Training & Classes

Training Activities

We are a volunteer organisation serving the dog training as well as conformation needs of the local community.

Obedience training is held on Sunday mornings at the Darnum Recreation Reserve.

All competition Trials and details can be found at K9 Entries

Icon Dog Training Classes
Obedience Training

We hold weekly Obedience training on Sunday mornings at the Darnum Recreation Reserve.

Obedience training should always be about using positive training methods for a well adjusted dog. 

Warragul Dog Club classes provide reward-based training. They are a great way to learn about dog behaviour and to socialise dogs in a safe, structured environment. 

In Beginners Class, your dog will learn to follow basic commands and you will learn more effective communication with your dog, building on trust and relationship. 

Beyond Beginners Class, Obedience training expands on skills, enrichment and fun activities.  

Training also provides the foundation for Obedience Trials and disciplines like Rally-O, Agility and Tracking. It is also a good starting point for Conformation work.

Icon Dog Training Classes
Beginners Class

Members with puppies or dogs requiring training experience will start in the Beginners Class.

This is a 6-week program  offering the foundation skills of Obedience training. It includes teaching SIT, DOWN, recall, walking on a loose lead and focus games. You are expected to attend all  classes.

Beginners Class is just a starter so we encourage you to continue training into Level 2 classes after completing the final assessment. This is crucial because higher levels of training involve  some recall and off-lead work.

There is always so much more you can learn and do with your dog – and it is a fun and focused time together.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Bookings for the Beginners Class are essential.

As of 20th January 2023, our waiting list is temporarily closed.

We will reopen the waiting list as soon as possible. Please be patient and check back with us. 

 

NB: People already on the Beginners Class waiting list will be notified of their class place by an email with  starting dates and times. Allocated classes begin later in January but yours may be in the next intake.

 

We know this is very important to you and are volunteers working hard to provide you with this service responsibly. 

Please be patient, and we hope to see you in the not too distant future. 

Enquiries

Bookings and enquiries via  email: enquiries@warraguldogclub.org.a

 

Icon Dog Training Classes
Class 2 & Advanced

Class 2 & Advanced classes are for more experienced dogs who have completed the Beginners Course.

 

 

 

 Focus

 

Classes build on Beginners Course foundations and have no set time frame. You progress at your own pace.

For effective learning and skill retention we recommend weekly attendance, although this is not mandatory. We also encourage home training during the week.  

You may be happy to simply have interesting and fun activities with your dog and a well-behaved companion animal at home. If you also have an interest in competition trials, you can learn about them at this level.

Enquiries

Enquiries can be directed to: enquiries@warraguldogclub.org.a

These ongoing classes have resumed for 2023.

Icon Dog Training Classes
Agility Classes

Agility is lots of fun for dogs and handlers.

Border collie participating in agility class at Warragul Dog Club        Agility Jump 

It requires specialised training before a dog can take part in the ongoing training classes. 

Intake for Agility beginners takes place once a year at our Club Agility grounds.

If interested, you need to have completed the Beginners Obedience course and/or have consolidated foundation skills such as a reliable recall and  ability to work with your dog off-lead. 

An assessment will take place for new participants in this discipline. Once assessed as suitable, you can join the Foundation Agility class which is a 6-week course. When you have completed and passed the Foundation course, you can take part in regular Agility classes.

Enquiries

Email Margaret at agility@warraguldogclub.org.au   

with AGILITY in Subject line.

Icon Dog Training Classes
Tracking, Rally O, Scent Work and Other Sports

The club does not hold regular classes in other sport disciples at this point, but many of our members have expertise in these areas. 

Tracking Practice.

If interested in other dog sports and would like more information, please speak to our instructors.

Our Training Approach

Warragul Dog Club ClassGroup training classes are a great way to socialise your dog in a safe and structured environment and to deepen your relationship with your dog. It is an important part of responsible dog ownership.

The club uses reward-based positive reinforcement training methods. This can  include food treats, enthusiastic praise, playful interactions, petting, a favourite toy or a game.

Most dogs are highly food-motivated, so food works especially well for training. Treats should be healthy yet enticing and irresistible to your pet. You may need to experiment to find which food works best as a valuable reinforcer (high value reward) for training in a group class, which is a more distracting environment than home.

Reward-based training is the most humane and effective way of training dogs and addressing unwanted behaviours. It does not involve aversive devices or techniques, physical punishment or the assertion of dominance over the dog.

In our classes, your dog will learn to follow basic obedience cues (commands). You will learn about communicating effectively with your dog and better understanding their behaviour. Activities involve working in a human-dog team which builds trust and helps develop a stronger bond between you and your dog. 

These training classes provide a good foundation for other dog sport disciplines such as Obedience, Rally-O, Agility, Tracking, Retrieving and Scent Work.  They are also a good starting point for people interested in Conformation showing.

The Club asks all members to follow safe, responsible and respectful dog handling protocols while engaged in Club activities.

Our instructors are all volunteers with a variety of experience in different training disciplines. They are dedicated to giving up their time to assist members with their dogs. 

Warragul Dog Club believes that Obedience training should be an enjoyable, enriching time for you and your dog

Did you know members have access to the Club's resource library?

Get in touch to find out more about what we offer.

Agility Tunnel Training

Our Affiliations

Our affiliation with DogsVictoria provides our Club members with insurance cover while engaged in Club activities at the Club grounds. It also enables us to hold our Labour Day Championship Shows.