Upper Hutt Dog Training Club

Welcome to your family friendly dog training club 

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best place to get club info about classes, events, dates etc.? 

You will find general information on the UHDTC home page. Please check the Club Calendar and the Upper Hutt Dog Training Club Facebook Group for information on events and classes.

2. When can my dog and I join a class? 

Dogs must have passed the Canine Good Basics and preferably the Dog Manners class (or equivalent classes) before they can enrol in other classes such as Agility, Rally-O, or Flygility. Children can start with the Kids Class. For attendance we require all dogs to be fully vaccinated prior to the start of term. We recommend the kennel cough vaccine but it is not required. Canine Good Basics is suitable for dogs aged 5 months and above.  Obedience Elementary can be started sooner but this has to be approved by the instructor. Dog must be at least 12 months old for Agility and Flygility. All dogs must be registered with the District Council. 

3. What times and days of the week are training classes held? 
The term and weekly schedule for all classes are listed on the Home Page. The days or times may vary somewhat per term due to availability of instructors and volunteers. Each term, classes run for 6 weeks, with a two-week break in between terms. The club closes for approximately two months in the winter (July & August) and summer (December & January). Please check the Club Calendar and the Upper Hutt Dog Training Club Facebook Group for up-to-date information.
4.  How will I be notified if my dog and I are accepted in a class and how do I pay? 
Our club is entirely run by volunteers, so please be patient. Once your form is submitted, we will forward it to the instructor.  The instructor will contact you per email about two weeks before classes start. Sometimes emails end up in the spam folder so check your spam folder and add us to your Safe Senders list to make sure you don't miss any emails from us.  You will also receive an invoice with a “payment required” date. The bill must be paid by midnight on the "payment required” date. Once that date has passed the placement has expired and may be offered to another applicant.  
5. Do you provide a refund when I have to cancel my enrolment? 
A full refund will be provided for bookings cancelled seven full days or more prior to the class starting. A full refund will be provided, less a $20.00 administration fee, for bookings cancelled between two full days and seven full days prior to class starting. For bookings cancelled less than 48 hours prior to class starting no refund is available.
6. Do you have a waiting list?  
Enrolment for each term is open about six weeks before classes start and closes about one week prior to the start of classes.  We acknowledge that due to high demand, it can be difficult to enrol in the Canine Good Basics class. We therefore have a waiting list for this class. 
7. How do I prepare for class and what should I bring? 
Bring great food rewards (e.g.  Possyum, Chunky dog roll, or liver cake) in a belt bag OR in a solid plastic container with a lid (NOT in a plastic bag) to class. You will also need a a flat dog collar such as the gentle leader, a lead, the Council registration tag, poo bags, and a toy your dog likes. Please bring your dog’s vaccination record to the first lesson.  See the following flyer for additional information and group etiquette. 

Be a cheerleader for others, see the Take the Lead campaign.
8. Where do you train?  
We generally train outdoors in a semi fenced area at Moehau Park. This is adjacent to Moonshine and Trentham Memorial Park. Access on training days is via 7A Moehau Grove, off Holdsworth Ave. Car parking is on the shingle car park, past the club house, see this map. 

9. Will training be on if it rains? 

Please check the Upper Hutt Dog Training Club Facebook Group. One of our volunteers will try to post weather related cancellations at 5 p.m. on the day of class. For the safety of dogs and handlers we may also have to cancel classes if the grounds are still too wet. If applicable, make up lessons will be posted on Facebook.   

10. What if my dog is sick?  The safety of your dog and other dogs in the class is important to us. If your dog is sick or injured, please do not bring him/her to class. It is especially important to keep your dog away from others when it  has a contagious disease such as Kennel Cough. While most dogs recover very quickly from Kennel Cough, in puppies, older dogs and those with underlying health conditions, it can lead to pneumonia and death. 

11. My dog already knows basic commands.  Do I have to take the Canine Good Basics class or can I enrol in dog sport classes? 
In Agility, Rally-O,  and Flygility, dogs need to be able to follow instructions in an environment with lots of distractions. Therefore, you and your dog will need to have completed the Canine Good Basic or an equivalent class before you can enrol in those classes. 
12. I have been to a basic obedience class before, but now I have a new dog.  Should I attend again? 
Yes, please enrol your new dog in Canine Good Basics. Your new dog has to be able to follow instructions in a new environment with distractions, in proximity to other dogs and unfamiliar people. 
13. Is it OK to take the Canine Good Basic course twice? 
You are welcome to repeat classes until you and the dog feel comfortable.  Ask your instructor if they think it is necessary.
14. What are your membership and training fees and how do I become a member? 
Please see the Fees and Payments page for membership and training fees.  Click here to enrol or renew your membership. Membership requests for NEW members will be submitted for approval at the next committee meeting which is held once per month. You will be notified of your membership status after the meeting.  

15. I paid my membership and annual training fee. Which classes can I join?

All dogs must have passed the Canine Good Basics or equivalent class before they can enrol in other classes. You can sign up for classes via the Enrolments Page.  You do not have to be a member to enrol in a class and can choose to pay per class. 

16. How can I start competing with my dog in dog sports?

Visit the individual class pages to find out more about competitions for each dog sport.  

17. Does the club have any COVID related requirements or guidelines?

Please see the COVID information page for information on COVID related requirements, cancellations, or changes to the class schedule.

18. Where can I buy the Club's uniform?

Please see the Uniforms Page.

19. How can I help? 

Our club is run by volunteers who are passionate about dogs and dog sports. We are always on the lookout for committee members as well as volunteers to assist our instructors, to help out at dog shows and events, or to help with administrative tasks. Feel free to talk to us; we would love to hear from you! For more information or to sign-up as a volunteer, please contact us here.