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Subject: rec.pets.dogs: Canine Activities: Obedience Trials FAQ
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=======
There are many FAQ's available for this group. For a complete
listing of these, get the "Complete List of RPD FAQs". This article
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This article is Copyright 1997 by the Author(s) listed below.
It may be freely distributed on the Internet in its entirety without
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==========

Canine Activities: Obedience Trials

Author

Cindy Tittle Moore, Copyright 1995.

Table of Contents

* Introduction
+ History
* Organizations that Offer Obedience Trials
+ American Kennel Club
+ American Mixed Breed Obedience Registry
+ Mixed Breed Dog Club of America
+ Australian Shepherd Club of America
+ Canadian Kennel Club
+ New England Obedience News
+ States Kennel Club
+ United Kennel Club
* Overview of the AKC Obedience Exercises
+ Tracking is Obedience?
+ Agility is Not Obedience?
+ Upcoming new things in AKC Obedience
* Overview of the CKC Obedience Exercises
* Overview of the SKC Obedience Exercises
* Overview of the UKC Obedience Exercises
* Opportunities for Mixed Breed Dogs
* PupPeroni Classic Tournaments (previously known as Cycle, Gaines)
* Swedish Obedience Trials
* Bahamas Obedience Trials
* Stewarding
* Common Handler Errors
+ Recall
+ Long sit/down
+ Heel on lead
+ Figure eight
+ Heel free
+ Stand
+ Generally Common Handler Errors
+ Generally Common Helpful Hints
+ Tips for dealing with Stress at the show
* Making Treats
* Acronym List
+ Obedience titles - AKC & CKC
+ Obedience titles - UKC (all prefixes)
+ Conversational acronyms
* Glossary
+ Pattern training
+ Jackpots
+ Backchaining
+ Operant conditioning
+ Attention
+ Motivational training
+ Behavior shaping
+ Touchsticks and clickers
* Resources
+ Favorite suppliers
+ Organizations
+ Magazines
+ Videos
+ Books

_________________________________________________________________

Introduction

Please note first that this FAQ is _heavily_ biased toward obedience
competition in North America. If you want to send me a summary like
the one for Swedish competition for other countries, I'll be more than
happy to add it in!

This FAQ was prepared with the extensive help of the folks on the
original OBED-L mailing list. Particular thanks go to Judy Byron,
Terri Hardwick, David Hendrickson, Lars Kaskija, Janet Lewis, Nancy
Gagliardi Little, Ed Morrow, Dianne Schoenberg, Denise Mclean, and
Kathleen Weaver.

There are several mailing lists of interest to the obedience
enthusiast, all of which are detailed in the Email List FAQ also
posted monthly to rec.pets.dogs.info.

Please note that I welcome any and all comments, corrections,
additions and suggestions! Note also that this isn't the only source
of online information about obedience.

History

In the United States, AKC obedience started in the late 1930s. It was
promoted by several people and groups around the country. Blanche
Saunders toured the country in a travel trailer with her black
standard poodles giving obedience exhibitions and introducing
obedience to the American public and the nascent conformation
community. Her books on Novice, Open, and Utility are still in print.
The person who was instrumental in bringing obedience to the USA,
however, was Mrs. Whitehouse Walker.

Following World War II obedience only clubs were organized and become
member or sanctioned clubs of the AKC. Up to the middle to late 70s
all obedience training tended to be of the punishment avoidance type
(generally called "jerk and pull") which discouraged some people and
did not work well with some breeds. The introduction of independent
obedience tournaments such as Gaines in 1980 has done more to
revolutionize AKC obedience than anything. Once these tournaments
started the level of performance competition increased dramatically.
The standards were raised causing people to search for training
techniques which would produce an exacting 'happy' performance.
Positive motivation techniques began to appear. Around that same time
private obedience schools became more numerous and obedience seminars
become more popular. Today it seems as if most competitive obedience
people train at private schools where before most of the training was
done by kennel or obedience clubs.

In 1993 there were 10,973 obedience titles awarded by the AKC. In 1992
11,397 were awarded. 84 Obedience Trial Championships were awarded in
'93 and 92. In Europe, one of the most enduring names in obedience,
Arthur Newman, got his start in 1941 and learned to handle Border
Collies with sheep (but failed his first competitive trial in 1943).
Later he began competition with Shepherds and Rottweilers in the
British working trials, which are more like the Schutzhund sport
without the need to do the protection phase in each class. The British
trials are much more demanding in regard to control, food refusal,
speak on command and recall from a running decoy. Absolute control is
the vital element.

While serving in the British Airborne for 25 years, Mr. Newman was
able to travel to the Far East, Africa, and Europe where he always
searched out the local obedience clubs and learned from them. Upon
emigrating to Canada in 1970, he was shocked and surprised to see the
standard, simple tests and proliferation of titles; but he went on to
put 15 dogs through CD six to CDX and two to OTCH as well as working
some Schutzund and tracking.

He introduced Agility to Canada in the late 1970's and founded the now
Agility Association of Canada with 40 clubs across the country. All of
his working Shepherds and Rottweilers have been shown in conformation
to prove that a 'pretty' dog can also have brains.
_________________________________________________________________

Organizations that Offer Obedience Trials

While most people think of the AKC obedience ring when they think of
obedience, the AKC is not the only game in town. There are alternative
sources for obedience titles, including for mixed-breed dogs. These
are listed below in alphabetic order.

If you plan on competing with any of the organizations below, write or
call them for their rules and regulations on competing in their
organizations. This is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. There are often
restrictions on how the handler must behave in the ring (as well as
what the dog should be doing), what actions cost you points, and other
general rules that you are obliged to familiarize yourself with. This
FAQ does NOT cover all such regulations for ANY organization!

American Kennel Club

The AKC is probably the most widely used organization for obedience
trialling in the US. Most titles and classes are compared to the
AKC's.

_American Kennel Club_
5580 Centerview Drive
Raleigh, NC 27606
212-696-8276

also

main switchboard (212)696-8200 NYC
51 Madison Ave.
NY, NY 10010 USA

American Mixed Breed Obedience Registry

AMBOR was formed about fifteen years ago to promote the participation
of mixed breeds in obedience trials. They offer trials of their own,
and will accept scores from designated other organization's matches
and fun matches toward AMBOR titles. Titles offered include AMBOR-CD,
AMBOR-CDX, and AMBOR-UD, based primarily on AKC-style rules.

AMBOR accepts only neutered/spayed dogs that cannot be registered with
any other organization (so for example if your dog can be ILP'd with
the AKC, they ask you to try that first).

In a welcome development in February of 1994, the UKC accepted AMBOR
as the "parent club" for mixed breeds in the UKC. Therefore AMBOR
registered dogs are *also* eligible for UKC performance titles.

_American Mixed Breed Obedience Registration (AMBOR)_
Mail to: [email protected].
Or: 10236 Topanga Blvd. Suite 205, Chatsworth, CA 91311.

Mixed Breed Dog Club of America

Offers both obedience and agility trials for their members.

_Mixed Breed Dog Club of America_
c/o Chris Dane
100 Acacia Ave
San Bruno, Calif. 94066

Australian Shepherd Club of America

ASCA, despite its name, allows all breeds and mixed-breeds into their
non-conformation activities.

_Australian Shepherd Club of America_
6091 Hwy 21
Bryan, TX 77803-9652
(409) 778-1082
Email: [email protected]

Canadian Kennel Club

For those of you living near Canada or willing to travel, it's easy to
register your AKC-registered dog with the Canadian Kennel Club and
participate in all CKC events. CKC is, of course, the most widely used
organization in Canada (are there alternatives in Canada?).

_Canadian Kennel Club_
100 - 89 Skyway Avenue
Etobicoke, Ontario M9W 6R4
1-416-675-5511 (tel)
1-416-675-6506 (fax)

New England Obedience News

New England Obedience News (NEON) titles mixed breed dogs, and is in
care of Lana Pettey-Bernardi 15 Long Pond Rd Danville NH 03819.

States Kennel Club

The SKC seems to be most active in the southern part of the US. It is
a multiple breed registry, overlapping somewhat with the AKC, but
including other breeds the AKC does not.

_States Kennel Club_
Post Office Box 389
Hattiesburg, MS 39403-0389
(601)583-8345

United Kennel Club

The UKC is an alternative to AKC, with a greater emphasis on
performance events than on conformation. It's easy to register your
AKC-registered dog (or LP an unpapered dog OR a mixed breed) and
compete in their obedience trials. The exercises are slightly
different for the Novice and Open classes and substantially different
in the Utility class. As yet, there is no obedience championship
title, although one is in the works.

_United Kennel Club_
100 East Kilgore Road
Kalamazoo, MI, 49001
(616) 343-9020.
_________________________________________________________________

Overview of the AKC Obedience Exercises

The Obedience Regulations may be obtained for $1 by writing to the
AKC. Sometimes they are handed out at shows. Details on deductions,
rules, and so on are given in this book. The regulations were last
updated January 1994. This is a bright red booklet, given to bleeding
pink if wet, so keeping it in a plastic baggie is advised.

Note: jump heights and lengths vary according to the entered dog's
breed and height. Dogs may be measured at the ring.

Novice (A/B)
Heel on Leash and Figure 8 - 40 pts
Stand for Examination - 30
Heel Free - 40
Recall - 30
Long Sit - 30 (across ring, one minute)
Long Down - 30 (across ring, three minutes)
___
Maximum Total Score 200 pts

Open (A/B)
Heel Free and Figure 8 - 40 pts
Drop on Recall - 30
Retrieve on Flat - 20
Retrieve over High Jump - 30
Broad Jump - 20
Long Sit - 30 (out of sight, three minutes)
Long Down - 30 (out of sight, five minutes)
___
Maximum Total Score 200 pts

Utility (A/B)
Signal Exercise - 40 pts
Scent Discrimination #1 - 30 (leather articles)
Scent Discrimination #2 - 30 (metal articles)
Directed Retrieve - 30
Moving Stand and Examination - 30
Directed Jumping - 40
___
Maximum Total Score 200

Requirements for titles

Companion Dog (CD)
* Dog has no previous obedience title
* Dog earns three "legs" in the Novice Ring
* Each leg is a qualifying score (170 or more points, at least half
the points earned in each exercise)

Companion Dog Excellent (CDX)
* Dog has CD
* Dog earns three "legs" in the Open Ring
* Each leg is a qualifying score (170 or more points, at least half
the points earned in each exercise)

Utility Dog (UD)
* Dog has CDX
* Dog earns three "legs" in the Utility Ring
* Each leg is a qualifying score (170 or more points, at least half
the points earned in each exercise)

Utility Dog Excellent (UDX)
* Dog has UD
* The UDX has 10 "legs"
* Each "leg" is earned by qualifying in both Open B and Utility B at
the same show
* A qualifying score is 170 or more points and at least half the
points earned on each exercise

Obedience Trial Championship (OTCH)
* Dog has UD
* Dog has 100 pts from Open/Utility (according to published point
schedules, earnable only with first or second place scores)
* Dog must place first in Utility in an all breed obedience trial
(no specialties) with at least 3 dogs in the competition.
* Dog must place first in Open in an all breed obedience trial (no
specialties) with at least 6 dogs in the competition.
* Dog has an additional first place (total three) under the
conditions of the above two bullets.
* Dog won the three first places under three different judges

Tracking is Obedience?

Historically, the original AKC Utility ring included a tracking
exercise that was later removed from the set of required Utility
exercises and formed the basis for today's TD test. Because of this
prior association, Tracking is considered a test of obedience, and the
TD and TDX titles are considered to be obedience titles. This is also
the reason that dogs with both UD/X and TD/X are able to combine them
into special dual titles, including UDT, etc.

Agility is Not Obedience?

No. In the AKC, Agility is considered to be a performance event, and
as such shares company with other performance trials such as Field
Trials, Herding Trials, etc. This may or may not be true in other
kennel clubs.

Additionally, some other events commonly associated with obedience,
such as Freestyle, are not obedience though they are obviously
derivative. Freestyle is frequently demonstrated at the Gaines
Classics, UKC's Top Gun, and other similar competitions. For more
information about Freestyle, you can contact Heinz Pup-Peroni Canine
Freestyle at [email protected] for more information.

Upcoming new things in AKC Obedience

From "Nola Ventura"
Subject Multiple Surface Tracking

I got this flyer from the WSOTC in Washington. The name has been
changed again - originally it was like Variable ST but AKC changed it
and who knows may still. This was sent to me earlier in the month. So
they still had the idea of calling it VST.

"The AKC Obedience Department is working to develop a new tracking
event: 'Variable Surface Tracking'. The event can take place in a
city, or parking lots, and in light industrial grounds. The track will
be on grass areas about 50% of the time and on non-vegetated areas 50%
of the time. Non-vegetated areas can include cement, asphalt and
gravel surfaces such as driveways and parking lots. The track will be
600-800 yards, be 1-3 hours old, have 3-4 turns and 4 articles. The
track will not have intentional cross-tracks, but natural cross
traffic will be considered a part of the normal track.

Workshops are being held around the country to introduce this new
event to the fancy and develop the rules do that it will become a
practical and popular event once it is approved by the AKC Board of
Directors. Attendance at one of these workshops is one requirement for
grandfathering TDX judges to judge this event.

John Barnard, the head of AKC tracking, is a nationally recognized
expert on tracking and scent work. He spent three decades with the
Baltimore Police Department K-9 unit. During that time, he trained
other law enforcement and national security officials in the
intricacies of canine scent work and assisted several scientific
studies concerning the use of dogs' olfactory senses."
_________________________________________________________________

Overview of the CKC Obedience Exercises

Description of Exercises in each ring

Novice:
Heel on Leash 35pts
(Figure 8 is included)
Stand for Examination 30
(done on 6 ft leash-
leash is not to touch ground)
Heel Free 45
Recall 30
Long Sit (1 min) 30
Long Down (3 min) 30
----
200 max. pts.

Open:
Heel Free (Figure 8 included) 40pts
Drop on Recall 30
Retrieve on Flat 25
Retrieve over High Jump 35
Broad Jump 20
Long Sit (3 min. out of sight) 25
Long Down (5 min. out of sight) 25

Utility:
Seek back (heel free w/ glove
drop that dog has to seek
and retrieve on command) 30 pts
Scent discrimination #1 20
Scent discrimination #2 20
Scent discrimination #3 20
(articles are wood, leather, metal)
Signal Exercise 35
Directed Jumping 40
Group Examination 35
(min. 3 minutes)

Bar and high jump: as nearly as possible the height of the dog at
withers. Max 36 inches Broad jump: distance equal to twice the height
of the high jump.

Requirements for titles

_________________________________________________________________

Overview of the SKC Obedience Exercises

A dog may be entered in both the 'A' and 'B' sections of a class if
eligible. However, only the higher qualifying score will be counted
towards a title if the same judge officiates in both sections.

Description of Exercises in each ring

Novice A/B
Heel on Leash and Figure 8 - 40 pts
Stand for Exam - 30 pts
Heel Free - 40
Recall - 30
Long Sit (1 min) - 30
Long Down (3 min) - 30
(Total 200 pts)

Open A/B
Heel Free and figure 8 - 40pts
Drop on Recall - 30
Retrieve on Flat - 20
Retrieve on High Jump - 30
Broad Jump - 20
Long Sit (3 min out of sight) - 30
Long Down(5 min out of sight) - 30

High Jump height - equal to height of dog at withers, as determined by
judge, min. 8 inches - max. 36 inches. Broad Jump - distance to cover
twice the height of the high jump. 4 hurdles for 48 to 72 inches, 3
for 28 to 44 inches, and 2 for 16 to 24 inches.

Utility A/B
Signal exercises - 40 pts
Scent discrimination article1 - 30
Scent discrimination article2 - 30
(leather and metal like AKC)
Directed Retreive - 30
Directed Jumping - 40
Group Exam - 30
(stand for exam as group -min 3 minutes for
handler away from dog).

Requirements for Titles

_________________________________________________________________

Overview of the UKC Obedience Exercises

Description of Exercises in each ring

Novice U-CD
Honor (Long Down in opposite ring
corner while other dog doing
Heel on Leash) 35 pts
Heel on Leash and Figure 8 35
Stand for Exam 30
Heel off Leash 35
Recall over Jump 35
Long Sit (1 min) 30
----
200

Open U-CDX
Honoring (out of sight) 30 pts
Heel Off Leash and Figure 8 40
Drop on Recall 30
Retrieve on Flat 20
Retrieve over High Jump 30
Broad Jump 20
Long Sit (3 min out of sight) 30
On the Heel Off Leash the steward walks the same pattern
as the handler/dog team. Also after the dog drops on the
Drop on Recall the steward walks from the handler's side
past the dog to the other side of the ring.

Utility U-UD
Signaling and Heeling 30
Honoring 10
Scent Discrimination (metal) 30
Directed 'Marked' Retrieve
(from handlers side) 20
Directed 'Signal' Retrieve
(sent from handler, then
directed) 30
Consecutive Recalls
(one with and one without
Down) 40
Directed Jumping 40

Jump heights: min 8 inches - max 24 inches. The height is set at even
2 inch increments. A dog 17 1/2 inches jumps 16 inch high. A dog must
jump twice its shoulder height for the Broad Jump in one inch
increments.

Requirements for titles

_________________________________________________________________

Opportunities for Mixed Breed Dogs

Most of the major kennel clubs (AKC, CKC, etc) do not allow mixed
breed dogs to compete in any of their shows. While this is
unfortunate, it is certainly their perogative (perhaps the rules will
be relaxed someday, as any dog can do well in obedience trialling).

The happy exception to this is the United Kennel Club. In an agreement
reached with AMBOR on February 3, 1994, the UKC began issuing LP's to
mixed breeds (who must be neutered, as all UKC LP dogs have been
required to be) and AMBOR became the national parent club for the UKC
mixed breed dogs. Effective May 1, 1994, all mixed breed dogs
registered with the UKC participate in all UKC licensed Obedience
Trials and Hunting Retreiver events and earn UKC titles and degrees.
As additional programs are developed by the UKC, these dogs may also
be allowed to participate. These could include Tracking, Agility, and
Terrier (go to ground) Trials.

There are a number of additional resources for the owner of a mixed
breed dog who is interested in obedience trials. Contact any of the
following:

_American Mixed Breed Obedience Registration (AMBOR)_
205 1st Street, S.W.
New Prague, MN 56071
612-758-4598
offers titles to dogs in rings with the UKC plus it's own set of
titles

_Mixed Breed Dog Clubs of America_
c/o Phyllis Massa
1937 Seven Pines
Creve Coeur, MO 63146
offers obedience titles of their own (registered dogs must be
neutered).

Also see ASCA above.
_________________________________________________________________

PupPeroni Classic Tournaments (previously known as Cycle, Gaines)

Three regional tournaments (western, central, and eastern regions) and
a final tournament each year. These tournaments are held in various
cities throughout the continental United States and are organized by
volunteers and non-profit organizations. The PupPeroni Dog Obedience
Tournaments are a showcase of the best Obedience teams throughout the
U.S and Canada and can be described as the "Westminster of Obedience".

The Tournaments were originally sponsored by Gaines, then Cycle and
now PupPeroni.

For additional information write:

Quaker Professional Services
Pet Food Division
P.O. Box 049001, Suite 23-1
Chicago, IL 60604-9001

Eastern, Western, and Central regional tournaments

Each Regional is a two-day event comprised of three shows. Each
exhibitor must compete in all three shows in the division in which he
is entered. The three designated Divisions of competition are: Novice,
Open, and Super Dog (combined).

Placings in the Divisions are determined on the basis of total points
lost, qualifying or non-qualifying with prizes to the first ten
placements in all Divisions.

Titles and scores are accepted from the American Kennel Club, the
United Kennel Club, the Australian Shepherd Club of America
(Australian Shepherds only), the Canadian Kennel Club, and the
American Mixed Breed Obedience Registry. All three scores must be from
the same registry. Dual titled dogs must compete in the division of
the highest title.

Entrance Requirements

_Division I - Super Dog_

An AKC Obedience Trial Champion is automatically eligible. Other dogs
that may enter must meet the following requirements:
1. Earned a confirmed Utility title in one of the above mentioned
registries, prior to the closing date of the Regional.
2. Must have earned three scores in Open B averaging 193 or better,
and three scores in Utility A or B averaging 193 or better in
competition at approved trials prior to the closing date of the
Regional.

The Super Dog section is limited to 60 entires in each Regional. The
ten dogs losing the fewest number of combined points in all Open and
Utility classes at a Regional will receive a cash prize and other
prizes, and automatically become eligible to compete in the U.S.
PupPeroni Dog Obedience Classic for that year.

_Division II - Novice Dog_
1. Earned a confirmed Companion Dog title in one of the above
mentioned registries, prior to the closing date of the Regional.
The dog must not have earned a third leg towards a CDX prior to
the date of the Regional in which they are competing.
2. Must have earned three scores averaging 193 or better in Novice A
or B competition at approved trials prior to the related Regional
closing date.

The Novice Dog section is limited to 70 entries in each Regional. The
ten dogs losing the fewest number of points in Novice competition at a
Regional will receive a cash prize and other prizes, and automatically
become eligible to compete in the U.S. PupPeroni Dog Obedience Classic
for that year.

_Division III - Open Dog_
1. Earned a confirmed Companion Dog Excellent title in one of the
above mentioned registries, prior to the closing date of the
Regional. The dog must not have earned a third leg towards a UD
prior to the date of the Regional in which they are competing.
2. Must have earned three scores averaging 193 or better in Open A or
B competition at approved trials prior to the related Regional
closing date.

The Open Dog section is limited to 60 entries in each Regional. The
ten dogs losing the fewest number of points in Open competition at a
Regional will receive a cash prize and other prizes, and automatically
become eligible to compete in the U.S. PupPeroni Dog Obedience Classic
for that year.
_________________________________________________________________

Swedish Obedience Trials

Contributed by Lars Kaskija

The Swedish Kennel Club has sponsored competitive obedience since the
late 60s (imported from England?). Obedience was not particularly
popular to start with, but it has become more and more popular,
particularly during the last 10 years. Today there are approx. 24,000
obedience trials carried out each year, which is quite a lot
considering the small size of the country. Agility was introduced
around 1986, and is now extremely popular, especially among young
people. Most recent is Flyball, introduced 2-3 years ago.

The Swedish Working Dog Association (SBK, Svenska Brukshunds-Klubben)
also organizes competitive obedience - which it has done for a very
long time. This form of obedience is only slightly different from that
organized by the [Swedish] Kennel Club. Any competition, whether in
trecking, or schutz-training etc., also includes obedience. Obedience
is thus compulsory, no matter what special branch you are competing
in.

Levels of Obedience

There are four different levels of Kennel Club obedience: Level I,
Level II, Level III and Elite Level.

In levels I and II a dog has to earn 160-200 points for 1st place,
140-159,5 for 2nd place, and 100-139,5 for 3rd place.

In levels III and Elite a dog has to earn 255-300 points for 1st
place, 224-254,5 for 2nd place, and 192-223,5 for 3rd place.

A dog that has achived a 1st place in level I can move up and compete
in level II, or, continue to compete in level I until it has three 1st
places, in which case it will receive an "obedience diplom" (Lp-1).
After three 1st places in level II the dog receives an "Lp-2", and in
level III an "Lp-3". To become an obedience champion a dog must win
three 1st places at elite-level, and on top of that the dog must have
the figure 2 from a conformation class (i.e. it must conform to the
standard of its breed). Border Collies can only become obedience
champions if they have passed a general test for herding dogs, i.e.
they must be approved herding dogs.

To participate the dog has to be at least 10 months old (for the elite
class, 15 months old). Any dog old enough may participate, even
non-registered dogs, mixed breed dogs, and male dogs with only one
testicle. However, to become an obedience champion or to receive a
CACIOB (the best 1st-place winner in an international competition) the
dog has to be registered and non-cryptorchid.

A dog that has received an obedience championship is called Svensk
Lydnads Champion (SLCH). A dog that has become champion in any of the
working dog branches, such as tracking, is called Svensk Bruks
Champion (SBCH). To be a Swedish Champion because of exterior merits,
i.e. from participation in conformation classes, is called Svensk
Utstallnings Champion (SUCH). Especially talented and beautiful dogs
can thus become Trippel-Champions, and this is really something.

General obedience (Swedish Kennel Club style)

Level I.
Long Down (2 min) - 30 pts (dogs 5m apart, handlers 20m away)
Teeth Examination - 10
Heel On Leash - 20
Heel Off Leash - 40
Down During Heel Off Leash - 20 (handler walks 10m away then returns)
Recall - 20 (from 15m)
Stand During Heel Off Leash - 30
High Jump With Heel O.L. - 20
General Impression - 10
___
Maximum Total Score 200 pts

Level II.
Long Down (3 minutes) - 40 pts (handlers out of sight)
Heel Off Leash - 30
Down During Heel Off Leash - 10
Stand On Recall - 30
Retrieve - 20 (dumbbell?)
Signal Exercise - 20 (sit/down on signals, handler at 5m)
High Jump - 20 (jumps, sits on other side and recall)
General Impression - 10
___
Maximum Total Score 180 pts

Level III.
Long Down (6 minutes) 40 pts (handlers out of sight)
Heel Off Leash - 30 (includes two steps backwards)
Down During Heel Off Leash - 20 (handler is running when command given)
Stand and Drop On Recall - 40
Sending with Down and Recall - 40
Retrieve Over High Jump - 30
Retrieve (metal object) - 20
Scent Discrimination - 40 (five identical objects, one scented)
Signal Exercise - 50 (sit/down/stand, handler at 15m)
General Impression - 10
___
Maximum Total Score 320 pts

Elite Level
Long Sit (2 min) - 30 pts (3m/dogs; handler out of sight)
Long Down with Disturbance - 30 (4 min, steward weaves between dogs)
Heel Off Leash - 30
Stand/Sit/Down During HOL - 30
Stand and Drop on Recall - 50
Go-Out, Down, Recall - 40
Retrieve over High Jump - 30 (heavy metal object)
Scent Discrimination - 30
Signal Exercise - 40 (down/sit/stand)
General Impression - 10
___
Maximum Total Score 320 pts

_________________________________________________________________

Bahamas Obedience Trials

_________________________________________________________________

Stewarding

From: [email protected]

As one who LIKES stewarding, here's my thoughts on the matter:
1. Expect to have the opportunity to learn A LOT.
2. Possibly expect to get chastised if you aren't paying attention,
especially if it becomes a habit. Most judges I've stewarded for
are pretty forgiving, especially if you're usually there for them.
3. The job isn't terribly difficult, but you have to pay attention.
Remember that you can contribute to the ring running smoothly or
you can hold it up, depending on how seriously you take the job.
4. Hopefully, you've had some sort of training as to what to do.
5. BE AT THE RING EARLY. I like to be there at LEAST 1/2 hour before
judging is to start.
6. Ask the judge for special instructions. Usually, they will tell
you things like:
+ where each team should be positioned when they enter the
ring.
+ where to place the gloves on the DR.
+ where to stand for the figure 8.
+ where to stand during group exercises.
+ when and where they want things like dumbbells and articles.
+ Lots of other things are likely to come up. Every judge does
something a little different than everyone else.
7. Expect to make mistakes at first, but remember that after the
first couple of teams in each class things will smooth out. Every
judge I've worked with has been more than forgiving of these
initial mistakes.
8. Try to think ahead. What will the judge want me to do next?
9. Smile a lot.
10. Expect some nasty exhibitors, but most are nice. Treat the nasty
ones politely anyway. You might turn 'em around.
11. Think from the perspective of the exhibitors. What would you like
to have from the stewards? There isn't a whole lot you can do
here, but I always make a few passes over the ring during the day
to look for things that could distract the dogs (food, leaves,
hairballs, candy wrappers, etc.) and remove them.
12. Bite your tongue. Don't make comments that could make someone feel
bad.

I'm sure there's more, but this is it offhand. Remember, HAVE FUN!
It's a good feeling at the end of the day to know you've contributed
to a successful show.
_________________________________________________________________

Common Handler Errors

More can be found in Barbara Handler's book! Fraser & Ammen's book
lists a number of them too. These suggestions are primarily for AKC's
obedience exercises, although they are widely applicable. Exercises
that are specifically different in other organizations are not
covered.

(Suggestions from a number of people, especially Nancy Gagliardi
Little; collected by Ruth Ginzberg)

Recall

Common handler errors:
1. Bowing when giving command
2. Improper hand position
3. Body english for the finish (dipping shoulder, moving feet, etc)
4. Head movement
5. Moving fingers on the finish
6. Moving arm position after voice command to finish is given
7. Overly loud command
8. Double commanding (signal and voice) for finish
9. Giving the "Stay" command out of heel position (as or after
handler steps out)

Helpful hints:
1. Don't leave your dog on the crack of the mat or a high or low spot
if showing outdoors.
2. After leaving the dog and going to the other side, don't look up
at the judge until you have positioned yourself and are ready for
the command.
3. Ensure that there is enough room behind you for the finish.
4. Position yourself across the ring so that the dog will not have to
sit on the crack of the mat.
5. Use the same tone of voice that is normally given for the recall
command (many handlers will change the tone of their voice when
they are nervous and the dog doesn't understand)
6. Leave your dog by stepping out on your right foot (or which ever
foot you normally leave on).
7. Make sure you have your dogs full attention before leaving him so
he doesn't get up as you leave.
8. Make sure your command is loud enough, if there is lots of noise
(i.e. PA system on and off, etc)

Long sit/down

Common handler errors:
1. Not knowing that if dog breaks the owner SHOULD NOT return to the
line with other competitors
2. Late leaving dog
3. Not returning to heel position
4. Positioning the dog or touching the collar (you can't touch them)
5. Handler zeros in previous exercises and doesn't return for Sits
and Downs (you must return or ask the judge to be excused).
6. Extra signals from across the ring.

Helpful hints:
1. Don't position your dog on the crack of the mat or (if outdoors) a
high or low spot.
2. Look around before getting started and pick up any debris near
your dog to avoid sniffing.
3. Clip your armband to your leash - and lay down so it won't get
knocked or blown away.
4. Make sure that your dog will lay down straight (especially if you
are showing a large dog) to avoid having to reposition your dog.
5. When the judge asks if everyone is ready before the exercise
starts SPEAK UP, if you aren't ready - don't rush yourself and
chance a zero.
6. Cross your arms to make the exercise look different than the
recall.
7. If your dog doesn't go down on the first command, give another -
the exercise doesn't start until the handlers leave (except for
rough handling,etc).
8. Make sure you have your dogs full attention before leaving him so
he doesn't get up as you leave.

Heel on lead

Common handler errors:
1. Tight lead (loose pts for lagging AND tight lead) This could also
cause a zero for the exercise, if the judge feels that s/he was
not given an opportunity to see the dog work on leash
2. Adapting speed to dog (Especially not walking briskly.)
3. Not changing speed
4. Lead corrections
5. Not heeling so DOG IS ON MAT
6. Stepping into dog on sit
7. Too many steps on the halt.
8. Anticipating judges commands (going back to normal after the fast
before the judges command, turning early, etc)
9. Pausing or stopping on about turn (heels should never come
together - the turn should be made in motion)
10. Rounding corners on the left turn to avoid crowding by the dog.
11. Checking each sit after the halts
12. Extra body movement on the "Heel Command"
13. Moving the leash position after starting to heel.

Helpful hints:
1. Don't stop too quickly on the halts - many handlers panic when the
judge commands and they stop on a dime.
2. When the judge asks if you are ready, LOOK at your dog first
before you reply.
3. If the dog lags (i.e. on the figure 8) don't let out the lead, let
it tighten up - the judge will take a lag only (the dog caused the
tight leash)
4. Don't look back at the dog - it will only cause the dog to lag
more.
5. Many handlers forget to give the "Heel" command after each command
to "Forward" by the judge.
6. If you have questions, before the exercise starts (about anything
- since this is the first exercise) ask the judge.
7. Crossing the mat on the fast time. Crossing the mat is a problem
that occurs when the handler doesn't walk or run in a straight
line. Either the handler moves across the mat to the left (into
the dog) which seems to be more common, or moves across the mat to
the right (away from the dog).

Figure eight

Common handler errors:
1. See Heel on Leash
2. Slowing down when the dog is on the outside

Helpful hints:
1. Make sure to give the dog enough room when executing the inside
post. Many handlers cut too close and the dog is forced to drop
back into a lag.
2. Give yourself enough room at the start of the exercise (especially
for those with large dogs) so you can take at least two steps
before going into the turn.
3. Unless you have a forging dog, always start the exercise by going
to the left. If you go immediately to the right (dog is expected
to get up from a sit and go into a fast), it start the dog off
into a lag.

Heel free

Common handler errors:
1. See Above.
2. Hand position - a) Both hands down and "swinging" or b) Right hand
down and "swinging" and the left hand held up at your waist. The
hand position can change for the fast, but must immediately return
to the previous position on the normal.
3. Changing hand position after starting.

Helpful hints
1. Forgetting that it's permissible to issue a second command (point
loss but no zero/NQ)
2. Ensure that you give the "Heel" command first before stepping out
to avoid leaving the dog sitting behind.

Stand

Common handler errors:
1. Touching while giving "stay" command
2. Backing away
3. Going too far (must be about 6 feet away)
4. Not returning to heel position.
5. Giving the "Stay" command out of heel position
6. Returning directly into heel position (not going behind the dog
first)
7. Rough handling of the dog to position him
8. Extra commands to stay - "Stay/Stay" or "Wait...Stay"
9. Waiting for the judge to tell the handler to leave

Helpful hints:
1. Pace out the 6 foot distance ahead of time (or go about to where
the judge is - that's usually 6 feet)
2. After standing the dog, move to heel position and take one last
look at the dog before giving the command to stay.
3. If the dog doesn't stand up on the first command, physically stand
the dog (don't use your feet)
4. Make sure you leave your dog on the foot that your normally leave
him on (usually the right)
5. If the dog sits or moves from position after the judge has
examined him and before you return, the dog has still qualified
(lost major points, though)

Generally Common Handler Errors

1. Positioning the dog (knee, foot, hands) before exercises - you
can't touch them at all to position them - even if the exercise is
over.
2. Collar too loose or too tight (or illegal)
3. Handler not familiar with the rules ( when handler fills out an
entry form and signs it, s/he is stating that s/he has read the
rules and is familiar with them.
4. Enter and Exit the ring on a loose leash (yes, you must clip the
leash on your dog before exiting)
5. Telling the judge that they are ready for an exercise when the dog
is not in position. Always check your dog before replying that you
are ready.
6. Neither judges or stewards may reveal any part of your score until
after the class is over. The judge must, however, tell you whether
you have qualified after your sits and downs.

Generally Common Helpful Hints

1. Make sure you praise your dog between exercises so they don't get
stressed This way you can also keep the dog's attention on you.
2. If you need to, you can gently guide your dog by the collar
3. Teach the dog pivots, so that you can position the dog without
repeatingly turning around and around (and around,and around....)
4. Make sure your dog is clean (judges HATE to touch dirty dogs)
5. Tie your hair back (if it is long)
6. Make sure your clothes don't interfere with the dog's movement.
7. Have a pleasant expression on your face, otherwise the dog will
react to the difference in your personality (who is this strange
person I'm with?)
8. Give all command in the same tone of voice as when you train.
9. Think about your handling - try to forget about the dog. You
should have confidence in him by now. If you worry about something
(or dwell on something) it will probably come true. Try to keep a
positive attitude.
10. Always check to see if there are missing dogs (or dogs with
conflicts) ahead of you). Never go to the steward's table with
your dog.
11. Keep your dog away from you until just before you show. Do a brief
warmup, but not too much.
12. Make sure that your dog has been exercised and will not foul the
ring.
13. Arrive AT LEAST one hour before you show. Walk the dog through the
whole show area, then put him away.
14. After the last sit and down group is complete, (if you have
qualified), get your dog and warm them up for a run-off - no
matter how you feel about your performance.
15. Watch at least 2 or 3 dogs performance before you show (unless you
are the first or second dog) and plan where you will position
yourself. Watch carefully, where each exercise is done and what
the judges commands are.
16. Don't take gum into the ring (some judges consider it food). Empty
your pockets of extra change or keys.
17. Don't bring your dog up to the ring entrance until the judge is
ready for you - especially don't bring him up while the other dog
is exiting.
18. If you place, show good sportsmanship by congratulating the other
placers.
19. After the class is over, approach the judge and ask her/him if
s/he would be willing to go over your score. Most judges are more
than willing to do this after all the paperwork is complete - but
they are not required.
20. You might want to get a photograph done if you get a placement or
a C.D. that day.
21. Always verify your score at the superintendent's table after the
judge has turned in the book. Sometimes there are errors. If you
placed, make sure that your number is in the correct place.
22. If you place first, you will need to wait around until another
class finishes with a first place that is higher than your score
(for the High in Trial award)
23. Check (in the catalog) to see if you are eligible for any special
prizes. (i.e. High Scoring Hound, High Scoring Senior Citizen,
etc). Check before the trial, as sometimes you need to sign up for
a possible prize. Always check afterwards as well.
24. Always verify that your dog's name (and your address) is listed
correctly in the catalog (or on the entries that you receive in
the mail)

Hints on the Dog's Attire
1. Metal or nylon choke chains are OK. These should fit properly and
not hang half way down the chest.
2. Leather buckle (flat or rolled) are OK.
3. Nylon or fabric buckle collars are OK. Some dissent on colors:
solid and subdued colors are your best bet.
4. Quick snap, martingale, prong collars are not allowed. Bright
colors dismissed by some judges. Prints, studded collars,
decorated collars, not allowed.
5. No tags on collars.
6. A four to six foot fabric or leather leash is best. Again, avoid
loud, decorated, or studded leashes.

Tips for dealing with Stress at the show

Margie English (1-9) & Anne Cotton (10)
1. Keep the dog crated in the quietest spot you can find. Park your
crate in a corner or against a wall, and cover it so your pup
feels safe enough to sleep.
2. Don't keep your dog on the show site any longer than necessary. If
you're finished at noon, go back to the motel and watch the Young
and the Restless together.
3. Don't share a motel room with someone else who has dogs. Your pup
has enough to do over the weekend without figuring out a new pack
order.
4. Spend the first evening in the motel watching TV with your pup.
Don't just park him there and go out partying. You can party later
after he settles in. Actually, dogs like it best if you snuggle up
and watch TV with them every night, but, HEY, they're dogs and
we're people. The first-night rule is especially important if lots
of other exhibitors are staying at your motel. This means lots of
coming and going and (sorry to say) lots of barking. You're pup
will feel a lot better about the whole thing if you're there to
tell him to shut up and watch TV with him.
5. Never invite people to your motel room to party. Your dog needs
the peace and quiet. Encourage other people to play host, and take
them a box of wine to reinforce their hospitality.
6. If your pup is prone to any kind of digestive upset, bring water
from home, or put him on bottled spring water before you leave so
you can buy more while traveling. Bring Immodium just in case.
7. Bring some familiar toys from home for the motel room. It makes
your pup feel at home and keeps him from shredding your luggage.
8. Unless you have a seasoned campaigner, don't try to do much
training over the weekend. Showing is about as much as your pup
can take, so get him trained before you go and let him rest
between his appearances.
9. If your pup sleeps in a crate at home, bring the crate for him to
sleep in at the show and in your motel room. If he usually sleeps
on your bed at home, get a room with a big enough bed for the two
of you and don't introduce any distractions.
10. Give your pup plenty of time to sleep. IMO, the way dog shows take
most of the stuffing out of dogs is by keeping the poor buggers
awake all day. On top of that, the different evironment and
disruption of your pup's regular routine will make him want to
sleep even more than he does at home. So let him sleep as much as
he wants to. And get enough sleep yourself!
11. If you have a sleep-on-the-bed dog, BEFORE you leave home, put a
sheet on top of the covers and let the dog sleep on top of it for
a night or two. Then take THAT sheet, unlaundered, with you; put
it on top of the motel bed. First, the dog will have its familiar
smell to lie on; and second, the motel people will adore you for
not getting hair all over everything including the bedspread.

(And, as I can hear Cindy reminding, take plenty of baggies for
pickups!)
_________________________________________________________________

Making Treats

Note: 4, 5 and 7 are essentially variations on the same recipe.
1. Beef liver, parbroiled and then baked to dry out.
2. Hot dogs:
+ turkey or chicken hot dogs dry out better than beef ones do
+ cut lengthwise in fours and slice for very small pieces to
spit at dog
+ slice a hot dog very thinly (20-30 "coins"), lay on paper
towels, sprinkle with garlic powder (NOT garlic salt), then
put them in the microwave on high for 6-9 minutes, depending
on the desired crunchiness
3. Assorted:
+ Kielbasa
+ string cheese
+ plain Cheerios
+ popcorn (unsalted, unbuttered)
+ Liv-A-Snaps (they are a bit crunchy, but they break into tiny
pieces)
+ Freeze-dried liver (commercially available: expensive but
long-lasting; easy to break up into tiny chunks)
4. biscuits:
1 pound raw liver
1 cup corn meal
1 cup whole wheat flour
tons of powdered garlic
Puree the liver in the blender and mix the rest together into
sticky gooey mess. Spread onto well greased baking pan and bake at
300 degrees until it is fairly dried out, but not browned. If you
want, you can poke the bubbles that form on the top to keep them
from separating from the rest, but it works fine if you don't.
Allow to cool and cut into 1/2 inch squares. I store most of mine
in the freezer though a small bag, if used frequently can be kept
in the fridge. Caution: it goes bad really fast , i.e. starts
growing cultures of it's own, so only keep small amounts unfrozen.
5. liver cubes Liquify (ugh) 1 lb. liver, for this I use chicken
livers in a tub, and use all the liquid that comes with it. If you
use vacuum packed frozed beef liver, add a tad of water. Add 1 cup
flour, 1/2 cup corn meal, 1 tsp. onion powder, 1 tsp. minced
garlic, 1 tsp. garlic salt, and 1 T. oregano. Spread on cookie
sheet greased with oil (consistancy when spreading on sheet should
be that of peanut butter. Cook at 350 degrees for 12-15 min. I
like to make them 1/2 to 3/4 in thick. Cut up and freeze away.
They do not take well to standing a room temp. for long periods of
time!! So, defrost only what you will use in about 2 days.
6. Liver Buy the beef liver, place on a real plate (not plastic) in
the micro- wave, while still frozen, and cook till brown. This
makes very rubbery liver which is good in the breed ring, and good
if you want the dog to knibble on the liver while teaching for
example, stand from a sit. If you use this method, you can put it
in your pocket and it is no longer moist. Oh yes, don't forget to
sprinkle garlic on it before "nuking" it.
7. This was published in Front & Finish. Haven't met a dog that
doesn't like them.

1 lb liver (beef or pork)
1 C Corn meal
2 eggs
1/2 C flour
2-3 tea garlic powder
2 Tbl oil
Blend in food processor until smooth. Bake in greased 9 x 13 pan
20 minutes at 400 degrees. Cut into squares. Keep in frig. or can
be frozen.
Be forewarned....the house will smell when baking.
8. Liver pieces
Take a pound of beef liver. Put it in water on the stove, add 1/4
tsp of garlic powder. Boil for 1/2 hour. Then remove , put on a
cookie sheet or something similar and bake at low heat for another
hour or so. (200 F) After that, cut up into small pieces. Smells
like h*** when you make it but keeps wonderfully in the freezer,
and the doggies love it. The broth from the boiling can also be
used on dry food as an extra treat.

_________________________________________________________________

Acronym List

Assumptions

1. All titles are suffixes to dog's registered name if not otherwise
noted.
2. Acronyms listed alphabetically.

Obedience titles - AKC & CKC

CD
Companion Dog

CDX
Companion Dog Excellent

OTCh
Obedience Trial Champion (prefix)

TD
Tracking Dog

TDX
Tracking Dog Excellent

UD
Utility Dog

UDT
Utility Dog title with a Tracking Dog title

UDTX
Utility Dog title with a Tracking Dog Excellent title

UDX
Utility Dog Excellent

NOTE 1: The AKC OTCh is much different and more difficult to achieve
than the Canadian (CKC) OTCh. The CKC OTCh is equivalent to getting a
Canadian UD. In other words the CKC UD = CKC OTCh.

NOTE 2: UDX is a new AKC title for dogs that qualify at both Open and
Utility on the same day at ten different shows. Must already have UD.
Combined titles (UDX + TD/TDX) not yet announced.

NOTE 3: AKC is coming out with the VTD (variable tracking dog) title,
where the track goes across concrete or asphalt as well as grass and
dirt. Not yet verified/announced.

Obedience titles - UKC (all prefixes)

U-CD
Companion Dog

U-CDX
Companion Dog Excellence

U-UD
Utility Dog

NOTE: The UKC does not recognize any title from any other
organization. You could have an AKC OTCH on your dog, but he would
still have to start in Novice in UKC. The one thing they do a little
differently is that if the dog has earned a corresponding title from
another organization, he would have to show in the B class in UKC.

Conversational acronyms

BJ
Broad Jump or Bar Jump (context)

BTW
By The Way

DJ
Directed Jumping

DOR
Drop on Recall

F8
Figure Eight

FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions

IMHO
In My Honest Opinion

OTOH
On The Other Hand

ROF
Retrieve on the Flat

ROTF
Rolling on the Floor (amusement)

ROH
Retrieve over the High Jump

_________________________________________________________________

Glossary

Pattern training

Jackpots

Backchaining

Break the exercise up into small steps and start with the last one
first until the dog has it down well. Then back up to the previous
step, teach the dog that. At this point, when you have him do the new
step, you can add the last step that he knows well and in this fashion
work your way backwards through the whole exercise. It works nicely
because the dog already knows how to do the next step, so it keeps his
confidence and the positive tone up. This is most frequently used as a
way to polish (and proof) an exercise the dog already knows, as
opposed to teaching the exercise from scratch.

Operant conditioning

Attention

Motivational training

Behavior shaping

Touchsticks and clickers

_________________________________________________________________

Resources

Favorite suppliers

_ACME Machine Co._
2901 Freemont Ave. South
Minneapolis, MN 55408
tel: 1-800-332-2472, 612-827-3571
fax: 612-827-8905

obedience supplies, including a dumbbell with a nylabone dowel

_Capital Leashes_
Jerusha Gurvin
6001 Johnson Ave.
Bethesda, MD
301 530 2164

custom made leather leashes and collars

_For The Right Scent_
Joe Feist
2581 Crafton N.W.
North Canton, Ohio 44720
(216) 494-2301

custom made dumbbells and scent articles

_Max 200_
Dog Obedience Equipment Co.
114 Beach Street Building 5
Rockaway, NJ 07866
tel: 1-800-HI-MAX-200, 1-800-446-2920, 1-201-983-0450
fax: 201-983-1368
email: [email protected]
web: http://pages.bluecrab.org/max200/

leashes, collars, dumbells, jumps, specialized training equipment

_The Patch Place _
2010 E. Wren St.
Peoria Heights, IL 61614

for patches with titles

_Paul's Obedience Shop_
P.O. Box 767
Hanover, PA. 17331
717-630-8474
800-367-7285
24 hr. fax 717-630-8072

high quality obedience supplies

_The Pet Supply House_
593 Main St. E.
Milton, Ont. L9T 3J2

1-800-268-3716 (canadian only?)

_Ray Allen Manufacturing Co. Inc._
P.O. Box 9281
Colorado Springs, CO 80932-0281
tel: 1-800-444-0404 orders only
1-719-633-0404 cust. service

working dog supplies (schutzhund, obed. ring, etc.)

_Sylvia's Tack Box_
4333 11th St A
Moline IL 61265
tel: 309-797-9060

Obedience items for small dogs: utility gloves XX Small, Micro
Prong collar (for all sizes), etc.

_Sunshine Books_
206-888-3737

Clickers in 5-paks, Karen Pryor's books, Pryor/Willkins training
videos

_Direct Book Service_
800-776-2665

Dog books of ALL kinds (best selection) plus clickers

_Soft Sided Crates_
248-476-4411

Lightweight crates for well behaved dogs.

_Cabana Crates_
800-660-2665

Lightweight crates for well behaved dogs.

_EEZI Crate_
843-365-9798

Lightweight crates for well behaved dogs.

_Portable Pet Enclosure_
800-772-9028

Lightweight crates for well behaved dogs.

Organizations

_Agility Dog Assoc. of Canada (ADAC)_
c/o Merri Lynn Gordon
R.R. #1,
Midland, Ont. L4R 4K3 _American Dog Owners Association_
1654 Columbia Turnpike
Castleton, New York 12033

bimonthly newsletter; works to promote responsible dog-ownership
and fights anti-dog legislation

Magazines

_Bloodlines_
100 E.Kilgore Road
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
(616)343-9020

6 issues per year - UKC magazine, Jan. issue contains Rules for
year.

_Front and Finish_
P.O. Box 333
Galesburg, IL 61402-0333
1-309-344-1333

General obedience related information, newspaper format.

_National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (NADOI, Inc.)_
Peggy Prudden, sec'y
P.O. Box 432
Landing, NJ 07850

_Off Lead_
204 Lewis Street
Canastota, NY 13032
315 697 2749
104501,[email protected]
$23.00 (US) per year 12 issues

_AKC Gazette _
5580 Centerview Dr., Suite 200
Raleigh, NC 27606-0643
tel: 1-919-233-9780

Offical AKC publication, lists all AKC-approved shows & contains
variety of articles

Videos

Comments from Terri Clingerman, Ruth Ginzberg, Nancy Little, Denise
Mclean, Bobbi Newman, Kathleen Weaver.

AKC Videos

+ 200?
+ A Day with An Obedience Judge

These videos are out of date and rather expensive. (rg)

CKC

+ Dogs in Canada

Order from
43 Railside Rd.,
Don Mills, Ont. M3A 3L9
(416)441-3228

Arnold, Terri

+ Attention and Handling - The Birth of Teamwork

Addresses attention. This video tape includes an audio cassette
along with the video.

This tape can be ordered through J&J and other catalogues.

DeMello, Janice *The Around the Clock Method of Scent Discrimination
*Massage Ear-Pinch Method of Force Retrieve *Go Outs - The
Concept of Straight *The Eight Week course on Attention Each
tape order includes a handout or booklet that summarizes the
method. Each tape is very throrough in its description of the
progression and addresses many of the common problems
associated with teaching the exercise. I highly recommend all
of these tapes. (ngl)

(About Around the Clock Scent Discrimination) Really good and
very useful. But she does go into excruciating detail and I
found I fast forwarded through the middle section. I can still
remember her saying over and over "Reheat rescent recheese!"
But it worked very well for my dog and I recommend it. It's a
nice alternative to the traditional tie down method. (tc)

(About 8 Week Attention Course) Really good. I used her method
and it worked well for my dog. The only thing I didn't like was
I wished she used untrained dogs so she could show a
correction. She would say "if Stride looked away I would do
XXX." Well, Stride was great and never did look away! (tc)

Prices:

+ The Eight Week course on Attention (includes the booklet)
($60)
+ The Around the Clock Method of Scent Discrimination ($54)
(Reviewed by Heather Nadelman in October '94 F&F)
+ Massage Ear-Pinch Method of Force Retrieve ($54)
+ Go Outs - The Concept of Straight ($54)
+ Are You Really Ready ($50)
(Reviewed by Nancy Gagliardi Little in October '94 of F&F)

For the fastest delivery, send a money order to (the address
was checked and confirmed in June of 1995):

Janice DeMello
Hob Nob Productions
PO Box 458
Alexandria, IN 46001

Elliot, Rachel Page

+ DogSteps

A fabulous video that visually shows correct and incorrect
structure in various breeds. (ngl)

Handler, Barbara

+ Successful Obedience Handling: The NEW Best Foot Forward

This video tape is a video version of the book. The tape shows
matches, do's and don'ts, talks about entering your dog, what
to expect, etc. (bn)

Pryor, Karen

+ Click!
+ Shaping

With Gary Wilkes. "Click!" explores the use of the clicker as a
secondary reinforcer and how operant conditioning can be
applied to dog training. This was filmed at actual seminars.
(kw)

"Shaping" goes in depth on how to use shaping and secondary
reinforcers in dog training. You should view this one first, in
my opinion, even though it is second in the series. (kw)

Available from Publishers's Book Distributors at 800-47-CLICK.

Silverton, Annemarie

+ Puppy Training
+ Novice
+ Open
+ Utility
+ Problem Solving in Open
+ Problem Solving in Utility
+ Problem Solving in Heeling - Focused Attention

These tapes are well made with an abundance of information. It
would be handy if there were a handout with the summary, since
the amount of information is almost overwhelming. One other
drawback with this series is that as the tapes progress, they
make many references to previous tapes. So if a person wanted
to buy only the Focused Attention tape, there is alot of
reference to the Novice and Puppy tapes. (ngl) They're full of
good information, but you have to watch them very carefully.
Sometimes she will show a dog doing an exercise or learning
something but necessarily explain everything. The Puppy and
Novice tapes go over all the foundation work. You really need
to watch those before the Open and Utilty. Also, the Open and
Utility tapes are shorter than Puppy and Novice and you might
feel like you didn't get your money's work. I really liked the
Focused Attention one since lack of attention causes problems
in everything! (tc)

These tapes can be ordered through J&J and quite possibly other
places like R.C. Steele and other book/video catalogs.

Volhard & Fisher

+ The Volhard & Fisher Training Video Tapes

These tapes use HIGHLY trained dogs to demonstrate the
exercises, which isn't necessarily any more useful than reading
a description of them in a book. (rg)

Wilkes, Gary

+ Touch!

This goes with the two Pryor tapes. This he produced on his
own. It explores how to use the Touch Stick in dog training,
and is applied to exercises in Obedience and Agility on the
tape. For example, he shows how to use the touch stick to teach
the go-out. (kw)

Available from Publishers's Book Distributors at 800-47-CLICK.

Books

Arnold, Terri, with Ann Paul. _Theory, Footwork, Handling and
Attention_; _Novice_; _Open and Utility_. Order from Steppin' Up, 186
Country Road, Freetown, MA 02717, 508-763-4843 ($79.95 for three
volume set or $29.95 per book plus $6 S&H per order, MA residents add
5% sales tax; non-US orders must be in US funds, and $12 S&H).

Terri Arnold has written a series of three books (with help from
Ann Paul) that are: "A positive and precise approach for the
competitive trainer of the 90's. Clear, concise, and easy to
understand. Complete step-by-step detail of each obedience exercise
with beautiful photographs to enhance your learning."

Baer, Ted. _Communicating with Your Dog_. Barron's, New York. 1989.
ISBN 0-8120-4203-4 (oversized paperback).

Heavily illustrated with color photos. A sensible approach to
laying a good foundation for extensive obedience training (even if
you don't take the dog any further than what's outlined in here).
Simple instructions for teaching a 20-word language, with emphasis
on understanding and building on previous work.

Barwig, Susan, and Stewart Hilliard. _Schutzhund: Theory and Training
Methods_. Howell Books, 1991. ISBN 0-87605-731-8.

Bauman, Diane L. _Beyond Basic Dog Training_. New, updated edition.
Howell Book House (Maxwell Maxmillan International), New York. 1991.
ISBN: 0-87605-410-6.

Emphasis is on training a "thinking" dog rather than a
pattern-trained dog. Extensive manual on obedience training.
Communication and understanding are discussed. A well known and
often recommended book

. Bauman, Diane L. _Beyond Basic Training - The Workbook_. Alpine
Publications, 1994. ISBN 0-931866-74-X

Includes puzzles, questions and answers, games, exercises to deal
with nervousness in the ring, charts and tables to track your dog's
progress, record training progress and problems. Its intended use
is one copy for each dog you train.

Benjamin, Carol Lea. _Mother Knows Best: The Natural Way To Train Your
Dog_. Howell Book House, New York. 1985. ISBN 0-87605-666-4. $15.95
hardcover.

Most training methods rely on the foundational relationship between
an owner and his dog, and this book profides some ideas on
establishing that relationship while the puppy is still young. This
book is probably the most widely recommended for puppy owners.

Benjamin, Carol and Capt. Haggerty. _Dog Tricks_.

This book has more tricks in it than you will even dream of
teaching your dog, complete with descriptions of how to teach each
trick. In the back they have a listing by breed of tricks that are
especially suitable or unsuitable for that breed.

Brahms, Ann and Paul. _Puppy Ed._. Ballantine Books. 1981.
ISBN:0-345-33512-0 (paperback).

Describes how to start teaching your puppy commands. This is a
thoughtful book that discusses in practical detail what you can and
cannot expect to do with your puppy in training it. They stress
that by expecting and improving good behavior from the start,
later, more formal training goes much easier.

Burnham, Patricia Gail. _Playtraining Your Dog_. St. Martin's Press,
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010. c1980. ISBN 0-312-61691-0 (trade
paperback).

An excellent book that describes how to use play to motivate your
dog through obedience training. She focuses on how to teach each
exercise in the AKC Novice, Open, and Utility classes. Her
philosophy, though, lends itself to any type of training. Well
written and informative. For you greyhound lovers, all her dogs and
inside photos are of greyhounds.

Button, Lue. _Practical Scent Dog Training_. Alpine Publications, Inc.
214 19th St. SE, Loveland, CO 80537. 1990. ISBN: 0-931866-47-2.

A step-by-step practical training guide for air scent, evidence
search, disaster search and the AKC tracking test. Starts with
young puppies. Well illustrated and methods extensively tested at
Los Alamos' Mountain Canine Corps.

Cecil, Barbara and Gerianne Darnell. _Competitive Obedience Training
for the Small Dog_. T9E Publishing, R.R.#1, Box 176, 10092 240th
Street, Council Bluffs, IA 51503 ($20/book, includes postage, IA
residents add 5% sales tax)

From the flyer: "COMPETITIVE OBEDIENCE TRAINING FOR THE SMALL DOG
guides you, in over 200 pages, from puppy socialization through
Utility in an easy-to-follow progression of inducive training. This
new book - the only one of its kind - is a self-help manual and
competitive edge for every small-dog owner unwilling to use
traditional big-dog training techniques. This book is for every
small-dog owner training in obedience; for the trainer working with
a *soft* dog of any size; and for every trainer eager to utilize
the *why* and *how* of inducive training."

Colflesh, Linda. _Making Friends: Training your Dog Positively_,
Illustrated by Deb Mickey ISBN 0-87605-687-7 Howell Book House,
copyright 1990.

A readable book that applies to all aspects of everyday training
and building a good relationship with your dog. Her method
maximizes using your dog's intelligence and your good relationship
with your pet and minimizes the use of force. It takes things all
the way from housebreaking the new dog through the basic obedience
exercises and includes chapters on aggression and moving on to
off-leash work with your dog.

Dunbar, Ian, DVM. _How to Teach a New Dog Old Tricks_ (Manual for the
Sirius PUppy Training Program). James and Kenneth Pubs., Oakland.
1991.

Fisher, John. _Dogwise_.

The author is a well known UK behaviourist and ex-service dog
trainer. _Dogwise_ follows the selection of a eight month rescue
GSD and his Police Dog handler through a 12 week course using only
positive reinforcement and the final exaimination qualifying the
dog to work with the London Met to the HMSO. The focus is on the
training methods more than on police work.

Fogle, Bruce. _The Dog's Mind_.

This appears to be the best, most comprehensive book summarizing
current research on canine psychology and behavior. You won't find
much in the way of how-to instructions, but you will find alot of
hard facts on every aspect of the canine mind and personality. This
book is well-written and very readable even by the layperson.

Fraser, J. & A. Ammen, _Dual Ring Dog_ (Howell).

Tips for dogs shown both in conformation and in obedience. Some
good hints, particularly from Ammen.

Handler, Barbara. _Successful Obedience Handling: The NEW Best Foot
Forward_. Alpine publications.

A guide to showing and handling in the obedience rings. It covers
how to enter shows, what to do on the day, and how to avoid
handling errors. Updated and revised from _Best Foot Forward_. A
must for anyone participating in AKC obedience trials.

Knott, T. & D.O. Cooper, _The Complete Book of Dog Training_.
(Howell).

Covers training from puppy kindergarten through utility. Good hints
and illustrations.

Koehler, William. _The Koehler Method of Dog Training_. Howell Books.

Koehler's methods are considered unusually harsh and
counterproductive by some modern trainers. On the other hand, his
methods do have a history of success with dogs that have "hard"
temperaments. Modern-day competitive obedience dogs are not trained
with his methods anymore.

Monks of New Skete, The. _The Art of Raising a Puppy_. Little, Brown
and Company (1991). ISBN: 0-316-57839-8 (hardback).

The monks of New Skete have put together an excellent book that
discusses puppy development and the things that should be done at
the appropriate stages and why. First they follow a newborn litter
through its various stages of development and at each stage they
discuss what is happening. They discuss testing puppies'
temperaments and what you want to look for, under which
circumstances. They discuss briefly dog breeds, and how to find
reputable breeders. They then launch into a series of useful
chapters: housebreaking, preliminary obedience, laying the
foundations of training, understanding (reading) your dog, how to
become the pack leader, basic training, discipline, and general
care. A good bibliography is provided at the back.

Morsell, Curt. _Training Your Dog to Win Obedience Titles_ (Howell).

More inspirational than instructional.

Olson, Bjorn. _Training Your Dog Step by Step_.

Pryor, Karen. _Don't Shoot the Dog: The New Art of Teaching and
Training_ by Karen Pryor. Bantam, New York. 1985. c1984.

She presents different behavioralistic techniques for dealing with
several example situations (i.e. "Dog barks all night", "Roommate
leaves dirty laundry all over apartment," "Bus driver is rude,"
etc.) This would NOT be a good book for someone who wanted to teach
their dog to sit and come, but it discusses how the trainer's
actions "shape" the trainee's responses. Definitely a must-read for
people who are interested in "inducive" training, and should be
thought-provoking for any trainer who is thinking about training on
a higher level than "When the dog does this, give him a good collar
correction"--but experienced dog trainers will find a lot to
quibble about in what she says.

Pryor, Karen. _Lads Before the Wind, Diary of a Dolphin Trainer_.

This is the story of how Karen Pryor got into operant conditioning.
It tells the story of how she trained animals, not just dolphins,
using the principals explored in _Don't Shoot the Dog_. $12.95

Rogerson, John. _Your Dog, its Development, Behaviour and Training_.
Also, _Training Your Dog_.

Rose, Tom and Gary Patterson. _Training the Competitive Working Dog_.
1985 Giblaut Publishing Company 3333 S. Bannock, Suite 950,
Englewood,CO 80110.

The Rose book is getting obsolete, particularly the obedience
section (Tom now uses much more motivational techniques) but here
is still alot of good theory and practical exercises.

Strickland, Winifred G. _Expert Obedience Training for Dogs_. Third
revised edition. Howell Book House (Macmillan Publishing Company), New
York. 1987. ISBN: 0-02-615000-X (hardback).

Strickland is a well known dog trainer. Covers all aspects of
training and competition including the formal training for AKC
obedience trials (novice, open, utility, tracking). Includes some
general care (health and feeding) tips. Author has also written
Obedience Class Instruction for Dogs.

Tucker, Michael. _Dog Training Step by Step_.

Tucker is an ex GDB instructor and his books are easy to read and
follow. His others are _Dog Training Made Easy_, _Solving Your Dog
Problems_.

Volhard. _Training Your Dog Step by Step_.

Weston, David. _Dog Training: The Gentle Method_.

Zink, M. Christine, DVM, PHD. _Peak Performance: Coaching the Canine
Athlete_. Howell Book House, 1992. ISBN: 0-87605-757-1. Book available
from the author at 1907 Eastridge Rd., Timonium, MD 21093.

If you are doing serious obedience competition with your dog, you
need to understand how to keep him in good shape for the work. This
eminently readable book goes over canine physiology, both internal
and structural. She covers how to keep your dog in general good
shape, discusses some conditioning strategies, and finally details
a number of possible impediments to conditioning your dog,
including: genetic and traumatic joint problems and lameness, the
effects of medication on your dog, and moreover lists all the
things you need to consider when trying to keep your dog fit and
healthy.

_________________________________________________________________

Canine Activities: Obedience Trials
Cindy Tittle Moore, [email protected]

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