About Our Classes

All members must progress from Intro through each class to reach Class 4. This ensures consistency amongst the handlers and ensures a better understanding of each skill level.

Each handler must pass the testing phase of each class before they can proceed to the next level.

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INTRO

Introductory Class

9:00am - 9:30am

This half hour class is for first timers to get settled in and experience their first week of learning the basics.

Beginners Class

9:00am - 9:30am

Half hour class learning basics of heelwork, sit exercise with guidance and command, the right about turn. Handlers and dogs will be assessed for eligibility to progress to Class 1

BEGINNERS

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9:30 - 10:30am

Heel on lead with guidance & encouragement
Sit at heel with guidance
Right about 180° turn
Left and right 90° turns
Basic stand exercise with guidance
Sit for examination – human socialisation
Basic sit stay on lead – handler close in front and stepping side to side. Approximately 1 minute
Drop exercise from sit – treats allowed initially to encourage do
Start of recall – on lead
Dog Socialisation

All returns are back to dog’s side

CLASS 1

CLASS 2

9:30 - 10:30am

Class 1 exercises, with dog responding more readily to heelwork and commands

Left about turn
Slow pace heelwork
Stand/Stay to end of lead
Down from sit with command & hand signal
Sit Stay on lead | 3-5m for 1 minute
Down Stay on lead | 3-5m for 1 minute
Stand for examination to end of lead – minor movement allowed
Recall on 3m lead from sit stay
Sit at heel with less guidance
Drop from Heel

All returns are back to dog’s side

CLASS 3

9:30 - 10:30am

Dog to heel with less correction and guidance. Lead held left hand over right. More consistency with Class 2 exercises
Sit at heel on one command when handler stops.
Sit and down stay to 5m off lead for 1 minute
Recall on and off lead to 5m
Dog to take up sit position in front of handler (Off lead is Optional)
Stand stay to end of lead for 1 minute
Fast and slow pace heelwork.
Stand for examination to end of lead – no movement allowed
Finish to heel exercise – done separate to recall exercise. Quick response, minimal guidance.
Figure of eight heeling exercise

All returns by handlers are behind dog to the heel position

9:30 - 10:30am

All heelwork on loose lead held in left hand. Heel command allowed only when starting an exercise or after a stop. No heel commands when executing turns.

Automatic sit
Offlead work (optional)
Sit and down stay 3 minutes with distractions
Stand stay to 6m for 1 minute
Stand for examination at 6m
Sit stay out of sight for 1 minute
Down stay out of sight for 3 minutes
Drop, sit and stand hand signals at 6m
Recall from 30m
Recall from free walking off lead (optional)
Drop at random
All returns by handlers are behind dog to the heel position

CLASS 4

CLASS 5

9:30 - 10:30am

Off lead work under supervision

Dogs and handlers will be recommended to join this class as a step up from Class 4 but this is not a required step up.

When registering your dog with your local council, you may be eligible for discounted fees:, for various reasons including if your dog has undergone obedience training which complies with regulations

Wiltja Dog Obedience Club Inc is listed as a suitable club to carry out assessments as well as providing suitable training and assistance for behavioural training on local council sites.

Banyule City Council
Whittlesea City Council

Please ensure you check with your local council as their considerations may vary.