Obedience competitions test the dogs ability to respond to commands and challenge the dog and handler to work as a team.

    Find out more about competing in obedience competitions here

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Competing in obedience competitions

Many pet owners take part in dog training classes because they are fun for both owner and dog. Some owners go further and train their dogs for competitive obedience. Obedience competitions involve close heelwork, retrieves, recalls, distance control and various 'stays'. When I started competing in obedience classes I found the rules and regulations quite difficult to understand so here are a few pointers:

There are different levels that a dog and handler can compete in, these are Pre-beginners, Beginners, Novice, A, B and C. There are different 'tests' at each level which get progressively harder. For example, there is heelwork in every level but different paces and positions are only involved in the higher levels. Down stays also feature in every level but they go from 2 minutes (beginners) to 10 minutes with the handler out of sight (class C). New tests are also introduced as the level increases, for example, scent discrimination is only present in levels A, B and C.

Marking involves the dog 'losing' points for mistakes. The fewer points lost the better. The total possible number of points that can be lost in each test also changes with each level.

To enter a show, you need to obtain a schedule. These can be downloaded from sites such as www.obedienceuk.com or you can subscribe to magazines such as 'Dog Training Weekly' or 'Obedience Info'. The schedule contains an entry form, which needs to be filled in and sent off in advance. When you get to your first show you need to find your 'ring' and collect your 'ring number'. You then need to 'book in' at the stewards table at your ring and take note of your running order.

When you are in the ring, listen to the 'call steward' who gives you commands while you are in the ring. Pay attention to the commands from the call steward and your dog - forget about the judge! If something goes wrong in the ring, don’t panic, either correct your dog or just carry on. It is possible to ask the judge for permission to turn your round into a 'training round'. This means that you can carry on as normal but you can also use treats or toys, however the judge will stop marking you and your round will not count towards the competition.

When you come out of the ring remember to thank the judge and call steward, they have given up their spare time to be there. Also remember to thank your dog, even if your round did not go well, still play with your dog to let him know you still love him!

To find out more about competing in obedience, including detailed information on the different levels, tests, marking, getting and filling in entry forms, what to take to a show, forward preparation, and what to do on arrival, in the ring and after your class, click here or visit agility warehouse