ORIENTATION AND PHILOSOPHY

The South Michigan Schutzhund and Police Club (SMSPC) welcomes new members. The strength and future of Schutzhund/IPO rests in our ability to attract and integrate new enthusiasts into the sport. However, the manner in which Schutzhund/IPO clubs operate varies. As a result, SMSPC requires anyone interested in joining, whether veteran dog trainer or a novice, to make a reasonable investment of time to get to know SMSPC and its members, and make sure that SMSPC is the right fit.

SMSPC is not a dog training service. The philosophy of SMSPC is that it is the handler's responsibility to train their dog, getting outside help where needed, and the Club's responsibility to assist and support them in the process. SMSPC expects Club members to train with the goal of working towards a IPO/AWD, DPO or other USA approved degree or title.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The membership application process takes about three (3) months. Schutzhund / IPO training requires considerable time and energy. Through experience, SMSPC has found that time invested up front to frankly assess the Club and participation in the sport saves time and effort for both SMSPC and for the applicant in the long run. Accordingly, anyone interested in joining SMSPC is first asked to attend several training sessions to observe training, ask questions and get to know the Club members prior to submitting an application for membership.

If the applicant already has a dog, the Club will conduct a temperament test and ability evaluation to determine if the dog is a suitable candidate for Schutzhund / IPO training. The dog must have a sound temperament in order to train at SMSPC. Any dog of sound temperament, regardless of ability, is welcome to train at the Club. Dangerous dogs will not be permitted.

Once a membership application is submitted, Club officers review the application and within four to six weeks will either deny the application or grant provisional approval. During this time, the applicant must make every effort to attend regular weekly training sessions. The applicant is expected to be available to observe in all three phases, to help where needed, to ask questions and to keep an open mind about training tools and methods with which they may not be familiar.

If provisional approval is given and the dog passes the temperament test, SMSPC will begin working with the handler and dog the week after approval.

Final approval of the application will be granted after an affirmative vote by the voting membership of the Club. This will take place within eight weeks after the application is submitted.

All fees, including membership dues and one-time equipment fee, must be paid within two weeks after the membership vote and final approval is granted.

The Executive/Finance Committee of SMSPC reserves the right to change the application process at their discretion with no notification to pending or prospective applicants.

Membership approval is no longer available during the winter months because of the requirement that applicants participate in all three phases. Applicants are still welcome, but the process may take longer.

Please read our article on The Realities of IPO and review The Expectations of Our Members.