Eastern in Action!

The Eastern Branch has been servicing the needs of Maroondah and Knox Community since 1977. The Branch’s outreach has grown considerably since the early days and now members come from many kilometres away. Our members come from all walks of life but share in the dedication and love of their German Shepherds.
There is no time better to start your training than now and Eastern provides a wide range of training activities for you and you dog, including:

Puppy class

Puppies are welcome to the branch from 8 weeks old. The class is designed to give you and your new puppy the best possible start in your life together. Areas include socialization with people and especially other dogs, coming when called, walking on lead and a wide range of lifestyle activities. Puppies automatically graduate at six months old into class 1.

Classes 1-4

Classes cover all aspects of obedience at an increasing level, socialization and play are paramount but also gaining control of your dog. Throughout the classes, emphasis is placed on understanding your dog and the signals it portrays. A number of Certificates are awarded at each level.
For more information on Training click “Here”

Competitive Obedience and Rally Obedience

Many members when they reach class 4 go onto Competitive trailing and we run a competitive ring during class to hone their skills. For information about Trialling Click “Here”

Show Class

Show class is run on Sunday mornings and our Specialist Instructors will provide advice and teach ring craft if you are considering showing your German Shepherd.

For all class times see “Training Timetable”

Further Activities offered at Eastern
Tracking Classes

Tracking classes are usually run in the cooler season and “early” Sunday mornings. Their frequency depends on demand, so if you are interested, please enquire through your Instructor or the Chief Instructor.
This is a wonderful way of expanding the GSD’s natural ability to track through their fantastic sense of smell!

Agility Training

Agility training is often included in normal class activity, and equipment is only ever to be used under strict supervision of an Instructor. Puppies up to 9 months of age are restricted to the puppy equipment and only dogs aged 18 months and over can perform the jumping exercises.

Dog Social Activities

On a number of Occasions we encourage social activities with our Dogs. Sometimes walks are planned as part of the training process which hones the skills they learn down the branch.. Again well socialized Dogs are required. Keep an eye and ear out for announcements.

Social Events

Eastern is renowned for its social functions. From hosting fancy dress Murder nights, Winery lunches, Trivia nights, Dinners, Games Days to Christmas Awards Nights. What is in store for this year, well you’ll have to keep an ear open for Announcements or the notice board. It promises to be fun.
Throughout the year we also conduct informative talks and lectures, both from the Club or invited guest speakers. These functions can be very educational and are usually held in the evening during the week or after classes on Sundays. Again look out for announcements and the notice board.
Other special events we get behind during the year are; The Royal Children’s Good Friday Appeal – Our Eastern Bunnies always attract attention and the walk to Telstra Dome, what can I say; In 2008 the National GSDCV Club raised funs for the McGrath Foundation, and naturally Eastern went Pink.
The Club’s Fun Day’s are enjoyed by all and is where all Branches of the GSDCV get together to enjoy competing in Classes and Games. To add a little spice, the best performing Branch in Fun Day’s for the year is awarded the GSDCV Gwen Ibbot Memorial Shield. If you look around the walls in our Club room, you might just find it there.

Fundraising

At Eastern we raise funds to assist with our operating costs, to provide improvements to the Branch and benefits to our members. We do this in a number of ways; conducting raffles each week, through our Canteen and Equipment Stall, by running sausage sizzles, lectures and social nights, etc.

If you would like to volunteer for any of these activities we encourage you to come forward.