


Setup Your Dog For Success
Training dogs on the Mornington Peninsula in Obedience, Rally-Obedience and Flyball for over 30 years!
As a member of Hastings Dog Club you will enjoy:
- Weekly instruction from friendly and experienced instructors;
- Foundation program for all New Members;
- Assistance with unwanted behaviours;
- Beautiful grounds and Club Rooms, the envy of many;
- Friendly atmosphere with lots of space for dogs with fear;
- Fun Days, Workshops and Events (eg. Trials); and
- Much, much more
LATEST NEWS

They were never designed for everything, yet that's exactly how we tend to use them.
A dog's name was never meant to cover every moment, emotion and situation throughout the day.
They aren't instructions, solutions or a shortcut to understanding, but that's how we start to rely on them.
Often their names will become a background blur. It won't stand out and loses its relevance. sometimes it can even mean emotional pressure or cause anxiety because of how we have used it.
How many times a day do you say your dog's name?
Ten?
Maybe twenty?
Chances are it's much higher because it's subconscious and we also tend to just add it in here and there.
That adds up to a lot.
Suddenly, they're ignoring it completely.
Have a look at some old videos, listen and count how many times you may have said their name.
You may be very surprised.
Names tend to work best when they stand out and don't carry an expectation or instruction.
Their names have been stretched too thin, but the good news is, the less we use them the more "elastic" they can become again.
They'll quickly bounce back, if we stop the overuse.
A dog's name was never meant to cover every moment, emotion and situation throughout the day.
They aren't instructions, solutions or a shortcut to understanding, but that's how we start to rely on them.
Often their names will become a background blur. It won't stand out and loses its relevance. sometimes it can even mean emotional pressure or cause anxiety because of how we have used it.
How many times a day do you say your dog's name?
Ten?
Maybe twenty?
Chances are it's much higher because it's subconscious and we also tend to just add it in here and there.
That adds up to a lot.
Suddenly, they're ignoring it completely.
Have a look at some old videos, listen and count how many times you may have said their name.
You may be very surprised.
Names tend to work best when they stand out and don't carry an expectation or instruction.
Their names have been stretched too thin, but the good news is, the less we use them the more "elastic" they can become again.
They'll quickly bounce back, if we stop the overuse.

New Year’s Eve is overrated. Just ask our dogs and cats! But seriously, those fireworks do represent a major hurdle for the hairiest family members to overcome.
So I’ve put together the easy NYE Pet Planner. Their easy guide to a more relaxed night and brighter start to 2026.
So here you go.
☺️ CREATE A SAFE SPACE:
It’s their boom-proof room: Notice where they like to rest when they’re overwhelmed. Then, add their bed, some cushions and blankets to that area. A laundry is perfect
🙈 BLOCK OUT THE TRIGGERS
Flashes and Booms be gone: In their safe space, close windows, blinds and curtains. Then add some white noise or background music. Classical music is shown to be calming
🍃 BRING THE CALM NATURALLY
Trust the proven helper: All the research shows that L-theanine (the hero ingredient in my Calm + Collected treats) given at least 1-2 hours before the fireworks effectively reduces anxiety signs. Without sedation.
💦 DO THE WASHING…SERIOUSLY
It’s familiar and calming: Yes, you read that right. Put a load of washing on at 830pm on NYE. And then again at 11:30pm. The noise and vibrations are familiar and also block out any of the rumbles coming from outside.
👑 BE A MODEL PARENT
They’re watching you! They’ll always take their lead from you. So if you’re relaxed, happy and up for fun, they will too. Don’t do their worrying for them. They’ll know!
And Happy New Year everyone!
So I’ve put together the easy NYE Pet Planner. Their easy guide to a more relaxed night and brighter start to 2026.
So here you go.
☺️ CREATE A SAFE SPACE:
It’s their boom-proof room: Notice where they like to rest when they’re overwhelmed. Then, add their bed, some cushions and blankets to that area. A laundry is perfect
🙈 BLOCK OUT THE TRIGGERS
Flashes and Booms be gone: In their safe space, close windows, blinds and curtains. Then add some white noise or background music. Classical music is shown to be calming
🍃 BRING THE CALM NATURALLY
Trust the proven helper: All the research shows that L-theanine (the hero ingredient in my Calm + Collected treats) given at least 1-2 hours before the fireworks effectively reduces anxiety signs. Without sedation.
💦 DO THE WASHING…SERIOUSLY
It’s familiar and calming: Yes, you read that right. Put a load of washing on at 830pm on NYE. And then again at 11:30pm. The noise and vibrations are familiar and also block out any of the rumbles coming from outside.
👑 BE A MODEL PARENT
They’re watching you! They’ll always take their lead from you. So if you’re relaxed, happy and up for fun, they will too. Don’t do their worrying for them. They’ll know!
And Happy New Year everyone!






