I was wondering those people who are familiar with AUSC (Australian United Schutzhund Clubs) in Victoria, which clubs are the best in terms of training and techniques? I keep hearing/reading conflicting information; some claim that certain trainers are hard on their dogs, others say this is not so...Anyone have any experience on this issue, it would be very much appreciated!

Angelica, not too many Aussies on this board so you might struggle getting a helpful answer. I am an aussie and I train with Eagle Heights. I am a novice handler and have found the guys there
to be very welcoming and helpful. I'm not sure if I have met you or not. Three other clubs that are active in schutzhund are the Broadmeadows Club, Southern Cross and Total Canine. I have met handlers from total canine and southern cross recently and found them both to be nice people who are very passionate about training their dogs. You haven't said whether you are a novice trainer or more experienced, but the best way is to turn up at a club's training, introduce yourself and make up your own mind. Broadmeadows recently held a trial - I can tell you we are having a trial at Eagle Heights at the end of this month, Sunday 31 october - a trial would be a good opportunity to get a feel for what the dogs and their handlers do. As for certain handlers being "hard" on their dogs - this can be variable even within a club - at our club every handler is slightly different in how they approach things. Pm me if you like, but maybe you could tell us what sort of dog you own, what your expectations are, that sort of thing. I'd be glad to try and assist.