UPCOMING EVENTS
FAQs
Do you run a puppy school?
We do not run a puppy school anymore. Our Foundation Course which was introduced in 2011 is designed for any dogs from 12 weeks of age. Even though it does include some social skills, if you want to maximise early socialisation for your new canine friend, feel free to search around for a puppy school elsewhere before you join our Foundation Course, but book with us early to avoid disappointment.
The website says you take puppies from 12 weeks of age, but what if they have not had all of their vaccinations yet?
Your puppy does not have to have had all of it’s vaccinations, as long as they have had one. We still need proof of this so don’t forget to bring the certificate on your first day.
My dog can already sit and drop, is Foundation Class going to be too easy for us and boring for my dog?
Not at all. Each week in the Foundation Class the instructor runs through several exercises, with only a few minutes spent on each. Even if you have already learnt a particular behaviour, the instructor doesn’t spend long on any one exercise at a time. In addition to obedience, the Foundation Course covers general social skills, agility and flyball fundamentals and much more, so you will be guaranteed not to be bored!
My dog is 4 years old, is he too old for your Foundation Course?
Absolutely not! The Foundation Course is designed for any canine companion no matter how old.
I only want to do agility with my dog, do I still have to do the Foundation Course?
Yes – the Foundation Course is a requirement for all new members, no matter whether you wish to participate in obedience, agility or flyball. The Course is only 6 weeks long and covers basic skills from all areas. Even if you wish to just do agility or flyball in the long term, basic obedience is an absolute necessity if you wish to participate in these activities successfully.
I am transferring from another club and we already have been competing for many years. Do we still have to do the Foundation Course?
If you have already been formally training and possibly competing with your dog, you may be entitled to an exemption from the Foundation Course. Please email the club to discuss your current skill level and achievements. If you are eligible, we will ask you to come to club for an informal assessment by one of our instructors and you may be entitled to an exemption.
How much are classes each week?
The 6 week Foundation Course fee includes training fees for the duration of the course. Once the course is completed, classes are $2 per week per dog (or $1.50 for concession) no matter whether you participate in obedience, flyball, agility or all three.
Does it matter that my dog is not de-sexed?
Not at all. We accept all dogs, no matter whether they are de-sexed or not.
If I fill out the membership form now, can I just pay on my first day at club?
Unfortunately we can not reserve a place for you and your dog in the Foundation Course unless we receive your payment for membership. Payment can be made through our website via Paypal or direct deposit into the club’s bank account. Places for the Foundation Course are strictly limited to provide the best possible training for your dog. As places fill up very quickly we recommend getting your payment in as soon as possible to get your first preference of start date.
How much is membership?
Membership varies on a few factors including:
-single or family?
-standard or concession?
-did you purchase your dog from the Peninsula Animal Aid (PAA) or the RSPCA?
-are you a Victorian Canine Association (VCA) member?
Click here to download our full list of membership prices.
What day/time is training?
We train every Sunday morning. Click here to download our timetable for 2012.
Where is training held?
Training is held on the athletics oval behind Westernport Secondary College. Entry is on High Street Hastings, opposite Villawood Drive (look for our sign at the entry gate).
My dog doesn’t get on well with other dogs. Can I train with the group?
Of course. As long as you can control your dog, you’re welcome. We can even provide you with a yellow ‘space coat’ that lets other owners know to give you and your best mate some extra room and not approach without checking with you first.