Club History

POTC has an interesting history. In the middle 1950's, the Blennerhassett Kennel Club (BKC) asked Jacque Jones to conduct an obedience training class for them. Classes were held in different places in town, and as classes grew larger, it became more and more difficult to find adequate space. Then the pavilion in the City Park became available and BKC rented this space, and classes were held there. In the early 1960's it was decided to form an obedience training club, and a meeting was held at the State Farm Insurance office on Emerson Ave. (this building no longer exists) A large group of people came to the meeting and POTC was born.

Class enrollment grew rapidly and at one time the novice class had 60 dogs, with classes held in 3 rings, with 2 assistants in each ring and instructions being given over a loudspeaker! All levels of obedience were taught, as well as tracking, which was held at Jacque's farm in Coolville, Ohio. The club also sponsored well known instructors from out of the area to hold training seminars and clinics. In addition to training, the members also put on a formal dinner dance, appropriately called "Puttin' on the Dog".

Classes continued to be held in the park, and agility classes were added. In 2004, after years of hauling equipment back and forth, a large training building & equipment storage building were rented at the Glendale Mini-Storage in Vienna, WV (now Hendrix Mini-Storage)

The current indoor training facility is 4500 square feet, fully matted/cushioned, plus heat and air-conditioning. We currently offer all levels of agility and obedience training to both members and the public, along with rally and conformation classes as interest and time allow.