FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you have additional questions and don't find an answer here, please feel free to send us an email at workingdogclubhouston@gmail.com or call us at 713.304.1201.
Can I visit your club or the Bobby Lavin Clinics?
Visitor are accepted at our club. Please see the Visit Our Club page to find out how to set up your visit. For our Bobby Lavin Clinics, audit spots are available.
What days does your club meet?
Club days are Saturday. We meet for tracking and obedience. Protection weekends are the dates that Bobby Lavin comes for his monthly clinics. Dates for Bobby's visits are posted on our Monthly Obedience and Protection Clinics page.
How can I become a club member?
Again, visitors are always welcome at our club. Visitors who wish to become members are voted in by club membership after a 60-day probationary period. We want to get to know you, your dog and your goals, and to give you time to ensure that you feel this is a good home for your training. Our goal is to ensure that new members are those who want to get involved in the club and be supportive and respectful to club members, our field and our sport.
What breeds to you allow at your club?
We are an all breed club that accepts members who wish to train and compete in the sport of IGP (Schutzhund).
I have a new puppy. How old does it need to be before I visit club?
Puppies are required to have completed all of their puppy vaccines before they may visit club. This is to ensure you protect your puppy's health and to ensure the wellbeing of our club dogs. Most puppies begin their visits around 14 - 16 weeks of age.
Can you recommend a trainer in my area?
There are many organizations you can look to for a trainer or club in your area. AWDF, AWMA, DVG, and USCA all have pages on their websites that list clubs in your area of the country. These are great places to start if you are looking to get involved in the sport.
Can I do this sport with my rescue dog?
It really depends on the dog, but most rescue dogs that we have seen do not possess the confidence, drive or temperament for the sport of IGP (Schutzhund). Handlers in this sport purchase purposefully bred dogs from breeders whose breeding dogs train and trial in the sport. This ensures that their puppies possess all of the characteristics needed to be successful in IGP or bite sports.
Do you offer classes in general dog obedience?
Our club members train their own dogs for the sport of IGP (Schutzhund). We do not offer classes in dog obedience. There are a number of excellent training centers in Houston, and one of their trainers could help you with private lessons or in a class setting.
Can you train my dog for personal protection?
We are a sport club for IGP (Schutzhund). Our members train their own dogs to compete in the sport. Personal protection is not the same as protection in IGP. You would need to find a trainer that specializes in personal protection training.
I found a dog or have a dog I need to rehome. Can you help me place it?
We do not assist with dog placement or rehoming.