A.D.C.D.T.S.

THE HISTORY OF THE SERVICE


		1976 Founded under the title of Alexandria & District Road Safety Dog Training Club the organisation arose from a request by the Road Safety Training Officer for Strathclyde Regional Council, to Mr. George Cochrane in his professional capacity as a police dog handler . It was not a request to start a hobbyist activity, more of a service provision to the community on a subject that was pertinent to a demand on the authority. Road Safety and Community Education Departments of the Authority got together and provided the Christie Park School Gymnasium in Alexandria as the venue. An Enrolment date was advertised producing an immediate membership of 46 owners and dogs and within three years was supporting a membership of 80 owners, along with a constant waiting list. It was by identifying this that the way forward was established. 1979 After a request for assistance from Helensburgh Canine Club, and in liaison with Community Education, an approach was made to Hermitage School Gymnasium which resulted in the Head Teacher petitioning the Argyll & Clyde Health Board alleging the risk of Toxocaraisis to pupils should the activity be allowed. The result was a catastrophic campaign, with Health and Education Authorities reviewing the use of properties. In December the axe fell on Alexandria & District Road Safety Dog Training Club, when a notice to quit was served by the Education Authority. Two weeks prior to Christmas the membership mobilised its Appeal Campaign. In the interim we were obliged to find alternative accommodation 1981 Through a contact in D.D.C. Planning Department the former D.H.S.S.building in Alexander Street , Alexandria , was identified. The building had been reduced to an unrentable derelict hulk, vandalised beyond description . Whilst it suggested a monumental task it was decided to go for it as our new location. T he Council responded favourably , granting a change of use for the building, with a peppercorn rent . At this stage the full realisation of the buildings potential fell into place, and its uniqueness in becoming Scotland’s and possibly the U.K.’s first Community Dog Training Centre. (Click Here For PHOTOGHRAPHS) 1982 A Constitution was drawn up, and a review of the title made with the adoption of the word Service in place of Club. The conversion of the building to our purpose was a total self help initiative, with members of all trades and professions giving of their time & expertise, to create the training centre we and the communities we serve enjoy to this day. A provisional lease was given for Road Safety Dog Training and RELATED PURPOSES. 1985 The problems with dogs was more due to a lack of awareness on the part of the owner rather than the dog itself. It is not one of training the dog to be obedient more of training the owner in the skills of responsible ownership in a user friendly manner. The Responsible Ownership Course Syllabus, of 12 weeks duration, was put together and divided the community scene into relevant Subject matters. The conversion of the front reception area to a lecture facility created the first Responsible Dog Ownership Course by Direct Education, as unique as the Centre which housed it. Dumbarton District Council willingly accepted the invitation to sponsor the Theory aspects of the Course. This aspect again prompted reference to the accuracy of title and to complete its self definition the key word COMMUNITY was inserted, bringing it to its present day ALEXANDRIA & DISTRICT COMMUNITY DOG TRAINING SERVICE. Uniqueness like ours does not stay local for long, and the interests generated produced membership of the Scottish Canine Consultative Council, whose membership adopted the concept as a pilot scheme of good practice for Scotland. 1986 The Responsible Ownership Courses proved successful, and provided a definition of good ownership which all owners, the general public and the authorities can identify with. It also became the script for the GOOD DOG VIDEO by lan Hutchison a former Chairman of the S.C.C.C. 1987 The pace of the project at ADCDTS and its role model potential to the S.C.C.C. saw George Cochrane elected to the Chair of the Council to pilot the scheme through its early stages. A Policy Document was compiled with recommendations to “All” Scottish Authorities to host a one day Seminar with the S.C.C.C which would bring together the establishment and the training organizations. 1990 Local progress saw the Service instigate a Seminar with Dumbarton District Council, to consolidate the integrated theme with the local agencies. Hailed as a success by all concerned it resulted in a consultation document which measured the feedback of community groups involved and influenced the Councils Dog Control Policy emphasising the prevention measures in the education initiative. It also heralded the adoption of the ownership concept by other Dog Training Clubs in the District who operated one evening a week. The fact that we all seek the same ends in this activity should overcome prejudice. The SCCC eventually targeted the Scottish Office, and presented a submission under the heading of Paragraph 42 of the Governments Consultation Document, THE CONTROL OF DOGS, issued in 1990. Paragraph 42 related to the Educational aspects on how the education implications could best be carried out. Naturally our pilot scheme became that submission. The Scottish Office have accepted the concept as a good code of practice and make reference to it in its remit, without however any access to funding which is left to individual authorities. This year also saw the inception of one of the most unique advantages to the presence of the Service , that being the COURTS REFERRAL SCHEME through which owners, who end up on the wrong side of the law in ownership of a dog, have the opportunity to counselling and remedial assistance on the circumstances which drew court and police attention. 1993 Saw the combining of several Dog Training ‘Clubs’ to promote Responsible Dog Ownership Courses in the Community. This is continuing the Direct Education theme and is supported by West Dunbartonshire , East Dunbartonshire and Argyll & Bute Councils and is known as the West of Scotland Community Dog Training Association. 1994/5 The provision of schools visits to the Centre started, along with outreach visits to school children, the ones presently at risk in this climate of serious injuries and fatalities on the end of dogs and their irresponsible owners. The do’s & don’ts are presented in slides and magazine form, a permanent reminder for the children of the visit. On a similar theme, an enquiry from the Care Staff at the Church of Scotland Care Centre for the Educationally Disadvantaged, Kirkpatrick House, Alexandria, produced a challenge to familiarise three of the residents who had an inordinate fear of dogs bordering on phobia. All three were given a gentle introduction to the centre and dogs of proven temperament until after approx 1 year they were considered cured. The achievement is nothing short of astounding to the care staff and the families of the recipients. The therapeutic advantages of pet companionship and contact can improve the quality of life for the mentally disadvantaged. The DUMBARTON DISTRICT COUNCIL input to the needy repairs and refurbishment costs was their offer to sell the building to the Service for one pound. The sale required Secretary of State Approval, and had us forming a Board of Trustees in prospect of ownership, including reviewing the constitution. Nothing was heard until enquiry with the new West Dunbartonshire Council Depute Chief Executive informed us that nothing had been actioned . An official recommended the overturn of the sale arrangement in favour of a lease. 1996 As a natural consequence of our progress George Cochrane was pleased to work with WDNVCP to achieve Scottish Charity Status. On Wednesday 18 th December/I996, the review of the sale situation by the Council was lost. The progress to a lease renewal was awaited. 2000 Saw the transfer of ownership from West Dunbartonshire Council to Alexandria & District Community Dog Training Service. 2002 Following on from the Canine Human Interaction Therapy in 1995, PALS WITH PAWS was started to help train the family pets to assist their owners. 2004 The Scottish Canine Council was invited to provide an information stall at an international conference hosted by the Society of Companion Animals. Training demonstrations were given by the West of Scotland Association and included members of Alexandria Community Dog Training. 2005 Since opening the Centre has sustained a membership between 100 - 120 owners, with 9/12 Responsible Ownership Courses per year representing a maximum of 140 owners per annum. A D C D T S has outgrown its present building and is now seeking ways to have custom built premises.

1976

Founded under the title of Alexandria & District Road Safety Dog Training Club the organisation arose from a request by the Road Safety Training Officer for Strathclyde Regional Council, to Mr. George Cochrane in his professional capacity as a police dog handler . It was not a request to start a hobbyist activity, more of a service provision to the community on a subject that was pertinent to a demand on the authority. Road Safety and Community Education Departments of the Authority got together and provided the Christie Park School Gymnasium in Alexandria as the venue. An Enrolment date was advertised producing an immediate membership of 46 owners and dogs and within three years was supporting a membership of 80 owners, along with a constant waiting list. It was by identifying this that the way forward was established.

1979

After a request for assistance from Helensburgh Canine Club, and in liaison with Community Education, an approach was made to Hermitage School Gymnasium which resulted in the Head Teacher petitioning the Argyll & Clyde Health Board alleging the risk of Toxocaraisis to pupils should the activity be allowed. The result was a catastrophic campaign, with Health and Education Authorities reviewing the use of properties. In December the axe fell on Alexandria & District Road Safety Dog Training Club, when a notice to quit was served by the Education Authority. Two weeks prior to Christmas the membership mobilised its Appeal Campaign. In the interim we were obliged to find alternative accommodation

1981

Through a contact in D.D.C. Planning Department the former D.H.S.S.building in Alexander Street , Alexandria , was identified. The building had been reduced to an unrentable derelict hulk, vandalised beyond description . Whilst it suggested a monumental task it was decided to go for it as our new location. T he Council responded favourably , granting a change of use for the building, with a peppercorn rent . At this stage the full realisation of the buildings potential fell into place, and its uniqueness in becoming Scotland’s and possibly the U.K.’s first Community Dog Training Centre.
(Click Here For PHOTOGHRAPHS)

1982

A Constitution was drawn up, and a review of the title made with the adoption of the word Service in place of Club.

The conversion of the building to our purpose was a total self help initiative, with members of all trades and professions giving of their time & expertise, to create the training centre we and the communities we serve enjoy to this day. A provisional lease was given for Road Safety Dog Training and RELATED PURPOSES.

1985

The problems with dogs was more due to a lack of awareness on the part of the owner rather than the dog itself. It is not one of training the dog to be obedient more of training the owner in the skills of responsible ownership in a user friendly manner. The Responsible Ownership Course Syllabus, of 12 weeks duration, was put together and divided the community scene into relevant Subject matters. The conversion of the front reception area to a lecture facility created the first Responsible Dog Ownership Course by Direct Education, as unique as the Centre which housed it. Dumbarton District Council willingly accepted the invitation to sponsor the Theory aspects of the Course. This aspect again prompted reference to the accuracy of title and to complete its self definition the key word COMMUNITY was inserted, bringing it to its present day ALEXANDRIA & DISTRICT COMMUNITY DOG TRAINING SERVICE. Uniqueness like ours does not stay local for long, and the interests generated produced membership of the Scottish Canine Consultative Council, whose membership adopted the concept as a pilot scheme of good practice for Scotland.

1986

The Responsible Ownership Courses proved successful, and provided a definition of good ownership which all owners, the general public and the authorities can identify with. It also became the script for the GOOD DOG VIDEO by lan Hutchison a former Chairman of the S.C.C.C.

1987

The pace of the project at ADCDTS and its role model potential to the S.C.C.C. saw George Cochrane elected to the Chair of the Council to pilot the scheme through its early stages. A Policy Document was compiled with recommendations to “All” Scottish Authorities to host a one day Seminar with the S.C.C.C which would bring together the establishment and the training organizations.

1990

Local progress saw the Service instigate a Seminar with Dumbarton District Council, to consolidate the integrated theme with the local agencies. Hailed as a success by all concerned it resulted in a consultation document which measured the feedback of community groups involved and influenced the Councils Dog Control Policy emphasising the prevention measures in the education initiative. It also heralded the adoption of the ownership concept by other Dog Training Clubs in the District who operated one evening a week. The fact that we all seek the same ends in this activity should overcome prejudice.

The SCCC eventually targeted the Scottish Office, and presented a submission under the heading of Paragraph 42 of the Governments Consultation Document, THE CONTROL OF DOGS, issued in 1990. Paragraph 42 related to the Educational aspects on how the education implications could best be carried out. Naturally our pilot scheme became that submission. The Scottish Office have accepted the concept as a good code of practice and make reference to it in its remit, without however any access to funding which is left to individual authorities.

This year also saw the inception of one of the most unique advantages to the presence of the Service , that being the COURTS REFERRAL SCHEME through which owners, who end up on the wrong side of the law in ownership of a dog, have the opportunity to counselling and remedial assistance on the circumstances which drew court and police attention.

1993

Saw the combining of several Dog Training ‘Clubs’ to promote Responsible Dog Ownership Courses in the Community. This is continuing the Direct Education theme and is supported by West Dunbartonshire , East Dunbartonshire and Argyll & Bute Councils and is known as the West of Scotland Community Dog Training Association.

1994/5

The provision of schools visits to the Centre started, along with outreach visits to school children, the ones presently at risk in this climate of serious injuries and fatalities on the end of dogs and their irresponsible owners. The do’s & don’ts are presented in slides and magazine form, a permanent reminder for the children of the visit.

On a similar theme, an enquiry from the Care Staff at the Church of Scotland Care Centre for the Educationally Disadvantaged, Kirkpatrick House, Alexandria, produced a challenge to familiarise three of the residents who had an inordinate fear of dogs bordering on phobia. All three were given a gentle introduction to the centre and dogs of proven temperament until after approx 1 year they were considered cured. The achievement is nothing short of astounding to the care staff and the families of the recipients. The therapeutic advantages of pet companionship and contact can improve the quality of life for the mentally disadvantaged.

The DUMBARTON DISTRICT COUNCIL input to the needy repairs and refurbishment costs was their offer to sell the building to the Service for one pound. The sale required Secretary of State Approval, and had us forming a Board of Trustees in prospect of ownership, including reviewing the constitution. Nothing was heard until enquiry with the new West Dunbartonshire Council Depute Chief Executive informed us that nothing had been actioned . An official recommended the overturn of the sale arrangement in favour of a lease.

1996

As a natural consequence of our progress George Cochrane was pleased to work with WDNVCP to achieve Scottish Charity Status.

On Wednesday 18 th December/I996, the review of the sale situation by the Council was lost. The progress to a lease renewal was awaited.

2000

Saw the transfer of ownership from West Dunbartonshire Council to Alexandria & District Community Dog Training Service.

2002

Following on from the Canine Human Interaction Therapy in 1995, PALS WITH PAWS was started to help train the family pets to assist their owners.

2004

The Scottish Canine Council was invited to provide an information stall at an international conference hosted by the Society of Companion Animals. Training demonstrations were given by the West of Scotland Association and included members of Alexandria Community Dog Training.

2005

Since opening the Centre has sustained a membership between 100 - 120 owners, with 9/12 Responsible Ownership Courses per year representing a maximum of 140 owners per annum.
A D C D T S has outgrown its present building and is now seeking ways to have custom built premises.