Dog Obedience Competition Training and Competitions

Dog obedience competition training is a thrilling and rewarding experience for both dogs and their owners. With the right training and preparation, you can help your dog become a champion in the ring.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) Sanctioned trials are the most prestigious dog obedience competitions in the US, with over 1,500 events held annually. These trials test a dog's obedience skills in various categories, including agility, tracking, and herding.

To succeed in dog obedience competitions, you'll need to focus on building a strong foundation of basic obedience skills, such as sitting, staying, and walking on a leash. With consistent training and positive reinforcement, your dog will learn to respond promptly and accurately to commands.

The AKC's obedience trial rules specify that dogs must be at least six months old to participate, and owners must provide proof of vaccination and registration.

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Clicker training is a game-changer for dog trainers and owners alike. It's a method that focuses on positive reinforcement, making it a more enjoyable experience for both you and your dog.

You can start clicker training with your dog right away, no matter what your current skill level is. It's a great way to build a strong bond with your dog.

Jones, a positive competition obedience trainer, emphasizes the importance of enjoying the training process with your dog. She believes that using force or aversive methods can be damaging to the relationship between you and your dog.

Grab a clicker and start training - it's a great way to join the next generation of positive competition obedience trainers.

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Dog obedience competition is a highly stylized sport that requires precision and control from both the handler and dog. The handler directs the dog through a series of exercises that demonstrate their mental and physical stamina.

Prior training is minimal, making it accessible to handlers and dogs of all levels. However, dogs that do well in this sport tend to enjoy repetition and training.

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The physical demands on the dog are low to moderate, while the handler's demands are low. This makes it a great sport for handlers and dogs who enjoy training together.

The sport requires dogs with a temperament that can tolerate repetition and enjoys training. This is reflected in the crowd's reaction to a winning performance, where they are left shaking their heads in disbelief at the dog's precision and control.

This sport is all about the handler directing the dog through a series of highly stylized behaviors that demonstrate control, accuracy, and precision from both handler and dog.

Minimal prior training is required for this sport, making it accessible to dog owners who are new to competitive obedience.

The physical demands on the dog are low to moderate, while the handler's physical demands are low.

Dogs who do well in this sport tend to enjoy training and can tolerate repetition, which is a great characteristic for any dog owner to know.

The physical stimulation required is moderate, which means dogs need some exercise but don't need to be marathon runners.

The mental and physical stamina required to compete in this sport is impressive, as evidenced by the teams that compete in the American Kennel Club's National Obedience Invitational.

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The first obedience test was created by Helen Whitehouse Walker in Mt. Kisco, New York, in 1933.

By 1936, the AKC had adopted standards and 18 trials were held across the United States. This marked the beginning of a rapidly growing sport that would soon become a staple in the world of dog training.

The AKC's original philosophy was to create a series of exercises that would “demonstrate the usefulness of a dog as a companion to humankind.” This focus on the dog's relationship with its owner is still a core aspect of the sport today.

Competition obedience was the only "dog sport" available for many years, providing an outlet for dog enthusiasts to engage in advanced training and competition outside of the conformation ring.

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In a Novice obedience class, you'll learn to polish skills with your dog, becoming a cohesive team and laying the groundwork for Novice-level competition. You'll work individually with an instructor to master specific exercises and group exercises.

One of the key exercises in Novice class is the Fronts & Finishes, which involves calling your dog to you, having them sit in front of you, and then sit behind you on your left side - all in one command.

Precision Heel is another crucial skill, where you and your dog practice walking together, sitting when you stop, and turning left and right while maintaining proper position.

In a Novice class, you'll also work on "Sit" and "Stay" exercises with other dogs and handlers in the ring, even when you're out of sight and at a distance.

Off-leash heeling and recalls are also essential skills to master in Novice class.

Here are some of the key exercises you'll learn in a Novice class:

As you progress in your training, you may move on to a Novice Class (Trial Ready) where you'll focus on precision heeling and fine-tuning your skills to achieve higher scores in an obedience trial.