Obedience Competition Novice

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For dogs one year and older

Class is Live Online conducted using Zoom and will require a high-speed internet connection and a computer or mobile device. 

This class is $130 for four sessions in total. Each session is approximately 50 minutes.

Prerequisite: Graduate of Obedience Novice class.

Obedience trials demonstrate the dog’s ability to follow specified routines in the obedience ring and emphasize its usefulness as a companion to humankind. The Competition Novice class demonstrates good canine companion skills such as heeling, both with and without a leash, coming when called, standing for a simple physical examination, and staying in both a sit and a down position with a group of dogs.

This class will start you on a course to compete in AKC trials. You’ll work on perfecting skills required for competition at an AKC dog show, reference AKC Obedience Regulations for more information.

• Heel on Leash and Figure Eight. The dog needs to stay with the handler on the left side with a loose leash.
• Stand for Examination. The dog needs to stand and stay while a judge examinations the dog.
• Heel Free. Dog walks with the handler on the left side off-leash.
• Recall. The handler will leave the dog, go across the ring, call the dog. The dog needs to come to the handler, sit in front, heel to the left side.
• Sit-Stay – Get Your Leash. The dog must stay while the handler goes get the leash and returns to the dog.
• Group Exercise – Sit and Down-Stay. Handlers and dogs return to the ring in a group, execute a sit-stay and down-stay on a leash for 1 minute for each.

You’ll work on many steps to build the result that is required for all the exercises. It takes time and practice to communicate with the dog how you want them to stay in heel position on- and off-leash. The figure-eight is a new exercise, both dog and handler will learn. Stand for examination will be taught in steps for both handler and dog. An off-leash recall is the first time the dog is off-leash with the handler across the ring, first taught close to the dog with positive rewards. Each element takes practice with many steps to get to the polished result. 

Four classes establish the foundation of a rewarding partnership. Continuation classes are encouraged as it takes time, practice, and loads of love and patience to be show ring ready.   

Bring training treats to class for use as lures and rewards while training. It's also a good idea to have some high-reward treats to reward your dog for their best performance. Small, bite-sized treats are ideal.

• Collar. Choker chain
• Leash. Leather, any length

Age. For dogs one year or older.

Class is Live Online conducted using Zoom (click for link) and will require a high-speed internet connection and a computer or mobile device. 

This class is $130 for four sessions. Participants are encouraged to register for sequential sessions to continue training.  Each session is approximately 50 minutes long. All class times are on Pacific Standard Time.