Dogs And Obedience Training

The obedience course as outlined by training clubs in Germany and by the German State Police embrace fifteen tasks as follows:

1. Heeling on the leash.

2. Heeling off the leash.

3. Lying down.

4. Lying down and staying.

5. Sitting down.

6. Sitting down and staying.

7. Staying in standing position.

8. Speaking on command.

9. Going forward on command.

10. Retrieving.

11. Jumping over low hurdle (3 feet).

12. Retrieving a dumbbell over a hurdle.

13. Scaling a six-foot board wall.

14. Refusing food from strangers.

15. Lying down in a certain place for 10 minutes while guide (owner) is out of sight.

The protection course includes the following six items:

1. To search a terrain. 2. To stop a fugitive and bark. 3. How to act when attacked. 4. To guard a prisoner. 5 Pursuit of an escaping prisoner and dog’s reaction to blow and shot. 6. Test of dog’s release of prisoner.

Dog shows (formal championship or point shows) now may have what is known officially as obedience test classes; they are optional. Their establishment emphasizes intelligence and mental reactions as contrasted with the usual judging, which is based solely upon physical merit. The classes may be held however as a special show, nothing else judged. There are five classes-in order of advancement Novice A, Novice B, Open A, Open B, Utility.

These classes are not based upon breed or sex, color, size. Three degrees, in order, are granted-CD, companion dog; CDX, companion dog excellent; UD, utility dog.

The CD dog cannot be entered in Novice A and B.

NOVICE A-An exhibitor can show only one dog. Professional handlers, trainers, kennel employees cannot compete in any way.

NOVICE B-It varies from A in that an exhibitor may enter more than one dog (but each dog must have a separate handler), and the dogs may be handled by any one at all. But no dog can be entered in both Novice A and B in any one trial.

Dogs go thru the same tests in either A or B. These five tests are as follows:

1. To heel on leash. 2. To heel free, stand stay.3. To come when called (recall) 4. To sit for a period of one minute away from handler (long sit). 5. To lie down for a period of three minutes away from handler (long down).

The score of points for a perfect performance of each of these tests in the obedience test novice class shall be 100 points and are as follows: 1-25 pts.; 2-30 pts.; 3-15 pts.; 4-15 pts.; 5-15 pts.

The CD degree is given to a dog if it receives not less than a score of 85 in at least three trials whether A or B (but at least a total of six dogs must be entered in both classes at any one trial).

Only dogs which have won the CD title can compete in the Open classes A or B. The difference between Open A and B are precisely the same as that between Novice A and B.

The tests in either A and B Open number eight and are as follows with points needed toward a total perfect score of 250 points.

1. Heel on leash, 25; 2. Heel free, 40; 3. Drop on Recall, 25; Retrieve on flat, 30; Retrieve over obstacle, 40; Long jump, 25; Long sit, 35; Long down, 30.

The title CDX is granted to a dog if it has won not less than 220 points at each of three trials in Open classes either A or B (but there must be a total of at least six dogs in both classes at every one of the trials).

Here is a distinction-a CDX dog can continue to compete in the Open and Utility classes.

UTILITY CLASS’–Only CDX dogs (and UD dogs already having won the degree) can compete in this class and there is no distinction between amateurs or professionals. An exhibitor can enter as many dogs as he pleases but each dog must have a separate handler.

There are only five tests in the Utility class and they are as follows with the score of points based upon a perfect score of 200:

1. Speak on command, 45; 2. Exercise scent discrimination, 45; 3. Seek back for lost article, 40; 4. Stand for examination, 30; 5. Hurdle and bar jump, 40.

But there is an additional requirement–the UD degree can be granted after a dog has received a score of at least 180 points at three obedience test trials, at least two dogs competing, and in addition, the dog must go thru a tracking test in open country, at least three dogs competing in the tracking test. This tracking test connot be held as part of a dog show. It must be held separately and at another time, upon permission and approval of the American Kennel Club. Trailing is covered in the chapter on that subject and other courses such as police work, sled work and the like are covered in respective chapters.

Here are some faults of dogs under the various training courses. Dropping a retrieved object before the command to drop is given. Dog licking or touching meat in the poisoned food act. Necessity of repeating the command to the dog. Dogs jumping hurdle only one way when retrieving an object on the other side of the hurdle. Dogs pulling on the leash in any direction while beside or being ahead of the guide or master. Dogs moving to another place when commanded to be down and stay. Dogs playing with the retrieved object rather than bringing it back promptly. Dogs doing the act slowly for the sake of the reward rather than for the purpose of carrying out the command.

It is pleasing to note that amateur training clubs are being organized in various parts of America in increasing numbers. The basic motive of these clubs is for each owner to train his own. dog under competent super vision. Thus when the dog goes back to the owner, he is fully acquainted with all commands and with the trainer for his own owner has done the training. The home trained dog or master trained dog of course is the ideal situation, other things being equal.