Club History

Founded in 1929 as the German Shepherd Dog Club, our organization began with a group of German immigrants passionate about dog training. Initially focused on working dogs and male handlers, the club conducted training in German at Cracker Jack Park on Richards Street.

The 1930s and 1940s brought significant changes. We incorporated in 1936 and adopted our current name—Milwaukee Dog Training Club (MDTC)—in 1938. By 1941, responding to growing membership, we expanded to welcome handlers of all genders and dogs of all breeds. Training transitioned to English as our membership diversified, and we relocated to a larger facility in the Menomonee Valley.

Today, MDTC stands as the Midwest's oldest obedience club and one of the region's most established training organizations. Since our first AKC-licensed obedience trial in 1969, we've built a reputation for competitive excellence. Our comprehensive training programs now include obedience, scent hurdles, agility, flyball, and Rally obedience.

In 2019, we achieved non-profit status, reinforcing our commitment to community service. Most recently, in 2024, we acquired a new facility on Cornell Street, ensuring our ability to serve Milwaukee's dog training community for generations to come.

With over nine decades of experience, MDTC continues to uphold its founding principles of excellence in dog training while embracing innovation and inclusion.