News and updates

A new study which aims to uncover the attitudes of dog owners’ management of their pets has been launched by animal behaviour experts at the University of Lincoln, UK.

As dog ownership increases each year, understanding the nuances of dog management becomes increasingly important. Dog owners use a variety of management techniques, all of which are unique to each owner, according to their personal preference and understanding of how they feel they can best manage their pet. These methods can assist owners in implementing preventative measures to guide their dog’s actions.

To better understand owners’ choice of techniques, the research team is conducting an online survey for dog owners, the results of which will provide valuable insight into the factors influencing owners’ decisions. Owners’ choice of management remains a relatively unexplored area of pet ownership, and it is hoped the results will identify the motivations behind the chosen methods, leading to a greater understanding of how dog owners manage pets.

Eilidh Gilbert, PhD student and survey lead at the University of Lincoln, explained: “Learning about people's attitudes to dog management practices will help us to paint a picture of what factors influence the decisions people make when they are managing their pets.”

“This study will also help to inform future research that will dig deeper into what motivates pet owners to choose the dog management methods they use. The findings will not only contribute to academic research but, we hope it will also serve as a resource for dog owners, trainers, and policymakers.”

The survey is available to take online by clicking here. 

At the 2025 Annual General Meeting of RNSWCC Ltd, five (5) members of the Board of Directors will retire by rotation pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution of RNSWCC Ltd. Accordingly, the Board has resolved to call for nominations to fill the said vacancies. These five (5) positions are to be elected from the METROPOLITAN Region.

Nomination forms are available from RNSWCC Ltd registered office, 44 Luddenham Road, Orchard Hills NSW 2748, or by emailing the Company Secretary at [email protected].

Nominations must be lodged with the Company Secretary of RNSWCC Ltd at the Company’s registered office, 44 Luddenham Road, Orchard Hills, on or before 3.00pm Friday 15 August 2025. Nominations may be posted to reach the Company’s registered office on or before the closing time.

For further information regarding the Nominations and the Elections please click here.

Please see letter from the ACT Veterinary Practitioner Board regarding veterinary prescribed medication here.

The 2026 Shows & Trials Calendar is now available for your perusal. Please review the calendar at your earliest convenience and advise the Office as soon as possible of any changes required.

2026 Show & Trials Calendar: https://www.dogsnsw.org.au/events/show-and-trials-guide/

We remind all DOGS NSW Committees and Affiliates that it is requirement to submit the below within a sufficient time frame:
-New show & trial dates
-Changes of dates
-Changes of venues
-Cancellations of dates

All such requests must be submitted using the appropriate form available on the DOGS NSW website under Club Forms, Application Forms section.

Submissions should be addressed to the relevant Committee, such as:
-Show Committee
-Obedience, Tracking & Performance Disciplines Committee
-Agility Committee
-Sporting Committee
-Or any other applicable Committee

This process ensures that each application can be reviewed by the relevant Committee in the first instance and correct procedures and protocols can be followed.

All forms must be emailed to [email protected]

We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to these guidelines to support efficient planning and coordination across all DOGS NSW activities.

An error occurred in Item 3 of the Meeting Summary of the June 2025 Special Board meeting, when it was originally circulated in early July. The error pertained to changes to Regulations Part 6 – The Register & Registration Clause 8.8.4, where wording from the existing regulations was removed in error. 

The summary has now been updated, and the amended copy can be viewed here.

Dogs Australia apologise for any confusion or inconvenience this error may have caused.

The Dogs Australia website will be updated with the amended Meeting Summary once their current website problems are rectified.

Please find below the links to the updated Overseas Judges Application Forms which has been updated with the new fees which became effective from 1 July 2025 - refer page 1.

Click here for one with digital signature.

Click here for one without the digital signature.

The SprintDog™ Lure Operator Competency Standards were developed by the National Committee to address the requirements in the rules and for the training of lure operators to ensure safety and welfare of dogs. Please click here to view and download the Lure Operator Competency Standards Regulations.

In accordance with Item 5.10 of the Dogs Australia June 2025 Special Board meeting minutes, the Regulations Part 5 – Conformation Show has been amended with the inclusion of the following new clause numbered 9A.1.4 and is effective from 1 July 2025:

In accordance with Item 5.14 of the June Special Board meeting minutes, a separate contract for all Performance Events has been created.  Please find attached copies of the form, one with digital signature and the other without. Please note this new Contract is effective from 1 January 2026.

• Click here for the Performance Events Judge's Contract (with digital signature)
• Click here for the Performance Events Judge's Contract (without digital signature)

In accordance with Item 5.13 of the June 2025 Special Board meeting minutes, we confirm, effective from 1 July 2025, our directors approved the removal of the requirement for Overseas Judges to complete Open Book Exams.

From the 1 July 2025, Overseas Judges will be required to complete a new Dogs Australia Judging Declaration for Additional Breeds form which will be included in the Judge’s Contract.  A copy of the updated Judges Contract will be circulated to all Member Bodies shortly.