Merrimac Dog Training Club

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Hampton, VA
Merrimac Dog Training Club

Merrimac Dog Training Club is an AKC licensed club in Hampton, VA offering obedience, rally, agility

The Merrimac Dog Training Club (MDTC) is housed in a 10,000 square foot facility that supports our full range of training classes, run-throughs, seminars, and trials. With room for three regulation- sized, fully matted obedience rings, our climate-controlled facility allows for multipurpose year around use: obedience, agility, and conformation matches; special events; club meetings; and seminars a

nd workshops. For instance, obedience trials enjoy three rings, exhibitor crating space, dog exercise area, kitchenette, ample parking at the building, and motels accepting dogs within ten minutes driving time. In addition to supporting MDTC activities and classes, the building is available for rent by other clubs or organizations at reasonable rates.

12/29/2023

Reminder:
Don't forget to register for the Obedience and Rally Run-through on Sat Jan 6.
Deadline to sign up is Tues Jan 2.
Make one of your New Year's resolutions to train your dog 😎🍾

12/27/2023

Looking for something fun to do with your dog in the New Year? We have two introductory scent work classes scheduled to start in January! Daytime classes – Tuesdays at 1:15pm, Evening classes – Thursdays at 6:30. Any dog and any person can do it; join us! Sign up here - https://merrimacdogtrainingclub.coursestorm.com

12/24/2023

* FAST CAT * FAST CAT *
Reminders from SugarloafMountainRacing.com :

This mass-email is being sent as a reminder to those who entered Fast CAT in the Williamsburg and Virginia Beach area this past year that we have events again on January 4-7th at Providence Park in Virginia Beach. The host clubs are Virginia Beach Kennel Club on Thursday-Friday, and Hampton Roads Obedience Training Club on Saturday-Sunday. Last year these January events were held in Courtland, but we have relocated to a favorable location.

If you have already entered, thank you! If not, you still have time to enter! Entries close next Thursday, December 28th. Entries available online 24/7 at SugarloafMountainRacing.com and we hope to see you again in 2024!

We will also return to Williamsburg on February 22-25th and April 11-14th with Cavalier Doberman Pinscher Club and Langley Kennel Club. The April dates are new, we used to run on Memorial Day weekend but switched to a more favorable weekend.

Thank you,

Ching

12/22/2023

Greetings,

It’s that time again – we’re gearing up for a great 2024 of training at Merrimac, and you’re invited! Saturday (tomorrow!) at midnight registration opens to the membership and non-members.

We have a diverse line-up to start us off – thirty classes with something for everyone, at all levels. Our instructors are busy thinking up creative ways for you to have fun with your pup while learning, training and building your relationship. See what's happening at
https://merrimacdogtrainingclub.coursestorm.com/

Please let your non-member friends know we would love for them to join us – post it on your FB page, even. There are starter classes for agility, barn hunt, conformation, obedience, puppy and scent work. While the weather is frightful outside, the training will be delightful inside at the club!

Here’s the remaining registration schedule for Session 2024-01. Be sure to get on the wait list if a class looks full – we’ll try to add you to the class after the dust settles.

All MDTC Members and the General Public: Dec 23 (Sat) – Jan 3 (Weds)
Second Dog for Same Class: Jan 2-3 (Tues – Wed)
Registrar clears the Wait List: Jan 3-6 (Wed – Sat
Happy, happy holidays from the Merrimac Training Committee!

12/21/2023

Let's see your Christmas/Holiday photos of your pups!!
Drop in the comments!!

12/19/2023

Brenda D would like to share:

"We were not at FL but Five day Cluster at Allentown PA.

We played around at Allentown PA 5 day cluster and came away with:
Flame-Niday Just Like Fire BOS WB for 2pts and 2 reserves bringing her total to 9 pts(1 major)toward her CH. (FireXRoxy)
Henley-GCH CH Aquaholics Rowing On The Thames With Niday RATO BCAT TKN earned 2 BOB with group cuts both days and 3 Selects for a total of 14 pts towards his GCHB. (FireXHallie)
Love how these two are gaining confidence plus their gliding movement.
Many thanks to Rebecca Clas Kirzner and Darlene Bell-Bergan for the hard work."

12/19/2023

Lisa and Nikki made the trip to Orlando where they competed in Agility

12/17/2023

Update from Royal Canin in Orlando, FL.
Deirdre and her Tollers would like to share their respective brags 🤩🥳

Bolt earned DSX2 (NADD Dock Senior Advanced 2 title)

Hallie Select Bitch on day 1 of Orlando

Citrus Best Puppy in Sweeps and Best Puppy at the Regional Specialty, Winners Bitch for a major on day 3

12/13/2023

More news from Orlando, FL at the obedience pre-Classic shows

Julie and Trident won 1st place in the Open A class at the Orlando Dog Training Club Obedience Trial. Julie says "It's his first time here at the convention center so super proud of him."
SHR Bibelot Tolka Stealth in the Night CDX BN SH BCAT WCX

12/13/2023

Congratulations Linda & Phantom on your title at Fast CAT Nationals in Orlando, FL....

Phantom says: "I ran really fast here! Way better than I've been doing! Must have been the 45 degree weather! FCAT 4 title! Another run Thursday.

12/12/2023

Members and students...if you are participating in any of the many events in Florida this week, please keep us posted on your accomplishments!
Send us a message with photos and details!!

12/10/2023

Congratulations to club member Anh Tuan Vo and Celeste on earning their Masters Title in Barn Hunt this weekend! Celeste was so happy it made her yodel. 😁

12/08/2023

Thought everyone would like some candid Barn Hunt photos from Friday's trial.
Don't forget to share your brags in comments or send them to us in messenger!

12/06/2023

It is hard to believe that we're making plans for 2024 already but sign up for the first Obedience/Rally Run thru of the year is now open!
Start your new year off right!!

We are now accepting registration for the MDTC Saturday 06 January 2024 Obedience & Rally Run Through.

To sign up for the Run-Through, PLEASE include all information requested in paragraph “A” below in submitting email.

For those finding it inconvenient to arrive by 10:30, see paragraph “B2” below.

A. Registration
All registration MUST be submitted by e-mail by 5 PM the Tuesday before the Run-through to provide time for processing (i.e. 5 PM Tuesday 02 January). If you do not hear from us within 3-4 days, PLEASE Text or call Jim Swimme (757) 469-1420 so we can be sure it did not get lost.

Submit the following for each dog you wish to run by Email to Jim Swimme ([email protected]) at the earliest practical date.

Handler’s name
Handler’s phone number
Dog’s name
Breed
Each Obedience and/or rally class entered (and number of times you wish to run in each class.
Whether you want to run A or B for Open and Utility Obedience.

B. Fees & Payment

Payment will be the day of the run-through by check or exact change to minimize handling of paperwork and money. Fees are $8 / $7/ $5 for each dog for Obedience runs and $5 for each Rally Run. See paragraph E.3 below for “Facility-Ring Familiarization” class.

1. The Check-In table will be open for fee collection from 8:30 till 10:30 AM; this may be extended if registration is very large. Showing starts at 9 AM and goes till we run out of customers.

2. As a convenience to anyone who wishes to arrive after 10:30 AM, you may "Pre-Check in” by mailing a NON-REFUNDABLE check, Payable to “MDTC”. You still MUST be present when your class is called. If you do not arrive at the ring before your class is called, you may not get to show, and payment will not be refunded. Do not send cash.
Contact Jim at the number below for address where checks can be sent for pre-registration.

C Covid Policy
For present there are no special limitations due to Covid.

D. Judging Schedule
Everyone will be notified of the earliest start time for your earliest class via e mail, as soon after we close registration as practical. Runs will be grouped by class to minimize crowding in the building.

E. Run-Through Rules Policies and Procedures showing starting at 9 AM
1. We will have three rings. One ring for Rally & two rings for Obedience.

a. Rally walk through for all classes, will start when building opens, by 8:45 AM, with showing starting at 9 AM. Additional walk-through periods will be scheduled by the ring staff throughout the event.

1) Runs will NOT be restricted to running in rally class order.

2) After checking in at desk in the lobby, Rally handlers please sign the run order sheet for a slot(s) to run in. This list will assist in the order for running except the ring staff may vary order to keep things running.

b. BN then Novice Obedience and Utility will start showing at 9 AM. Open will follow Novice or Utility depending on which finishes first.

c. Training equipment (e.g. go-out targets, “Place” mats, “front and finish boxes”, etc.) will not be allowed except if specifically approved beforehand by the judge and their use will normally be strictly limited to one repeat of one exercise. Also, we will only support AKC Obedience and Rally classes.

2. The “Judges” are in total control of everything related to their ring and may terminate any handlers time in the ring if they find their actions disruptive to the event.

3. To aid customers with new dogs/puppies, a special “Facility-Ring Familiarization” class will be offered. Fee for this is $5 per dog. Dogs registered for a regular Rally or Obedience class are not eligible for this.

a. Dog should have all shots appropriate to its age.

b. Dog must be able to maintain reasonable control (opinion of staff) in the building and when crated.

c. Dog and Handler will have approximately 10 minutes in whichever ring finishes first (or after Utility if it moves to the rally ring).

Jim Swimme
[email protected]
Cell/text: (757) 469-1420

12/05/2023

A few shots from Saturday's Agility trials.
Brags and photos welcome in comments!

12/04/2023

It's been a super busy last few days for our club! Your Facebook admin was busy at our agility trials this weekend but getting caught up on posting photos.
Enjoy some snap shots of our Fast CAT event on Thursday and Friday at Waller Mill Park in Williamsburg with Ching and Sugarloaf Mountain Racing.
As always, feel free to share brags and photos in the comments or message us on Facebook!

11/29/2023

Addison and Sass had a wonderful weekend in Frankfort, KY! They went 6/6 in the champion class with 5 being REMX legs (faster than 2:30). Sass earned her RATCHX17, CZ8P4, and REMX5. They also had their first cleared course in Crazy 8.

11/26/2023

Vili's owner is proud to announce that he earned his FCAT making his new personal best for two days in a row! 😍

11/25/2023

It's Small Business Saturday!
Let's show some love to our awesome vendors who support our dog sport addiction!

11/23/2023

Happy Thanksgiving to our members, students and friends!

11/21/2023

Just a reminder of the foods not to give your 4-legged friends no matter how much they beg followed up with a fun idea for some Kong stuffing.
Avoid that GI upset and trip to the vet.
🍎🍗🥕 🦃

11/20/2023

Hey all you cool chicks and Fast "CAT"-ers!!
News from Sugarloaf Mountain Racing.
Still time to enter Merrimac's Fast CAT trials!!

This is a friendly reminder that entries for next weekend's events in Williamsburg with Merrimac Dog Training Club (Thursday-Friday) and Langley Kennel Club (Saturday-Sunday) close on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, in 3 days.

Online entries at SugarloafMountainRacing.com available 24/7 at your convenience.

We are returning to Providence Park in Virginia Beach on January 4-7, 2024 with Virginia Beach Kennel Club (Thursday-Friday) and Hampton Roads Obedience Training Club (Saturday-Sunday). Entries for those events will open later this week.

We are also returning to Waller Mill Park in Williamsburg in February 2024 with Langley Kennel Club (Thursday-Friday) and Cavalier Doberman Pinscher Club (Saturday-Sunday).

One last item, We have moved up the Memorial Day events in Williamsburg from May 24-27, 2024 to April 11-14, 2024 with Cavalier Doberman Pinscher Club (Thursday-Friday) and Langley Kennel Club (Saturday-Sunday.

11/14/2023

On 11-11-23, at the age of 11, Kori earned her Barn Hunt Novice B title (RATNX) at Merrimac Dog Training Club under Judge Elizabeth Staley. This title has a requirement of 10 legs. All together, it took us 20 runs and a year and a half to earn the 10 legs because Kori had her own agenda for this adventure. For every 2 trials we attended, she would only qualify once. In other words, we donated some dollars to the clubs, gifts from Kori. 😆 However, Kori never trained or practiced for barn hunt, she just did it. She also placed in every trial that she qualified in (7 first places, 2 third places, and 1 second place). I'm so proud of our old girl! She is now retired from barn hunt! Good job Kori!!

11/14/2023

The Shalyn Flat-coated Retrievers have been busy putting their noses to work in both Barn Hunt and Scent Work. This is what Sherri shared with us:

Shalyn Flatcoat Retrievers had a terrific day at the Merrimac Dog Training Club Barn hunt trial!
Pink made her debut today earning her first two Novice Q’s with a first and third placement! She had to find 1 rat tube with a climb and tunnel in under 2 minutes.
Breeze earned another Master Q with a second place. I wish I had videoed Breeze finding 5 rats, tunnel and climb in under 4 minutes and 30 seconds. She had a beautiful run! Her time was 3 minutes and 26 seconds.

At Merrimac Dog Training Club, Breeze and I entered our very first scent work trials! She was entered six times and qualified six times with five placements. Breeze and I earned her novice container, novice interior and novice exterior qualifications, in two trials today. One more trial to go to get those titles!

11/14/2023

Lisa Myer & Pudge entered their first Barn Hunt Trials. Pudge came out swinging! He got his Novice A title and even got a high in class ribbon in his first open run.

11/13/2023

Lexi was 6/6 in Master B earning her RATCHX47 and earned 450/500 possible crazy 8 points this weekend to earn her CZ8P11 (22,000 lifetime points) titles.

She is the #1 Boston in the sport by 400 Master Q’s and leads in crazy 8 points by 11,000 points over the next Boston.

11/13/2023

Sunday Barn Hunt trial candids...enjoy!
We will post individual brags we have throughout the week so if you want some Facebook time, let us know!!

11/12/2023

Candid ring shots from yesterday's Barn Hunt Trials.
Stay tuned for more from today

11/12/2023

While many exhibitors were enjoying competing in Barn Hunt this weekend at Merrimac, our member Julie & Trident were in Salisbury, MD earning their CDX (Open title) in obedience.
Congratulations to this hard working team!!

11/11/2023

Big news from today's Barn Hunt trial:
The amazing Violet earned her RATCHX7.
This ties her for the #1 English Shepherd spot in the sport of Barn Hunt!
🤩🤩🥳🥳
Congratulations Jeanne & Violet

11/11/2023

Direct from the blinds at today's Barn Hunt Trials...candid shots from our roving photographer!

11/10/2023

We'd like to salute all our veterans.
Please feel free to share your service photos in comments or send in Merrimac Facebook messenger along with any information you'd care to share!

11/10/2023

Sharing from a friend.
We all need to remember this!

11/05/2023

Candid shots from our Scent Work Trial on Saturday.
If you have brags to share you can post them in comments below or if you'd like your own post, message us photos and information on FB messenger. Members can email Brenda B from the MDTC roster.

11/05/2023

Happy faces all around for Anne & Teddy and John & Bouncer with Qs and titles from our Scent Work Trial yesterday.

11/04/2023

****ATTENTION AGILITY ENTHUSIASTS!!*****
Agility Run-Thru – Saturday, November 18, 2023

Registration 8am-10am Please make check payable to MDTC or have EXACT dollar amount. Registration table will NOT have change.

Runs start at 9am

Fees: $5 for first 3 min, $3 for each additional 3 minutes. Maximum 11 minutes per dog

This will be a STANDARD run with all classes setup. There will be different colored cones to distinguish between Ex/MAST, Open and Novice Standard Courses. Maps will be provided

All dogs MUST know how to negotiate all equipment and be getting ready to trial.

POC Jean Conroy [email protected]

Jeff Foster [email protected]

Address

15 Newsome Place
Hampton, VA
23661

Telephone

(757) 723-8141

Website

http://www.merrimacdogtrainingclub.org/

Alerts

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Videos

Lexi was 6/6 in Master B earning her RATCHX47 and earned 450/500 possible crazy 8 points this weekend to earn her CZ8P11 (22,000 lifetime points) titles. She is the #1 Boston in the sport by 400 Master Q’s and leads in crazy 8 points by 11,000 points over the next Boston.

Big news from today's Barn Hunt trial: The amazing Violet earned her RATCHX7. This ties her for the #1 English Shepherd spot in the sport of Barn Hunt! 🤩🤩🥳🥳 Congratulations Jeanne & Violet

Here is an amazing achievement from our member Elizabeth Staley and her dog, Taylor Taylor qualified and won the 8” Master Preferred JWW class today at 13 years 11 months and 10 days young 🙂 She LOVES agility and her mom is so grateful to see her running happy after 12.5 years. We run for the memories and for our friends who no longer get to compete with their dogs. Every moment we step to the line is a gift.

Good Saturday morning! Today we have a video of some field work that yes, even poodles participate in! Poodles were originally gun dogs before they were put into the Non-Sporting group in AKC and still remain as gun dogs in other registries. Our member, Julie Kolberg and her dog, Trident have been training at the Retriever Academy in Miami, Oklahoma for the past 11 days with a group of other dogs and handlers, honing their skills for upcoming Master Hunter tests. Master Hunter is the highest level of achievement in AKC hunt tests. In this video Trident is working what is called a "blind". In a blind, a pile of birds or plastic dummies called "bumpers" are put out at a pre-determined location and distance. The handler knows where the pile is, but the dog has to trust the handler to guide him to the pile. The handler uses a series of commands called "casts" to direct the dog where he needs to go. The initial command is "back" the dog knows that means to go straight out where the handler directs and don't stop until he hears a whistle. When the dog hears the whistle he stops and sits on land or stops and turns in water, treading water to stay in place facing the handler waiting for the next command. The handler will direct the dog where to go with their arms. Left or right straight back, left or right angled back, over casts and come in casts.The dog has to turn in the correct direction of the cast. In this video, Trident and Julie are negotiating a 205-yard blind with a pass-through water. The dog must go where the handler directs it using whistles and casts. As you can see, after the initial back command, Trident only needs to be redirected by Julie one time until he makes his way to the pile. Trident then must come in a straight line back to his handler. As always, we encourage all Merrimac members and students to submit photos and videos of accomplishments with your dogs. It does not even have to be a title or a qualifying run but any activity that you and your d