Service Dogs of America
--
is the first
and ONLY working dog organization in
the United States of America that recognizes Protection, Police
Patrol K-9 and Search & Rescue titles through a National
Registry, the United Kennel Club.
SDA
MISSION STATEMENT:
Service Dogs of America
is dedicated to developing, preserving and using a canine's
natural instincts, intelligence and tractability to perform
meaningful, utilitarian tasks for humankind. The organization is
comprised of individual members and affiliated local dog
training clubs. It's goal is to use proven common sense methods
for training both canine and handler while maximizing the
social, family orientation and sport aspects of activities
centered on dog training and breeding evaluation.
SDA Athens
chapter was started in 2001 thanks to the
efforts of Jack Rayl and Bill Seltzer. The current
officers are as follows:
This chapter has grown
tremendously since its founding and is continuing to
expand every year with the growing support of the canine community.
General Information on
Joining SDA:
Everyone is welcome to come and watch
the training at all SDA local training clubs. You
may bring your dog(s) and participate but you must bring proof that
the dog(s) are current with all shots.
You do not have to join immediately....come,
participate, and make sure that you and your dogs are
comfortable with us and our training. The first
step to
effective training is attendance and enjoyment of both
the dogs and the owners. It requires both parties
to make a good team -- If either the dog or the owner does not enjoy
participating eventually you will quit attending.
You do not have to start training at any
particular time or level. Unlike a large
percentage of training classes which have certain times
that you can join, SDA allows you the flexibility of
joining the organization at any time.
Your dog does not have to be at a
certain level of training to join SDA. SDA is
designed so that every dog and every aspiring trainer
can start immediately. The classes are tailored to
each individuals current level and speed of training.
Dogs that learn quickly are not hindered by dogs
advancing at a slower rate.
Every breed of dog is welcome. SDA members
participate with German Shepherds, Dobermans, Belgian Malinois, Rotties,
Bull Dogs, Collies, Australian Shepherds, Tervurens, Great Danes,
etc. Every dog has a purpose and here at SDA
we like to be able to help find that purpose and allow
that dog to reach its full potential.
Your dog does not have to be registered
with the UKC to join Service Dogs of America. If
you wish to register your dog with the UKC, Service Dogs of America
will pay for your first registration and you will get a discount for
registering subsequent dogs with the UKC.
If you decide to join Service Dogs
of America, the annual dues are as follows:
Individual SDA members are not
required to belong to an affiliated club.
