TRAINING

Training

Our Training

Class times:

During the warmer months, classes will be held at 9:00am for Beginners and 9:45am for Classes 1-4.


During the cooler months, Beginners will start at 9:30am, and 10:15am for Classes 1-4. (CURRENT CLASS TIMES)


New members can sign up anytime through the year and will be sent a link to an introduction video which must be watched before attending the first class. 


Your class start time will be confirmed in your Welcome email after signing up. We will also post regular updates on our members only Facebook page.

Cancelled training days:

Our training year runs most Sundays between February and November however we do not run on Public Holiday weekends or if the forecast for the Sunday is 34°C or above.


Classes will also be cancelled when our volunteer instructors are unavailable due to other commitments which may relate to competitions and/or furthering their own training.


All members will be notified via email and on our private Facebook page when/if classes are to be cancelled.


Please see our Calendar for current class schedules.

What to bring:

Along with your dog, you will need the following:


  • Proof of your dogs current vaccinations must be emailed to hdoc@live.com.au prior to your first class. (All dogs must have at least a C5 vaccination which includes kennel cough)


  • Leash and flat collar. Collars will be checked upon entry for correct fitting. Although dogs can be worked on a harness, we highly recommend using a flat collar for better control. Flat collars will also be required when training a loose-lead walk.

  • Water for yourself. HDOC will have water buckets out for the dogs, but you are welcome to bring your own if preferred.

  • Comfortable clothing with suitable footwear - NO THONGS OR SANDLES.

  • Plenty of high value treats. We recommend using a wet food instead of dry, and cutting it up into small pieces - you will use lots of treats when training!

  • Treat bag or training pouch to store your treats. We recommend using something that can be secured around your waist so you can keep both hands free and easily grab food out while training. HDOC does have training pouches available to purchase on club days if required.

  • Your dogs favourite tug toy if not food motivated.

How training is conducted

Our methods:

Gentle training methods are taught and cruelty is not tolerated. Training is conducted in a quiet and friendly atmosphere. Most instruction is in small classes with owner and dog being trained together as a team.


Owners and dogs progress through the classes by constant evaluation from Beginners to Class 5.

Remember, practice makes perfect!

Training your dog

  • What do you want from training your dog?

    The vast majority of people want their dogs to at least learn basic obedience, so the dog knows how to walk properly at heel, to sit, stay, lie down and, most importantly, to come when called. 


    See our CLASSES page for more information regarding skills learned in each level.

  • Can all dogs be trained?

    All dogs, whether pure breeds or cross breeds can benefit from dog obedience training. Both adult dogs and puppies are trained. Puppies even as young as twelve weeks are welcome. Although puppies of that age learn a lot, the owners learn a tremendous amount. When people get a puppy, it is essential that the new owners learn not only what to do, but also what NOT to do whilst rearing and training the young dog so it gets the excellent start in life it deserves.

  • How quickly will my dog learn?

    This is like asking how long is a piece of string! In general, younger dogs pick up things, both good and bad, quicker than older dogs. This doesn’t mean that older dogs can’t learn, it just means it takes a little longer. The major factor is just how much practice the owner does with the dog EVERY day.

  • How much practice do we need to do?

    This is completely up to you! The more you practice, the quicker your dog will advance. Our instructors will give you plenty of guidance on how to implement training into your everyday life.

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