Training your dog at BDOC
The Club's philosophy of training is to teach the dog behaviours through positive reinforcement, whereby the dog is encouraged to exhibit behaviours that the handler wants and when it does so it is rewarded, thereby encouraging it to repeat the behaviour in the future.
Training at BDOC is provided in a group class situation, which is a valuable environment for allowing dogs to improve their social skills and ability to focus around distractions. The syllabus is structured so that as new skills are taught, each handler and dog is refining and building upon the skills they have already gained.
There are four levels of Canine Companion classes at the Club. The first three levels (Beginners, Bronze and Silver) teach the basic requirements for a well-mannered dog. The fourth level, the Gold Canine Companion level, teaches more advanced life skills for you and your dog.
Each level consists of seven weeks of class instruction plus one week of assessment - eight weeks in all.
Beginners class (former Puppy and Level 1)
This is an introductory class and provides the basic foundations for a well-mannered canine companion. Classes are open to all dogs from 12 weeks of age and older (you can teach an old dog new tricks!). Dogs are grouped into classes according to age and size, with puppies under 6 months of age placed together in one class. Handlers of puppies are given some additional information specific to their needs, such as help with toilet training.
Behaviours taught include sit; stay; on your mat; walking on a loose lead and heelwork; good manners at mealtimes, meeting visitors and when going to the vet; tricks; come; and many more.
Full details of the behaviours taught in each level are available in the Members' Handbook. A copy of which is provided to each new member in their first class.
To find out more and enrol in a Beginners class, please download our new member information pack.
Please note, due to the group structure of our classes, our instructors are unable to provide the one-on-one assistance required for dogs that have serious behavioural issues, such as aggression towards people and/or other dogs. Where dogs are unable to socialise in a group situation, we recommend seeking advice from a behavioural expert, prior to enrolling in obedience classes. Please feel free to contact us (Ph: 6241 7999 or
bdoc@bdoc.asn.au
) if you are unsure whether our classes would be suitable for you and your dog.
Bronze and Silver Canine Companion classes (former Levels 2 & 3)
The Bronze and Silver classes build on the basic behaviours taught in Beginners and teach your dog to be focussed around a greater degree of distractions and to maintain a higher degree of self-control.
Dogs that graduate with the BDOC Silver Canine Companion Certificate will be well mannered canines and their handlers will have gained sufficient dog training skills so that they can cope with most situations that arise in their lives with their dogs. These dogs and handlers will have also laid the foundations for any dog sports they may wish to pursue such as obedience trials, agility or flyball.
Gold Canine Companion class (former Primary Companion)
The Gold Canine Companion Certificate is the highest level of achievement in the BDOC Canine Companion Syllabus. Training at this level provides an opportunity for the handler and dog to extend their skills beyond the basic canine companion behaviours, such as walking off lead, retrieving and even a few "Doggie Dancing" steps.
Trialling class
This class is intended to teach handlers the more formal requirements that are needed to enter their dogs in officially sanctioned Dog Obedience Trials, which are conducted throughout Australia by clubs and organisations similar to BDOC. The Silver Canine Companion Certificate is a prerequisite for this class.
