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

Please contact Rhonda Snijders for information on 0407 449 662.

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!

Scentworks

Noseworks Education is offered at Eastern in the early part of the year. The dates will be announced at Sunday training and posted on Facebook and the web. Training continues during scheduled Sundays and through daylights savings on a Wednesday evening. If you are interested please contact Rhonda Snijders on 0407 449 662. You can also talk to Lois Goodes for some additional and valuable information about noseworks.

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.
Historically, other special events we’ve participated in include; The Royal Children’s Good Friday Appeal – Our Eastern Bunnies always attracted attention when walking to Telstra Dome. In 2008 the National GSDCV Club raised funds for the McGrath Foundation, and naturally Eastern went Pink.
There is talk of resurrecting the branch and club Fun Day’s which were highly enjoyable. This involved the Branches of the GSDCV getting together to enjoy competing in Classes and Games. Adding some spice to the excitement, the best performing Branch in the Fun Day for the year was 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; through our Canteen and Equipment Stall, by running sausage sizzles, lectures and social nights, etc.

The club has special raffles:

• Easter
• Mothers and Fathers Day
• Christmas Breakup

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