The Club
Welcome to the Kirkintilloch and District Dog Training Club! We are a small, family-friendly club that has proudly served the community for over 60 years. With two dedicated trainers and a committee of volunteers, we strive to fulfil our mission: To provide training for dogs and to promote responsible dog ownership to ensure the dogs become happy, obedient and well-socialised canine companions. We take pride in our successful training history, with many members returning when they bring new puppies their homes.
Additionally, we provide fun agility sessions for all to enjoy!
Latest News
Classes
We offer obedience training in five levels: Novice, Graduate, Intermediate, Advanced, and Senior Advanced. Classes are held on Thursday evenings at the Kilsyth Old Library each lasting 30 minutes and starting at 6:30 PM. The cost is £90 per block, with each block spanning about 15 weeks from January to May and August to November.
£90 per block
More about our club and our Trainers
KDDTC celebrated its 70th anniversary on 2021 which is testament to the high regard its members have always had for it and to the dedication of its trainers and volunteer committee members over the years. We are a non-profit organisation and all money paid by members is put towards hiring our class and agility venues, buying equipment e.g. fly ball and funding member events such as the Christmas Party where our certificates and awards are presented. This party is always eagerly anticipated – we have pizza and cake!
We're Good, But Don't Just Take Our Word For It...
My last lovely dog and I attended the KDDTC classes for 7 years and we both learned so much. We lost Charlie last year and now have we have a new pup and I had absolutely no hesitation in enrolling in the puppy class. In the 5 weeks since we started there has been such progress. I would definitely recommend KDDTC to dog owners.
Sharman
10/10 from both me and from my dog for KDDCT obedience training.
I have been going to the training classes since my spaniel was a puppy.
The class has been amazing for us, both for the obedience training and for socialising my dog.
The training is in small groups of dogs at a similar level, so my dog has learned he has to pay attention to me, even if there are other distractions, and believe me - he is easily distracted.
The trainers are caring and patient and make the training really enjoyable.
We both love going to the classes.
This is third of my dogs I have trained at the club, so I think that speaks for itself.
Jean Young
I first started going to the club in February 2024, when I realised the collie pup I had given a home to had quite serious behavioural problems. I choose this particular club as my pal volunteers there and I was sure I would be welcomed and helped with my problem. Mika my Collie pup & I travel travel down from Tighnabruaich, a round trip of 180 miles, every week to enjoy the training sessions at the club. Mika has always responded well to the trainers and training, she has learned to mix well with (most of) the other dogs, she adores the agility sessions and socialisation has really been important for her. It has also benefited me, teaching me to be more patient, sometimes lowering my expectations of Mika's behaviour but more importantly that consistency and practice are essential for the dog's well being. I don't think I have missed a single session of training since I started and I know that Mika really thrives on the training. Great club, great trainers, great fun.
Katie
This is Meggie Make do, she was the fastest dog in the agility and the noisiest.
I've been with KDDTC for over 35 years. Why??? Because Sharon, Helen and the Committee have a wealth of experience. But the most important is training both dogs and owners the essentials needed for them to be Social and Obedient. It's the basics initially. Having a dog that will stop what they're doing and come back to you is vital. The Club is like a family, with help for every difficulty you might think you have with your dog.
COVID resulted in many people getting dogs during lockdown who missed out on the early stages of socialisation. The Club can give loads of advice.
Classes are Mixed Breeds which is great.
Apart from the obedience part of the Club, there is the Agility fun classes. The Dogs love it and because it's in a massive arena the Handlers get a workout too.๐. The more experienced dogs get invited onto the Display team which then performs at Agricultural Shows and Gala Days.
Also on occasion we make visits to Schools so the children can learn about asking an adult if their dog is friendly and then if they could pet the dog.
It's a Fun Club. The Christmas Party is hilarious for everybody. The Kids get to come and join in with the crazy party games with the dogs too.
The Club just asked me to write a few words about KDDTC but that would be an impossible task. There's a reason why KDDTC has lasted so long and that reason is they are the Best. We have the dogs with the Waggiest Tails too. ๐๐๐โ๐ฆบ
Glenys
fun agility
We also host fun agility sessions several times throughout the year, which are open to both members and non-members. These sessions are designed to be fun and social, rather than competitive or instructional. We don't provide formal agility training, but our sessions are an enjoyable way to bond with your dog while exploring a variety of agility equipment.
meet the pack & The Team
Trainer
Sharon Johnstone
Hello and welcome! I'm Sharon, one of the trainers here at KDDTC. We are thrilled to have you consider joining our club. Whether you're looking to improve your dog's obedience or just want to be part of a friendly community, we are here to support you. Take a look around, and we hope to see you and your canine companion in class soon! I have been the trainer at the club for more years that I care to admit but I have loved every minute of it and have great memories of all the dogs. I have always had Border Collies and training and working with them over the years has been an absolute pleasure and can't wait to meet you and your pup.
Volunteer Committee Member
Jaqueline
Say hello to Struan and Skye, Jacqueline's fantastic bearded collies! Jacqueline has been volunteering on the committee for years and knows a ton about dogs of all breeds having owned so many different breeds, plus sheโs had her fair share of rescue pups. Her love for animals really in everything she does.
Volunteer Committee Member
Yvonne
This is Sanna and Ghrian, Yvonne's beloved Golden Retrievers. Yvonne has been an integral part of our team for many years, bringing her vast experience to the floor as she assists with classes and keeps you updated through our social media. And let's not forget the fantastic hampers she creates for our award nightsโthey're truly a highlight!
Volunteer Committee Member
Laura & Brian
Meet Bella, our delightful but crazy working cocker spaniel and the newest addition to our family! Youโll often see her and Jem, our amazing loyal Labrador, during our sessions with Laura and Brian. As long time members of the club having brought our first two dogs Jules & Jody to the club weโve loved being part of this wonderful community. A few years ago, we took the next step and joined the committee, eager to contribute even more. We look forward to welcoming and supporting everyone who shares in this journey with us.
Trainer
Helen Sutherland
Hello I am Helen, and this is Storm. I have also been a trainer here for several years and love being part of the club helping our members with their dogs, I have German Shepherds and always have a soft spot for the ones that join the club.
Volunteer Committee Member
Lindsay
This is Sam and Poppy Lindsay's Labradors. Lindsay, a valued member of our for club having been with us for several years, she will be your primary contact for any enquiries and will welcome you at classes. Additionally, her husband, Stewart, plays a role in organising the delightful dog treats our canine companions enjoy.
Volunteer Committee Member
Eleanor
Meet Eleanor, who will be here to greet you on Thursday evenings. With years of experience in dog care, including owning dogs and running her own boarding kennels, Eleanor is a valuable part of our club.