Ground Zero Schutzhund Club (GZSC) welcomes you to participate in our training in support of the sport of IGP/Schutzhund. As such, we base our training on teaching our dogs to be willing partners in tracking, obedience and protection.
Our members appreciate a good working dog regardless of the breed. If your dog is mentally and physically sound, has a confident and stable temperament, loves to retrieve and play tug, is not dog aggressive and you think you might be interested in learning about the sport of IGP/Schutzhund, you’re welcome work with us an then decide if you wish to join the club.
Visitors will be charged for each session attended ($25) if you bring your dog out and work them on the field. You will be expected to participate in all three phases of training if you plan to be part of the club. After four sessions as a visitor and should you wish to be considered for membership, all active club members will vote to approve or reject membership privileges. You are welcome to attend to audit our training sessions any time without any additional fee.
Please keep in mind the following when deciding if you wish to train as a Non-Member with our Club:
1. Our club sessions are not training classes. We are here to work our own dogs and obtain input from other club members. You should watch, ask questions, and then be prepared to train on a regular basis on your own. Our members are always willing to help those who work with our Club, but we will not train your dog. If you want more instruction and wish to progress more rapidly, we strongly encourage you to take classes or private lessons with a qualified trainer.
2. We do not do personal protection training. IGP is not about personal protection and a successful dog/handler team must be proficient in obedience, tracking and protection.
3. Dogs are to remain on leash at all times unless otherwise instructed by our Training Director.
4. Do not let your dog socialize with other dogs unless specifically told by the other handler that is it acceptable.
5. Your dog must be under control at all times. Excessive barking at other dogs is not permitted and should not be encouraged, especially when other teams are working on the field.
6. Be courteous to other handlers and their dogs while working. Feel free to ask questions but respect another team’s time on the training field.
7. Clean up after your dog. As we work in many public parks, our Club would like to remain in good standing so that we may continue to do so.
8. Bring water for your dog. It can get hot and your dog will need to drink after working.
9. Your dog must remain crated in or near your car unless otherwise instructed by our Training Director. As dogs are working off lead, it is for the safety of your dog that they remain crated or in your car.
10. The following basic equipment is recommended for our club training sessions:
a. A 6-foot quality leash, and a long line of at least 12 feet.
b. A flat collar, a slip or pinch collar is also recommended.
c. Food (cut up hotdogs, cut up cooked meat, string cheese)
d. Toys (a ball on a string and a tug toy are both recommended)
e. Water and water bowl
f. Poop bags
11. You must provide your dog's proof of Rabies vaccination. Puppies must be fully vaccinated and be at least 5 months of age.
As a visiting, Non-Member, I understand and sign the following:
1. I understand that my participation in this club is at my own discretion and own risk.
2. I will not hold this club, its officers, members, sponsors, landowners and other participants responsible for damage that may occur to my person or property as a result of the activities of this club.
3. I understand that the training of my dog is primarily for the purpose of the sport of IGP/Schutzhund.
4. I am aware that Ground Zero Schutzhund Club events include training and trials of various breeds of dogs. I am familiar with such training. I am aware that injury and damage, while rare, can occur in such club events. Knowing the risks, I hereby agree to assume those risks and to release and hold harmless all of the persons or entities mentioned above.
5. I understand it is my responsibility to provide ample home insurance to cover the possible actions of my dog.
6. I understand that I am fully responsible for the actions of my dog and I agree to keep my dog properly restrained and under reasonable control during training sessions.
7. I agree to treat my dogs in a humane manner.
8. I am familiar with and agree to accept and abide by the rules and bylaws of Ground Zero Schutzhund Club and USCA.