kathysgirls

Kathy - Training Co ordinator WPODC, Hi guys I'm am sorry that a couple of you had such a bad experience, especially more recently. For those looking for a local club I would suggest popping along to the clubs mentioned (add Hastings to the list) to have a chat with instructors and find out exactly what each club has to offer you personally. Westernport launched it's Companion Dog Program this year, aimed at the pet owner, the program is an all positive informative 8weeks that sets the foundations for pet manners, agility basics, and obedience. To those looking for more we offer Agility, Tracking and Obedience from certificate to trial standard and have regular Workshops, Seminars and Training Groups free to members. An Obedience Trial Judge runs our ring 1st Sunday each month and every week we have several instructors that have titled dogs to CDX and UD that work one-to-one with those wanting to trial. Tracking (all dogs are tracked in harness, never in collars or a chain), our Tracking Team Instructor has successully competed to the level of Tracking Champion and works with a devoted team who walk beside beginner trackers right the way through to early mornings at country trials. We do have a space policy, dogs with issues wear space vests and are not to be left unatended. However as with all clubs high numbers of beginner handlers and eager, excited dogs does at times lead to mishaps. Handlers and their dogs are coached throughout our CDP on space issues, tethering and reminded in newsletters, notices and in class of these issues. We also have a behaviourist who takes referals of serious problem dogs, which we then work with individually. Our instructors are passionate about WPODC and helping handlers achieve their goals. Together with committee and a group of keen helpers we run a club that prides itself on being friendly and sociable to all our members, visitors and fellow clubs. Dogs Victoria (VCA) affiliated clubs are solely run by voluteers, so please remember to tell them when they are doing a good job too. Happy training. http://www.westernportdogclub.org.au/