Handler Mechanics Workshop
Registrations: Shop – German Shepherd Dog Club of Victoria
What You’ll Learn
The Handler Mechanics Workshop is designed to offer a fresh perspective on the practical foundations of dog training. We’ll take a deep dive into the essential physical skills that every handler should master, while also exploring the behavioural and psychological principles that influence how dogs learn and respond.
This workshop is designed to be engaging, interactive, and enjoyable. Combining instruction with practical field sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to immediately apply what you’ve learned. We’ll also incorporate five working dog demonstrations throughout the day to bring key concepts to life and reinforce the skills covered in the workshop.
Topics covered in this interactive workshop include:
– Communication, reinforcement, and cues
– Channelling motivation
– Teaching dogs behaviours
– Fundamentals in leash work
– Play and the use of toys as a reinforcer for behaviour
– and many fun tangents along the way.
About the Trainer: Buddy Spohn
Buddy Spohn runs Lateral K9 Training based in Little River. He has a deep passion for teaching and coaching and considers himself extremely fortunate to be able to coach people and their dogs for a living. Buddy has a broad experience with dogs, ranging from those with dog/human aggression to competitive sport work including obedience, scentwork, and retrieval.
Throughout his training journey, his experience has taught him that the most effective trainers are those who have mastered the fundamentals. They execute simple mechanical skills with consistency, precision, and excellent timing. When those practical mechanics are combined with a solid understanding of the theory behind dog behaviour and learning, training becomes not only more effective but also one of the most rewarding hobbies you can pursue. Buddy’s goal is to help you develop both.
| Date & time: | Saturday, 3 October 2026, 9:00am – 4:30pm |
| Venue: | Eastern Branch, JW Manson Res. 53 Selkirk Ave, Wantirna |
| Catering Included: | Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided. | |||
| Ticket Cost: | Members – $50.00 | Non-members $75.00 | Instructors: $25.00 | |
Registrations and Payment: www.gsdcv.org.au/shop
Ticket purchases close Monday, 25 September 2026
Enquiries for Bookings and further information:
| Paul – easternci@gsdcv.org.au | Jenny – eastern@gsdcv.org.au or mob – 0417 522 301 |