Photo
BRUSH FARM DOG TRAINING CLUB INC.
Established 1967. Affiliated RNSWCC (Dogs NSW) 1969
What we do
Brush Farm Dog Training Club is a non-profit organisation run by a dedicated team of volunteers committed to serving the local community and promoting responsible dog ownership We teach people to train their dog to be socialised and obedient and promote participation in canine obedience sports
Each year our club delivers over 300 hours of training classes trains over 500 dogs & runs four double trials attracting over 250 competitors from across Sydney
Training provides a benefit to both dog owners and the wider community - dogs that have participated in obedience training are less likely to be surrendered to pounds and animal shelters due to behavioural problems or aggression than dogs with no training
Attending training for just one hour each Sun afternoon at Brush Farm Park will give you the skills to train your dog to be a happy well-behaved member of your family
Member Information
Sunday training times:
12:00pm to 1:00pm - Puppies (10am Summer start time)
2:00pm to 3:00pm - Brown & Green classes
3:30pm to 4:30pm - White Yellow & Red classes
New member registration – available every Sunday from 11:30AM with orientation starting at 2PM (without your dog)
For sale at the Clubhouse - collars, leads, halters, dumbbells, bum-bags, polo shirts, caps snacks and drinks
Training is rarely cancelled due to rain or extreme heat (32C and above) – more often than not we are lucky with the weather! If in doubt please call the Clubhouse after 11am (for puppies) or after 1pm (for all others) to check if classes are on - phone 0488 701 682
We try to keep our Facebook page updated as well.
Club Office Bearers
President: Carmen Kong
Chief Instructor: Richard Watkins
Treasurer: Kylie Williams
Secretary: Camilla Watson
Vice Presidents: Anne Affleck, Anna Steinberg
Dep. Chief Instructors: Colin Richardson Danielle Leong
Trial Secretary: Alan Luc
Registrar: Karen Forsyth
Equipment Officer: Noel Reilly
Editor ‘The Barker’: Gemma-Louise Sherlock
Get Involved
The club is run entirely by volunteers All members are encouraged to attend the General Meetings are held bi-monthly at Brush Farm Club House Eastwood at 8.00pm. Members are welcome to come and have a say in our Club’s affairs. Supper is served after the meeting.
We would welcome anyone who would like to assist with:
New member registrations on Suns Equipment management field set-up and packing away on Suns Field set-up and packing away on Trial days (4 Suns per year)
Canteen/catering assistance on Trial days (4 Suns per year)
Trial stewards (4 Suns per year)
We are also always in need of NEW INSTRUCTORS If you have a passion for training dogs (and people) and would like to know more please have a chat to Chief Instructor Richard
Committee Members: Angela Munge, Colin Richardson, Heidi Richardson, June Johansson, Caitlin La Rose, Janelle Woodward, David Bevins, Geoff Nippard and Simon Gray
Instructors: Anne Affleck, Tania Cochrane, Simon Gray, June Johansson, Carmen Kong, Karen Lamb, Danielle Leong, Natalie Leong, Alan Luc, David Marcellino, Noel Reilly, Heidi Richardson, Anna Steinberg, Colin Richardson, Richard Watkins, Kylie Williams, Janelle Woodward, Gemma-Louise Sherlock, Camilla Watson
Patrons: Steve & Vicki Austin; The Mayor of Ryde; Dr Sarah Short
Connect with us
Facebook is a great way to stay in touch with us and keep up date with all the latest club news!
For General Club infomation: https://www facebook com/BrushFarmDogTraining
For our Members ONLY Facebook group is called BFDTC Members Chat This is where we like to post training challenges and videos whenever we get a chance – there’s a lot of great info to be found there!
https://www facebook com/groups/377721072947770
Reminders for training days
Please do not leave your children unsupervised. Children running around may frighten or over-
Please do not leave your children unsupervised Children running around may frighten or overexcite some dogs. Please remind your children NEVER to approach any dog without the excite some dogs Please remind children NEVER to approach any dog without the handler’s explicit permission handler’s explicit permission
Dogs wearing Dogs wearing BRIGHT YELLOW KNITTED COLLARS BRIGHT YELLOW KNITTED COLLARS may be uncomfortable around other people may be uncomfortable around other people and dogs Please give these dogs the space they need If in doubt MOVE YOUR DOG AWAY from and dogs Please give these dogs the space they need If in doubt MOVE YOUR DOG AWAY from stressful situations stressful situations
All handlers must wear enclosed shoes for safety
All handlers must wear enclosed shoes for safety
All dogs must be kept ON LEASH unless an instructor tells you otherwise All dogs must be kept ON LEASH unless an instructor tells you otherwise
Dogs that have a history of running off during off-leash exercises must use a long lead in class Dogs that have a history of running off during off-leash exercises must use a long lead in class
Please pick up after your dog Bags and bins are provided Please pick up after your dog. Bags and bins are provided.
First Aid & Our Heartstart HS1 Defibrillator
A reminder that we now have a defibrillator on our premises. It is situated next to the first aid box inside the main entrance to the clubhouse. We encourage all members to be aware of its location. There are fact sheets available upon request.
2024 Calendar
October
Sun 6th
Sun 13th
Wed 16th
November
Sun 20th Sun 27th NO TRAINING – Labour Day Training / Puppy Class Starts General Meeting Training NO TRAINING Double Rally Trial Sun 3rd Sun 10th Wed 13th Sun 17th Sun 24th Training Training Committee Meeting Training Last Training for the Year
Our Cover Dog!
Junem is a White Swiss Shepherd She loves her ball and hikes She's modeled several times for different photographers and recently had a litter You'll see one at Brush Farm soon!
Cover photo by yourbestfuriend com au
Does your dog (or you) want to be the next cover dog for The Barker? If that is a yes! Look out for our post on BFDTC Members Chat (Link above) What do you need to do? Comment with the BEST picture of your doggo and let me know a bit about them: Breed, age, favourite thing/s (toy, place or food etc ), and maybe a funny story about them Don’t have Facebook? Email brushfarmbarker@gmail.com. You never know you (well your dog) might be the NEXT BARKER COVER DOG!
From the PRESIDENT’S REPORT to The AGM 2024
I’dliketostartoffbythankingallofthecommitteeandourclubmembersforyoursupportthis year.IthasbeenabigyearoflearningformeinmyfirstyearasPresident.
Ourclubhasfacedupsanddownsthisyear,butwe’vedemonstratedourresilience.Onelowpoint wasthebreakintotheclubhouseinlate2023;outofthatwehaveupgradedourclubhouse security.Anotherlowpointwastheweatherleadingtothecancellationofmoreconsecutive classesthanintheclub’shistory,apartfromduringCOVID.ButasduringtheCOVIDlockdowns, instructorssharedcontentonlinetoinspireclubmemberstokeeptrainingathome,andassoon asthegroundswereevenjustpartiallyusable,everybodydemonstratedrealcommitmentby returningtoclass.
Duringtheyear,thecommitteehasmadegoodprogressworkingthroughourclubconstitution, whichwaslastlookedatin1989andneedstobeupdated.Iintendtocontinuetoleadthatwork. WhenIacceptedthenominationforPresident,itwasbecauseIfeltitwasmytimetostepupand takeresponsibilityforthelegacywehavebeenleft,inordertohandtheclubtofuturemembers. WiththeRydeCouncildevelopingaMasterplanforthesite,mycommitmenttosafeguardingour clubforthefutureremainsasstrongasever,andIhopetheclubjoinsmeindoingallwecanto ensureourclub’sneedsaremetinanyofCouncil’splansforthefutureofthissite.
CarmenKong-President
CHIEF INSTRUCTOR’S MESSAGE The Importance of Time
Weallleadverybusy,sometimesst beingpresentforourfourleggedbu Whenwearewithourdogs,weneed toapodcast It’saperfectchancef teammate.
This is particularly important on training day. Arriving earlygivesyouandyourdogachancetosettledown, have a look around and enjoy each other’s company prior to training. Remember that you should be rewardingEVERYTHINGyouwouldlikerepeated!Sitting whileweloadthecar,beingcalmastheyareloadedand unloaded,walkingaroundtheparkbeforetrainingand liningupforclassareallperfecttrainingopportunities.
RemembertobringLOTS!!Ofyummytreatsforrewards. Avarietyisbest,sothatyouhaveyourstandardrewards andyourbonusesfornewbehavioursandimprovements inour3D’s–Duration,Distance,Distraction.Ifyouare notsurewhattouseaskyourinstructors.
WhenyouareinclassmakesurethatitisaPOSITIVEexperienceforbothyouandyourdog.Ifyour dogisnewtotrainingremembertobepatient.Alwayssetyourdogupforsuccess.Likeusthey havegoodandbaddays.IftheyarehavingasessionwhereeithertheyoryouarestrugglingitisOK tostepaway.Thewholereasonwearetrainingistostrengthenourbond. Iftherearepartsofyourtrainingthatyoudonotunderstandorarenothavingsuccesswith,ASK YOURINSTRUCTOR.WeareblessedatBrushFarmtohavetheteamofinstructorsthatwedo.
AllthebestandHappyTraining! RichardWatkins–ChiefInstructor.
Tips from: Golden Paws Dog Training
by Nicole Wiebusch
PROMOTIONS
Congratulations to all 2024 Teams that were promoted from Brown to Green!
Green to White White to Yellow
Stephanie Lee and Maxine (Border Collie)
Jeanette Healey and Dexter (Australian Cobberdog)
Beau Dubois and Wonder (Cavoodle)
Karen Lamb and Kira (Australian Sherpherd x)
Chris Tredwell and Jazz (Australian Kelpie
Russel Ayling and Yurix (Schnauzer)
Carolyn Seyberlich and Khobi (Bull Arab x)
Vicki Johnston and Freddie (Australian Cobberdog)
Sally Kim and Lia (Finnish Lapphund)
David Bevins and Boss (Rottweiler)
Craig Burnett and Hercules (Shetland Sheepdog)
PUPPIES
Congratulations to all puppies and families that completed the 5 Week course in 2024!
Experienced
July Results
1st Carmen Kong and Dio (Chinese Crested Powderpuff)
2nd Cailin LaRose and Jessie (Labradoodle)
3rd Richard Watkins and Zoe (Australian Shepherd)
Red Class
1st Katerina Snow and Rocket (Kelpie x)
White Class
1st David Bevins and Boss (Rottweiler)
2nd Craig Burnett and Hercules (Shetland Sheepdog)
September Results
Experienced
1st Jo Harvey and Ka-boom (Koolie Dog) 2nd Cailin LaRose and Jessie (Labradoodle)
Red Class
1st Katerina Snow and Rocket (Kelpie x)
1st Craig Burnett and Hercules (Shetland Sheepdog) 2nd Dianne Weston and Charlie (Border Collie) 3rd Camilla Watson and Sergeant (German Shepherd
White Class Yellow Class
1st Nicole Richards and Rex (Jack Russell Terrier) 2nd Wendy Foster and Snoopy (Cattle Dog) 3rd Jeanette Healey and Dexter (Australian Cobberdog)
There are thousands of dog products available but some are better than others The knowlegable Brush Farm community would like to recommend the equipment we find works best
We recommend a 3ft or 1m length lead for our Puppies Brown and Green classes Also we recommend a 2m length lead for our White Yellow and Red classes. Leads can be purchased from the Clubhouse on Suns. Retractable and bungee leads are not recommended.
As you progress through the levels you will need to adopt a flat collar but in Puppies Brown and Green a well fitting harness is completely fine. The key words here are “well fitting”. Avoid harness that restrict move your dog and any harness that sits too close to their front legs. Some o our favourte brands are Ruffwear and EzyDog. At Harbour City Dog Ge located in Lilyfield, your dog can be safely fitted for a harness. They have a large range of styles, colours and brands to ensure your dog will be comfortable from day one!
https://www.harbourcitydoggear.com.au/ | https://peto.com.au/ruffwear/
TRIALING TEAMS UPDATE
There are so many dog sports out there, and we are lucky enough to have some talented teams at Brush Farm. Here are some of the recent amazing achievements of the Brush Farm Trialing Teams. If you are interested in what it takes to trial, have a chat to one of our Instructors.
Kylie Williams and Kenny have passed the Odour Recognition Test (ORT) anise and birch! AND received two qualifications in their first Scentwork trial! ANKC novice interior and exterior PLUS judges choice at Cessnock Dog Club.
Colin Richardson and Georgia qualified for Intermediate Tricks at Midweek and Northern Suburbs Trick trials.
Heidi Richardson and Cooper received two qualification in Excellent Interiors and Exteriors at Hills Scentwork Trial and The Border Collie Club Scentwork Trial. Also qualified in Advanced Vehicles at Dobermann Club Scentwork Trial.
June Johansson and Eva achieved Scentwork Excellent Title at Hills Scentwork Trial This Team also achieved 3rd place in Masters Interiors at Dobermann Club Trial and 2nd place in Masters Containers at the WSSW trial Finaly in July this Team achieved their Excellent Exteriors Title at the WSSW trial
Rocky Chau and Taka smashed the Dobermann Club Scentwork trial Achieving 3/3 passes 1st place Advanced Vehicles 2nd place Advanced Containers and 2nd place Advanced Interior And the Judge's Award! Other achievements of this team include Trick Novice Title Rocky Chau and Taka also took part in the 2024 Agility Nationals The Team managed to get into the finals of Novice Agility Qualifying 3rd in the heats out of 50 dogs in the class In the finals the Team achived 5th place!
Elizabeth Donohoo and Cello quallie in excellent containers on Saturday, Cello worked beautifully to get his ACSW NW1 title on Sunday, coming away with 1st in containers and vehicles and 2nd overall
Carmen Kong and Dio achieved Earthdog Instinct Certificate!
Richard Watkins and Ita received a qualification in Rally Novice at Blacktown Kennel Club Trial
Remember to share your Teams achievements on the BFDTC Members Chat (link on page 2)!
AUGUST TRIAL
Thank you to all the AMAZING volunters on the day!
Congratulations to all the Competitors!
Tips for keeping your dog cool over summer:
Cool mats and jackets - great way to keep your dog cool when you are out and about together.
Dog suncreen for their nose or other exposed areas
Beach trips, paddling pools or sprinklers - You will see the half shell paddling pools at the Club in the warmer months Try them out see if your doggo likes it!
Take walks in the morning or evening - cool for your doggo and less sweat for you!
Check the temperature of surfaces before letting your dog’s paws to step on the surface
Place your hand on the surface and counting to 10 seconds If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for them
Multiple water bowls - add ice! Always take dog your dog water when you are out together
Freeze Treats - Makes them last longer too!
Keep doggos inside and limit excerise on very hot days (35C plus)
NEVER leave your dog in a parked car
Heat Stroke Information From the RSPCA
From: https://www facebook com/photo php? fbid=10160215171623654&id=10934428653&set=a 63646418653
2025 CALENDAR
Sun Feb 2 First Day of Training for Current Members New Member Registrations
Sun Feb 9 Training
Sun Feb 16 Training
Wed Feb 19 General Meeting
Sun Feb 23 Training
Sun Mar 2 Training
Sun Mar 9 Training
Sun Mar 16 Training
Wed Mar 19 Committee Meeting
Sun Mar 23 No Training - Obedience & Rally Trial
Sun Mar 30 Training
Sun Apr 6 Training
Sun Apr 13 Training
Wed Apr 16 General Meeting
Sun Apr 20 No Training - Easter
Sun Jul 6 Training
Sun Jul 13 Training
Wed Jul 16 Committee Meeting
Sun Jul 20 Training/Hander’s Day
Sun Jul 27 Training
Sun Aug 3 Training
Sun Aug 10 Training
Sun Aug 17 Training
Wed Aug 20 Annual General Meeting
Sun Aug 24 No Training - Obedience & Rally Trial
Sun Aug 31 Training
Sun Sept 7 Training
Sun Sept 14 Training
Wed Sept 17 Committee Meeting
Sun Sept 21 Training/Handler's Day
Sun Apr 27 No Training - ANZAC Day Sun Sept 28 Training
Sun May 4 Training
Sun May 11 Training
Wed May 14 Committee Meeting
Sun May 18 Training & Handler's Day
Sun May 25 Training
Sun Jun 1 Training
Sun Jun 8 No Training - King's Birthday Double Trick Trial
Sun Jun 15 Training
Wed Jun 18 General Meeting
Sun Jun 22 Training
Sun Jun 29 Training
Sun Oct 5 No Training - Labour Day
Sun Oct 12 Training
Wed Oct 15 General Meeting
Sun Oct 19 Training
Sun Oct 26 No Training - Double Rally Trial
Sun Nov 2 Training
Sun Nov 9 Training
Sun Nov 16 Training
Wed Nov 19 Committee Meeting
Sun Nov 23 Training
Sun Nov 30 Training
Sun Dec 7 Dogs Christmas Party
All Members their Dogs and Families are invited to
DOGS’ CHRISTMAS PARTY
Sunday 1st Demember 2024
From 1pm
Fancy Dress Parade Competitions & Games
Fundraising Raffle
Free Sausage Sizzle
RSVP at the Clubhouse by Sunday 24 November 2024
Please drop donations for the Fundraising Raffle to the Clubhouse by Sunday 24 November 2024
