Thinking about giving someone a dog as a gift? It is not always a good idea. Find out more at these websites:
Puppies as Christmas Presents? Pets as Gifts
No Christmas Puppies Please! Puppies are NOT Stocking Stuffers!
Christmas Puppies? Hanukkah Kittens? Avoiding the Christmas Rush

Interested in the CGC? If your dog has good manners, he or she may be eligible for a certificate from the American Kennel Club. The AKC's Canine Good Citizen® Program is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community and also stresses responsible pet ownership for owners. All dogs, including both purebred and mixed breed dogs are welcome to participate in the CGC program. Dogs must be old enough to have received necessary immunizations such as rabies vaccines, and there is no age limit on the test. A dog is never too old to be a good citizen! For more information, check the AKC Canine Good Citizen page, where you can order a Participant's Guide which lists CGC skills and suggestions for how to train your dog. The MNDTC usually offers a CGC test in late May or early June of each year (check our Events page.)

Interested in the sport of Agility? Dog agility is a sport in which a handler is given a set amount of time in which to direct a dog through a series of obstacles, which include tunnels, jumps, see-saw, A-frame, dog-walk, tire jump and weave poles. Agility is an exciting fast-paced sport, which requires a confident dog that also is under control while not on leash, and knows how to come, sit, down and stay. This Introduction to Dog Agility site will give you more general information about the sport. The MNDTC offers beginners agility classes on a regular basis, check our Current Class Schedule for information. If your dog has never been in a training class before, we suggest first taking an obedience class to brush up on the control skills needed for agility work. You are welcome to come watch the MNDTC AKC Agility trials held in February and May, check our Events page for details.

Interested in Obedience competition? Obedience trials require dogs to perform a set routine of commands that, depending on the level, may include heeling, recalls, stays, jumping, and retrieving. Check out this Obedience Trials: The sport of obedience site for an overview of what is expected. You should also visit the AKC's Getting Started in Obedience page. Many members of the MNDTC participate in obedience trials and we'd be glad to answer any questions. You are welcome to come watch the MNDTC AKC Obedience trial, which is usually in November (check our Events page).

Buying a dog? Make the politically correct choice and Think First!
If you've really thought about it, and decide to get a dog, try these breed matching sites to see what breed is right for you: DogMatch from AOL; Selectapet from Petnet in Australia; Dog Selector from SelectSmart.com; or Select a Dog.
Once you've decided on a breed, check the Breeder referral from AKC. Or, rescue a dog through the local Centre County PAWS or SPCA, or a National Breed Rescue.

Thinking about breeding your dog? Check out The Responsible Breeder and Making a Difference a comprehensive site by Diane Blackman; and Breeding/Breeder Information a serious section from the otherwise humorous Leilah's Laughs site. Also, visit this Virtual Breeding site by Jane M. Johnson which has been designed for those who want to learn more about breeding, without actually having to breed their dog.

Want to join the MNDTC? In order to join the club, you need to be sponsored by two current members. The best way to get sponsorship is to attend classes and events and get to know the members. Once you have your sponsors lined up, fill out the Membership Form and have your sponsors sign it. Read the MNDTC Constiution & Bylaws, and agree to abide by them by signing your form. Then either send the form, and the requisite dues, to the MNDTC at PO Box 315, Boalsburg, PA 16827, or give the form & dues to a Board Member. Once the board has acknowledged the membership application (either at a board or a regular meeting), the applicant will become a probationary member and will have all the benefits of membership except voting and reduced fees for classes offered by the club. A probationary member will be required to attend a regular meeting and be introduced by one of the sponsors. The introduction shall include what the person's interests are, and how he or she would like to contribute to club activities. If there are extenuating circumstances that prevent attendance at a regular meeting, the applicant is to notify his or her sponsor so other arrangements may be made. Probationary members must work at two club activities within one year from the date of the meeting at which their application was reviewed. After completion of activities, regular member status is conferred by majority vote at a regular club meeting. Regular meetings are held the second Tuesday of January, March, May, July, September, and November. Dues are currently $20 for individual membership, $30 for family membership, and $5 for a junior (10-18 years) membership.

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