The Darwin Obedience Dog Club (DODC) is a non-profit organisation located in Darwin, Northern Territory. Established in 1967, it was the first Obedience Club in the region. DODC aims to promote responsible dog ownership and provides members with the opportunity to train their own dogs to the standard they desire.
Unlike a traditional dog school, the club focuses on empowering members to train their own dogs rather than taking in dogs and training them on behalf of their owners. This approach allows members to experience the joy and satisfaction of achieving results through their own efforts.
The club offers a range of training classes, including obedience, agility, tracking, trials, and social graces. Experienced and friendly instructors specialise in teaching members and their dogs as much as they want to learn in these areas. The training is designed to foster a strong bond between dog and handler, with an emphasis on the handler being the boss and the source of the dog's rewards, rather than relying on food treats.
Training times for obedience classes are on Mondays, while agility classes take place on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. It's worth noting that there is no training on Easter Monday. The club also organises various obedience and rally trials throughout the year, providing members with opportunities to showcase their skills and compete.
To become a member of DODC, individuals are required to bring their dogs, along with their current vaccination records, to the Rink Van der Velde Dog Arena at the Winnellie Showgrounds on the first Monday of each month. Puppies under six months old can commence training on any Monday night. Memberships and appropriate fees can be completed and paid on the spot.
DODC's membership year starts on April 1st and runs until March 31st. Renewals are due on the first Monday of training in April, while members who joined in January, February, or March of the current calendar year are exempt from renewal. Membership fees are reasonable, with options for junior, single, double, and family memberships available.
Ground fees, which cover the cost of training on the club's premises, are payable in advance each month. The club also offers online payment options and accepts card payments with a small processing fee. Only financial members can handle dogs in classes, and juniors must be at least 12 years old and under 17 years old.
DODC is run by a dedicated group of volunteers who serve on the committee and act as instructors. Committee members include a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer, as well as additional general committee members.
The Rink Van der Velde Dog Arena at the Winnellie Showgrounds, located on Shean Road in Winnellie, serves as the club's training venue. It's a spacious and well-equipped facility that provides a safe and comfortable environment for dog training.
For more information, interested individuals can contact Gloria at 0400 245 619 or visit the club's website. Mail can be addressed to PO Box 37938, Winnellie, NT 0821.
Darwin Obedience Dog Club welcomes dog lovers who are looking to develop a strong bond with their furry companions through positive and effective training methods. Whether it's obedience, agility, tracking, trials, or social graces, the club is committed to helping members achieve their training goals while promoting responsible dog ownership in the community.