New Member Information

How do I register?

Complete the registration form (click HERE) and bring it to the clubhouse along with your dog’s:

• current vaccination certificate

• microchip details

• OPTIONAL: DOGS NSW pedigree and your DOGS NSW membership number (if applicable)

When can I register?

From 11:30am to 1:30pm on most Sundays from February to November (no training occurs during December and January). There are NO registrations or classes on Public Holiday long weekends or competition Trial days (the last weekends in March, August and October). See 2024 dates for full details.

How much does registration cost?

The membership period is from the beginning to the end of the year. Joining at any time will provide you with a club membership (covering all training and ground fees) until December of that year. Membership fees are as follows:

• Adult Members $90

• Dual/Family Members $100 (one dog) $120 (two dogs)

• Pensioner Members $75

• Junior (under 18) Members $75

There is also a $10 joining fee for new members upon registration.

Do I bring my dog to registration?

NO. Please leave your dog at home for registration. This is to allow you to focus on the Orientation process and set you up for success when you return with your dog for your first class the following week.

What is Orientation?

On the day that you register, you are required to attend an Orientation Session at 2pm. This will provide you with all the information you need before your first class.

What about puppies?

Puppy classes are often fully booked before their start date. To secure a place, you must register in person at the Clubhouse on a Sunday. Check our Facebook page for updates and CONTACT US for further details.

What equipment do I need for my dog?

Your dog should be securely fitted with a flat collar or harness. We recommend a simple, flat lead - 1m length is preferred for beginner classes. We sell a range of leads in our Clubhouse that you may purchase at any time. We also sell collars, head halters, treat pouches and dumbbells.

What else do I need to bring to class?

You need to wear enclosed shoes. And you should bring LOTS OF FOOD REWARDS. We advise using soft, smelly treats that are cut into tiny pieces to make it easy for your dog to swallow. Good options are BBQ chicken, cheese, sausage and hot dogs for dogs that are starting out (we need dogs to really enjoy the food we have when we start training).

How do I know which class to go to?

Our Introductory classes held at 2pm. All new members start off in their first week after orientation in Brown 1. In their second week, they will be in Brown 2, and in their third week of training, they will complete the introductory classes by attending Brown 3. Brown classes meet on the side of the field closest to the clubhouse. Once the three weeks in Brown Class have been completed, members will automatically be in the Green classes. Green classes meet on the far side of the field. There are usually several green classes which are split between available instructors. Dog and handler teams who have achieved competency in the Green classes may complete a Promotion assessment to move to the Advanced Classes at 3:30pm.

What happens if I miss a week of classes?

There is no problem if you miss a class (or two or three)! Simply start wherever you left off. Ask an instructor if you need help finding out where you should be.

I attended Puppy Class a while ago… what class am I in now?

After completing Puppy Class, handlers move through the Introductory Brown Classes. If it has been more than a few weeks since you completed Puppy Class, we recommend you begin in Brown 1.

My dog is shy/nervous/reactive/aggressive… can they participate in classes?

We welcome dogs with a range of behavioural challenges. However, members need to understand that our volunteer instructors cannot meet the complex needs of each individual dog-handler team. We teach foundational obedience skills that can be very helpful in increasing the communication and relationship between people and their dogs. And we provide a training environment that can help your dog learn to focus on YOU around other people and dogs. However, dogs with behavioural challenges may take longer to feel comfortable in a class setting and learning for these dogs may not progress as fast as other dogs. You will get the most out of our classes if your dog is interested in eating food in this environment. Highly nervous or overly excited dogs often struggle to eat food due to their emotional state. We encourage these dog-handler teams to take their time, use distance from others wisely and concentrate on getting simple focus and attention from their dogs to reward with food. Learning at your dog’s pace is key.

Dogs that have a serious aggressive history or who are difficult to physically control in close proximity to other dogs may achieve better outcomes with a private trainer or behavioural consultant. We need to ensure that everyone in class feels safe and comfortable - CONTACT US if you have questions.

If you are primarily interested in “socialising” your dog, please know that we don’t encourage dog-dog interactions before or during class and prefer that on-leash greetings are kept to a minimum to encourage dogs to stay in a “think and learn” zone. However, if you want your dog to learn to listen to YOU when other dogs are around, and to learn to be relaxed and confident in a busy environment, our classes are a great option!

What about bad weather?

Training will be cancelled in heavy rain or extreme heat (over 32 degrees). We will post updates on our Facebook page if a cancellation occurs. And you can call the Clubhouse phone (9858 5281) after 11am (for puppies) or after 1pm (for other classes).