The Palmetto Obedience Training Club, Inc. was organized and incorporated in 1956 for the purpose of conducting training classes, holding AKC licensed trials, and promoting interest in dog obedience training in the area of Spartanburg County. The club is approved by the American Kennel Club. The club held its first sanctioned OA Match in December of 1956 and its second in June of 1957, with its first licensed trial in September of 1957.

The club’s charter members pioneered dog obedience in South Carolina and assisted in forming a number of other clubs. Over the years, club members have traveled through the US and Canada to show and judge matches.

The club is proud to have the first obedience titled dog, first utility dog, first tracking dog and first agility titled dog in the state of South Carolina. Today’s members are currently showing and training in obedience, Rally, agility, and therapy.

The club has held obedience training classes on a continuing basis for more than 53 years. Many of the dogs trained in these classes have gone on to earn titles in a variety of performance venues.

To strive for better control of all dogs.
To educate the public by teaching them to train their own dogs in order to make their dogs better citizens.
To create an appreciation on the part of the public, the value of trained, pedigreed dogs.
To conduct obedience trials and sanctioned matches under the rules of the American Kennel Club.
To further the advancement of all breeds of purebred dogs.
To devote all profits accruing to POTC to the above mentioned purposes or to make special bequests to such charitable or civic organizations as shall be approved by a two-thirds vote of those in attendance and voting at a POTC meeting; and under no circumstances to pay a salary, fee, commission or dividend to any member.

Meet the Officers

Lynne Gillespie

President

Natalie Pyles

Vice President

Natalie has been a member since 2022. She has been training off and on over the years but has gotten really involved in the last 18 months. Natalie's favorite breed is a coin toss between Rotties and German Shepherds. She admits though she does love Beagles as well. Right now, she has three GSD and a Beagle.

Leslie Shealy

Corresponding Secretary

Leslie joined the club in 2019 after taking her first dog Ollie through CGC class. Leslie has a soft spot for hounds and has two hound mixes. They compete in Rally, Obedience, Barn Hunt, FASTCAT, AKC trick dog, and most importantly her dogs' favorite sport- Nosework!

Cindy Turner

Recording Secretary

Cindy is new to dog training, joining POTC in 2021. Her two sweet pups have titles in Rally, Obedience, Trick Dog, and are both certified for Pet Therapy. Cindy's love is truly the Pet Therapy and she and her sidekick, Coco, the Standard Poodle, spend time every month bringing smiles and joy to the residents of several assisted living facilities and other activities as the opportunities arise. Cindy especially enjoys helping with the club's annual Rally/Obedience Trial in Spartanburg each June.

Jody Dobslaw

Treasurer

Jody Dobslaw has been a member since 2008. In the past, she has served as secretary, vice-president and president of POTC. She is the owner of a boarding kennel where she has been employed for 45 years.

Nancy Smalley

Training Director

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April Williams

Board Member

April joined POTC in 2017 and has been a professional dog groomer since 2006. Her passion for dogs began at a young age when she attended a dog show at a Spartanburg parking garage. A kind exhibitor allowed her to take a Rottweiler puppy into the show ring, sparking a lifelong love for dogs. While she has a special fondness for Rottweilers and Pugs, her home is currently filled with Poodles—both Standards and Minis. April is actively involved in a variety of canine activities, including Fast CAT, Rally, CGC, and Obedience classes. She also plans to explore Scentwork and Barn Hunt in the future when time allows. April is dedicated to serving POTC and looks forward to many more years of contributing her expertise and enthusiasm to the organization.

Marilyn Welton

Board Member

Rose Schweitert

Rose Schwietert, board member, has been a member of POTC since 1973. She has served in all offices and as Training Director. Her first love is German Shepherds and she has owned, shown, and trained many in obedience. She trained her Sheltland Sheepdog to degrees in Rally and Obedience. Rose has also shown Belgian Tervurens in conformation. Several strays have also found a home with her through the years. The friendship and support from POTC members had been a meaningful part of her life for fifty years.