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:
Saturday, February 22 (McKee-Beshers WMA, Poolesville MD) Flushing Dog Training Day – Skill Building Group, AND
Saturday, February 22 (Mt Ararat Farm, Port Deposit MD) Flushing Dog Training Day – Advanced Work Group
Saturday, February 22 (Washington County Ag Center, Boonsboro MD). All Breed AKC Sanctioned “B” Conformation Match sponsored by the Mason and Dixon Kennel Club. No preregistration.
Friday-Sunday, February 28 – March 2 (Howard County Fairgrounds, West Friendship MD). MSDA’s annual “Spring Event“, including three days of dog shows, a Saturday evening banquet, Bird Instinct Clinics, AKC Fetch tests and CGC tests. Information is available at InfoDog (MB-F). Dog show entries closed February 12; registration for some other activities remain open or are available on site.
Thursday, March 13 @ 7:30 pm (Virtual) MSDA Annual Membership Meeting. All MSDA members are encouraged to attend and participate. Members receive meeting notices and much more information via email. Contact the Secretary, Melissa McMunn, via Secretary@mdsportingdog.org if you have any questions or would like to add something to the agenda.
Saturday, March 22 (McKee-Beshers WMA, Poolesville MD) Flushing Dog Training Day – Skill Building Group.
Saturday, March 29 (Mt Ararat Farm, Port Deposit MD) Flushing Dog Training Day – Advanced Work Group.
Friday-Sunday, April 11-13 (Mt Ararat Farm, Port Deposit MD). MSDA’s Spring Hunt Test Weekend. Three EXCITING days of AKC Spaniel Hunt Tests (Saturday & Sunday) PLUS something New – the MSDA Master Gundog Challenge on Friday. All entries will open January 28.
Saturday-Sunday, April 19-20 (State Fairgrounds, Timonium MD). All-Breed Dog Shows and Obedience & Rally Trials sponsored by the Baltimore County Kennel Club. Entries are via InfoDog.com; entries close 4/2.
Saturday-Sunday, May 17-18 (Howard County Fairgrounds, West Friendship MD). All-Breed Dog Shows sponsored by Kennel Club of Anne Arundel. Entries are via Rau Dog Shows. Entries close April 30.
Saturday, September 13 (Rebel Ridge Farms, Elkton MD). MSDA’s Annual Field Day. This is a FUN field training day for all bird dogs and handlers. Great for beginners!
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.