The club is appealing to civil construction companies and quarries to donate a load of soil, which they will spread over the undulating grounds at the Harris Street Reserve site. 

Trial secretary Donna James said the club would spread and level the soil across the grounds.

“We are hoping to get at least a third of the grounds done before summer,” she said.

“This has been a four year negotiation with the council, so we’re keen to get it up and established before December.”

Ms James said there had been an incident a few years ago when a competitor had fallen over and a dog was injured.

“It is the old tip site,” she said. “There hasn’t been any maintenance.”

Ms James said governing body Dogs Victoria had deemed the uneven site too dangerous for competition.

“We have used the soccer ground, thanks to the Wolves,” she said.

“We have finally got permission and assistance from the Warrnambool City Council, so if we can find good quality top soil, they will spread and seed it for us.”

Ms James said levelling out the surface would mean that the puppy area, an enclosed space which is currently used as an off-leash dog area, could be restored for training use.

She said the club was working on raising funds to pay companies cartage fees for donated soil.

Warrnambool Dog Training School hosts agility and jumping trials in November and March.

The club boasts the highest number of entries for trials outside Melbourne.

“We are desperate to get the ground level to enable us to have obedience and rally obedience rings at our next trial in March,” Ms James said.

“This will be a big drawcard as we offer multiple runs for dogs as they lead up to the national event.

“The sport appeals to many in the community who would otherwise not exercise. People of all ages are able to to take part and it creates a connection with both their dog and the community.” Any donation of soil must be checked by the council to ensure it is suitable.