Competitive Obedience
With Thanks to Susanne Jaffa for supplying the following information about obedience.
This Kennel Club sport began in the 1950,s and although early pioneers may take a minute or two to recognise this generation of Obedience, not a lot has changed in the composition of the tests.
Shows are held mainly in the summer all over the country. The peak is at Crufts every year in the main ring. This is where all the ticket winners compete.
Dogs are required to complete various exercises in the 6 progressive classes. Each class requiring more work, or similar work for longer periods, with less handler support.
New handlers and dogs start out in pre- Beginners, with heelwork, recall and stays, progress through Beginners, which in addition contains the retrieve, then Novice, class A, class B, and class C.
Experienced handlers with new dogs start their career in Novice. By the time a dog reaches class C the test incorporates all off lead heelwork at 3 paces, with 3 positions on the move, a sendaway with recall to heel, an unknown retrieve, distance control, stays out of sight and finally scent discrimination, where the dog has to find the judges cloth amongst others and decoys!
Progression through the classes is by wins only, often with 58 other competitors in some classes (this sport is now become dominated by collies). Training is of a very high standard with little room for error.
On reaching the top class C with wins and places in this class you can qualify to compete in Championship C. A win in Championship C will earn your dog an Obedience certificate referred to as a “ticket”. As in most dog sports, 3 certificates, under 3 different judges, qualify your dog as an Obedience Champion.
Many clubs across the country hold obedience classes, although career minded enthusiasts would collect and train in competition orientated clubs. There are also some private competition classes, and winter weekend workshops to assist with training you and your dog.
Like most weekend sports Obedience is very social. You can find yourself getting hooked, and spending more time with your obedience friends than your family during the summer.
© Susanne Jaffa
Publications that advertise shows, and courses:-
Obedience Info Dog Training Weekly
Josie Bleeze Print House
2 Clifton Villa High Street
Chapelgate Fishguard
Gedney Pembrokeshire
Spalding SA 65 9AP
PE 12 OBJ
Look out for any obedience competitions or training that ASCUK may be holding. We will be arranging a training day in September 2010, venue to be confirmed. To look at future events click here
Click here for photos of Aussies partaking in Obedience