Posts Tagged ‘akc’
Mixed breeds in the akc
January 2nd, 2010
Well, I never thought I’d see it, but the AKC has finally allowed mixed breeds at obedience shows. Now some people are really excited but most of the comments I have read are not that happy about it.
Here is the scoop – the AKC will allow mixed breeds to compete but in their own classes. For some reason they aren’t allowed to share the ring, maybe this is a bit like segregation? Here are the exact rules:
Any club eligible to hold obedience trials may offer classes for mixed breed dogs at their option at standalone obedience events. The definition of a standalone event is an AKC Obedience event that is not held on the same date AND show site as an AKC all-breed dog show or independent specialty dog show.
Now, lets say a dog is a mixed breed and competes in Novice. They wont get a CD after their name, they will get a CDM. Now, I see this is a positive step but we aren’t quite there yet. I think it will generate more interest in obedience but that just means trials will be more crowded and fill up faster. Who knows, maybe more clubs will start and we’ll just have more trials!
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AKC Beginner Novice
January 2nd, 2010
Another new AKC title introduced in 2010 is the AKC Beginner Novice title. This is meant to be done before entering into the Novice ring, much as the pre-novice class was, only with a title option. If the dog gets a qualifying score at 3 trials with 2 different judges, the dog will have the title BN after their name.
1. Heel on Leash
2. Figure 8
3. Sit for Exam
4. Sit Stay
5. Recall
Sit for exam
This is meant to be performed on leash and act as a training tool towards the Novice Stand for exam. The dog will need to be on a 6 foot leash and the judge will approach the dog from the front, and touch the dogs head with only his fingers.
Sit Stay
The leash will remain on for this behavior but be placed on the ground. The owner will leave the dog on the judges command and walk the perimeter of the ring. When the owner returns to the heel position the exercise is complete.
Recall
This is off leash and approximately 25 feet from the dog. The owner will call the dog and the dog should sit in front. No finish is required for this behavior.
AKC Graduate Novice
January 2nd, 2010
There’s a new title in town, the AKC Graduate Novice program. This is an optional class that can be added to trials beginning in 2010.
Here is the information from the AKC website.
1. Heel on Leash and Figure Eight (off leash)
2. Drop on Recall
3. Dumbbell Recall
4. Recall Over High Jump
5. Recall Over Broad Jump
6. Long Down
As you can see, its more difficult that Novice with introducing some of the elements from Open. You can actually get awarded a title of GN after your dogs name. This is a fabulous intermediate step and we are excited they have added this Graduate Novice program to the AKC list of classes.
Here are a few changes with the above behaviors.
Dumbbell Recall
You will set up your dog like the novice recall, give your dog the dumbbell, walk away. Then you can call your dog and take the dumbbell.
Recall over a high jump
This is similar to the dumbbell recall as well, only your dog has to come over the jump.
The Long Down
This is a 3 minute out of sight down stay. Not having the sit is a great compromise for this level.
Happy dog training!
Teaching Right Turns
November 11th, 2009
I dont normally write about competition level dog obedience but since we are currently showing for our CD (AKC title for Companion Dog) I thought I would write about a problem we are having.
Nitro is a lagger, normally it isn’t too bad but on right turns he is abnormally slow. Here are a few tricks I learned off a great email list for competition obedience
1) walk in a wide circle rewarding when the dog is in the right position (keeping the dog on the inside)
2) toss treats on turns straight out ahead, repeat this a few times then the last time don’t toss but reward in position
3) turn then run
The point is to speed up the dog as much as possible and reward for the best position. I’m also starting to teach full circles instead of just turning. Rally Obedience is a great sport and I highly recommend it to clean up laggers / forgers!
Happy dog training!