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Prerequisite: Results Pawformance Sports! and Instructor Permission. If new to training at this level, inquire!
How exciting to reach this level of training! Those that sign up for this class are expected to want to show and will put time into homework. This is true team effort - your dog will be expected to know what to do without leash help and with minimal commands allowed. This means that you will have to pay good attention to your training and helping your dog understand the exercises. Consistency in handling and clarity in commands is very important! If you have followed instruciton from the earliest Results levels, your foundation training will pay off!
In the past, some trainers have signed up for a show class fully expecting at session end to be qualifying in the ring. It may take weeks for a BN title, but usually it is a few months of training to complete a CD title depending on many factors and how competitive you are. As success depends on attention to the rules as well as practice, be prepared to study!
You may also enjoy reading the "Awards" page to see titles earned through this program. A link is at the top of the home page.
Dogs that have been spayed or neutered may compete in obedience trials. Females that have not been spayed are not allowed to participate in obedience classes when they are in estrus and must be bathed before returning to class.
If you are interested in getting an obedience title, but your dog is not already registered, nor does not have "papers", you may register your pet so it is able to compete for a title if it is spayed or neutered. Visit AKC.org to learn more. It can be confusing, so do inquire if help is needed.
The AKC offers both a Beginner Novice Obedience (BN) or the Companion Dog (CD) level for dogs competing for the first time. The AKC BN is covered in my Obedience and Manners Two Plus class. The Beginner Novice (BN) title does not require that your dog be in the ring with other dogs. It is a nice introduction to being in the ring with a judge while doing basic exercises, most with you on the end of the leash.
The CD title exercises described below are performed individually in a trial except for the CD group sit and down stays. There are two levels you may enter, the Novice A class is for the person that has not previously titled a dog in obedience. The Novice B class is for the person that has completed a title even if the dog has not.
Heel on Leash and Figure 8
Heeling is performed with the dog at the handler's left side on a loose lead. Left, right and about turns as well as fast and slow speeds are performed as the judge commands same. When the handler halts the dog is expected to sit swiftly at the handler's side. The Figure 8 heeling pattern is done around two persons standing still eight feet apart. The Heel and Figure 8 at this level are scored together.
Stand for Examination
The dog is left in a stand stay, the handler will leave the dog and go six feet to the front then will face the dog. The judge will then approach the dog, touching it to do a light examination then s/he will move away. The handler will then be instructed to return to the dog's side. The dog is to remain in place without moving during this exercise.
Heel Free
This exercise is the same as Heel on Leash however it is performed off lead and there is no figure 8 pattern. The dog is not to forge, lag, sniff or leave the handler.
Recall
The handler will enter the ring and go to a designated spot where the dog is to sit. The judge will instruct the handler to leave the dog and walk to a designated mark, turn and face the dog. The dog is to remain in place until the handler, upon an order from the judge, calls it. The dog is to come to front on the first command, sitting in front of the handler. The judge will then order the handler to have the dog return to the side heel position where the dog is to sit.
Following the above exercises, the teams will enter the ring together and will do:
Sit and Down Group Stay
In addition to the above exercises the dogs will also be required to perform two stay exercises in a lineup with other dogs. The handlers are instructed to leave their dogs and to stand across from them in the ring for a designated time. The judge will then order the handlers to return to the dogs as a group.
The two stay exercises are:
Titling: To complete either a BN or CD title, the handler and dog must qualify under two different judges at three licensed shows. Total exercise scores must be a minimum of 170 out of a possible 200. At least 50% of the points available for each exercise must be attained. Points are deducted for minor and substantial mistakes, and a non-qualifying zero score may be given for exercises not performed at the minimum level required. To learn more about the point deductions and scoring, visit the AKC web site.
The fun isn't over once you and your pet have titled until a Highest Scoring Dog in the Regular Classes is received. There are different routes you may pursue, see the AKC web site for details.
While in this training program, trainers are strongly discouraged from using treats without instructor approval. Occasional food treats may be used with some dogs while training at this level, in most cases they are simply not needed if you have followed instruction. If treats are used improperly you may not only interfere with training, but may even set training back. In the ring - treats are not allowed.
Recreational Agility Level One if you and your pup have taken the O&M Two Plus with Pawformance Sports! class with the agility introduction.
This 'for fun' class offers a variety of jumps and the tunnel. Great exercise for both you and your pup! This class is offered in Howell on a rubberized floor with A/C. Offered late spring, summer and fall!
Link: Pawformance Sports - Recreational Agility One!
© copyright 2000-present Results Puppy & Dog Training and Pawformance Dog Sports! All photos, logos, and text are property of Results Puppy & Dog Training, Pawformance Dog Sports! and it's contributors. Any copying is strictly forbidden without written permission of and copy of material produced to Mary T. Ratelle.