Lincolnshire German Shepherd Dog & All Breeds Training Society has been bringing dogs and their owners together for more than six decades.
Originally established as a German Shepherd breed club on the east coast, the club relocated to Lincoln in 1960, becoming the Lincoln Alsatian Association. Training took place on a piece of wasteland on Skellingthorpe Road, with obedience classes held on Saturday mornings.
As the club grew, owners of other breeds became interested in joining. In the mid-1960s the club became the Lincoln German Shepherd Dog & All Breeds Training Society, reflecting the fact that dogs of all breeds were welcome.
Working Trials and competitive Obedience also became an important part of club life, with members achieving success in competitions around the country.
In the late 1960s, the club moved to its long-standing home on the A57 Saxilby Road, just off the Lincoln bypass.
The site initially had very few facilities, so a group of enterprising members purchased an old barrack hut from Sobraon Barracks and erected it on the club grounds.
Over the years, generations of members have freely given their time and skills to maintain and improve the club – a community spirit that continues today.
We’re particularly proud of the club’s role in the creation of dog agility.
In 1977, club member Peter Meanwell was asked to devise some entertainment to fill the gaps between judging at Crufts. Inspired by show jumping, Peter and three fellow club members designed a course of obstacles for dogs to tackle with their handlers.
The first demonstration took place at Crufts in 1978 – and dog agility was born.
From those beginnings, agility developed into the hugely popular dog sport enjoyed around the world today.
More than 60 years after arriving in Lincoln, we continue to welcome dogs and handlers of all experience levels. Our German Shepherd heritage remains an important part of our identity, but we’re proud to be an All Breeds Training Society.
Whatever your breed, you’re welcome at our club.