How to Enter Your First ANKC Dog Trial (Australia)
- jackieabikhair
- Oct 28
- 4 min read
Thinking about entering your first ANKC dog sport trial? Whether it’s obedience, agility, rally, or scent work, the process can feel a bit confusing at first - but once you know the steps, it’s easy to get started.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know to go from interested owner to trial competitor under Dogs Australia (ANKC).
Step 1: Get a Dogs Australia Membership
Before you can enter any official trial, you’ll need to become a member of your state’s Dogs Australia affiliate (for example, Dogs NSW or Dogs QLD).
👉 Apply here: Dogs NSW Membership Application💰 Cost: $148 (as of October 2025)
Once your membership is processed, you’ll receive your membership number and login details. Keep these safe - you’ll need them for dog registrations and when entering trials.
Step 2: Register Your Dog
All competing dogs must be registered with Dogs Australia. The type of registration depends on where your dog came from.
-> If your dog came from an ANKC breeder
Check your puppy paperwork for one of the following:
Limited Registration - You’ll need this certificate plus proof of desexing.
Full Registration - You just need the certificate itself.
-> If your dog came from a rescue or unregistered source
You can still compete! You’ll just need to register your dog as an Associate Dog.
📄 Associate Registration Form (Dogs NSW)💰 Cost: $44 (as of October 2025)
Proof of desexing options:
Ask your vet or rescue for a desexing certificate (they often have one on file).
If you don’t have one, your vet can examine your dog and issue a statement confirming desexing. Note: For females, a vet can’t fully confirm desexing without an ultrasound, so a signed statement of belief is usually acceptable.
Step 3: Find Trials
You can enter trials in any Australian state once you have your membership.
Head to your state’s Dogs Australia website to find their upcoming events calendar.
📅 Example: Dogs NSW Events Calendar
Tip: Clubs sometimes update dates or venues during the year, so it’s worth joining the Facebook group or mailing list of the clubs you plan to compete with.
Step 4: Enter a Trial
Once you've found a trial you'd like to enter, take note of when the club opens its entries for registrations. Entries open a few weeks beforehand, and popular events fill very quickly! Set a reminder for the opening date and register as soon as you can.
Most sports venues are now using TopDogEvents.com.au for entries.
Create an account using your Dogs Australia membership details.
Add your registered dog(s).
Enter the trial - there is a cost for each entry.
Some venues also offer camping, which you can usually book through TopDogEvents at the same time as your entry.
Step 5: Before the Trial
A few days before the trial, the catalogue, running order, and event details will be available on TopDogEvents.
✅ Download and read these carefully - check your class, ring, and judging time.
✅ Read the rulebook for your sport (available on the Dogs Australia website).
✅ Double-check your dog’s gear - collars, leads, and treats must meet the rules.
✅Take note of your check-in time. You are required to check-in and receive your numbers within a specified time.
Step 6: On Trial Day
Arrive early (at least 30-45 minutes before check-in). You’ll want time to set up, settle your dog, and get your bearings.
Typical routine:
Check in with the stewards and collect your exhibitor number.
Set up your crate or shaded area.
Attend the competitor briefing.
Warm up your dog, then relax and enjoy the day.
Remember: Everyone there was new once. Ask questions, watch other competitors, and have fun!
What to Bring on the Day
Here’s a handy checklist to help you prepare:
Dog’s number holder (example from BlackDog)
Crate or pen for your dog
Chair and shade (Aluminet, gazebo, etc.)
Water for you and your dog
Cooling fans (Ryobi, Kmart, etc.)
Weather-appropriate gear (sunscreen, raincoat, towels)
Snacks and treats
Rubbish & poop bags, and baby wipes
Copy of the rulebook or printed course maps
Understanding Qualifications and Titles
Each ANKC sport has its own rules for earning titles.
For example, in Scent Work, to achieve your Novice Title (SWN) your dog must earn six Novice qualifications under at least two different judges:
1x Novice Containers
1x Novice Exteriors
2x Novice Interiors
2x Novice Vehicles
Once you’ve earned all the required passes, complete the📄 Title Application Form and submit it with the required paperwork to Dogs Australia.
Trial Etiquette and Tips
A few unwritten rules make the day smoother for everyone:
Keep your dog under control and give other dogs space.
Don’t distract dogs working in or near the ring.
Clean up after yourself and your dog.
Thank the volunteers - trials don’t run without them!
Be supportive of others, and remember that every run is a learning opportunity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Forgetting to bring water or shade
Missing the check-in or briefing
Not reading the rulebook
Using non-compliant gear
Overworking your dog before their turn
Assuming things will run on time. The clubs are juggling a lot on trial days and so things don't often run quite on time. Assume you'll be there for a while, and pack accordingly!
Final Thoughts
Entering your first ANKC trial might feel a little daunting, but once you’ve done it, you’ll realise it’s not nearly as complicated as it seems. Each event you attend will teach you something new - and the community is full of friendly people who remember exactly what it felt like to start out.
If the idea of entering and competing in a trial is a bit overwhelming, it's a great idea to volunteer a few times to get a good feel for how things are run and what you can expect. Not only do clubs need volunteers to run these events, but you'll also get to meet a lot of equally dog-crazy people who will be more than happy to answer your questions and walk you through everything.
Get your memberships sorted, register your dog, and start browsing the trial calendar. You and your dog will be out there earning your first qualification in no time!
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