News From Dogs Australia

Please find attached an information sheet clarifying points for the Open and Veteran Classes in Lure Coursing which the National Lure Coursing Committee Chairperson, Anita Langford has confirmed the committee has requested to be circulated for clarification purposes.

Please find attached the Summary of the February 2024 Special Board meeting here.

Non-recognised club in Cyprus (Cyprus Kennel Club)

Please click here for more information.

The National Dances with Dogs/Trick Dog Committee Chairperson, Barbara Murfet has confirmed the committee has identified a number of typographical and consequential errors in the Rules for the conduct of Dances with Dogs Competitions & Rules for the conduct of Trick Dog Tests.

These have been rectified and the updated rules as well as the Summary of Dances with Dogs changes to titles are now available from our website under Dances with Dogs and Trick Dog at: https://dogsaustralia.org.au/members/rule-regulations/rules/

Inductees in the category of Prominent Persons are acknowledged as being exceptional people who have made an outstanding contribution to the sport over an extended period of time. Inductees in the category of Outstanding Gundogs are recognized for their outstanding achievements in the disciplines of Retrieving or Field Trials.

2024 Nominations for the Retrieving and Field Trial Hall of Fame - here

RAFT HOF Outstanding Gundog Template - here

RAFT HOF Prominent Person Template - here

Applications close - 31 May 2024

The National Obedience & Tracking Committee Chairperson, Raelee Hedger has confirmed the committee has identified an error in the Rules & Guidelines for the conduct of Track & Search Dog Trials which were effective from 1 January 2024. 

The error occurred in dot point (g) under Safety where the word “may” should read “must” to be consistent with paragraph 2 under Safety.

Currently reads:

SAFETY

The safety of competitors, tracklayers, officials, other persons, and dogs at a trial is of paramount concern. As track and search tests are conducted in urban environments where there are likely to be hazards including moving vehicles and uneven surfaces all reasonable steps to protect safety must be taken.  

A competitor who does not comply with safety requirements must be disqualified.  Before commencing judging a test the judge must check that the dog and handler have on the necessary equipment. A judge may abort or suspend a track at any time if they consider it necessary to do so for safety. 

(g) The Judge may disqualify any Handler who does not comply with safety requirements.

Amended to read: 

(g) The Judge must disqualify any Handler who does not comply with safety requirements. 

Please note the updated Rules & Guidelines for the conduct of Track & Search Dog Trials are now available from our website under Tracking at: https://dogsaustralia.org.au/members/rule-regulations/rules/

Please find a Summary of requirements for Dances with Dogs titles in relation to the rules which commenced 1 January 2024 here.

We are pleased to advise the approval of the 2026 National Show/Restricted Retrieving Ability Tests for Gundogs; Restricted Obedience Trial and Restricted Rally Trials application received from the Weimaraner Club of Victoria Inc via Dogs Victoria to be held on 30 April to 3 May 2026 at KCC Park, Skye, Victoria.

Please see the attached file for more information.

We are pleased to advise the approval of the application received from the German Shorthaired Pointer Society (NSW) Inc to conduct the 2025 National Show on the 15 to 17 April 2025 at DOGS NSW Showgrounds, 44 Luddenham Road, Orchard Hills, New South Wales.  The Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales has confirmed these dates will not clash with the breed judging at the 2025 Sydney Royal Easter Show.