Ditton DTC was formed in 1972 by the Club President, Maureen Shelley, and was registered in 1978 when the first Open Obedience Show was held. Prior to this, the club ran many Exemption and Limit Shows using Maureen's experience as a working member of Dartford Dog Training Club Shows.

In 1974 the Club moved to a larger training hall, the Ditton Community Centre, where it still trains. There is a large recreation ground attached, which was used by the Club for their shows for many years.

Membership grew and produced a strong competitive element, including such names as Wilf and Monica Young, Ian Brown, Ron Mills, Irene Stapley, Sharon and Doreen Webley, Anne McHugh, Sue Purnell, and Elaine and Adrian Soper, all of whom enjoyed much success at shows, including The Guide Dog Show, which held a team event, and in 1986 Ditton DTC swept the board, winning the Kent Shield and coming 1st in both the Junior and Senior team events.

1986 -The winning Ditton team at The Guide Dog Show

As well as the Championship Show, other activities scheduled by the Club are; an annual Limit Show (Pre-Beginners to Test 'A'), a coach to Crufts each year, a sponsored walk each April, inter-club matches, and a Christmas party / Awards ceremony.

The Ditton DTC Committee and Instructors

Training is on a Monday evening from 7.00pm until 9.30pm, scheduling obedience training for the raw beginner (puppies from 4 months onwards) right up to competition Test 'C' level.

The club also gives demonstrations of obedience, involving club members with dogs of all standards.  We recently participated in the 'All About Dogs' exhibition at Brentwood in May 2002.  Our demonstration was enjoyed by hundreds of spectators, and all the club members and dogs also had a great time.

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