On any given Monday evening at the Victor Harbor Hockey Grounds on Bacchus Road, a quiet transformation takes place. Dogs of all shapes, sizes and temperaments gather alongside their owners—not just to learn commands, but to become better companions, neighbours and part of the community. At the heart of this transformation is the Fleurieu Dog Obedience Club, a volunteer-run organisation dedicated to strengthening the bond between dogs and their owners, while promoting responsible pet ownership. For David Rumble, one of the club’s most experienced trainers and judges, this work is more than a hobby—it’s a calling. David has spent years immersed in the world of dog training, and his passion is unmistakable. Calm, knowledgeable and quietly determined, he has become a guiding force for many dog owners navigating the challenges of training.
“Dog obedience is an essential part of community life,” David says. “Every dog owner should attend training—or at the very least have a well-trained, obedient dog.”
It’s a simple statement, but one that carries weight in a region where dogs are an integral part of everyday life. The Fleurieu Dog Obedience Club, which started in 2011, is affiliated with the SA Canine Association Inc. and continues to operate as a not-for-profit organisation powered entirely by volunteers. Its trainers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, generously giving their time to support dogs and their owners.
Training sessions run every Monday night, with new members welcomed from 6pm before classes begin at 6.30pm. But what happens during those sessions goes far beyond basic commands.
“It’s not just about teaching dogs to sit and stay,” David explains. “It’s about helping dogs learn how to behave around other dogs and people. And equally important, it’s about teaching owners how to understand their dogs.”
This idea—training the owner as much as the dog—is central to the club’s philosophy. In shared public spaces, as on the Fleurieu Peninsula, where beaches, walking trails and town centres are often filled with dogs, that understanding becomes critical. Not all dogs are the same. Some are confident and social, while others are anxious, reactive or still learning to trust. Without proper training and awareness, misunderstandings between dogs—and their owners—can quickly arise. And it’s this very challenge that sparked a new local initiative: Wag Flags.
Born from lived experience, Wag Flags is the creation of Kas and Jo—two dog-obsessed Aldinga women who wanted walking their dogs to feel joyful again. Like many owners, they had experienced the awkward and sometimes stressful realities of dog walking.
The moment when another dog comes barrelling toward yours, and you find yourself calling out, “He’s not friendly!” from metres away. The guilt when a reactive rescue dog lunges, not out of aggression, but fearbecause there wasn’t enough warning or space. The frustration when a perfectly friendly dog is avoided simply because of its size or appearance.
“We’ve been there,” they say. “Walking our dogs should feel joyful and stress-free. But for so many Australian dog owners, it doesn’t.”
From that shared understanding, Wag Flags was born. The concept is simple but powerful: a clear, visible, colour coded flag attached to a dog’s lead or harness that communicates their needs to others. Whether a dog requires space, is in training, or prefers not to interact, Wag Flags provides an immediate, respectful way to signal that to fellow dog owners, using orange, red and green. It’s not about labelling dogsit’s about giving them a voice. And in doing so, it helps create a safer, more considerate environment for everyone. Wag Flags doesn’t replace training. Instead, it complements it, reinforcing the idea that communication—between dogs, owners and the wider community—is key. Together, the Fleurieu Dog Obedience Club and Wag Flags represent two sides of the same coin.
One focuses on education and skill-building—helping dogs and owners learn how to behave and communicate effectively. The other addresses real-world situations, offering a practical tool to navigate the complexities of everyday encounters. Both are driven by the same underlying belief: that responsible dog ownership benefits everyone. David sees this connection clearly. “When dogs are trained and owners understand them, the whole community benefits,” he says. “You have safer parks, more relaxed walks, and happier dogs.”
It’s a sentiment echoed by Kas and Jo, who have built Wag Flags not just as a product, but as part of a broader movement towards awareness, empathy and respect. Dogs are a big part of the local community. They join us at beaches, cafés, markets and walking trails; they bring joy, companionship and connection. But with that comes responsibility; training, understanding and communication are key. For new dog owners, the Fleurieu Dog Obedience Club offers a welcoming place to start. Run by passionate volunteers with deep experience, it provides accessible, practical training in a supportive environment. Dogs learn to socialise, owners gain confidence and friendships often form along the way. For those navigating the challenges of anxious, reactive or misunderstood dogs, Wag Flags offers reassurance—a simple tool that helps advocate for their dog and create safer, more respectful interactions. And for the broader community, both serve as a gentle reminder: not all dogs are the same, and a little awareness can go a long way.
As the sun sets over Encounter Bay on a Monday evening, you’ll find dogs sitting patiently, owners watching closely and David and the other trainers moving quietly among them—offering guidance, encouragement and the occasional correction. It’s not flashy work, but it’s important. Because in every well-trained dog, there’s a safer street, a calmer park and a stronger community. And in every owner who takes the time to learn, there’s a ripple effect that benefits us all.
More information: https://fleurieudogobedienceclub.org.au/ https://wagflags.com.au/