| Starting in Competitive Obedience | |
| Copyright 2003 © Dale Dutill, all rights reserved |
First off you will need to select that puppy/dog, the one that is eager to please and accepts training with a quick, willing attitude. Almost any dog with the right trainer can become an obedience dog, but for the average person the middle of the road type is best (neither overly hyper nor submissive). Next you will need to socialize, socialize, socialize. Take your obedience prospect everywhere possible, train in as many areas and around as many distractions as you can. Find a good obedience class. This is important for several reasons: It gets your dog use to being worked around other dogs; it helps you learn how to properly hold the leash, stand, move, train.
The things that a dog needs to know in order to compete in the Novice level of an obedience trial are:
Heel on and off leash. This will include right turns, left turns and the about face. Heel on leash in a figure eight, do automatic sits when the handler stops, stand/stay for examination by the judge, 2 minute sit/stay and 3 minute down/stay, recall with automatic sit in front of handler and the finish in which the dog goes from the automatic sit in front back to the heel position.
On the stand /stay the dog is placed in the stand/stay and the handler walks six feet from the dog and turns to face the dog while the judge runs their hands over the dog. On the sit/stay and down/stay the handler commands the dog and then leaves the dog on the judge's command, walks to the other side of the ring and turns to face the dog. They remain there until the judge gives the command to return. In all returns to the dog, the handler walks to the dog, around behind the dog and back into heel position. The sit and down are done as group exercises. In other words all the dogs that competed in the class are lined up on one side of the ring and must perform these exercises at the same time.
First time obedience people will compete in the Novice A class. Your dog needs to receive a minimum of 170 out of 200 points in order to earn a "leg" towards their CD (Companion Dog) title. In order to obtain a CD a dog has to earn a qualifying score in three shows under three different judges.
The possible points are:
|
Heel On Leash And Figure Eight Stand For Examination Heel Free Recall Long Sit Long Down Total Score |
40 points 30 points 40 points 30 points 30 points 30 points 200 points |
The attire for obedience is less formal than for conformation, but they still need to be in keeping of good taste as well as comfort (no jeans unless they are black or white dress jeans, no low cut or revealing tops, etc.) It is preferred that dress pants and appropriate shirt or top be worn. Also no logos for clubs, etc. may be worn. It is advised to wear comfortable shoes with good traction and no sandals.
Dogs must be shown with a regular training collar, no halti's, gentle leaders, prongs or shock collars allowed. The training collar can be metal link or nylon and must be properly fitting. There can be no tags or any other things hanging from the collar and there can be no snaps on the collar. The leash can be nylon or leather, all though most competitors prefer to use leather. Six foot leashes are the standard length although if you are showing a Great Dane or Irish Wolfhound you may prefer to use a four foot.
The best advice is to walk in the ring with a confident attitude and have FUN!!!
Obedience is a wonderful way to bond with your dog, earn a title and have fun at the same time.
From Dale:
I've been training dogs since I was about 15(that's 31 years!). I have been showing in competitive obedience for 4 years. I'm also an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator and a 4-H dog leader. I currently own and show Great Danes, 4 year old Cheyanne (Kahlua's Cheyanne Princess, CD,CGC) and 1 year old Hailey (Kahlua's Cherokee Spirit,CGC).
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