FAQs
Where do you hold classes?
Our Club Grounds and Club Rooms are at Karenga Park, 10 Bennetts Road, Koutu, Rotorua
Can my puppy join?
For attendance we require dogs to be fully vaccinated prior to the start of term. In practice this means a minimum age of 14 weeks to attend a domestic dog 101 class. (Kennel cough vaccine is not essential but recommended).
Other codes have a minimum age requirement, e.g 12 months for agility, due to the physical demands on the dog.
Dogs must be registered with the District Council.
Are there puppy classes for puppies not fully vaccinated?
We do not currently hold puppy classes (pre-vaccination). We reccomend you reach out to your local vet clinic as many hold a puppy-preschool for dogs under 16 weeks old.
Click here for our vaccination recommendations for training with RDTC.
What times and days of the week are training classes held?
Keep an eye on our class information page for training times. The days/times may vary each term due to availability of instructors who are all volunteers.
Typically we run domestic dog on a Monday/Tuesday, Agility on a Wednesday/Thursday. Other classes may vary due to trainer availability.
What should I bring to class?
Your trainer should let you know anything you need to bring prior to the first class of term as what you need will depend on which class you are attending.
For domestic dog classes, you will need a flat collar and short lead, your dog Council registration tag to be on your dog, poo bags every week, and your dog’s vaccine record (for the first lesson).
Bring really tasty treats that your dog loves such as small pieces of Possyum, cheese or cooked chicken.
What if the classes are full. What can I do? Is there a waiting list?
The club does not operate a waiting list. We understand it can be challenging to enrol in classes due to high demand. Keep an eye on our Facebook page, where enrolment dates are posted, and apply when enrolment opens. Or you can email our training coordinator and ask to be notified when enrolment opens. In the meantime, please check the Resources tab on this website for helpful guidelines and activities you can do with your dog while you wait to attend.
Can I enrol in a class in advance?
Enrolments for each term open a few weeks before the class begins. You cannot enrol earlier as the dates/times/available instructors are not finalised until then. Keep checking our Facebook page, or Homepage on this website for notification of enrolment opening. If you would like to be notified when enrolments open, please let our training coordinator know here.
My dog already knows basic commands. Do I have to do the basic course or can I start at the next level?
Although your dog may complete all the basic instructions at home, they need to learn how to do that with other distractions around, such as new environments, unknown people and dogs. Therefore we recommend that you and your dog complete the Domestic dog 101 course first.
I have been to a domestic dog class before, but now I have a new dog. Should I attend again?
You may be feeling confident that you have enough knowledge that you don’t need to attend a domestic dog class, however, your new dog will benefit from practice being in close proximity to other dogs, people and other distractions which is an important part of the training. We recommend attending.
Is it OK to do the Domestic Dog course twice?
Yes, you are welcome to repeat classes until you and the dog feel comfortable. Following on from domestic dog 101 are other options such as a 102 course. Ask your instructor if they think it would be appropriate as they will have a good understanding of where you and your dog are at.
What does my dog have to know to be able to do join in dog sports?
Prerequisites for further training types are listed in the class description page.
My dog has completed a basic domestic dog style course at another club - do I need to repeat it?
No, you do not need to repeat the class. Some codes may require a brief assessment to determine which class level is most suitable for you to transfer into.
How do I express interest in being a trainer?
We are always keen to welcome new volunteers onboard. Let our training coordinator know here!
How do I know if training is canceled?
All cancellations are made by 4pm the day of your lesson. Your trainer will let you know by group chat or on the facebook page
My dog is reactive - can I join your classes?
Classes are held in group settings, which can be stressful for a reactive dog. You may benefit from one-on-one training from a professional dog trainer. Get in touch with our training coordinator to chat about whether one of our classes may suit your dog.
Can Bitches in season attend classes?
Bitches in season are not permitted to attend class. However, attendance can
resume 4 weeks after the first sign of being in season was noted. Handlers are
encouraged to attend the class without their dog during this time so that you can
continue training at home.
Can I bring 2 dogs?
Each dog needs a designated handler, so you wouldn't be able to bring two dogs to the same class unless you had someone to help. Each dog would need to register and pay separately for the class.
Can my partner/child/etc come aswell ?
Dogs learn best with consistent training, so we recommend the same person works with them each time. If you’d like to bring someone else along, please talk to your trainer first. If you plan to bring a child, you’ll need to follow the requirements outlined in our Safety Management Plan.