Let’s Try something Different

Confirmation Showing

Showing dogs is a fun sport where the thrill of competition is combined with the joy of seeing beautiful dogs. Dog shows, or conformation shows, originated as a way for breeders to evaluate their breeding stock. While the purpose remains, dog shows are a great opportunity to socialise with people in your breed and develop friendships that can span a lifetime.

Most dogs entered in conformation events are competing for points toward their Australian champion title. 

Obedience Trials

There is nothing more satisfying than sharing your life with a well trained canine companion. Reaching that goal is attainable and takes time, commitment and consistency and whether your dog is a puppy or a mature dog training will assist you in sharing a special relationship where your dog is a pleasure to have by your side, whether at home or in a social situation.

There are obedience trials most weekends run by different club around Australia if you are interested in trialling.

Tracking

All breeds of dog can learn to track – it uses their natural scenting instincts which is enjoyable and rewarding. Dogs have helped the hunter to find game and food and in France dogs hunt for exotica like truffles.

Tracking involves training a dog to follow a ground scent trail and find any discarded articles of clothing along the track.

Herding

When the early settlers arrived at what became Australia, they brought with them their ways of using the land to provide sustenance, this included livestock and the dogs they had used to guard and herd this stock. Working dogs quickly became part of the backbone of the developing nation, of which is was said for many years that Australia rode on the sheep’s back. 

In the early 1990’s, Australia wide, people who owned dogs not in work but of the herding breeds were keen to demonstrate that their dogs, some bred for many generations purely for showing or performance activities, were still able to perform the functions for which they were developed in the first place.

Dances with Dogs

A great fun way to train and bond with your dog, whether you are wishing to compete or just to have fun!

Dances with Dogs has two streams:

• Freestyle – which is basically tricks and moves choreographed to a piece of music. Such tricks could include leg weaving, spinning, circling, backing and can be performed with the dog close to the handler or at a distance

• Heelwork To Music – involves traditional heelwork choreographed to a piece of music. In Heelwork to Music, there are eight different heelwork positions which can be performed in six different directions.

Trick Dog 

Is a Dogs Australia (ANKC Ltd) discipline which became an official event in January 2020. Developed by members of Dances With Dogs discipline, the intention of Trick Dogs is to encourage handlers to teach their dogs skills and to display behaviours in a positive environment.

As many of the tricks are simply an extension of basic obedience training, teaching your dog foundation Tricks can parallel your dog’s training.  Teaching your dog tricks must be fun. You can teach your dog many tricks, but your dog must truly be enjoying itself.  Sessions should be short and fun for both dog and handler.