Empire Working Dog Club

03/30/2026

SAVE THE DATE!!!

03/04/2026

SAVE THE DATE:
May 2 & 3

🔥 2026 American Schutzhund ROUNDUP🔥

American Schutzhund and Back To The Future WDC will be hosting a FREE training weekend covering all three phases for members who want to get on the field and work their dogs. Whether you’re fine tuning skills or building foundations, this weekend will be all about growth and community.

Open Invitation to All Dog Sport Enthusiasts:
American Schutzhund would like to extend an invitation to participants from all dog sport organizations to come train and connect with us for the weekend. While the event and dinner is free, this is a sanctioned event. As a result, participants without a PSA membership will need to purchase a $35 weekend event pass to meet insurance requirements.

Assistance will be available for Scent Detection

Debbie Zappia & Theresa Currier will be on the field to assist with obedience

Tim Vaillancourt and AS certified helpers will be making themselves available to help with protection

This should be a fantastic opportunity to get quality reps with knowledgeable eyes on your work.


Saturday Night Cookout:
AS will also be hosting a complimentary camaraderie cookout for dinner on Saturday evening with great food, great people, and even better dog conversations!

Rule Book Discussion:
The weekend isn’t just about field time, it’s about insight too! There will be a group discussion on the rules and a Q&A session with the directors and some judges

BT/BTX, Independent Environment Evaluation Testing Opportunity:
On Sunday, there will also be a BT only trial. All AS members will have the opportunity to obtain a BT/BTX or an Independent Environment Evaluation for $25. A valid membership and scorebook is required.

Registration/ Additional Details Coming Soon:
An official event page with a registration form will be released shortly. While the event is free, registration will be required so we can get somewhat of a headcount. Pre-registration will also be required for those testing for the BT/BTX, Independent Environment Only

02/08/2026

Empire has a few spots that opened up to work with Greg Doud next weekend (2/14-2/15).

If anyone is interested in obtaining a working spot, please send a private message via facebook messenger to Kim Dooley.

10/10/2025

2025 AS National Competitors!
Let’s go Empire!!!
AS1 Courtney and Benzo
AS2 Caitlin and Anya
AS3 Barb and Cade
AS3 Jody and Qiro

10/07/2025

2025 HONOR DOG SCRIMMAGE

Empire WDC’s Honor Dog Scrimmage, was well received. There’s nothing quite like the joy of being a team again. During the Honor Dog Scrimmage, handlers and their beloved retired K9 companions shared a special moment, stepping back onto the centerline again and reliving the bond forged throughout years of teamwork. It was a truly touching sight, a celebration of the unbreakable connection between these incredible dogs and their devoted handlers.

Empire is looking forward to hosting another Honor Dog Scrimmage in 2026. All are welcome to join us for another opportunity at making some great memories.

Placements

1. Jody and Yuma
2. Lauren and Rye
3. Jason and Bean
4. Nancy and Nalluh
5. Deb F and Robin

Video Credit:
CZUB MEDIA
Photographer & Videographer

10/06/2025

Awesome!!!!

We’re excited to announce that, once again, cash prizes will be awarded to the top competitors at the 2025 American Schutzhund Nationals!

AS1: $1,000
AS2: $1,500
AS3: $2,000

There will be additional payouts for 2nd and 3rd for each level, too!!

Good luck to every team working toward the podium—train hard! We’ll see you in Ohio 🇺🇸💪🏼

📸:

10/04/2025

It was an honor to have had Tara Burke and Kaleigh Moffatt begin their judge’s apprenticeship at Empire's September AS trial. Their decision to embark on this journey demonstrates their commitment to upholding the highest standards of American Schutzhund.

Photo Credit:
CZUB MEDIA
Photographer & Videographer

10/02/2025

EMPIRE WDC 2 DAY TRIAL SUMMARY

Empire's 2-day AS trial was a resounding success, showcasing the power of teamwork, determination, and passion. Despite some challenges, our members came together, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all. The sense of community was palpable as we celebrated triumphs and supported each other through some setbacks. We all know those setbacks, are just temporary. While we had some pulls and no shows, we still had over 40 phases.

A special highlight of the trial was our first-ever Honor Dog Scrimmage, where retired K9s and their handlers relived the thrill of competition together. Watching these teams take that centerline once more, was a joyous reminder of the unbreakable bonds we form with our canine partners.

Empire is beyond thrilled to congratulate our own, Caitlin Montagnola “The Little Train That Could” and her best friend Anya. Their journey is a testament to perseverance and dedication. After facing numerous challenges and setbacks, they proved that with hard work and determination, anything is possible, taking home High in Trial, High AS2, High Scent Detection, High Obedience, and High Protection. We also need to send a big congratulations to Empire’s Mary Lou Haines and Grim for obtaining their AS1 and to our guests Tara Burke and Lincoln from Palmetto WDC for obtaining their AS2. To all the rest that came out and trialed with us, congratulations on all those BT/BTX, and independent SW certificates. You should all be proud.

We're grateful to our judge, Carla Griffith, for her expertise and willingness to step in at the last minute. Her contribution was invaluable, and we're thankful for her support. Also have to give a big thank you to our Helper, Tim Vaillancourt who we can always count on to pressure and test each dog.

The scheduling of Empire’s spring trial and potentially a standalone Honor Dog Scrimmage, is in the works. All will be welcomed to join us for another great time and exceptional eats!!

Lots of photos and video highlights are coming via Lauren of CZUB MEDIA. We honestly can’t thank Lauren enough for coming out to take photos and videos. We can’t wait to have her back for all of our trials. For those looking for a professional photographer, please contact Lauren with CZUB MEDIA. She’s just outstanding. On and off the field.

09/26/2025

Best of luck to everyone trialing at Empire WDC this weekend!

09/25/2025

EMPIRE WORKING DOG CLUB 2 DAY AS TRIAL UPDATE:

Carla Griffith will now be officiating our trial. As a result, we will need to start earlier on Sunday.

New Registration Time For Sunday
730am

New Trial Start Time For Sunday
8:00am

We will also send all competitors an email with this information later today.
As always, please text the trial coordinator (Kim Batte) at 703-655-2847 with any questions or concerns.

09/23/2025

Competitor Packet With Trial Schedule

All competitors participating in Empire’s AS trial / Honor Dog Scrimmage, will be receiving an email with the following information in the form of a PDF.

If you are planning on coming to our trila to spectate, please read through all the information being provided as there are things that need addressing while on the property.

COMPETITOR PACKET

A Warm Welcome from Empire Working Dog Club. We're thrilled to welcome you to our 2-Day American Schutzhund Trial! Our goal is to create a positive and enjoyable experience for all participants. To ensure a smooth and successful event, please find below some important details to keep in mind.

Trial Preparation

Scorebooks: Please bring your scorebook and submit it during registration.

Identification: All dogs must have a microchip or tattoo for identification purposes.

Property Rules and Regulations

Noise Control: Due to neighboring concerns, please refrain from allowing dogs to bark excessively in vehicles. If your dog is prone to barking, you will need to use a bark collar. All dogs must be crated while in vehicles.

Property Etiquette: When not trialing, dogs must be kept on a leash and under control while walking on the property. This ensures a safe environment for all participants and the facility's training/boarding activities.

Facility Information

Property Owner: Debra Zappia

Proformance K9's: Is owned by Tim Vaillancourt and is located on the property. Proformance K9’s is an active training/boarding facility that requires consideration from all participants.

Logistics and Amenities

Bathroom Location: The bathroom is located inside the kennel building. Please ensure the kennel door is secured when entering and leaving.

Cleaning Up: Please bring extra p**p bags and clean up after your dog while on the property.

Seating: Bring a chair for comfort while sitting by the field.

Parking: Empire members will direct you to parking areas near the roadway.

Contact Information

Trial Coordinator: For any questions or concerns, please text Kim at 703-655-2847.

Empire WDC is looking forward to hosting a successful trial!

TRIAL SCHEDULE /LINE-UP
9/26/25-9/28/25

FRIDAY

Open Field
1pm - 5pm

Obedience: 1pm - 3pm
Protection: 3pm - 5pm

SATURDAY

Registration
7:30am - 8:00am

BT, BTX, AS1,AS2,AS3

All scorebooks must be turned in at this time. You must have a scorebook and the dog must have a micochip or tattoo in order to trial.

Also, everyone participating in the Phase A Article Search, must turn in their Articles to the Trial Secretary Sunday morning.

DOG AGGRESSION
For all participating in the BT/BTX

1. Deb Z
2. Nancy
3. Karen
4. Lindsey
5. Elijah
6. James
7. Grace
8. Zahed

Phase B: Obedience

BT / BTX
1. Up: Deb Z / Down: Nancy
2. Up: Karen / Down: Lindsey
3. Up: Elijah / Down: James
4. Up: Grace / Down: Zahed

AS1
Up: Deb F / Down Mary Lou

AS2
1. Catlin
2. Tara

AS3
1. Barb
2. Jody

LUNCH

PHASE C: PROTECTION

BTX
1. Elijah

AS1
2. Deb F
3. Mary Lou

AS2
4. Caitlin
5. Tara

AS3
6. Barb
7. Jody

HONOR DOG SCRIMMAGE

1. Lauren
2. Deb F
3. Jody
4. Nancy
5. Jason

DINNER / COOKOUT

SUNDAY

Registration
9:00am - 9:30am

SW1, SW2, SW3 and Independent Environment Evaluations. All scorebooks must be turned in at this time. You must have a scorebook and the dog must have a microchip or tattoo in order to trial.

Also, everyone participating in the Phase A Article Search, must turn in their Articles to the Trial Secretary at this time.

Dog Aggression

For those participating in the independent Environment Evaluations
1. Dave
2. Barb P
3. Dave

Phase A
(As per the rule book, all levels must draw)

AS1
1.
2.

AS2
1.
2.

SW2
1.
2.
3.
4.

AS3
1.
2.

SW3
1.
2.


Environmental Evaluations

1. Deb - BT
2. Nancy - BT
3. Karen - BT
4. Lindsey - BT
5. Elijah - BTX
6. James - BT
7. Grace - BT
8. Zahed - BT

Independent Environment Evaluations
(Includes Gun Shots)
1. Dave
2. Barb P
3. Dave

Lunch

Awards

09/22/2025

TRIAL SCHEDULE
9/26/25-9/28/25

Attached is the trial schedule for Empire WDC’s 2 Day AS Trial. You can also find this information in the discussion section of our Facebook Event Page. And again, a trial packet will be emailed to all participants that will include the schedule and additional information that will help all participants to successfully navigate this event.

Trial Schedule and Line-up for Empire WDC’s 2 Day AS Trial / Honor Dog Scrimmage. As always, this schedule is subject to change if need be.

FRIDAY

Open Field
1pm - 5pm

Obedience: 1pm - 3pm
Protection: 3pm - 5pm

SATURDAY

Registration
7:30am - 8:00am

BT, BTX, AS1,AS2,AS3

All scorebooks must be turned in at this time. You must have a scorebook and the dog must have a micochip or tattoo in order to trial.

Also, everyone participating in the Phase A Article Search, must turn in their Articles to the Trial Secretary Sunday morning.

DOG AGGRESSION
For all participating in the BT/BTX

1. Deb Z
2. Nancy
3. Karen
4. Lindsey
5. Elijah
6. James
7. Grace
8. Zahed

Phase B: Obedience

BT / BTX
1. Up: Deb Z / Down: Nancy
2. Up: Karen / Down: Lindsey
3. Up: Elijah / Down: James
4. Up: Grace / Down: Zahed

AS1
Up: Deb F / Down Mary Lou

AS2
1. Catlin
2. Tara

AS3
1. Barb
2. Jody

LUNCH

PHASE C: PROTECTION

BTX
1. Elijah

AS1
2. Deb F
3. Mary Lou

AS2
4. Caitlin
5. Tara

AS3
6. Barb
7. Jody

HONOR DOG SCRIMMAGE

1. Lauren
2. Deb F
3. Jody
4. Nancy
5. Jason

Dinner / Cookout

SUNDAY

Registration
9:00am - 9:30am

SW1, SW2, SW3 and Independent Environment Evaluations. All scorebooks must be turned in at this time. You must have a scorebook and the dog must have a microchip or tattoo in order to trial.

Also, everyone participating in the Phase A Article Search, must turn in their Articles to the Trial Secretary at this time.

Dog Aggression

For those participating in the independent Environment Evaluations
1. Dave
2. Barb P
3. Dave

Phase A
(As per the rule book, all levels must draw)

AS1
1.
2.

AS2
1.
2.

SW2
1.
2.
3.
4.

AS3
1.
2.

SW3
1.
2.


Environmental Evaluations

1. Deb - BT
2. Nancy - BT
3. Karen - BT
4. Lindsey - BT
5. Elijah - BTX
6. James - BT
7. Grace - BT
8. Zahed - BT

Independent Environment Evaluations
(Includes Gun Shots)
1. Dave
2. Barb P
3. Dave

Lunch

Awards