About the Club

Since its inception as a breed club in 1945, the Armidale Dog Training Club has been instrumental in promoting the cause of responsible dog ownership in our region. Initially formed as a breed club whose members developed interests in dog training, it has now parted ways with its sister "kennel" club, and now concentrates solely on training and community issues. We are affiliated with the Royal New South Wales Canine Council and have close links with the local chapter of the RSPCA.

Armidale Dog Training Club is well-known for its weekend training classes, its visits to local schools and parades, and its bi-yearly hosting of top level Obedience and Agility Competitions.

Classes and Problem Solving

The Armidale Dog Training Club offers classes in Introductory Obedience for pet owners, Competition Obedience and Agility and can offer specific instruction in field and retrieving (gun dog) work, and help in dealing with "dog problems".

Member Benefits

The Club is based at the lovely Charleston Willows Reserve, which boasts some of the finest scenery of any dog training school in New South Wales. The Reserve is also one of the Armidale-Dumaresq Council Leash Free Areas so your dog can enjoy free play before and after classes. A river swimming beach and access to the Armidale Walking Track are highlights of this area.

Members are also eligible to receive our quarterly Newsletter, to enjoy our regular Barbecues and other dog-friendly social events and take part in the Club's organized competition activities.

Membership is a requirement of those attending training. However our training fees are the lowest around, since we aim, not to make money, but to promote the enjoyment of responsible dog ownership. So Join the Club now!

How the Club is Run

Most decisions are made and tasks performed by the Office Bearers and the General Committee, elected each year at the club's AGM, the fourth Monday in August. Club members are elected to the following positions:

• President
• Vice President & Trial Secretary
• Vice President & General Assistant
• Secretary
• Minutes Secretary
• Treasurer
• General Committee: 5 members (responsible for publicity, grounds maintenance, newsletter editing, ribbons & trophies, fundraising)

Meetings
are held on the fourth Monday of every month at 7.00 pm and are open to all financial club members. Locations may change, so look in your newsletter or on noticeboards at the club for details.

Class schedules
and content are developed and regularly reviewed by two subcommittees, Obedience and Agility. These subcommittees meet on an as-needed basis and report to the General Committee via elected chairpersons. All club members are invited to participate in these groups. Just let an instructor know if you are interested—we'd love the help!

Rules of the Club

As with any organization, there are some basic rules we follow, in the interests of everyone:

1. Dogs are to be on lead at all times, unless you are instructed otherwise in a class.
2. Children under 12 years must be supervised and may not normally handle a dog in classes. They are not covered by our public liability insurance.
3. Any mess created by your dog must be cleaned up immediately. There are "pooper scoopers" at the equipment shed.
4. There are tea & coffee facilities at the ground. Please help yourself (bring your own cup). Morning tea is a great time to talk about any problems you may be having.
5. Only enter the training ground when going to class or okayed to do so by an instructor
6. Use caution when walking past and do not directly approach a dog that is tied up but unsupervised. Always ask handlers if your dog can meet theirs. The club is a great place to socialize your dog, but some dogs are here to work through problems they have developed and need to be approached carefully.
7. Please stay off the agility equipment unless you are in an agility class. It will look tempting but there are risks associated with it, especially for growing puppies.
8. And of course, please have fun!