History
NYOC is one of the oldest dog obedience clubs in the Toronto area. It was founded in 1961 by a group of people who wanted to improve their own dogs’ performance and bring qualified dog training to the public. When the club was incorporated in 1991, the constitution stated that the purpose of the club was to educate people about dogs and to stimulate interest in obedience trials. The following year, the club held its first licensed obedience trial under CKC (Canadian Kennel Club) rules.
Originally, the club offered two types of classes: training for the family pet and training for the trial-oriented enthusiast. Over the years NYOC has expanded so that we now offer:
- Training for all levels including beginner and intermediate levels for the family pet.
- Rally and obedience classes for dogs and handlers who want to go into competition
- Regular meetings for social, educational and organizational purposes
- Opportunities to meet and network with dog people who have a wide range of interests
- Four annual licensed obedience trials
- A correction match preceding the trial
- Rally trials starting in 2012
- A Demonstration Team that performs for hospitals, seniors’ residences, and community groups
- A Club newsletter and a library for members
As a not-for-profit organization, NYOC offers training classes at rates below most other dog training businesses. The training fees from our classes go towards the cost of the training premises, the purchase of equipment, running our obedience and rally trials, supporting the Demonstration Team, and paying for speakers to address Club members on a variety of topics. Any money left over at the end of year is donated to charities related to dogs. For instance, we have made donations to the Ontario Veterinary College Trust Fund, Speaking of Dogs and other rescue organizations, the Toronto Humane Society, the SPCA, Autism Service Dogs and many others.
