If you are wanting to train your dog, whether for competition or just to have a better dog, please contact us.  We will tell you if we can help.  

 

2024 Upcoming Events

See our Classes page for more details.  

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Class Schedule for 2024     

              Session 1: Jan 4 - Feb 15      Session 2: Feb 22 – April 11                                         Session 3: April 18 - May 30          Session 4: June 6 - July 25                            Session 5: Aug 1 - Sept 12     Session 6: Sept 19 - Oct 31                  

 

Our classes are 7-week sessions.  They start with registration and a fun night of learning and demos. Your attendance at all classes is essential to receiving your certification at the end of the class session.​To register, please see our classes page to print your registration forms  and bring them filled out to registration night.  You may also fill out the online application You'll also need a copy of your up to date shot records and payment (check made out to MVOTC or cash).  Also, please send us an email if you would like to reserve a place for your dog in a class.  Sometimes, classes fill quickly!  Do NOT bring your dog for the first week of the session.  We will enjoy a fun night of learning and dog demonstrations. 

 

*Please note for the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy certification that attendance is required at all classes (the 7 weeks) to receive certification from AKC.​​​

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Member Meetings for 2024​

 

Our member meetings are at 7:30 the 3rd Thursday of every month. We encourage all members to be at these meetings to learn more about what is happening with our club and to help be a part of growth and change.​

 

1/18    6/20    2/15      7/18  3/21     8/15   4/18   9/19   5/16    10/17​

Member Highlight

Patty Wellinger

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Patty Wellinger has been a member of MVOTC for three years, but she comes to us from Colorado, where she held several positions in the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of the Rockies and the National Breed Club. She lived there for over 20 years before returning to Indiana during COVID, when her dad had a quadruple by-pass.  While in Colorado, Patty worked at a dog training facility, both in the office and as an assistant trainer for puppy, trick, CGC and novice obedience classes.  She is a CGC / ATT Evaluator and did hospital therapy visits with her first Berner, Jessie, through Pet Partners.  Currently, she is a partner in a business called Access / Information, working remotely doing legal and business research for law firms and companies across the U.S.  However, when she retires, she would love to get more actively involved in MVOTC.

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Patty and her father are still roomies, and he is active at 86 years of age.  In addition, Patty has two dogs, a 5-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog, Kelly, and an 11-month-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Rudy, who just finished puppy class.  Kelly and Patty attended the Bernese Mountain Dog National Specialty in St. Louis in April, where they had a great time connecting with friends.  Kelly qualified in Rally, finished his Novice Exterior Scent Work Title (below, left) (and overall Novice Scent Work Title) and his Interior Advanced title, which was very special.  Kelly also had four qualifications in Fast Cat (below, right) and played at barn hunt.

 

Patty has worked with dogs in 4-H, shelter work, therapy work, and more.  Her first experience dog training was 4-H competition, but she moved often as an adult and lived in apartments.  Therefore, she didn’t get her first Bernese Mountain Dog until she was 40.  She says that she has spent the last 20 years making up for lost time and enjoys training and competing in a variety of dog sports and venues.

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Cooper, Patty’s previous BMD, had a stunning 56 titles in conformation, barn hunt, rally, obedience, nose work, trick, herding, and more. That kind of variety available while working with dogs is what Patty enjoys the most.  She loves spending time with her dogs and connecting with other people who share that passion.  Likewise, she enjoys the friendliness and the welcome that she has received at MVOTC and likes that we are offering new classes.

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Patty’s advice for new members or new dog owners is to break complex training down into smaller steps, be patient, seek feedback, and use it to improve your performance or to pivot in a new directions.  She believes that a varied approach more often leads to success.  She says to enjoy the process because dog training is all about building the relationship with the dog and both human and dog having FUN along the way.