 2007, we added two indoor trials,  in February and  July. These trials are the primary way that the club earns the money needed for club operation, and equipment acquisition and maintenance.

Members are *expected* to be at the trials to help as well as to occasionally come and help at our equipment building, maintenance, painting "parties" (we generally have 2 a year shortly before each trial). Of course, we do realize that sometimes, things come up, and not everyone can attend every trial or every work session. That's why it's not a 'requirement' of membership.

To encourage member participation at the trials, members receive half off of their entry fees for the first dog, and 25% off for the second dog's entry fees.  (This more than offsets the membership dues.)

Finally, each January the club hosts our annual "post holiday" party. The club springs for dinner and beverages. (Except  alcohol... For that you have to buy your own.) At the party, everyone has a chance to get together and socialize, and members are recognized for their title accomplishments for the prior year. The club also usually has some sort of unique gift for each member, and agility or doggy related games.

Overall, it's a very friendly group, and I think most of our members would agree that there is a good deal of value in being a member of the group. There's also some hard work involved, particularly in putting on the trials, but for the most part the group carries it off with grace, good humor, and a lot of fun. As a group, we also believe in positive training methods and making agility a fun and enjoyable experience for your dog and for you.

If we sound like the kind of you group you'd like to get involved with, let us know, and we'll get you directions to come to practice so that you can get started. You can reach us via email to malnjack@cogeco.ca