Agility Dog Club of South Australia Inc.

The Agility Dog Club of South Australia Inc. (ADCSA) is a sports club located in Adelaide, South Australia. Established in 1992, the club is affiliated with the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) since 1995. In 2023, the club proudly celebrates its 31st year of operation.

ADCSA is a vibrant and active sport club dedicated to promoting agility training for dogs and their owners. The club provides a supportive and inclusive environment for dog enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to experienced competitors.

The club's training sessions take place at Golflands Reserve in Glenelg North, providing a spacious and safe environment for dogs to practise their agility skills. The facility offers a range of agility equipment such as jumps, tunnels, weave poles, and A-frames, allowing members to train their dogs in various aspects of agility.

The club is run by a dedicated committee, led by President Cathy Warcup and Vice President Michelle Vuaran. The committee also includes Secretary Jenny Pearson, Treasurer Lisa Smith, Head Instructor Ingrid Hanegreefs, and others who contribute to the smooth running of the club's activities.

ADCSA organises regular trials and competitions for members to showcase their skills and compete with other agility enthusiasts. These trials are managed by Trial Manager Cathy Warcup and Trial Secretary Records Officer Julie Brown. The club also ensures the safety and well-being of its members through the appointment of a Member Protection Officer, Jenny Pearson.

ADCSA takes pride in its life members, who have made significant contributions to the club over the years. These esteemed members include Gwenda Baker, Elaine Cox, Ingrid Hanegreefs, Jack Baker, Neville Cox, Bettyann Maiolo, Steve Reynolds, Des Deguet, John Gayler, Felicity Perry, Bruce Roberts, Robyn Jackson, Mel Maiolo, Julie Brown, Jo Shirlock, Geoff Sykes, Michelle Vuaran, and Cathy Warcup.

For individuals interested in joining ADCSA, the club offers new member intake sessions every month. Held on the first Thursday of each month from March to November, the Introduction course provides an opportunity for new members to learn the fundamentals of agility training. The club also offers “Come 'n' Try” sessions for the first two weeks, allowing participants to get a taste of agility training before committing to the annual membership fee.

ADCSA welcomes all dogs, including puppies, to participate in their training programmes. However, puppies must be fully vaccinated before starting the training, and certain restrictions apply for young dogs until they reach 12 months of age. The club recommends a general veterinary check to ensure the dogs' fitness for agility training.

In terms of safety, ADCSA requires dogs to wear a flat collar without tags during training sessions. Other equipment such as harnesses, head haltis, and check chains are not permitted for safety reasons.

Membership at ADCSA offers numerous benefits, including access to training sessions, participation in trials and competitions, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded dog enthusiasts. Members are also expected to assist with the set-up and pack-up of equipment during training sessions to ensure smooth operations.

The Agility Dog Club of South Australia Inc. is a welcoming and engaging community for dog lovers in Adelaide. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced agility enthusiast, ADCSA provides a supportive environment for you and your four-legged friend to enjoy the exciting world of dog agility.