You will learn the skills to develop a happy relationship with your dog, as we teach you basic cues and life skills over the 8 week course. If you are interested in dog performance sports or conformation, we can help you get started and refine your skills in your chosen sport. You could join our committee or one of our sub-committees, to help grow our club.

The Dogswest website has a lot of information on how to get involved with dog sports and shows. They also have a calendar of events which gives the dates of upcoming trials/shows throughout the year for all of the WA Clubs. You could also speak to one of our trainers or committee members if you were interested in starting to compete in trials or shows with your dog.

Lots! High value treats may very well be what you need in the distracting environment, that dog club can be. Think about High value is something that comes from the fridge, rather than the pantry. Your dogs biscuits, liver treats and schmakos might work at home, but you may need something super tasty with all the other dogs around. Dog roll (Like Prime 100) cut up into little squares make a great high value treat.

No, she will need to stay at home for 3 weeks, from when she started her season.

You could, however depending on how fearful/reactive your dog is, she/he may benefit from some one-on-one training before you start training with us. This will help you understand your dog's needs and how to help them in possible challenging situations. Contact the club if you require assistance looking for a local trainer.

As above.

Ideally yes. Foundations 1, Week 1, is compulsory. If you can’t attend each week, that’s ok, life happens. It will just mean you will have more to learn when you return the next week!

We cap our class numbers at 10 dogs per group.

We only use positive reinforcement methods of training. This is in the form of praise, play and food rewards. Positive encouragement sets up our dogs for success.

Yes, children need to be at least 12 years of age to handle a dog in class. They must also be accompanied by an adult.

Your dogs regular collar or a martingale stye collar. If you normally walk your dog in a harness or Halti, you could use this too.

Any age. Puppies must have completed their primary vaccination course. Please check with your Vet as to when it is safe to take your puppy to public places.

Yes. We want your dog to be safe and protected from diseases. We train at a public access park, so we can’t control what dogs visit whilst we are not training.

Yes. Dogs that have been Titre tested and show they have enough immunity against preventable diseases are welcome.

Yes. Please make sure you have told them what your dogs cues are, what you have currently learnt and what they are to expect during class.

That depends a lot on the size and age of your puppy - your Vet may be the best person to ask. Puppies also need around 15-20 hours of sleep per day, an over tired puppy is like an over tired toddler!!

We would recommend looking at Dogswest and Dogzonline websites, for a list of registered breeders.

As above.

No, the club does not. However, we can direct you to positive reinforcement trainers who you can contact.

No, unless you are currently trialling in Agility. We recommend that you have completed the Foundations 1 and 2 courses, as well as some Obedience and/or Rally courses before commencing in Agility where your dog will be working off lead and away from you.

See above.

Yes, dogs of any age and ability are welcome.

We teach life skills and basic cues, right up to Obedience, Rally, Ringcraft and Agility competition level.

No. All of our trainers are Club members, and train under the guidelines of our Club and Dogswest. Most of our trainers are members of Dogswest and most compete in performance trials and/or conformation shows with their own dogs. We are very fortunate to boast that 2 of our trainers are Qualified with the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT).

No.

To report a found dog, please contact the City of Albany on 6820 3999. Snakes: Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055 to be referred to a volunteer reptile remover. Reptile Wrangler and Relocator https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057326984700

City of Albany Website: https://www.albany.wa.gov.au/documents/571/dog-exercise-area-brochure

Harness – You may find a front lead attach harness better, but see how you go with the one you have to start with and your instructor will be able to give you feed back if needed. Collar – Your dogs regular flat collar or martingale type collar. Lead – A normal lead, not too long. No retractable or chain leads. If you are participating in our Ringcraft class and you already compete in shows, you may use a show slip in that class with your dog.

Enclosed footwear is recommended. No barefeet, thongs, slip-ons, sandals, etc.

No it isn’t fenced. However, your dog will be training on lead at all times (until you start in performance classes).

We often email/Facebook post when we are needing helpers for specific events. However, if you have a keen interest in helping out the club in any way, let us know where your passion lies/what your skills are and I'm sure we can find a task for you. Email us or talk to one of our committee members.