Frequently Asked Questions

Where and When do you train? 

We train at Lexcen Park, corner of Venturi Drive & Hodges Drive, Ocean Reef 6027. Opposite Ocean Reef Senior High School.

We train on Sunday mornings with the general exception of school holidays, public holidays and mid-term breaks please refer to our Training Calendar specific dates.

How and What do you teach at training?

Our principle is ‘We train you, you train your dog’. Our method of training, in all classes, is ‘Positive Reinforcement’. We aim for training to be fun and enjoyable, without unreasonable targets and undue pressure. We build our training around several core exercises, reinforced at each class level, along with techniques and real-life scenarios to help to equip your dog for the real world. We do not allow rough treatment, tagging, shouting or force at training.

When can I bring my Dog for the first time? 

We accept dogs of all ages; however, the youngest age a dog can join is after having had its second injection and generally having waited 10 days. If you are unsure, please consult your vet.

How do I enrol/What Does it Cost?

The membership fee is $70 per dog, per term (a term consists of 8 weeks). Please use the registration link on the home page of our website for a breakdown of fees and class details. Follow the registration instructions provided.

What do I need to bring for my dog? 

Plenty of small soft treats that can easily be used to reward your dog.

Treat Bag; no plastic bags as these can be swallowed by your dog

Water for your dog

Toy – specifically used for training but NOT squeaky

You are required to have a flat collar on your dog. NO check chains/retractable leads/prong collars are permitted. Martingale Collars, Harnesses and Haltis can be used as an aid to assist with training.

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Poo Bags, you are required to pick up after your own dog

Can my child/someone else do the training with our dog?

While we recognise the importance of all members of the family being involved with the training of your dog, our insurance policy requires that all handlers must be over the age of 12 years.

All handlers must be registered. Only two handlers can be registered per dog. At least one registered member must be over the age of 18 years. Handlers aged between 12-18 can be registered but must always be accompanied/supervised by a registered parent/guardian.  

Do I have to use food in training?

We use reward-based training methods; food is usually regarded as the best form of reward for initial training. However, we do encourage you to bring a favourite non squeaky toy as an alternative.

Do I have to bring my dog with me? 

Yes, you will need to have your dog with you to get maximum benefit from the class. However, if your dog is not able to attend one week for any reason e.g. waiting for final vaccinations, recovering from procedure etc., we encourage you to still attend without your dog.

How long will it take to train my dog?

Our trainers are there to train and provide you with the necessary skills and information to train your dog.

All dogs and all handlers are individual, learn at different speeds and have different goals/standards of what they want to achieve from our training. Most critically though is the undeniable fact that all good training revolves around repetition and dog training is no exception. The more training that can be practiced in between training days, the quicker the objectives can be achieved.

My dog has been attacked previously in a park and is very nervous around other dogs; should I come to training? 

Yes, but we will need to know of your concerns during the Registration process so that one of our instructors can assess your dog at the beginning of the term. There is every likelihood that we will be able to accommodate you but, if not, we will offer you a way forward.

I have a Reactive/unruly dog; will I be accepted for training? 

Our loyalties must be, as a Pet Training Club, with those who expect to come to training without fear or concern of reactive/aggressive dogs.

We cannot accommodate aggressive dogs, however if you are unsure if your dog’s behaviour is reactive but not aggressive please contact us directly with more details in order for one of our trainers to assess your dog accordingly.

We also have a list of one-on-one Specialist trainers that we can provide you, which may be of assistance if your dog is unsuitable to attend our club.

Class sizes

We try to keep class sizes to around a maximum of 12 dogs per Class. Sometimes we may need to increase those numbers should an instructor be unavailable at any time.

How would I go about becoming a trainer/volunteer with the club?

We are always in need of new Instructors and Administration people. Please send an email or pop down to the club on a Sunday morning and speak to one of our friendly volunteers. (you can also visit our volunteer page for more info)