About OTC
About the Obedience Training Center
An AKC-affiliated organization that has been strengthening the bond between owners and pets since 1973.
Our mission
The Obedience Training Center is dedicated to educating the public in responsible dog ownership through quality training. Our mission is to help owners develop well-trained, well-behaved dogs that respond reliably to commands and conduct themselves in a manner that promotes public safety and community well-being.
Who we are
We are publicly known as the Obedience Training Center, Wichita Falls, or simply OTC. Our legal name — the one on our incorporation and tax records — is Obedience Training Club of Wichita Falls, Inc., and you will still see OTC referred to as OTCWF in AKC event records and by long-standing members.
We conduct educational, behavioral and performance training programs for the general public and their dogs, using the humane guidelines endorsed by the American Kennel Club. Through these programs dogs become better companions and canine good citizens — which reduces the likelihood of owners surrendering or abandoning dogs to overcrowded shelters and rescue groups.
We also promote participation in dog performance events, with obedience as the cornerstone. We sponsor performance matches and trials for owners and their dogs — any breed except wolf hybrids — and encourage sportsmanlike conduct in competition.
History and structure
1973: two clubs become one
Obedience training for dogs in Wichita Falls was originally carried out by two separate clubs. In 1973 the two merged to form the Obedience Training Club of Wichita Falls, Inc. The merger involved applying to the State of Texas for incorporation as a nonprofit organization and applying to the American Kennel Club for affiliation. OTC has operated with AKC affiliation ever since.
Nonprofit status
OTC became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2025. Before that OTC operated for decades as a 501(c)(4) organization, and older printed material and web pages may still say so.
An all-volunteer team
OTC has no paid employees. All instructors and assistants are team members and volunteers, and OTC offers a wide range of dog-related training services across North Texas and Southern Oklahoma.
Instructor standards
OTC guidelines require the lead instructor in each class to have trained and shown a dog and earned an appropriate AKC title before instructing a class. Most of our instructors hold multiple titles on multiple dogs. Agility instructors have been training and trialing for several years and compete at the highest levels of the sport.
Training philosophy
All OTC classes are taught by team members using positive methods and AKC guidelines. Our aim is a dog who responds reliably and behaves in a way that keeps the public safe and makes the dog welcome in the community.
Community service
Members run therapy-dog visits, school bite-prevention programs, public education at the county fair and support for other animal organizations across the region.
In Memory of Dr. Karen Reed
Dr. Karen Reed
1957–2025
Dr. Karen Reed served Wichita Falls as a pediatrician and volunteer and found joy in her Bearded Collies and canine competition. Her legacy continues through OTC.
Karen practiced medicine in Wichita Falls for 38 years and was involved in community committees and volunteer events across the area. She always beamed with pride at the awards and ribbons she and her dogs earned at agility and obedience competitions.
Coming Summer 2027
The next chapter: Phase 1
Phase 1 is the construction of a 26,000-square-foot covered agility complex with artificial turf, plus a 4,800-square-foot addition and renovation of the existing building, including energy-efficient HVAC systems and a solar energy system.
The campus plan, capital campaign and giving information are on our separate campaign website.
- A covered, all-weather surface for classes and trials
- More usable indoor space for obedience and scent work
- Lower running costs through efficient HVAC and solar
Find the right starting point for your dog.
Free admission, families welcome.
The team runs on members.