Surrey Dog Training society started as an independent club in January 1955. Like many other long-established training groups it was originally a branch of ASPADS (Associated Sheep, Police and Army Dog Societies) which in turn had grown out of wartime use of german shepherd dogs (alsatians) for guarding and searching etc. ASPADS ran working trial competitions through various branches all over the country from 1924. Surrey decided to go independent in 1955 so that the subscriptions of the pet owners who formed the majority at its obedience classes would be used directly for their benefit. But the competitive aspect of dog training which dominated ASPADS was not lost by this change. Surrey DTS has been running working trials since 1957 and is still organising two open and two championship trials every year. In 1957 the breeds placed in the competition were the Labrador, the GSD, the Great Dane, the Border Collie/Working Sheepdog, the Poodle, and the Golden Retriever. Now the placed breeds often include the Weimeraner, the Vizla, the Rottweiler, Belgian Shepherds, and the Springer Spaniel, as well as enthusiasts with, for example, a Sheltie, Border Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier,Gordon Setter, Schnauzer, or Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever. Surrey added to its competitive diary in 1959 when it ran its first Championship Obedience Show, which still features every year in June although it has long outgrown the early homes at Tillingbourne School and Guildford & Godalming Rugby Club. When agility started some thirty years ago the Society also embraced that activity, and runs an open agility show in the summer. The Society remains a nucleus in West Surrey for people who want to take part in organised group activities with their pets. It has survived over fifty years thanks to the voluntary efforts of dedicated members and it is to be hoped that it will still be there in 2055! This is the face book page of the Surrey DTS Obedience section. Are classes are run by our group of volunteer trainers , who have a wealth of knowledge and years of expriace of working with dogs. They attend courses, workshops and seminars regularly to keep up with all aspects of modern training ideas and techniques . We are very proud to say that we are modern , progressive ethical trainers using reward based training and force free methods of training. Our classes are designed to prepare you for competitive obedience. we are happy to help at all levels from those who have never competed to those who just want to brush up on their skills for the higher classes. http://www.surreydogtrainingsociety.org.uk/
(We would ask that if you do not get a reply straight away, please bare with us . All are members and trainers have jobs , and Surrey DTS is run by people who also work and have families. We will get back to you asap , but it might take a few days!)
