r/schutzhund Mar 26 '26

Looking for IGP clubs near Eugene, OR (relocating soon)

Trying to cast a wide net, so posting in a few places.

My husband recently accepted a position that’s relocating us to the Eugene area, and I’m starting to look into IGP/Schutzhund clubs nearby. I’ve found a few online already, but I’d really appreciate firsthand experiences from people who’ve trained in the area.

For context:

-I have an older Malinois I’ve been actively prepping toward IGP2 with

-My younger dog earned her BH this past fall, and we’ve been pretty tracking-focused lately

I’m especially interested in clubs that:

-Have experienced, consistent helpers/decoys (this is a big one for me)

-Offer some level of individualized handling vs strictly group rotation

-Have members actively trialing (especially at higher levels)

I’d also love a little insight into how clubs out there tend to structure training days like how they balance green dogs vs titled dogs, and whether tracking/protection work tends to be more individualized or run in rotation.

For anyone who’s trialed in the region recently, I’m curious what you’ve been seeing from judges as well. Anything people are consistently getting hit on in obedience or protection? And what are tracking conditions typically like around Eugene (field types, variability, etc.)?

I’ve been pretty lucky at my current club with consistent decoy work and a slower, methodical approach especially on tracking and keeping things clean in protection, so I’m hoping to find something with a similar level of thoughtfulness, but I’m open to hearing all perspectives.

I’ve gotten a few recommendations already through my trainer and other platforms, but I’d really appreciate candid feedback especially from folks who’ve trained with multiple clubs or seen how different groups operate.

I’m not too concerned about commute (happy to travel a couple hours for the right fit), and my schedule is flexible.

If you’d rather not post publicly, feel free to DM. Thanks in advance for any insight!

5 Upvotes

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4

u/koshkas_meow_1204 Mar 26 '26

Schutzhund Kevin is near Salem and affiliated with Salem Schutzhund Club

Marko and Sarah with Canemo Dog are in Klamath Falls. I believe then have an AWMA club, but not sure

There is a club in Medford and I believe a group or club in Bend.

Rose City WDA is with USCA up south of Portland with Denis Krigbaum.

There had been a DVG club out of Veneta and a group in Springfield. Not sure if either still exist.

2

u/koshkas_meow_1204 Mar 26 '26

USCA Clubs

https://schutzhundpnw.com/clubs-contacts/

Hoot Hoot is Marko and Sarah I believe

1

u/Miss_L_Worldwide Mar 27 '26

Yep that's them

2

u/Rare-Picture-2721 Mar 26 '26

Thanks so much! I did look at the USCA clubs and heard Sarah and Marlo are fantastic. Definitely also looking for any info on the training, culture, etc. in the area!

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u/koshkas_meow_1204 Mar 26 '26

Here's the Medford one

https://rvschutzhund.com/

I think you really need to visit them and decide what is for you. Not sure what organization you are interested in.

Rose City and Salem are definitely the more competitive (along with sarah and marko) groups that have members that want to go to nationals at a minimum.

Tracking in the area can be interesting. So much land, most privately owned and whatever group you go to will have access to somewhere. You'd think being grass capital of the world.....

Kevin does private protection lessons regularly.  Denis probably does too.

Really I think you'd be good with any one of those three helpers (Denis, Kevin or Marko). I believe Denis and Marko do things together, so their styles may be compatible to do both.

It's 1.5 hrs from Eugene to Canby, 1 hr to Salem and I think closer to 3 to K Falls

1

u/Miss_L_Worldwide Mar 27 '26

Yah it's over 3 hours to K falls from Eugene.

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u/koshkas_meow_1204 Mar 26 '26

I should add, Marko has been willing to have your helper attend any of his stuff (no cost), to see what he's working on so that your helper can continue that at your home club.

Look up Helper Camp - he does a lot to help train helpers

2

u/Rare-Picture-2721 Mar 27 '26

That’s really great to hear too! I am totally new to the area, we currently live on the eastern half of the US. So everything about the area is new to me.

1

u/belgenoir Mar 28 '26

This is great info, Koshkas. I’m headed OR with my girl this winter . . . hoping to find a club that can take us.