Branch Guidelines and Information

Training is focused on

  • Obedience training – basic to advanced competition standard
  • Puppy socialisation
  • Understanding how a dog learns and dog psychology
  • Direction in show, agility, and tracking
  • Club functions, ongoing support and education

Heat Policy

For the comfort of you and your GSD training will not be held on days of extreme heat.

If the 8:00 am morning weather on a training day forecasts 35 degrees celcius or more for that day, training is CANCELLED.

Car Parking

You are permitted to park inside the gate throughout the treed area to the front of the club house. You are also permitted to park in the car parking bays in Curtain Street, adjoining the clubhouse area.

Membership

A current vaccination certificate is to be  produced by new members prior to attending classes. This information is updated after your dog’s next vaccination. The branch maintains these records during your stay at Northern.

Your Membership badge will be sent to your home address approximately 3 weeks after joining. It must be worn whilst on the ground so that we can identify each other and also to be covered by the Club’s
insurance policy. If you have not received it in this time, please contact the Membership Officer. Please note that you are welcome to attend any of the eleven branches around the state. In addition to your membership, training costs $3.00 per training session. Please pay at the table and collect a disc. Instructors will collect these off you prior to training.

Magazines

As part of your membership you will receive the following magazines. The German Shepherd News (Victoria only) and German Shepherd Dog – Quarterly National Review ( Australia wide) They contain information on the Club activities, shows, trails, general interest articles, along with information regarding health, and maintenance of your companion. Northern also produces the monthly Northern News, a catchy flyer keeping you in the loop about exciting upcoming events, Branch news, gossip and other must have information.

Classes

We have 7 classes/stages in obedience. Puppy – 9 weeks to 24 weeks.
Classes 1 – 5. These will be explained in further detail by your Instructor. There is also a conformation (show) class for those members wishing to enter their dogs in shows.

Bitches in season

No bitch may attend training for the full 3 weeks of a season, or while there is any discharge (which in some cases may be more than usual period of 3 weeks). Bitches may enter conformation (show) classes during this time.

Equipment

You will be shown what is required to train your dog. It is up to you to comply and have your equipment in good order at all times. A rolled up towel (dummy) or toy is also required to be brought each week to be used in puppy class for play training. Please remember to remove your dog’s slip chain when not training. Leads, collars and other quality essential pet products are available at reasonable prices from the equipment store at the Clubhouse, as well as toys, badges, stickers, grooming needs, beds, etc.

Please consult the Chief Instructor regarding the correct fitting of a slip chain.

Julie’s equipment shop has a comprehensive range of goodies including leads, chains and collars, toys, treats etc at better than retail prices. Julie can also supply most lines of Royal Canin product.