Member Noticeboard

Please be advised that the off leash areas 3A, 3B, and the seven small off leash areas next to the SprintDog track will not be available for use on Thursday 16 April 2026.

Thank you for your understanding.

At the February Dogs Australia Board of Directors meeting The National Dances with Dogs and Trick Dog Committee was granted permission to develop a criteria for a Trick Dog Champion Title.  Such criteria to come only within the existing rules. 

The committee wishes to give all members in Australia the opportunity to have their say in what is considered a worthy Trick Dog Champion using the existing rules.

4.3 Ratification of the minutes of the National Dances with Dogs/Trick Dog Committee meeting held 12 December 2025

It was unanimously RESOLVED on the motion of B Murfet/B Parker that the minutes of the National Dances with Dogs/Trick Dog Committee meeting held on 12 December 2025 be endorsed subject to the committee submitting a proposal for the approval to progress the development of inviting submissions for the introduction of a Trick Dog Tests Champion Title to the June 2026 Special Board meeting.

The decision of the National Committee will be presented to the Dogs Australia Board of Directors at the October Conference for endorsement and, if ratified, be available to members from the 1st January 2027.

Members to give feedback for a Trick Dog Champion Title no later than 30 May 2026.

Proposal:  Trick Dog Champion Title

Any submission to include:

a)  criteria required to gain a qualifying score for the title;

b)  number of qualifying certificates to gain the title;

c)  criteria for the introduction of the title;

d)  format of the Title Certificate.

EXAMPLE

‘TK.CH.’ for dogs that have qualified for the title of Trick Dog Advanced (TKA) in connection with, and before the name of each dog, who has gained a further (10) Qualifying Certificates of 95 points or higher in the Advanced Class under at least three (3) different Judges.

Please send feedback to Sue Cordwell:

cordwes@bigpond.com

Bairnsdale & District Dog Obedience Club advise Sue Cardwell and Lydia Cowan are unable to fulfil their appointments. Test A Advanced, Starters, Intermediate, Novice and Test B Advanced, Starters at the Triple Tricks Test will now be judged by Meg Ryan.

Please be advised that Dogs Australia sent out a survey this morning via Vero Voting.
This is NOT a scam.

If you have deleted the email entirely from your deleted folder, please contact:
Vero Voting, telephone support is available on 1300 702 898, between 8:30am to 5pm AWST
Vero will be able to advise of next steps.

If you do not receive the survey by close of business today please contact Vero Voting.

Please click here to open the “How to Participate” document

A recent poll has been distributed by Dogs Australia regarding a proposed major change to conformation showing.
However, from what I am seeing, many members have noted there has been limited explanation and context provided, leaving uncertainty about what is actually being proposed.
As such, here is a brief summary based by Tim Thomas of it all.

What is being proposed?
Dogs Australia is proposing the introduction of a new “Champion Class” at conformation shows from 1 January 2027.
This would create:
- A separate class for titled dogs (Champions)
- Existing classes reserved for non-titled dogs
How would this change shows?
Currently:
Champion dogs compete against all other dogs - including young and developing exhibits.
Under the proposal:
** Untitled dogs compete only against other untitled dogs for Championship points
** Champion dogs compete in a separate Champion Class
Winners from each then compete for further awards (ie. Best Dog, Best of Breed etc)
New classes introduced
- Champion Class (entire dogs)
- Champion Neuter Class
Also proposed (and something I also strongly support)
Young Champions (under 18 months):
Can choose to enter:
An age class or
Champion Class
But cannot enter both at the same show
Older Champions (18+ months):
Must compete in Champion Class once title is confirmed
This provides a balanced transition, allowing flexibility for developing dogs while maintaining integrity of the system.
Why this change matters
This is not just a structural tweak - it addresses some of the most significant challenges facing our sport.
1. Supporting new and emerging exhibitors
At present, young and untitled dogs are often competing directly against seasoned Champions.
This creates:
A steep and often discouraging entry point
A key contributor to new exhibitors leaving the sport
Separating Champions:
Creates a fairer competitive environment
Gives newer exhibitors a genuine opportunity to succeed
Supports long-term participation
2. Retaining experienced exhibitors and quality dogs
This proposal is not just about newcomers.
It also:
Encourages continued exhibition of Champion dogs
Keeps high-quality dogs visible in the ring
Supports stronger overall entry numbers
3. Strengthening show viability and sustainability
Declining entries are a real issue.
This reform is a practical response:
More entries
Better retention
Stronger clubs and shows
4. Aligning with international practice
Australia is currently behind comparable countries in this area.
The Champion Class:
Is widely used internationally
Has recently been adopted in the UK
Represents a modern, proven structure
Potential impact for members:
This is a significant structural change to how conformation shows operate.
It will influence:
Competition pathways for young dogs
Overall competition dynamics
Points and awards
Practical decision-making for exhibitors, breeders, and clubs
The major drawback:
There will not be an ability for exhibitors to show themselves multiple champions of the same sex, over the age of 18 months (you would need to find a keen young Junior Handler to help you!) 🙂
Final position
This is a well-considered and necessary evolution of our sport.
It:
Reduces barriers to entry
Supports both new and experienced exhibitors
Encourages participation
Strengthens the long-term sustainability of conformation showing
Most importantly — it is practical, fair, and forward-thinking.
For these reasons, members are strongly encouraged to take the time to understand it and consider supporting it as well.

Peter Frost
Dogs Victoria President

K9 Scent Club advise that an additional judge has been appointed. Kerry Macklin will now be judging Excellent Interiors at the Scent Work Trial on Saturday 2 May 2026.

Bulla Amenities advise Mr Jong-Oh Kim (Korea) is unable to fulfil his appointment.

The following will now be judged by Mrs Caroline Matheson (NZ).

Friday 1 May 2026
Group 1

Saturday 2 May 2026 - AM Show
Group 7B - Balance of Breeds

Saturday 2 May 2026 - PM Show - A2O
Group 4

Sunday 3 May 2026 - CACIB
FCI Group 1

Australian Shepherd Club advise Kate Dourly and Alyson Mills are unable to fulfil their appointments.

The judging will now be as follows:

Saturday 18 April 2026
A Course Sheep will now be judged by Kerry Webb
A & B Course Sheep will now be judges by Hannah Berry

Sunday 19 April 2026
B Course Sheep & A Course Cattle will now be judges by Kerry Webb
A Course Cattle will now be judges by Hannah Barry
A Course Cattle will now be judged by Helen Weedon

On the 25 March 2026 Management Committee resolved to assist members with possible DNA delays.

Registration fees for all litters whelped on or after 1 January 2026 will be amended as follows: 

Main & Limited Registrations
Within 4 months of DOB: $75.85
4–6 months from DOB: $89.95