FAQs

ANSWERS TO COMMON QUERIES

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about classes, bookings, membership and club information.

GETTING STARTED

I can't see any available courses. How do I train at the club?

Please visit the Training Options page for more information. There is often a wait for course availability particularly for our Family Dog Training courses. We do require payment to hold a place in a course for you. If you have paid for course credit, please let us know by email at info@bdtc.org.au to be allocated a place in the next available course.

You can contact us via the Contact Page if you’re unsure how to get started.

Most new students start in Family Dog Training Level 1. However, if you and your dog have previously attended group training classes and feel you may be ready for Family Dog Training Level 2 or higher, please get in touch via our Contact page.

 

When contacting us, tell us a little about your dog, your previous training experience and your training goals. We’ll be happy to help determine the most suitable starting point for you.

 

Please note that Puppy Preschool alone is generally not considered sufficient preparation for direct entry into Family Dog Training Level 2.

Your puppy needs to be over 8 weeks and under 13 weeks to start Puppy Preschool. Your puppy will also be required to have received at least one core vaccination and to continue to be up to date with puppy vaccinations while attending the club. 

 

If your puppy is too old for Puppy Preschool, Family Dog Training Level 1 is also suitable for puppies over 16 weeks of age. 

Your puppy will be required to have received at least one core vaccination and to be up to date with puppy vaccinations while attending the club. Proof of vaccination is required.

Your puppy needs to be over 16 weeks and have received all their puppy vaccinations to be eligible to attend Family Dog Training Level 1. Dogs of any age can join this course, it is geared towards handlers and dogs new to training or needing a refresher.

Most of our courses have set start dates and are run as structured programs, so new students join at the beginning of a course. Some courses also have wait times. If you have paid for a course, we will let you know the start dates as soon as the next course becomes available. 

 

Puppy Preschool is a rolling format, so you can start at the date that suits the age of your puppy if there is still availability. 

Our Intermediate and Advanced Agility classes are typically run on a casual basis and may accept new participants throughout the year, depending on availability and suitability. 

 

Please check the course information for details or contact us if you are unsure where to start.

TRAINING & ATTENDING CLASS

What should I bring to class?

Please bring:

  • Small, soft, high-value treats and/or toys for rewarding your dog (no squeaky toys)
  • Your dog on a flat lead attached to a collar, harness or head halter
  • Enclosed shoes
  • Practical clothing suitable for dog training
  • Wet weather gear if raining (e.g. rain jacket, suitable footwear, towel for your dog)
  • A mat  for your dog to relax on between exercises. We have beds and metal crates available at the club for you to use but you are welcome to bring your own, if you would prefer.

Please let us know by email as soon as possible so your instructor can be advised. Our instructors volunteer their time and knowing who is attending helps them set up and plan for the class. As most classes are fully booked, we are generally unable to offer make-up sessions.

 

For Puppy Preschool and Family Dog Training classes, online resources are available so you can review the material and stay on track before your next session.

 

Please note, for Family Dog Training we generally require attendance of at least 4 of the 6 classes in the course to be eligible to progress.

Family members are welcome to attend classes, particularly Puppy Preschool and Family Dog Training.  See more information below about children and other family members handling dogs.

Children are welcome but must be supervised by a parent or guardian who is responsible for them while on club grounds. Please be aware that an instructor may ask parents or guardians to ensure children refrain from any unsafe behaviour or other behaviour detracting from learning outcomes.

Other family members may handle your dog in class, provided the dog remains under control at all times. Any handler must be competent in safely managing the dog and must be able to follow and respond to instructor directions throughout the session.

 

Children handling a dog in class must be at least 10 years old, physically capable of effectively controlling the dog and supervised by an adult.

 

For safety and effective learning outcomes, the instructor may request at any time that the primary handler resumes handling.

For all classes, each dog must be registered for the class they are attending.

 

In Puppy Preschool and Family Dog Training classes, each dog must have their own handler.

 

In dog sport classes, a single handler may be able to work more than one dog. This is assessed on a case-by-case basis, so please email us for further information.

In wet weather, any class cancellations will be posted on our Schedule and Updates page at least 1 hour before class starts. Please check this page for the latest information; we make a final decision no later than 1 hour prior to class.

 

Puppy Preschool, which is run under cover, usually goes ahead unless there is dangerous weather. Outdoor classes may still go ahead in light rain, so please bring appropriate wet weather gear.

 

If a class is postponed due to weather, the course is generally extended by one week to allow for a make-up session. If this is not possible for some reason, you will be advised by email.

Yes – our hard-working instructors run classes even during school holidays and on public holidays! If there is a break in the course dates for any reason, you will be advised by email.

Yes. For Family Dog Training courses, we require a minimum of 2 weeks’ notice if you wish to transfer your booking to a future course. Requests made with less than 2 weeks’ notice may not be accepted, as places are limited and we may not be able to fill your reserved spot at short notice.

At Brisbane Dog Training Club, we are proud to use reward-based, positive reinforcement training methods. We focus on teaching dogs what to do by rewarding desired behaviours, helping to build confident, engaged dogs and strong relationships between dogs and their handlers.

 

To support this approach, aversive training equipment such as check chains, prong collars, electronic collars and tightening harnesses are not permitted in our classes. We also discourage the use of leash and verbal corrections.

 

Our goal is to create a safe, supportive learning environment where dogs and people can learn effectively without the use of pain, fear or intimidation.

Every team of dog and handler learns at their own pace, and that’s perfectly normal. Our goal is to ensure both you and your dog have the skills and confidence needed before progressing to the next level.

 

If your instructor feels your dog would benefit from a little more time in their current class, we’ll recommend repeating the level. This isn’t a failure—it’s an opportunity to strengthen foundation behaviours, build confidence and set your dog up for long-term success.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Can I bring my female dog when she is in season?

For Family Dog Training and Scent Work courses, we prefer that you do not bring your female dog to classes while in season. However, please contact us by email if this will significantly affect your course attendance to consider whether it can be managed appropriately.

 

For all other classes, please do not attend class while your female dog is in season.

If your dog is unwell, please do not attend class.

 

For contagious conditions, your dog should stay at home until fully recovered and no longer contagious. Please consult your vet for advice on this. 

 

Please notify us as soon as possible so your instructor is aware. As classes are generally fully booked, make-up sessions are not usually available, but we can help you catch up using course resources where applicable.

Your dog must have either up-to-date core vaccinations (minimum C3) or a valid titre test confirming immunity to the core diseases.

Proof of vaccination or titre testing will be required. This can be a signed veterinary vaccination certificate, a vet letter with vaccination details or documentation of current titre test results showing immunity.

 

If your dog receives a vaccination booster while attending classes at the club, please email proof of this through to us so we can keep your records up to date.

Our group classes are usually best suited to dogs who, at around a 5 metre distance onlead, are able to:

 

  • Train around other dogs and people without showing aggressive behaviour
  • Show only low levels of reactivity (e.g. minimal or occasional lunging or vocalising)
  • Eat food and/or engage with toys
  • Respond to their owner and follow simple cues such as their name

If your dog finds these situations difficult, group classes may feel too overwhelming or stressful at this stage. We also need to consider the safety and wellbeing of all dogs attending the class.

 

Please contact us if you are unsure and we can help you decide on the most suitable starting point or alternative options.

All dogs are to be on lead unless otherwise advised by your instructor. Effective off lead control of your dog is required for classes such as Agility.

During class, unless otherwise advised, on lead interactions are usually discouraged so that all dogs and handlers can focus on the class. Outside of class time, before greeting a dog you don’t know, please ask the dog’s owner first. Not all dogs and people are comfortable with these interactions and even a small uncomfortable interaction can have a big impact on a dog’s training progress.

 

Please always keep your dog at least 3 metres away from other dogs that are crated or tethered.

MEMBERSHIP & CLUB INFORMATION

How does Brisbane Dog Training Club run and who runs it?

Brisbane Dog Training Club is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run incorporated association, affiliated with Dogs Queensland. The club is managed by an elected committee, while our training programs are delivered by a dedicated team of instructors and assistants who generously volunteer their time to help people train and enjoy their dogs.

 

Our instructors regularly undertake ongoing education and mentoring to develop their skills and provide up-to-date, reward-based training. Every class you attend is made possible by volunteers who are passionate about supporting dog owners and promoting responsible dog ownership within the community.

Becoming a club member is optional for Puppy Preschool and Family Dog Training Level 1 and 2 but is required for each handler training beyond Family Dog Training Level 2. Annual membership options are available for singles, doubles and seniors. Junior membership is free. Club Membership Link

Brisbane Dog Training Club is a large, outdoor training facility located in Oxley, Brisbane. We have fenced park-style outdoor training grounds used for group classes and dog sport training and a small weatherproof area for Puppy Preschool and events.

 

Our grounds are set up with a clubhouse, toilets and a variety of training equipment for foundation classes and dog sports such as agility, scent work, and other club activities.

We occasionally allow small clubs affiliated with Dogs Queensland to hire our grounds for a fee to run events for their members. We generally do not hire out the grounds for public events or business promotion.

VOLUNTEERING & GETTING INVOLVED

How do I get involved as a club volunteer?

We’d love to hear from you! Simply get in touch via our contact form and tell us a little about yourself, including your availability and experience, and how you’d like to be involved. Whether you’re interested in helping with classes, events, grounds maintenance or just want to learn more about what we do, we’ll help you find a role that suits you.

There are lots of ways to get involved at the club, including:

  • Instructor – Training, mentoring and an instructor development pathway are provided.
  • Class Assistant – Learn alongside experienced instructors with training and mentoring provided.
  • Committee Member – Help support the running and future direction of the club.
  • Trial Volunteer – Assist at Agility and Scent Work trials and events.
  • Grounds Volunteer – Help maintain and improve our training grounds and facilities.
  • Puppy Preschool Set-Up Volunteer – Assist with preparing equipment and training areas for classes.

Whether you’d like to work directly with dogs and handlers or contribute behind the scenes, there’s a volunteer role to suit a range of interests, skills and experience levels.

No. Our volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds and experience levels. Some have years of dog training experience, while others are keen to learn more or simply enjoy spending time around dogs and like-minded people. Whatever your experience level, we’d love to hear from you!

We are always looking for more instructors for our team! If you’re interested in becoming an instructor, we offer an Instructor Training Course each year. The course is designed to develop your dog training, teaching and class management skills, and is suitable for people looking to take the next step in their involvement with the club.

 

Graduates who go on to instruct classes may be eligible for a partial course fee refund. We also provide ongoing mentoring, guidance and support from our experienced instructor team as you gain the confidence to run your own courses.