Western Branch Training Rules for Sunday

Let’s all have an enjoyable experience!!

Regular Obedience Training Classes: Sunday 9:30 am – 10:30 am.

Regular Show Training: Sunday 10:45 am – 11:45 am

We train rain, hail or shine with the exception of days relating to our heat policy which is: Please check the Branch Heat Policy for Extreme Weather Conditions

When You Arrive

Please arrive by 9:15 am at the latest, and ensure you have your name marked off at the attendance table as you pay your training fee. Then take your dog away for a quick walk, to settle them down before class.

If you are currently a member of another Branch, remember you are required to wear your current name badge and present your dog’s immunisation record before you can join training on Western grounds.

Car Parking

Western Branch has very good car parking provisions. The car park inside the grounds is allocated for members with dog trailers, Intsructors and Committee Members who on a week to week basis generally have to leave their dogs in the vehicles whilst they undertake their duties for the branch. We have extensive car parks on McCrae Blvd for all other members.

Weekly Announcements

Begin at 10:30 am sharp, for about 5 minutes, and will provide you with any specific branch news for that day and the weeks ahead. Pass-up ribbons, certificates and special awards will also be presented.

All Obedience and Conformation handlers and dogs are asked to line up in the appropriate line during announcements.  We ask for your attention during this time so information can be exchanged in a speedy fashion.

Vaccination Certificates

Dog Vaccinations

Dogs should be vaccinated to help protect them from many highly contagious and
infectious diseases. The best way to ensure a long and happy life for your dog is to help protect with vaccination against common diseases.
Puppies under the age of 16 weeks must have commenced their vaccinations. Dog’s over 16 weeks must be fully vaccinated and be given a yearly booster.
All vaccination certificates must be sighted at the registration desk. The date of the vaccination on the certificate will be noted and the next due date will be recorded in our database.

Whenever you re-vaccinate your dog please remember to bring the updated certificate to the Branch so we can again sight the document and update our records.

As stated by the GSDCV vaccinations must be one of the following:

  • C3 plus kennel cough OR
  • C4 plus kennel cough OR.
  • C5 which includes kennel cough

If you have any issues with the above Rules and Guidelines or are unsure what to do, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Please note – No Vaccination – No training.

Membership Badges

The wearing of badges is essential when you are on the training grounds each week.  This year’s badge colour is Yellow ♥ If you haven’t received your 2024 badge please see our Membership Officer.

For new members, you will receive a temporary badge until your official one is ready for collection.

Wearing the name badge is an insurance requirement, indicates that you are a financial member and is also useful for Instructors to remember your name during training.

Should you forget to bring your badge you will be required to go to the Membership Officer in the branch clubroom to obtain a temporary one.  This will incur a cost of $2.00 to cover the plastic holder.

You will be unable to train without a badge.

Dog’s Off-Lead

All our Branches comply with the policy set down by the Obedience Training Committee (OTC) of the GSDCV which states that during Branch training times, no dogs are permitted to be off lead on the designated areas unless training under the direct supervision of an instructor.
Also please remember that other areas of the grounds are shared and used by other sporting clubs. We ask that you take into consideration other users of the grounds at all times.

Doggy Clean Up

It’s your responsibility to clean up after your dog. Pooper scoopers and buckets are located around the grounds. Please place all plastic bags in the rubbish bin next to the club rooms.

If you come across any doggy doo of unknown origin, please put in the effort to remove it from the grounds. This helps to make life more pleasant, hygienic and healthier for all.

It also minimizes the chance of spreading unknown diseases amongst our dogs and reduces unwarranted complaints against our Branch and its members by other users of the reserve.

Dogs in Club Rooms

Dogs are most welcome in the Clubrooms at any time.
At no times are Dogs allowed into the Kitchen while food is being served. This is for food safety Regulations and good hygiene.

Doggie Friendliness

Your dog may be very friendly and love all other dogs, but not all dogs are the same. Please make sure BEFORE you let your dog go up to other dogs.

This is in the best interests of both your own and the other handler’s dog.

Dogs Tied Up

Dogs are not to be left tied up and unattended on the grounds at any time. If you need someone to hold your dog while you take a “toilet break” etc please ask a Committee Member.

Clothing  and Footwear

Wear enclosed shoes, no thongs or sandals. Perhaps something sturdier if it’s wet and slippery. Try to avoid baggy or open zip jackets for training they can get in your dogs face when you train.

Heat Policy

Wednesday Training

If the forecasted temperature the night before is:

  • 32°C or above, training will be cancelled; or
  • between 30°C – 32°C, the decision to cancel training will be at the discretion of the Chief Instructor, whose decision will be made taking various factors into account.
  • If the temperature reaches 32°C on the day of training, the training will be cancelled.

Wednesday Training

If the forecasted temperature the night before is:

  • 35°C or above, training will be cancelled;
  • below 35°C training will go ahead.
  • During training, the temperature will be monitored and will cease immediately when the temperature reaches 32°C. The decision to cease training will be made by the Chief Instructor on the day.

Water

Water buckets are provided around the ground. If another dog is drinking, please be courteous and wait with your dog until they are finished. Not all dogs like to share!

Tunnels and Agility Equipment

Any equipment set up on the ground is only to be used under the supervision of an instructor before, during and after classes. This is for your protection and is an insurance obligation. Members are encouraged to support our volunteer Instructors and Committee and help put the equipment away after announcements.

Female Dog in Season

Bitches in season are NOT allowed on the ground during Obedience training.  They are allowed on the ground only after Obedience training has concluded. Bitches in season are allowed to participate in Show training classes.

First Aid

If you require any medical assistance, please speak to your instructor or Committee Member who will direct you to our First Aid Officers for assistance.

Remember !

You should train your dog during the week to reinforce what you learn on Sundays. You will achieve better results. Always have fresh cold water available and don’t leave your dog in your car during warm and hot days.

Branch Email 

To receive emails advising you of up-coming events and notices, join our email list.  To join our mailing list please fill in one of the forms located inside the club room with our membership officer Ros,  or on the counter at the Canteen.

Questions!

Please feel free to raise any questions with your instructor during training. If you need to talk to someone about your dog during the week, either call your breeder or contact a Committee Member of the branch.