About SDA

06/22/08

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Service Dogs of America -- is the first and ONLY working dog organization in the United States of America that recognizes Protection, Police Patrol K-9 and Search & Rescue titles through a National Registry, the United Kennel Club.

SDA MISSION STATEMENT: Service Dogs of America is dedicated to developing, preserving and using a canine's natural instincts, intelligence and tractability to perform meaningful, utilitarian tasks for humankind. The organization is comprised of individual members and affiliated local dog training clubs. It's goal is to use proven common sense methods for training both canine and handler while maximizing the social, family orientation and sport aspects of activities centered on dog training and breeding evaluation.

 

The SDA Chattanooga chapter was initially founded by Dennis Tate and Tom Calderone in November 2006.  After membership drive efforts and organization strategies, Dennis Tate founded the SDA Chattanooga and Hixson Chapter for formal chartering in 2008.  With the assistance of 5 officers and many others, the Chattanooga & Hixson SDA chapter will become the "snowball that rolls uphill" towards K9 Services and Success

  •  Dennis Tate -- President 

  •  Tom Cawood -- Vice President
  •  Chris Smith -- Treasurer
  •  Sherle Thompson -- Secretary
  •  Joel Grayson -- Board member
  •  Mark Carvour -- Board member

This chapter has grown tremendously since its founding.  It now has over 20 human members and even more canine participants. 

**For more information on SDA Chattanooga membership, events, programs, etc., please contact Dennis Tate (Obedience/Protection Trainer)@ 423-760-6515 or dtate1987@aol.com

 

General Information on Joining SDA:

Everyone is welcome to come and watch the training at all SDA local training clubs.  You may bring your dog(s) and participate but you must bring proof that the dog(s) are current with all shots.  You do not have to join immediately....come, participate, and make sure that you and your dogs are comfortable with us and our training.  The first step to effective training is attendance and enjoyment of both the dogs and the owners.  It requires both parties to make a good team -- If either the dog or the owner does not enjoy participating eventually you will quit attending.

You do not have to start training at any particular time or level.  Unlike a large percentage of training classes which have certain times that you can join, SDA allows you the flexibility of joining the organization at any time.

Your dog does not have to be at a certain level of training to join SDA.  SDA is designed so that every dog and every aspiring trainer can start immediately.  The classes are tailored to each individuals current level and speed of training.  Dogs that learn quickly are not hindered by dogs advancing at a slower rate. 

Every breed of dog is welcome.  SDA members participate with   German Shepherds, Dobermans, Belgian Malinois, Rotties, Bull Dogs, Collies, Australian Shepherds, Tervurens, Great Danes, etc.  Every dog has a purpose and here at SDA we like to be able to help find that purpose and allow that dog to reach its full potential.   

Your dog does not have to be registered with the UKC to join Service Dogs of America.  If you wish to register your dog with the UKC, Service Dogs of America will pay for your first registration and you will get a discount for registering subsequent dogs with the UKC.  

 

If you decide to join Service Dogs of America, the annual dues are as follows:

  •   SDA Club dues: 

    Individual $45.00
    Family $70.00
    Youth $30.00

     

  •   Chattanooga Chapter SDA Training Club: 

    • Individual:  $255.00

    • Family:     $280.00

  •   UKC registration:  Your first dog is free and each additional dog receives a $10.00 discount.

 Individual SDA members are not required to belong to an affiliated club.

 

 

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This site was last updated 06/22/08