Southern Districts Kennel and Obedience Dog Club

Southern Districts Kennel and Obedience Dog Club (SDKODC) is a volunteer-run, all-breeds dog training club founded on July 12, 1966, with roots in the Christies Beach branch of the German Shepherd Dog Club of SA. The club’s mission is to teach owners how to train their dogs to be well-mannered, happy members of the family and community, emphasizing owner-led training and positive reinforcement rather than the club directly handling dogs. Classes run on Sunday mornings, Wednesday evenings and Thursday nights and cover a variety of levels and activities, including basic obedience, rally, agility, and social classes (Social Grade 5) for those who enjoy training without competing. Instructors work with handlers to assess progress approximately every six weeks and provide ongoing guidance; training is structured around continuous development rather than fixed semester blocks. Dogs of any age and breed, including cross-breeds, are welcome, though children under twelve are not permitted to handle or train dogs on site. The club also organizes and hosts events throughout the year — obedience, agility and rally trials, and a championship show — and supports members working toward a trained dog certificate awarded after successfully completing three trials at each level. With a focus on community, practical skills for owners, and volunteer expertise, SDKODC is geared toward owners who want hands-on, progressive training for their dogs in a friendly club setting.