DOG ownership in Australia is at an all‐time high, with more than two million households getting a pooch since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. But with the increase in dogs comes the inevitable increase in dog‐related issues, such as lost dogs, barking dogs, naughty dogs, roaming dogs and bored dogs. Animal trainers say dog training has never been more important for both the enjoyment of the owner and the happiness and security of the dog.
Mornington Obedience Dog Club secretary Irene Scott is one of the many volunteers from dog clubs around the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston who help to run puppy classes, and obedience and “rally” sessions for dogs and owners. The club, which has been running for more than 30 years, helps train up to 30 to 40 dogs every weekend and is also a trialling club.
Scott says positive reinforcement methods – food or toys and praise – to help build a strong relationship between owners and their dogs and, essentially, promote security and comfort for both. “Good dog behaviour takes an investment of time, but is a great way to socialise your dog, build their confidence and avoid bad behaviours, plus it can be fun for owners,” she said.
Scott says the Saturday classes run by volunteers are very hands on, with a focus on “training the people who own dogs, who in turn train their dogs”. She says the more time an owner invests in training a dog to live in the human world, the more likely that any problems can be avoided.
Like all volunteers at the club, Scott is involved in community dog training because she is passionate about dogs and seeing them live their best lives within the community. Her personal experience of dog training was a life saver for her pooch Harley, who was reactive with other dogs. “It was suggested to me by my vet to try him on scent work, which helps dogs by calming them and satisfying their need for smelling,” she said. “With the nose being the strongest sense in a dog, scent work is suitable for all dogs, not just certain breeds. And it certainly makes for a happier dog and owner.”
Obedience trials are another extension of training that demonstrates the dog and their handler’s ability to work together with precision and publicly show the training they have done. The classes are progressive and allow dogs and handlers to improve their skills and experience as the dogs earn titles and satisfy their need to please and work under direction.
All fully vaccinated dogs are welcome at most community‐based obedience clubs (puppies must have had two vaccinations), but dogs with such behavioural problems as anxiety or reactivity, usually wear a coloured band to alert other dog owners to give them space.
Mornington Obedience Dog Club is looking for more volunteer dog trainers and general helpers, and also a permanent venue. The club now uses the grounds of the George Vowell Centre corner Cobb Road and Nepean Highway, Mount Eliza.
New members are also welcome to join on any Saturday. Bookings are not necessary. Puppy and beginner classes run from 1pm to 1.45 pm, and new and returning members are asked to come to the registration desk no later than 12.45pm.
For details contact the club at modc.membership@gmail.com
First published in the Mornington News – 18th June 2024
