Forming an AKC Performance Club:
Attention Dog Trainers & Enthusiasts! I would like to form an AKC accredited Performance Club in the Grand Strand area.
Step 1: Hold an organizational meeting. To include more people, we will do this via Facebook, Teams, or Zoom. Suggestion on a date/time?
Step 2: Choose a name. I suggest "Myrtle Beach Dog Training Club". If you have other ideas, throw them out here in the comments! BUT - please check the AKC website for a list of clubs already accredited so that you can verify that the name is not already in use. I considered "Dog Training Club of the Carolinas", but there's already a club with a very similar name.
Step 3: Select temporary officers. We need someone to chair the meeting and someone to take notes/minutes.
Step 4: Choose someone to keep records of the club's development. This is an important one, as AKC will evaluate the club and request all copies of club records.
Step 5: Set up a program of activities. I would like to host scent works trials, fast cat, obedience, rally, fetch, and maybe herding, lure coursing, earthdog, &/or hunt tests. We can also host CGC & Trick Dog events & workshops.
At the organizational meeting, we need to:
1. Elect temporary officers;
2. Draft bylaws;
3. Schedule first annual meeting;
4. Hold at least one "fun" match.
I have been a Board member / Officer of many ASCA (Australian Shepherd Club of America) affiliate clubs & I was a founding member of an AKC breed club in Texas (but that was a LONG time ago).
I really hope there is enough interest to get this off the ground! It will take at least a year before we can become accredited by the AKC, so let's get moving!
This AKC webpage is helpful, as is the "How to Form an AKC Accredited Dog Club" pamphlet HERE.