• The RDO course is an 8 week program
• Dogs must be at least 6 months old.
• Leather or webbing collar & lead - No check chains/correction collars allowed
• Dogs must be fully vaccinated
• Proof of vaccination is necessary on enrolling
• Bag of treats for training rewards
• Held on Saturday mornings, training starts at 9am, and is of 1/2 an hour duration, and is usually followed by a lecture.
• At the completion of the course all dogs are tested and a pass certificate is issued to all qualifiers.
• This certificate enables the owner to get a reduced rate on dog registration with the East Gippsland Shire.

Click on the topics below for more information:

 Things to do or be aware of
  Club Welcome
  About our RDO course - fuller details
  Basic Dog care
  Responsibilities of Dog Owners within the Community
  The case for an Enclosure
  Life after RDO

RDO  - THINGS TO DO OR TO BE AWARE OF:

Parking – Please park your car at the boundary of the training area east  of the club rooms

Signing in -  Each Saturday morning please indicate your presence on the attendance roll.

Name Badge -  Find your name badge ( to wear during training) in the alphabetical file and return it after class.

RDO booklet – You will be provided with our RDO boolet, which tells you what the RDO course is all about and gets you familiar with the club rules and code of ethics.

Weather conditions – Training is conducted in all weather conditions (except extreme) eg severe thunder storms or torrential rain etc.

Seating – Each week bring along a folding chair or rug for your comfort during lectures.

Water – A water bowl is available near training areas for your dog.

Pooper scooper – A bucket and shovel is available near training areas for disposal of your dogs droppings.

Plastic Bag -  Each week please bring along  a strong plastic bag eg supermarket bag, for the same purpose as above.

Footwear – Wear strong footwear – preferably not thongs or similar.

Smoking – Do not smoke while training your dog.

Treats –  As we encourage positive reinforcement we suggest you bring your treats in a bum bag or similar to make access easy.  Treats can be in the form of dried liver, available from your Veterinary clinic, or local supermarket, small pieces of dried dog biscuits or dried cat food.

Collars – We suggest that your dog wears a secure flat collar. If you have a particularly strong dog, Haltis are an alternative form of  head collar and work very effectively. The club sells a range of collars, Haltis, corrections collars and leads.

Classes – Classes start at 9am sharp commencing with half hour (approximately) training session. We will stop at 9.30am and join club members at the clubrooms for the weekly presidents report.  This will be followed immediately by the weekly RDO talk or activity.

CLUB WELCOME

Welcome to the Bairnsdale and District Dog Obedience Clubs “Responsible Dog Ownership” (RDO) program.

This course will run for 8 weeks with the last Saturday being the proficiency test for the VCA Obedience Certificate.

By the end of the program, you should be able to command some respect from your dog and achieve the standard required for the VCA test.

During the term, we shall be having demonstrations, talks on common dog problems, feeding, housing and grooming, dog psychology and responsibilities within the community.

We will also have a town walk which will help your dog to work in all situations. The RDO program really is a crash course in dog training and we have  a lot of work to get through in such  a short space of time.  It is possible to achieve the required standard if you are prepared to put in the time and effort into training your dog at home.

The instructors will teach you, the handler, on a Saturday morning but you are expected to put in 10 minutes at least a day in training your dog in your own time. Try not to limit your training to the back yard.  Take your dog around the streets, practice the exercises, make your dog sit at road crossings, do not let your dog become distracted by unusual sights and sounds.  This is achieved by taking and encouraging your dog constantly.

Discourage your dog from interfering with pedestrians or other dogs or cats.  Take your dog to as many different locations as possible, main shopping  areas, sports grounds where games are under way etc.

Allow people to gently handle your dog while you have the dog completely under control. Use your positive reinforcer ( food, toy or ball etc) and your voice to achieve this.  All of this conditions the dog to all manner of situations.

Just remember a dog is a dog  not a four footed human.  They have canine instincts. The pack instinct will help you in your training.  There is hierarchy in dogs from top dog to the dog bossed around by every other dog. Make sure YOU are taking the place of top dog.  Your pet at some stage  in its development will try you out to see if it can be Number 1.  When that happens and if it wins, your dog will rule your life for ever after. Training a dog requires LARGE amounts of patience and persistence.

Remember – NEVER GIVE UP, YOU CAN DO IT…

RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP PROGRAM

The Responsible Dog Ownership Program is being run by the Bairnsdale and District Dog Obedience Club Inc. (BDDOC) in conjunction with the East Gippsland Shire Council to encourage people to train their dogs and to be responsible owners.  By doing this, we are hoping to cut down on the number of dogs that are left to roam the streets and generally get into mischief.

The program is set down to coincide with school terms.

To partake in the program your dog has to be fully vaccinated against Canine Distemper, Viral Hepatitis and Parvo virus (C3). Kennel cough is not compulsory but highly recommended.

The course is run by the BDDOC and the East Gippsland shire council free of charge, as a community service.

Our course consists of you and your dog attending as many sessions of the 8 week course as possible so as to be proficient enough to attempt the end of term test.  Testing  is laid down by the Victorian Canine Association (VCA) under the Domestic (Feral & Nuisance ) Animal Act.

At BDDOC we use positive reinforcement to train our dogs. When the dog responds correctly it is immediately rewarded with a foot treat, a special word or a toy.  The dogs then feel good and it is easier to get the dogs attention when you have something the dog wants. The dog will want to please its owner and will respond accordingly. Obviously this takes time and patience, but at the end of the day you will hopefully have a dog that wants to be with you and is happy to be there.

At the end of each term owners and dogs will be tested on :

1        Heeling on a loose lead.

2         Sit on command.

3         Human sociability test – lack of aggression to humans.

4         Dog sociability test – lack of aggression to other dogs.

5        Recall ( Dog comes to handler when called).

6        Sit stay for 1 minute.

On successful completion of the course, we will issue you with an “Obedience Certificate” which you can present to the council to claim your dog registration concession (if applicable).

BASIC DOG CARE

 VACCINATIONS

All  dogs should and must be vaccinated, starting from puppies.  They require their first injection between 6 – 8 weeks of age, and their permanent vaccination at 12 – 14 weeks of age. Puppies can be vaccinated against  Kennel Cough at this age,  but  will also require another vaccination 4 weeks after the first to complete the course.  An annual booster is required every year thereafter.

|The four diseases that we vaccinate against are:

1        Canine Distemper

2         Viral Hepatitis

3        Parvo Virus

4        Kennel Cough (2 strains)

WORMING

Worming your dog regularly is also very important, starting with your new puppy.  Treat your puppy with a recommended brand name  all purpose wormer starting at 6 weeks of age. Pups should be wormed every 2 weeks until 12 weeks, and then every month until 6months, and then routinely every 3 months unless evidence indicates otherwise.

A lot of people choose to protect their dogs against heartworm. Before starting on any Heartworm preventative medication PLEASE contact your Veterinarian for advice. You can inadvertently kill your dog if your dog hasn’t been tested negative.

FEEDING

Most adult dogs are adaptable animals and will eat a variety of foods. Dogs are by nature carnivores, that is meat eaters.  These days, dogs are fed a mixture of foods and seem to thrive on it. Like people dogs need a balanced diet of protein, carbohydrates fats and minerals.  Probably the simplest diet is a mixture of dry foods and meat.  The pet food industry offers a wide variety of  foods to choose for your dog, if your dog does not seem to like one type then try another.  Tinned food is usually cooked meat, some have more meat than gravy, and as meat is 75per cent water, make sure you buy this type, otherwise the poor dog is only having a meaty drink!  When feeding your dog a dry food diet, it is essential that the dog is supplied with clean, fresh water as well. Dry dog food has a water content of about 8 per cent – remember that meat is about 75 per cent, so the dog will not  receive adequate water from this diet of dry food.  Fresh meat is probably more suitable for feeding  your dogs, but does not contain enough vitamins and minerals by  itself, so fed alone does not constitute a balanced diet.

One feed a day is usually enough for most adult dogs, but if you wanted to split this into 2 smaller meals this  is perfectly acceptable.  Very small dogs, giant breeds and elderly dogs are probably better fed twice daily, this is better on the digestive system and also makes sure that  the stomach is not overloaded.  Like  people dogs are good converters of food and some are bad, so we have to watch our dogs weight.  An active high spirited dog will eat a lot more than an stolid lazy dog of the same size.  It is easier to put weight on a dog, than to take it off, so if your dog has  a tendency to get fat, feed him a little less.  It is much better not feed your dog tidbits, it only makes them bad mannered, always begging for food.  Tidbits given in moderation when training your dog as a reward is however, acceptable. 

Cooked bones like chicken or chops should never be fed to your dog as they can splinter and cause all sorts of problems in the esophagus and intestines.  Bones are however, good for your dog in the fact that they help clean the tartar off of the teeth, relieve boredom, and satisfy that natural craving to chew.  Marrow bones are ideal for the medium to large dogs, and for the smaller dog a  raw chicken wing is ideal.

When you feed your dog does not matter, but never feed just before exercise .  If you have an overweight dog and you need advise consult your vet.  Remember to give fresh clean water every day.

VETERINARY CARE

If your dog is ailing or hurt, you must provide it with veterinary care, that is the law, and failing to do so can lead to prosecution.

HOLIDAYS

If you are going away on holidays, please find a reputable boarding  kennel or someone who will care for your dog on a daily basis, by feeding and ensuring adequate exercise.  Ideally, for the dog, take him on holidays with you, after all he is part of the family too.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF DOG OWNERS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY

The following information is listed as a guide for all owners of dogs within the Shire of East Gippsland and for all those who are currently participating in the RDO program.

It is important that you read this information, as the council would like to inform people of their responsibilities of good dog ownership.

You, as an owner, must register your dog with the council each year. This will enable the ranger to return your dog to you as quickly as possible if it is found wandering at large.

Fencing. It is a good idea to provide adequate fencing around your property. This will help keep your dog at home, thus avoiding being the owner of a neighbourhood nuisance and recipient of heavy fines.

Barking. If your dog and your neighbours dog barks incessantly, it could mean a number of things: lonely, not enough exercise, hungry or thirsty, not enough shelter.

In the case of a neighbour's dog, it would be a good idea to talk calmly and sensibly to the dog's owner and try to help them to solve the problem.

Good access to service equipment. Make it easy for your friendly service personnel - postman, Water Board, etc, by allowing access to facilities by way of retaining your dog in an enclosure or have a side fence built.

Planning a holiday. Ensure your dog is well cared for by means of:

• booking your dog into a reputable boarding kennels

• arrange for a friend/neighbour to feed, water and exercise your dog 

• taking your dog with you

While walking your dog in the central business district ensure that you have it on a lead.

While walking your dog it is a good idea to take along a plastic bag to pick up its droppings. By doing this, it will enable other street users to have a cleaner environment to live in.

THE CASE FOR THE ENCLOSURE

Dog owners are required by law to keep their dogs under "effective control" at all times. We all know (don't we?) that this means when the dog is being walked on the street it must be on a leash - remember that the other pedestrians don't know how well behaved your dog is, and they have a right not to feel threatened by a "loose dog"). Also, when being exercised in an open space it must be under voice control - ie obedient. These rules are very straight forward and all responsible owners abide by them.

When you are at work, or out for the day, and your dog is alone in the yard - is it under effective control? Very few suburban yards are escape proof. So, mid-afternoon, when your dog has become bored to the eyeballs with "taking in the washing" or "doing the gardening" and it hears children playing on the other side of the fence - it will join them.

No, don't shake your head, your dog can get out of your yard if it puts its mind to it. What induces a dog to do so? In the majority of cases it is boredom and/or frustration at being left behind. In many cases boredom is unavoidable, we have to work, so we must consider what are the potential consequences of the dog escaping.

Firstly, the old favourite, HBC (hit by car). This death or severe injury results in heartbreak for the family and is often preceded by financially damaging vet bills.

Secondly, picture your dog, overjoyed at its new found freedom, bounding down the street to those children who just happen to be frightened of dogs!

Thirdly, if your dog is hit by a vehicle, or the driver in avoiding the dog collides with another vehicle, or a person, or a structure, etc. You, the owner, are liable for any damage, destruction, injury, emotional stress, etc, caused.

Responsible dog owners solve the problem and avoid the risk by providing their dog with an ENCLOSURE.

The Enclosure - By enclosure we mean a wire mesh structure to confine the dog to a certain area. The enclosure has: a lockable gate to keep dog and puppy thieves out; a roof (galvanised iron is recommended) to keep the weather out and the dog in (don't underestimate your dog's climbing and jump ability); a concrete floor to assist with cleaning and to prevent the dog digging out and a suitable weather proof kennel. Specifications - 3rn x 2rn high is adequate for even the largest breeds. This space allows the dog to take a certain amount of exercise and to perform natural functions away from the kennel.

Situation - Ideally the enclosure should be situated where it is sheltered from the extreme weather (morning sun reaches the concrete but is sheltered from hot afternoon sun) and the dog has a view of the whole yard

Shape - Shape is not important, and can be altered conform to the yard as long as the required "floor space" is attainable.

Materials - Minimize the use of timber. Timber is chewable, it deteriorates, and it can harbour viruses such as Parvo. Metal posts and are mesh are most suitable.

Furnishings - A kennel as already mentioned., a hammock bed for sleeping off the concrete., and (very important) toys, etc, for amusement.

In lieu of a kennel, the enclosure can be attached to a suitable shed (see diagram), note that at least part of the "run" area must be shaded because the shed may become too hot during the day.

The Advantages

1 Your dog is under effective control when you are not at home.

2 Your washing stays on the clothes line instead of the ground.

3 Your plants are where you planted them.

4 Your dog has somewhere to go when those "non-doggy" friends

5 or large crowds visit.

The Disadvantages - THERE ARE NONE

Misconceptions - The following are the most common misconceptions people seem to have about enclosures.

Its cruel to confine a dog - Absolute rubbish! This is the most common excuse offered and is without foundation when applied to the type of enclosure described here. It is cruel to be mangled on the roadside or to be "put-down" for being a nuisance on the street.

Note: additional exercise, such as free running in the yard or under control in an open space is also necessary and is often forgotten with kennel dogs once the enclosure has been provided. You should regard the enclosure as a means of controlling your dog when it is not under direct supervision. If there is no exercise in the form of walks or free-running it is likely to become unruly.

But I want my dog to protect my property The greatest deterrent to thieves, burglars, etc, is noise. If the enclosure is situated where your dog has a clear view of the yard, it will react adequately to any intruder. If your dog is allowed into the house with you, the house will become part of its territory and will react to strange noises in the house.

Do you want your dog to be free to attack intruders? Well, you need to consider the fact that if your dog attacks and injures an intruder, including a burglar, it will probably be put down and the intruder can legally sue for damages.

It costs too much – Even if you buy a ready-made assemble yourself enclosure, it will cost less than prolonged veterinary bills for a badly injured dog, far less than Barrister’s fees and, if you lost a damages case???

My dog doesn’t jump the fence – Obviously it doesn’t , it is still alive. Can you guarantee that it never will? How many times does it have to escape before it creates a problem?

I’m only renting – If your landlord allows you to have a dog then surely he can be convinced of the advantage of an enclosure. If you build the enclosure wisely, it can be removed and taken with you when you leave, except only for the concrete which is not difficult to break up and remove.

I use a running chain – As a general rule, dogs do not do well if chained up. If, however, your dog is an inveterate escapee and your enclosure is not yet completed, you can attach it to a running chain for a short time. The wire should be above the dog’s head to prevent the chain becoming tangled and "stops" should be provided at least the chain’s length from each end post. This ensures that the dog does not get tangled up around the post. The running chain must be near enough to the kennel to allow the dog rest and shelter if necessary.

Note: the running chain must only be used as a short term emergency measure. Most dogs become very frustrated on a chain and this frustration often leads to aggression and other behavioral problems which can be difficult to overcome. Also, the explosive power of some of the larger dogs enables them to snap chains rather easily. In these cases, the chain would have to be so heavy you would be walking the fine line between control and cruelty.

Responsible ownership – Responsible owners must consider what is best for their dog, for them and for their community. If every dog owner kept their dog under control when it was with them and enclosed securely when they are not at home, there would be no "dog problem".

LIFE AFTER RDO

The Responsible Dog Ownership course was designed to quickly and comprehensively instruct inexperienced dog owners how to look after and control their pets to fit into the expectations of today's way of life.

On completion of RDO owners have learnt to command some respect from the dog so that it now looks and listens to commands. The dog has been socialized to not interfere with other dogs and humans and the owner has been instructed how to understand their dog and how to look after it properly. Also most importantly owners have learnt about their responsibilities of dog ownership within the community at large. So, what happens next?

RDO is really only the beginning of training your dog. By joining the Baimsdale & Dist. Dog Obedience Club Inc. as a member you then go on to higher levels of training. Members get out of the club whatever they aspire to. Whether it be just social training on a Saturday morning, agility work, competitions or the sport of obedience trialing - it’s all up to you. There are many social events during the year and by joining the club you are sure to make many new friends.