FAQ's

No, only members can join the classes. We encourage all prospective members to come along on a training Sunday to watch the classes in action and ask volunteers questions.

Registration for membership is completed online under the tab Membership. Click on Join or Renew.

Under the Membership tab on the website, there is a drop-down box with all the categories and the cost for each category. Included in the amount is a joining fee for all new or lapsed membership types. Renewals do not have the Joining Fee attached.

Your membership lasts for 12 months from either your joining date or the date of renewal.

You need to upload an up-to-date vaccination certificate for all dogs in a membership, plus a pension or senior card for pensioner/senior or dual pensioner/senior memberships.

Yes.

All Junior members are aged between 10 and 16 years of age. All dependants on Family memberships must be 10+ years of age, and they are considered Junior members between 10 and 16 years of age. A Proof of Age/Birth Certificate copy must be uploaded for Junior members and date of birth provided.

All dogs must be at least 16 weeks of age to participate in the club's activities and classes.

To upload a vaccination certificate or card, you can take a photo and save it to the device you are using to register or you can now use a PDF sent by your vet. There is a + sign in the spot where the certificate/card needs to be uploaded. Click on the + sign and find the saved photo or PDF on the device. Click on the photo or PDF. For Pension/senior Card only a photo is accepted (no PDFs).

Yes, all dogs must be fully vaccinated to C5 level to join and maintain membership. Upon joining and each annual anniversary date, you are required to upload an up-to-date dog vaccination certificate for each dog in your membership. The uploaded file should clearly show the type and date of vaccination. You can also upload the updated certificate at the time you receive it from the vet.

The dog must be vaccinated with C5 or higher. Titer testing is accepted by the club.

Up-to-date vaccinations must be uploaded at or by each renewal date for checking by an administrator.

A handler must be a member of KODC. A team has one registered handler and one registered dog. Each team in a Membership is a separate team from other teams in the same Membership and each team is tested separately to advance to the next level.

Family and Dual Pensioner/Senior Memberships have multiple members. The first person to register their details is the Primary member. After payment the other persons within that membership will add their details, including the dog's details (again), vaccination certificate and, if required, pensioner/senior card. 

The name of the handler and the name of the dog/s within that handler's team/s. Membership expiry month & year.  Later the class colour is added for each team.

Membership badges will be available for collection from a table inside the clubhouse on the first training Sunday from 9:30am. On all other weeks, you can find them on a wall rack next to the Dog Shop within the clubhouse.

 If you lose your membership badge, please approach the Membership Secretary within the clubhouse on any normal training Sunday. They will assist you in arranging a replacement badge.

To change memberships by adding members (small charge applies) or dogs (free) to a membership see the Membership helpers in the clubhouse (this may change in due course). Have documents to be uploaded available.

The memberships are constantly monitored by administrators. Your account will normally be unlocked within 24 hours and you will be contacted by email with your current username and a new generic password. Once you have successfully logged in you can change the password.

You must log in to the website with your username and password to access members only content. The manuals will then be available by clicking on the Training tab and Obedience.

Members will receive a reminder to renew their memberships for another 12 months. The starting date of that year will be the last date of the first year. Member details are corrected, if needed, and up-to-date vaccination certificates are uploaded. New membership badges are collected.

Email Membership@knoxodc.org.au any time or see a membership volunteer in the clubhouse after 9am on a training Sunday. Email response will usually take less than 24 hours.

If you have any other questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to the club's Membership Secretary or any other committee members. We hope you and your dog enjoy your time at our club and have a wonderful training experience!

New beginner/puppy classes start every 4th training week. To join the club and start with either the Beginners' or Puppy classes, new members must sign up by no later than Wednesday midnight before the next "New member start day." If you miss this deadline, you will need to wait until the following "New member start day."

Please refer to the Events Calendar page to find out the next "New member start day."

Please be aware that, as a current and financially active member, there's no need for you to register for a training class. You and your dog can simply attend the next "New Member Start Day" while wearing your membership badge on your outer clothing, provided you meet the conditions outlined above.

Both Beginners and Puppies classes run for four weeks. After completing these classes, your progress will be assessed to determine your readiness for the next training level.

Teams must be eligible to join these disciplines. Each require a minimum club Class 2 obedience training pass. As with obedience, starting dates and/or vacancies may apply.

The club recognises that some individuals may have previously trained their dogs, perhaps through programs like vet puppy school or with professional trainers.  However, it's important to understand that Knox Obedience Dog Club has specific training guidelines that apply to all progressive training classes.  These guidelines may differ from what external training organisations offer.  All training aligns with the DOGS Vic trialling competition standards, even though the club acknowledges that most of its members may not aspire to participate in dog trials.

The club is open to assessing the training abilities of new members only if they have received prior training from another recognised and affiliated Dogs Australia training club or if they are familiar with the club's training requirements.

If you believe you meet the criteria for an assessment, please approach the club's Membership Secretary when you visit on a training Sunday to arrange an evaluation for both you and your dog.
Following the assessment, the assessor will determine the appropriate training class for you and your dog.

Please keep in mind that the assessor's decision will be conclusive, and the club will not entertain further correspondence on this matter.

For many handlers, assessment days can be a bit nerve-wracking. Some even approach them with sheer dread! However, the process is quite straightforward, though it does require some effort on the handler’s part.

Why Do We Assess Dogs/Handlers?
Think of obedience training like climbing a mountain. You start at the bottom, taking one step at a time. Each step builds on the last. During assessment days, we ensure that handlers and dogs have progressed enough to continue to the next level of training. For instance, if a dog can't manage a basic stand for examination in Class 1, it's not ready for the more advanced levels in Class 2.

What Happens During Assessment?
It's important to recognise that dogs, like humans, are all unique. They each have their own personality and temperament, influencing how quickly they learn. Some breeds naturally take to obedience training, while others require more patience and guidance. Every dog can be trained, but success depends on the quality and consistency of the training provided by the handler.

At times, our classes may be larger than ideal, making it challenging for instructors to provide individual attention or observe every issue. If you're unsure about training techniques or exercises, don't hesitate to ask for help. Even the best dogs can struggle with particular exercises or have 'off' days.

It's not uncommon for handlers to feel disheartened if they don't progress to the next class immediately. However, taking extra time in a class allows your dog to solidify its training foundation. Rushing through without readiness can lead to frustration and hinder future progress.

As you advance through the classes, expect exercises and testing standards to become more demanding. Spending several months in each class is typical. Assessments are usually conducted by the assessment panel, with assistance from the respected class instructors.

Preparing for Assessment:

• Stay attentive during training sessions, even if you think you've heard it all before.
• Practice regularly at home.
• Attend all training sessions, especially in the lower classes where new exercises are introduced.
• Don't hesitate to seek help if you encounter difficulties.
• Know the standards and exercises required for each level.
• Be consistent in your training and prepare for various weather conditions.
• Remember to wear your Membership badge at all training sessions, including assessment days.

When You Pass:
Upon passing, you'll receive a class ribbon and a coloured dot on your Membership card, indicating your class level. This helps instructors ensure you're in the correct class.

Remember, regular, consistent training significantly increases your chances of success on assessment days. If you have any questions or concerns about assessment or training, don't hesitate to speak with your instructor.