Branch Rules

Please take a moment to view the rules of the branch….

In order to ensure that the branch runs smoothly, we have a few basic rules that will benefit everyone attending the branch.

Sign in book: For insurance purposes and record keeping we need to know when you are at training. On arrival in the morning please make sure you sign in; the book is located on the table inside the club rooms. Our membership officer will show you what is required when signing in.
Training Fees: In addition to your annual membership with the GSDCV, you will be required to pay a small training fee each week you train to help with the cost of running the branch. The fee is set by the club and is $3.00 per handler and is the same at all branches of the GSDCV. You can place your training fees in the tin beside the sign in book.
Unexpected closures: Due to the nature of our club we sometimes experience unexpected closures that can be at short notice. Please check our Facebook page on Saturday mornings before leaving home to ensure we are open. We also try to send a text to members if we are closing however this is not always possible.
Name Tags: We ask that all members/guests wear a name tag, upon taking out membership you will receive a name tag in the mail. Our membership officer can provide you with a temporary tag until your official name tag arrives.

Canteen: Tea, Coffee and Soft Drinks are available from the canteen. All canteen items cost $2 each unless marked otherwise. Donations of cakes and slices are always appreciated. We suggest that if you plan to bring something you let the canteen coordinator know so she doesn’t go shopping the night before.
EFTPOS: The branch has an EFTPOS machine available for purchases. Only authorised members may operate the EFTPOS machine (Branch Manager, Assistant Branch Manager, Membership Officers, Equipment Officers, and Treasurer).
Late arrivals: We ask that all members arrive at least 10 minutes before class so they can get their dog settled before class. However, we do recognise that sometime things come up and people run late, if classes have already started before you arrive, please approach the instructor before joining in the class.
Club Rooms: We have tried to make our club rooms as user friendly as possible. Please do what you can to help keep the room tidy by cleaning up after yourself and wiping your feet before entering. If you notice the floor is a bit dirty don’t hesitate to grab a broom and give it a quick sweep. Whilst dogs are not prohibited from entering the club rooms, we do ask you to consider whether you really need to bring the dog inside or not. Having multiple dogs in a closed in space can sometime create situations that result in a negative experience for the dogs and their owner. Dogs are strictly prohibited from the kitchen area due to food safety regulations.
Dog waste: If your dog goes to the toilet, please be sure to clean it up. This is not only good manners and responsible pet ownership it is also a legal requirement. Poo bags are available at the branch, and it is good practice to always have one or two in your pocket. The blue bin near the club rooms can be used to discard your bags.
Socialising your dog: We understand that people want their dog to make friends with everyone. However, the reality is that not all dogs a social. Just like humans some prefer to be left alone or may not like certain other dogs. Before approaching anyone else’s dog please be sure to ask the other person if it ok to approach. Remember Just because your dog doesn’t mind being up close to others, doesn’t mean everyone’s dog is comfortable with other people and dogs being up close.
Bitches in season: For obvious reasons if your dog is in season, please do not bring her to training.
Dogs on leads: We ask all members to ensure their dogs remain on lead at all times unless directed by an instructor to remove the lead. If you need to leave your dog for any reason, please either put the dog back in the car, use the branch crate if available or ask someone without a dog to hold your lead until you return. Under no circumstance are dogs to be tied up and left unattended.
Training Equipment: Puppies under 6 months of age are trained with a soft webbing collar and lead. Correction chains are not suitable for young pups. Leads should be no longer than 4 foot. Older dogs can be trained on a Correction Collar, Halti, Gencon Collar, Slip Collar/Lead, Soft Collar or Martingale Collar. Harnesses are strongly discouraged and not suitable for use in a class. Your instructor will be able to make suggestion as to what is best for your dog. If in any doubt, please don’t hesitate to ask the instructors.
Equipment store: We have a range of recommended training items such as collars, leads, toys, treat pouches, treats etc available for purchase inside the club rooms. Please see the Equipment Sales team for assistance. If what you are looking for is not on the shelf, please ask as we may be able to special order it at a discount price through our suppliers.
Royal Canin: The GSDCV is sponsored by Royal Canin dog food and as part of that sponsorship we have access to Royal Canin foods at a discount price. Our standard stock is the German Shepherd variety bags (16kg Adult and 16kg Puppy) however other items are available for special order if requested. The price per bag Is set by the club at $130 per bag which is substantially cheaper than in a retail store. Please see The Equipment Sales team if you would like to purchase Royal Canin
Behaviour and conduct: though it should be obvious, everyone is reminded of the expectation to be polite and respectful to each other. Raised voices, foul language and inappropriate comments will not be tolerated and should be reported to the Branch Manager or Assistant Branch Manager immediately. We do encourage a light-hearted and friendly atmosphere but please remember not everyone will share your sense of humour.