OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Marion Alachua Dog Training Association, Inc. (MADTA) is a thriving 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting the welfare of dogs and fostering stronger human-canine relationships.
With more than 200 members and over 700 non-members actively participating, the association is a cornerstone for dog enthusiasts in Marion and Alachua counties.
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Founded with a mission to educate the community and improve bonds between humans and their canine companions, MADTA offers a variety of training programs. From obedience and rally to agility and even new classes like fetch, the organization provides affordable, high-quality training taught by experienced exhibitors and trainers.
A State-of-the-Art Facility
In 2019, MADTA established its current two-acre facility on State Road 40. The center features a 6,500-square-foot air-conditioned clubhouse with two fully matted rings, a regulation-size outdoor agility field with lights, shaded areas, and ample storage.
“We’re all volunteer,” says MADTA president Kevin Barbagallo. “We do everything from obedience to rally, agility—we’ve added new classes of fetch. It’s a membership club. Our mission is to help the community.”
The facility operates nearly 13 hours a day, accommodating a wide range of classes, AKC and UKC trials, and special events. Demand continues to grow, with evening classes and educational seminars frequently added to the schedule.
Expanding for the Future
With the organization nearly tripling in size over the past two years, MADTA is campaigning for donations to fund a 3,600-square-foot expansion. This growth coincides with the construction of the new Marion County Animal Shelter next door, presenting exciting opportunities for collaboration.
“Our building needs to expand, especially with the new Marion County Animals Shelter being built next door,” says Barbagallo. “We’re really excited about it. I know we have a group of members who are willing to dedicate time to help with some obedience training. If you’re adopting a dog, we can teach you some basic skill sets, and we’ll go over there for their clinics. We need to put on a 3,600 square foot extension on our facility.”
Community Impact
MADTA’s contributions extend beyond training. The organization donated $10,000 to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office to purchase a K-9 unit and recently provided oxygen masks for dogs and cats to the Alachua County Fire Department, saving animal lives.
“They’re actually waiting for a deputy to step up to train him.” says Barbagallo. “We donated the $10,000 for them to get a school resource dog.”
In 2023 alone, MADTA:
- Recorded 7,883 volunteer hours.
- Held 146 training classes, offering over 650 hours of instruction to more than 1,000 students.
- Donated $1,737 worth of supplies to local organizations.
- Provided 250 hours of free training to 4-H and Future Farmers of America participants.
- Hosted 60 AKC and UKC trials.
Upcoming Events and Services
MADTA hosts various activities open to the public, including Sunday Fun Days in March and weekly open floor training on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings for $10 per dog. Additionally, rally and obedience run-throughs are held on Sundays.
A chiropractor visits the facility monthly to provide canine adjustments, a service available to members and non-members. This weekend, through Dec. 1, MADTA is hosting an AKC agility trial, drawing competitors and spectators alike.
A chiropractor visits the club once a month, the last Wednesday of the month, and those who bring their dogs can have their canine companions adjusted for a fee, and the service is open to members and non-members.
Barbagallo emphasized that the focus of the organization is on both the dogs and their owners, stating that from training to community outreach, MADTA is dedicated to improving lives for both humans and canines.