Welcome to the Muskoka District Kennel Club!

The Muskoka District Kennel Club is committed to the recognition and betterment of all dogs, whether purebred or mixed breed. Our constitution is governed by the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) and we support all of the Muskoka region, with our 3500 sq.ft training centre located in Gravenhurst, Ontario. We are a Not for Profit Organization, and our members volunteer their time to teach classes and run events to support the community in their dog training journey. 

MDKC was established in the 1970's and has been serving Muskoka dogs for over 50 years. Many of our members are actively training their dogs and competing in a variety of dog sports - many also have multiple titles from CKC events including Obedience, Rally Obedience, Agility, Scent Detection, and Conformation. 

The Muskoka District Kennel Club provides various opportunities for canine related learning, and we offer opportunities for the community to participate in various dog sports by hosting trials/shows throughout the year. 

Puppy Obedience is for dogs under 6 months of age, and begins the learning process for being a well behaved and social dog. It incorporates the basics of attention, sit, down/settle, wait, come, walking on leash, off/take it, and stay. You and your puppy will work on both the hand signals and verbal commands for these exercises. The above skills will be used to shape your dog's manners, and there will also be a handling component in each class so that your puppy can practice having their ears, mouth, feet, etc handled. Puppies must have received their second set of vaccinations to participate. 

Level 1 Obedience is for dogs 6 months of age and older, and has the same goals as Puppy Obedience but also incorporates additional distractions while learning these skills. You and your dog will work on attention, sit, down/settle, wait, come, walking on leash, off/take it, and stay. You and your dog will work on both the hand signals and verbal commands for these exercises. The above skills will be used to shape your dog's manners, and there will also be a handling component in these classes. 

Level 2 Obedience goes beyond the beginner levels with additional skills and commands, and first requires the completion of either Puppy Obedience or Level 1 Obedience. If you are interested in challenging your dog or working towards trying some dog sports in the future this is the class for you! This class provides the framework for a dog to move on to other classes such as Rally Obedience or Agility, and includes skills such as attention, stand, drop, stay, finishes, recalls, and heeling. You will learn both hand signals and verbal commands in this class. 

Level 3 Obedience builds on the exercises mentioned above in Level 2 while adding new skills, building body awareness, and increased work on attention. This class requires the completion of Level 2 Obedience prior to enrollment. If you have an interest in Obedience or Rally Obedience, or would like to continue challenging your dog with new exercises than this is the class for you! 

Level 1 Manners focuses on everyday etiquette while you work towards the goal of having a dog that is well mannered in the presence of a variety of people, dogs, and situations. The class provides an opportunity for dogs to practice skills such as passing threw doorways, greeting people and other dogs appropriately, learning to settle, and encountering distractions while walking. Dogs require the completion of Puppy Obedience or Level 1 Obedience to enroll as we will be revisiting the skills from those classes including sit, down, wait, stay, off, recalls, and walking on a loose leash. 

This class teaches dogs and their handler the various CKC Rally Obedience signs and commands, and incorporates those skills into various courses that the participants practice. The dogs and their handler work together, building a bond while learning a new dog sport! The completion of Level 2 Obedience is required in order to register for this class.

Agility is an obstacle course sport where dogs and their owner/handler work on their ability to function as a team while navigating various obstacles. The skills incorporated into the classes include learning to handle various agility obstacles, working off leash, and building confidence in your dog while working at a distance from the handler. You will have the opportunity to practice various obstacles including jumps, the teeter totter, the A-frame, tunnels, the dog walk, and weave poles.   

Dogs must be able to get along with other dogs & people in a fast paced environment, be at least 1 year of age, and have completed Level 2 Obedience to attend this class. 

Are you curious about dog sports but are unsure which sport is best suited to you and your dog?! This class allows you to explore several dog sports, as each week you will be introduced to a different sport including Scent Detection, Agility, Obedience/Rally Obedience, and Trick Training.  

Dogs must understand basic commands, such as those learned in Puppy Class or Level 1 Obedience, and must be capable of working in a group setting with other dogs/people. 

This session is for those already familiar with handling who are looking for some ring time. It is an opportunity to practice your handling skills in a show-like setting.