Dog Obedience

A Border Collie showing in obedience Thanks to Dawn Turner of Morguefile for this photo

Many people take their dogs to a local dog club for basic training and to help the dog get used to being amongst people and other dogs. The trainer should be experienced in handling different breeds and crossbreeds and in sorting out any problems. You may want to look for a club that takes part in the Kennel Club's Good Citizen Dog Training scheme. This is the largest scheme of its kind in the UK and is often the starting point for obedience training. You can obtain the address of your nearest registered training club by emailing the Shows, Trials and Awards Departmentof the Kennel Club.

Obedience competitions are generally held under Kennel Club rules and there are various classes available from pre Beginners right up to championship status.
To give you an idea of what's involved in obedience training up to the pre beginners stage the dog needs to master the following exercises:

• walk to heel on and off the lead,

• a simple recall,

• sit and stay

• down and stay.

The next grade up is Beginners and this includes the same exercises at a slightly more difficult level plus an obedience retrieve.

If you just want to train for fun there's no need to register your dog with the Kennel Club but if you do want to compete you will need to complete a simple registration process before you can enter any shows or matches that are held under Kennel Club rules. Your dog doesn't need to be a pedigree for you to be able to register.

Many people find obedience is essential as a starting point for other activities with their dog. If you want to take part in activities such as agility or heelwork to music a well run obedience course will lay the foundations for good teamwork with your dog. You will be streets ahead of others who haven't taken the trouble to complete the basic training first. Above all, obedience, and indeed any activity with your dog should be fun and a good trainer will make sure that your lessons include a bit of a fun element as well as the more formal side.

Good luck and happy training.

Obedience Resources

Websites

Obedience UK
This site is an excellent resource for anyone who is interested in obedience. It has a good starters guide as well as show dates and schedules and a forum for beginners and experts.

Books (Click on the images for purchasing information)