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 training covering all AKC Fit Dog Levels l-lll and advanced conditioning for all dogs! We host all levels of group activities from fitness walks to Dogs On The Ball K9 Gym for dogs who have completed prerequisite fitness training (Levels 1-3). The DOTB Fit Dog Club administrator/instructor is Char Turner, LVT, BS, CSCC, AKC Fit Dog Instructor #94302, CTDI. Char is an accredited canine conditioning trainer, 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 Level 1 Fit Dog training or equivalent with instructor Char Turner evaluation.

Member Benefits:

• 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 (optional): 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 (optional): 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!
• Discount-25% Discount on all lessons or workshops at Char’s studio.
• 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:
– Offered periodically at Char’s farm in the Fit ‘n Fun Studio. Occasional workshops offered at Love On A Leash, Harrisonburg VA. Contact Char for scheduling, dogsontheball@gmail.com

–Dogs On The Ball Gym– Members only, for dogs who have completed Fit Dog Level 3 with 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: In order to operate and keep member fees low, we need a minmum regular attendance. Attendance is by online reservation via Signup platform. Reservations can also be changed and/or cancelled via Signup, (or texted to Char). Gym Cancellation Policy: Last minute cancellations due to emergencies are fully understood and expected. (Medical, family/dog, car trouble/traffic, weather, etc.) For non-emergency cancellations, at least 24 hours notice is appreciated whenever possible. It is understood that even non-emergency conflicts can occur with less than 24 hours notice and this is the exception. If you repeatedly cancel with less than 24 hours notice for non-emergency conflicts, you could be expected to forfeit the cancelled time slot as “used” against your 6-session subscription. This is contingent upon number of cancellations and circumstances.
• Refunds: In the event of club dissolution for any reason, dues and any remaining prepaid 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, validating member’s points for AKC Fit Dog titles, evaluating and validating for AKC Trick Dog titles, setting 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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