DOTB Fit Dog Club Membership

Dogs On The Ball Fit Dog Club mission: “To be a community resource for qualified canine fitness training and associated activities, for the purpose of promoting the wellbeing and enrichment of our canine companions and the human-canine bond.“

Overview: Dogs On The Ball Fit Dog Club offers quality canine fitness instruction and training activities in accordance with our mission as stated. We offer classes covering all AKC Fit Dog Levels l-lll and host all levels of group activities from fitness walks to the unique and advanced Dogs On The Ball K9 Gym. The DOTB Fit Dog Club administrator/instructor is Char Turner LVT BS CSCC CTDI, credentialed canine fitness professional certified by NC State College of Vet Medicine.

Membership eligibility and prerequisites: All dogs must have successfully completed basic obedience training and be able to safely work around other dogs and humans in a group setting. Additionally, member candidates must have satisfactorily completed the following classes or equivalent in private lessons with one dog, with Char Turner as instructor: Intro to Fit Dog Training (4 weeks), Fit Dog Level 1 (6 weeks). Upon satisfactory completion of this training as evaluated by the DOTB Fit Dog Club Instructor, you are eligible for membership in the Dogs On The Ball AKC Fit Dog Club.

Member Benefits:

  • Qualified Instruction– All classes are taught by a credentialed canine fitness professional Char Turner, LVT BS CSCC, CTDI. Char is certified by NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine as Canine Strength and Conditioning Coach. She is also certified AKC Level 3 Fit Dog Instructor, Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI), and AKC Trick Dog Evaluator.
  • Fit Dog Levels classes– As part of our designated AKC club requirement, we offer AKC Fit Dog classes for all levels. Attendance requirement in order to graduate to the next level, you must attend minimum 5/6 classes at each level and pass the skills evaluation for that each level. Options for making up missed classes are: schedule a private lesson, attend Remedial Fit Dog sessions when offered, or repeat the 6 week class next time it is offered.
  • Discount on all Fit Dog classes! Levels 1-3- Once you are a member, all Fit Dog classes are deep discounted at $80.00/6 week session for any of your current or future dogs. (Note: you must first complete Intro To Fit Dog and Fit Dog Level 1 with one dog to be eligible as a member.)
  • Dogs On The Ball Gym: DOTB Gym is for all dogs who have satisfactorily completed Level 3 and evaluation with instructor approval. DOTB Gym consists of advanced level exercises and combination circuit workouts that are challenging, fun and motivating. Gym Member rate is $60.00/6 group sessions, 1 hour. Sessions are offered 2-3 times each week. (Please see attendance/cancellation policy under “Member Obligations” below)
  • Members only Remedial Fit Dog sessions- For members of any level. For troubleshooting or addressing special issues that may require additional instruction outside of regular Fit Dog class or Gym. Sessions will be held in the training studio once or twice a month, variable/flexible schedule. Single 1 hour session, take as many sessions as you want. Limit 3 dogs & handlers/session. Members fee is $20.00/session. Available topics by request:
    1. Catch Up/Make Up session for Fit Dog Levels if you miss Fit Dog classes and get behind.
    2. Special Needs: Customized exercise programs for dogs with veterinary approval, who do not require physical therapy but can benefit from appropriate conditioning work. This could be seniors, tripods, or other dogs with limitations who can benefit from specific strength and conditioning.
    3. Troubleshooting Skills and Exercises- if you need extra help training anything related to fitness skills that you have not been able to accomplish in class.
    4. Focus First training: I have taught this topic for many years addressing issues related to focus, communication and engagement in training. Details: (https://dogsontheball.com/focus-first-classes/)
    5. Tricks- training tricks for titles

More benefits and activities:

  • Fit Dog Club Walks will be scheduled throughout the year in accordance with AKC Fit Dog Club requirements. Fit Dog Club Walks can be virtual or in person to fulfill AKC Fit Dog requirements. In-person are held in local area parks, and club walks are eligible for AKC Fit Dog points towards Bronze and Silver titles.
  • AKC Fit Dog Titles: As approved AKC Fit Dog instructor, Char can validate your points earned in classes and club walks to count towards AKC Fit Dog titles. This service is included with your membership.
  • AKC Trick Dog Titles: AKC Trick Dog OR Do More With Your Dog. As an authorized AKC Trick Dog evaluator and CTDI (Certified Trick Dog Instructor), testing for AKC Trick Dog and/or Do More With Your Dog is available upon request. This service is included with membership. Options for judging are by video submission to Char or in person appointment at the training studio on Char’s farm.
    *Please note that all titles are optional. There is no requirement or expectation of members to earn titles. Your participation is what matters!
  • Private Lesson discount-25% Discount on private lessons with Char. (Members may find that Remedial Fit Dog sessions can serve your purpose just as well.)
  • Special needs accommodations: Dogs and/or humans with special needs will be accommodated as much as possible to enable safe participation. Per AKC rules, Handlers with disabilities can use any mobility aids or assistance they need for completing walks for Fit Dog points. Breaks, etc. can be taken as often as needed. Walks for Fit Dog points can be done over time in as many short sessions as necessary to accumulate the required mileage.

Schedule of Classes and Events:
–Intro To Fit Dog and Levels 1-3: Intro to Fit Dog Training is 4 weeks, Intro to Fit Dog followed by Fit Dog Levels 1-3, 6 week class per level. Offered periodically at Char’s farm in the Fit ‘n Fun Studio. Satisfactory completion of Intro to Fit Dog followed by Fit Dog Level 1 is prerequisite to becoming a club member. Max. 3 dogs/handlers per class. Usually offered summer-fall.

–Dogs On The Ball Gym– Members only, for dogs who have completed Fit Dog Level 3 and have instructor approval. Offered year round, 2-3 times per week. Gym consists of strength and conditioning workouts. The Studio Circuit consists of instructor guided strength and conditioning exercises, with a max 2 dogs per 1 hour time slot. Gym also includes outside setups-obstacle course, cardio work, etc. whenever weather permits.

Member obligations, please know what you are agreeing to:

  • Abide by the safety guidelines and instruction given for all exercises and workout activity. Safety is paramount!
  • Health and Safety: All dogs must be healthy and injury free. The club acitivities are for conditioning strength and fitness in normal, healthy dogs. It is not for dogs diagnosed with chronic injuries or in need of physical therapy or rehab. It is the owner’s responsibility to address any questionable issues or limitations with your veterinarian. You will be asked to sign a waiver to this effect in order to participate in any Dogs On The Ball fitness programs or activities. (Special needs may be addressed in private lessons, ask Char for details.)
  • Contribute to a safe, positive experience for everyone– All dogs must be able to work safely and under control in a group environment. Ensuring a positive group experience is priority at all times. This applies to both dog and handler behavior (see training methods). It is understood that the dynamics of a multiple dog environment can sometimes be challenging. But it is 100% each handler’s responsibility to know your own dog and respond appropriately. Be considerate of everyone else at all times, keeping safe distance as needed or if necessary exit the area entirely.
  • Training methods: In accordance with the club mission of promoting wellbeing, enrichment and relationship, harsh training methods based on intimidation, force, or punishment will not be tolerated. This club is a force-free, dog friendly training environment.
  • Wellbeing is priority– All participants are treated with courtesy and respect. This club is a “no drama zone” where we support each other by agreeing to the guidelines herein, for the benefit our dogs’ well being and a positive experience for everyone involved.
  • Dues: Annual membership renewal is in January each year. New member dues are $50.00 for the first year. Renewal membership dues are $35.00, payable in January. Payment of dues and class fees in a timely manner is appreciated.
  • GYM attendance and cancellations: Attendance is by online reservation via Signup platform. Reservations can also be changed and/or cancelled via Signup, (or texted to Char). Last minute cancellations due to emergencies are fully understood and expected. (Medical, family/dog, car trouble/traffic, etc.) For non-emergency cancellations, at least 24 hours notice is appreciated whenever possible. It is understood that even non-emergency conflictscan occur with less than 24 hours notice. In order to keep our fees low, it is not possible to accommodate unlimited cancellations due to non-emergency conflicts. For this reason, we have a cancellation policy.
    Gym Cancellation Policy: If you repeatedly cancel with less than 24 hours notice for non-emergency conflicts, you may be expected to forfeit the cancelled time slot as “used” against your 6-session subscription. Contingent upon number of cancellations and circumstances.
  • Fees: Class fees are in addition to club dues. There may be other special events or offerings that require additional fees. Class fees are heavily discounted for members. Refunds: In the event of club dissolution for any reason, dues and class fees will be prorated and redistributed to members.

Club Administration: Char Turner, Certified Canine Strength and Conditioning Coach (CSCC) and AKC Fit Dog instructor, functions as DOTB Fit Dog Club volunteer administrator. This includes teaching classes, validating member’s points for AKC Fit Dog titles, evaluating and validating for AKC Trick Dog titles, setting class schedules and activities to meet or exceed requirements to maintain AKC Fit Dog Club status, and providing safe professional instruction with appropriate exercise and equipment.

Liability: All AKC Fit Dog activities are done at the handler/owner’s risk. If at any time the dog or handler is not feeling well or seems injured the activity must stop immediately, (per AKC rules).
The applicant understands that by requesting membership in the Dogs On The Ball Fit Dog Club, they are assuming liability for any injury to themselves, their dog(s) or property damage which might result from their participation in any club event or activity. The applicant further understands that neither the instructor (Charlynn Turner), the host party, or the property owners where an event might be held, will be held responsible for any loss or injury which might occur as a result of the applicant’s participation in any event or activity. All members will be asked to sign a waiver to this effect.

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