Dog Training for Competition

Joseph L. Bickel

Dog Training for Competition
Part-1
Competition Obedience

By
Joseph L. Bickel

As your dog training progresses, you might be wondering where and how you can apply the dog training you and your companion have learned. You have completed your puppy training. You have begun to master your obedience dog training. What can you do next? This article will give you information about taking your dog training to the next level. Competitions can assist you in fine tuning your dog training, open you to a world of fun, and earn titles, ribbons, and trophies for your efforts.

Competition Obedience

Competition obedience gives you the chance to show off the hard work you have done dog training your partner. Competition obedience is point based, A minimum score of 170 out of 200 points is what is required in order to qualify. You must acquire at least 50% of the points for each exercise. Repeated commands are not allowed. Over emphasis on commands are not allowed.

Most organizations offer three levels of competition: Novice, open, and Utility. You must achieve three qualifying scores to earn a title at each level. At the novice level, you can earn the title of “Companion Dog” (CD”. Open dogs can earn the title of “ Companion Dog Excellent” (CDX)”, and utility dogs can earn the title “Utility Dog” (UD). Dogs winning first or second place in Open or Utility classes are awarded points toward a title of “Obedience Trial Championship (OTCH). The points for “Obedience Trial Championship” are based on how many dogs are defeated. It takes 100 points to earn the title of “Obedience Trial Champion”.

Heeling is an important component at all levels of competition to receive good scores. Precision is a key focus of this exercise. A pattern is predetermined by the judge for the handler and dog. This pattern includes straight heeling, left and right turns, about-turns, slow, normal, and fast heeling, and halts. The dog must heel on the handler’s left side. The dog’s shoulder must be even with the handler’s leg. The dog must automatically go into a “sit” when the handler stops. At the Novice level, the heel will be done on and off leash. At the level of Open and Utility, all heeling is done off leash.

At the Novice level, each team does their predetermined pattern, including a figure 8 around two humans. The team must also perform an off lead stand for examination. A recall must also be performed. A recall consists of the dog in a sit and stay. The dog is then called to the handler, and then sits facing the handler. The dog , on command then returns to the heel position and sits. This exercise is done individually. The next phase is the dog in a down-stay for a minute and three minute interval. The down-stay is done with up to 12 other dog teams in the ring..
In the Open class, all the exercises are done off lead, including the figure 8. The recall requires a drop in place half way in ( on the handlers signal the dog drops to a down position).

In addition, the dog must also complete a broad jump, a high jump, and a retrieve of a dumbbell. The Stays in the Open Class are three and five minutes with the handler out of site.

In the Utility Class, heeling is performed with had signals only, no voice commands. The judges may also require the handler to have their dog sit, stay, stand, down, and come by hand signal.

The dogs must also retrieve two objects that have been scented by the handler. The objects are placed with eight similar objects that are not scented. The dog must then identify and retrieved by the dog. In addition, the dog must retrieve one of three identical gloves. The glove to be retrieved is designated by the judge. The dogs then compete in a send out and directed jumping exercise.

If you are looking to take your dog training to the next level, consider entering your dog in an obedience trial. Along with a great learning experience, it can be a lot of fun. You will also gain a large amount of dog training information from your fellow handlers.


Copyright 2004 Joseph L. Bickel

About the author:

Joseph L. Bickel has worked as a dog trainer and handler for over 15 years training police k-9's.
http://www.obediencedogtraining.com

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