About Mt. Pleasant Michigan Kennel Club

What it is

A member club, not a business, and it has been running since the 1970s. "The Mt. Pleasant, Michigan Kennel Club was established in 1977 by a group of individuals who trained and exhibited their own dogs. We are a committed organization in central Michigan that promotes responsible dog ownership, canine health, and the sport of dogs. Through events like conformation shows, obedience trials, and educational classes, the club nurtures a supportive community for dog enthusiasts to learn, compete, and connect. In 1984, the American Kennel Club recognized the Mt. Pleasant, MI Kennel Club."

Classes are open to anyone

Stated in capitals on the class page: "ALL CLASSES ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!" with the caveat "Not all classes are offered every session."

What is taught

Beginning Training: "Learn how to communicate more effectively with your dog while teaching them basic life skills. We will address: Equipment choices, Attention work, Loose leash walking, Sit, Down, Stay, and Recall. This is a fun, no pressure class tailored to you and your dog's needs. Dogs 6mo and up. NO dogs the first class but attendance is mandatory by owner/handler to participate."

Puppy Class: "Puppies from 3 to 6 months of age may enroll in the puppy class, provided that their vaccinations are current. Handlers teach puppies how to walk on leash, sit, down-stay, etc. Socialization with people and other pets is emphasized. Additional information such as housebreaking, grooming, and nutrition is given in a lecture/demonstration situation."

Manners: "appropriate for dogs of all ages and covers fundamental skills, such as collars and leashes, basic commands (sit, down, come), greeting people at home and in public, and going through doors… The overall goal is to help you have a more manageable dog in everyday life."

Canine Good Citizen: "Those wishing to give their dogs extra training on good behavior at home or when away from home should sign up for this class. Also, training for the CGC is the first step toward earning a therapy certification if that is something you desire." Equipment is restricted for this one: "A flat collar or harness on dogs please; no training collars of any type."

Intro to Therapy Dog Skills: "This class can help dog/handler teams understand some of the basic skills needed to attain therapy dog registration. We will practice therapy dog registration exercises and work on skills needed for those evaluations. Dogs must be under control, always leashed, able to perform basic commands, and be non-reactive to other dogs."

Sports classes are also run: Agility ("A sport in which you guide your dog through a predetermined obstacle course within a specific time limit"), Rally ("You and your dog will move through a course of signs, each sign showing a different obedience exercise like turns, sits, stays, or creative walking patterns"), Scent Work 1 & 2 ("AKC Scent Work is a sport that mimics the task of working detection dogs"), and Handling (Conformation) "for dogs that will be entered in the show ring."

Meetings and joining

"MPMKC meetings occur on the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. No meetings in July, August, or December. Meetings may begin earlier if a presentation is on the agenda… Visitors are welcome!" Meetings are "held at the kennel club's building located at, 7540 S Mission Rd, Mt Pleasant, MI."

Community work

"MPMKC takes part in various community events. Discover the Tale Waggers program, parades, and more."

Where it is

The footer address is "Mt. Pleasant Michigan Kennel Club, 7548 S Mission Rd, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858." The meetings page gives the building number as 7540 S Mission Rd, so check which is right before you visit.

What to ask

Ask about class fees, session dates and instructors, or check the club's registration links.