FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL
When are classes?
We train at 7.00pm on Mondays, and 10.30am on Tuesdays. If you are attending for
the first time, you need to arrive 30 minutes before class to complete check in and
registration. We train every Monday except for public holidays, and every Tuesday
except for public and school holidays.
Your first Puppies class under 20 weeks start at 6.45pm sharp on a Monday night, so please ensure you arrive at 6.30pm to enrol so you ready to start your class on time. Classes thereafter start at 7.00pm.
Can I attend both Mondays and Tuesdays? Or some Mondays and some
Tuesdays?
Yes. All levels including new member classes are run on both days.
When can I start?
No advanced booking required just turn up.
How much does it cost?
This depends on whether you join as a Single, Dual or Family membership, and as a
Full or Associate member. Full membership provides voting rights at meetings.
-Associate membership, a Single is $55, Dual $60 or Family $70.
-Full membership, a single is $60, Dural $65 or Family $75.
These include the once-only joining fee, annual membership and ground fees on your first
session. You may pay by cash, cheque or EFTPOS.
How much are Ground Fees?
Ground Fees are $5, paid at each training session.
Are the grounds wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Castle Hills Showground has disabled amenities and access. However,
please note that the training field has grass, so it may be difficult to manoeuvre,
especially in wet weather.
What do I need to bring and wear?
All info is under Membership on our New Members tab, however please note for safety reasons appropriate foot wear is required, thongs are not allowed.
Can I bring my pram/my young children?
Both are welcome, but please be aware that we train outdoors, in all weather, and
that during class you will likely have your hands full as your dog must be on lead at
all times.
Can my children join the Club and train my dog in class?
Yes, we offer:
• Child membership (aged 7 & under 12) – must be accompanied by an adult in
class, and must join alongside an adult membership
• Junior membership (aged 12 & under 16)
Child and Junior members are welcome to train provided they have sufficient control of their dog during class. This will be at the discretion of the Committee. Children under 7 years may not hold the lead of a dog whilst on the grounds.
HEALTH MATTERS
Can I train my very old or very young dog?
Yes, as long as your puppy has had their second vaccination, or your adult dog has a
valid vaccination certificate, you are welcome to bring them.
Do you accept titre testing in place of annual vaccinations? Yes, please bring along the results when you register.
DOG QUESTIONS
I have multiple dogs. Can I bring them all?
You may, however you might need to alternate bringing your dogs to class if your dogs outnumber your humans!
What level will we start in?
We run classes for all levels, from puppies and beginners through to competition
obedience. New members start in either Puppies 1 or Beginners 1 depending on the
dog’s age. Progress through the levels is at your own pace and is determined by
your instructor.
My dog has done obedience before. What level will we be in?
If you believe your dog is more advanced in their training skills, or you have been
doing other classes, you may ask to have your dog assessed to see which class is
suitable for you both.
Can I train my dog in a harness instead of a collar?
A properly fitted harness and lead that give you good control of your dog are fine.
Your instructor will advise if any adjustments need to be made. We do not allow check/choker chains or retractable leads.
Do you have classes for showing/agility/other dog sports?
We teach obedience exercises and life skills, which may be useful to dogs doing other dog sports.
What do I need to bring?
Please bring your dog on lead, and plenty of treats. For a comprehensive list, please check out more info under the members info tab.
COMMON CONCERNS
My dog is nervous/shy around other dogs.
Will they be alright in a class?
If you have any concerns, please leave your dog in your car and come to the office.
We will have someone assess your dog before they come into class.
Dogs are all on lead and are well distanced in class, and there is always the option for you and your dog to stand on the edge of the class, so that you are still included, but by being further away, your dog won’t feel the pressure from other dogs being too close. Some dogs also take a while to settle into a training situation, so we are very used to this scenario. Many dogs who started off unsure have gained confidence and stability through coming to training.
My dog is reactive to other dogs
It is good that you want to enroll in training to help your dog overcome their reactivity.
Our classes will help them, but you need to remember that your dog will need time to learn new habits, and so this is a process and not an instant fix. We will teach you techniques, which you can then practice, and with persistence, you will notice an improvement.
My dog is aggressive
We have many dogs on the grounds and it is a highly stimulating environment, which can push some dogs beyond their comfort zone. Some dogs manage better than others. If you feel your dog is aggressive, please leave them in the car before coming to the office. We will have someone assess your dog.
My dog needs socialisation. Will they have this opportunity?
Successful socialisation of dogs covers far more than their ability to get along with
other dogs through greeting each other and play. As we often have new and excited dogs on the grounds, all handlers are responsible for their own dog and are expected to keep their dog close to them on a shortened lead. We prefer to help dogs focus on their handlers at training rather than be distracted by interaction with other dogs.
.
EXTREME WEATHER
It’s raining! Is training still on?
Yes. If it rains, we will do our best to train under cover or inside.
It’s so hot! Is Tuesday training still on?
If the weather forecast predicts 35 degrees C or above as the maximum temperature on a Tuesday, there will be no training that day. If in doubt, please check our weather notice on our Community Facebook page from 3:00pm Monday afternoon. Or click on the Weather tab above for updated info.
