Who Is AWDA?

    Aware of the need for a working dog club that would welcome all breeds at all levels of competition; the Anacapa Working Dog Association (AWDA) began.  The charter members reflected on and emphasized this concept right from the start.  Our group’s range of expertise included then, as it does now, experienced handlers to complete novices; from “schutzhunders” just beginning to compete to Gus Brown one of the pioneers of Schutzhund in America!

    In a relatively short time period we certainly have come a long way.  Our club members include individuals from various walks of life bringing with them many different breeds of dogs, and we certainly welcome and thrive on this diversity.  In fact, our emblem symbolizes this commitment by depicting the three great working breeds of Germany.

    As with most Schutzhund clubs, we embrace the training culture – the camaraderie and closeness that comes along with dedicated training, good sportsmanship, and the love of working as one with our canine team members. We recognize the individual abilities, assets, and talents each handler/dog team brings to the field and encourage each member to cultivate those special qualities to the best of his/her ability. We emphasize obedience – control and safety – as the first step taken on the road along which all dreams and goals are realized.  Call it support, call it individuals working together toward similar goals, call it what you will, but because of “it” we have titled many dogs, including a number of SchH III and IPO III dogs and forged countless friendships along the way.  Our members compete in local, regional and national events. In addition, AWDA had the rare honor of having a Schnauzer and a Rottweiler, both SchH III, compete at the 2000 AWDF National Championship.  Imagine that, two separate breeds, each team representing its breed club, from the same training club!