EVERY Sunday morning during school term, Boomerang Park in Raymond Terrace comes alive with the sound of wagging tails, clickers, and enthusiastic commands as dogs and their owners gather for training.
Hosted by the Port Stephens Dog Sports Club (PSDSC), the sessions are held at 10am on the corner of Kangaroo and Freeth streets.
These community dog training mornings are more than just an obedience class, they’re an opportunity for locals to build stronger bonds with their pets, learn from experienced trainers, and dip a paw into the exciting world of dog sports.
They aim to educate and encourage owners to train their dogs using humane and positive methods.
Experienced dog trainer Phillippa Stone said, “We want people to understand their dogs better and build a relationship based on trust and mutual respect.”
“It’s not just about obedience, it’s about engagement, understanding, and setting your dog up to succeed.”
PSDSC is also a hub for competitive dog sports like agility, flyball, rally-obedience, scent work, and man-trailing.
Members regularly travel across NSW to participate in trials and the club hosts events throughout the year.
“There are always ways to get involved on trial days, even if you’re not competing, you can learn a lot by watching, helping, and just soaking in the atmosphere,” Phillippa said.
The PSDSC is powered entirely by volunteers and fuelled by their passion for dogs and helping others.
Many of the volunteers are professional trainers or accomplished dog sport competitors.
“There’s something so rewarding about watching a nervous dog gain confidence, or a new member realise they’re capable of so much more with their dog than they ever imagined.”
Phillippa’s journey into dog training began after years in vet nursing and running a local boarding and daycare facility.
Frustrated by the conflicting advice her clients were finding online, she pursued professional certification through the National Dog Trainers Federation (NDTF) – determined to offer clear, humane, and effective training guidance.
Each Sunday session follows a loose curriculum over an eight-week term.
“We always revisit last week’s skills, then gradually build on them,” Phillippa explains.
From basic commands to loose-leash walking and managing overstimulation, the sessions provide skills in a structured, controlled environment.
Group sizes are kept small to ensure personalised attention, and separate groups are often run for puppies or dogs needing extra space.
One of the biggest messages the club hopes to share is that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to dog training.
“Dogs aren’t robots. They’re individuals, with unique needs and personalities.
“We need to stop thinking of training as making dogs do things for us and instead start asking how we can help them succeed in our world.”
Phillippa is also wary of the polarizing debates found in online dog training communities.
“All the arguing just distracts from what matters – helping dogs and their people live better lives together.”
At its core, the Sunday morning program is about community.
“It gives regular dog owners a safe space to get outside, learn new things, and enjoy time with their dog.”
All breeds and experience levels are welcome, from rambunctious puppies learning their first cues to seasoned handlers fine-tuning performance skills.
For more information, turn up or look for the group on Facebook.
By Jacie WHITFIELD
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