A note about volunteering. If you’re not ready to enter, or if you would like to learn more about sporting dog events, a great way to do that is to volunteer! Whether you’re an old hand or a total newbie, there is always something to do. At a field event, for example, even a complete beginner can carry the basket for the shot birds (“shagging”). You get to walk just behind the judge(s) and get an upfront view of all the action. You could also sign people in or help with lunch. Clubs cannot put on these events without volunteer workers, so please consider contacting the sponsoring club and offering to help out.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Friday – Sunday, July 4-6 (Howard County Fairgrounds, West Friendship MD) AKC All-Breed Dog Shows. Sponsored by Northeastern Maryland Kennel Club (Friday and Saturday) and National Capital Kennel Club (Sunday). Premium, entries and other information via InfoDog.com.
Thursday, July 10 @ 7:30 pm (Virtual) MSDA Board Meeting. All MSDA members are welcome to attend and participate. Contact the Secretary, Melissa McMunn, via Secretary@mdsportingdog.org if you are interested.
Saturday, July 12 (Mt Ararat Farm, Port Deposit MD) Flushing Dog Training Day – Advanced Work Group.
Saturday-Sunday, July 19-20 (Mt Ararat Farm, Port Deposit MD). Seminar on Line Manners & Bird Handling presented by Pat Nolan and hosted by the Waterland Retriever Club. This seminar is now full.
Saturday, July 26 (location tbd) Flushing Dog Training Day – Skill Building Group.
Thursday-Sunday, August 14-17 (Allegany County Fairgrounds, Cumberland MD). AKC All-Breed Dog Shows and Obedience & Rally Trials. Sponsored by Laurel Highlands Kennel Association (Thursday & Saturday) and Upper Potomac Valley Kennel Club (Friday and Sunday). Premium, entries and other information via InfoDog.com.
Saturday, September 13 (Rebel Ridge Farms, Elkton MD). MSDA’s Annual Field Day. This is a FUN field training day for bird dogs and handlers. Great for beginners!
Saturday-Sunday, October 11-12 (Sotterly Plantation, Hollywood MD). NAVHDA Fall Hunt Tests. Send entries to Loren Rogers PO Box 218, Adelphia NJ 07710. Checks payable to Budds Creek NAVHDA (NA $175, GD $200, UT $200).
Saturday-Sunday, November 8-9 (Mt Ararat Farm, Port Deposit MD). MSDA’s annual fall AKC Spaniel Hunt Tests weekend. Two days; two tests.
Friday-Sunday, February 27-March 1 (Howard County Fairgrounds, West Friendship MD). MSDA’s “Spring Event” including three days of AKC Sporting Group Dog Shows and Obedience & Rally Trials and much more.
Want to see your club’s sporting dog event listed here? Contact Pamela DeSmidt via admin@mdsportingdog.org to be included on this calendar page and in our monthly newsletter. Of course, if you’re a member of Maryland Sporting Dog Association’s Facebook Group, you’re also welcome to share your event information there.
Stay up to date on MSDA activities that interest you by signing up for our e-mail list.