I mailed my entries with plenty of time. I was so excited and all I had done was spent $50.00! It seemed like forever for the day to arrive, but we didnt waste any of that time! I took Cindy to work with me every day the week of the trial, and practiced during lunch. What were we practicing for? Well our CD of course! What is a CD you ask? CD stands for Companion Dog and is the first title in AKC obedience. In order to earn a title the dog/handler team must earn a qualifing score under 3 different judges. Each score is refered to as a leg. So one needs 3 legs to earn a title, regardless of the sport that is how it works.

I studied the rules and regulations almost every night to make sure I didn't do anything silly! I also requested help from one of the dog training e-lists I am on, and recieved wonderful suggestions! (specifically for the stand)

The following are the excercises required at the Novice level and the amount of points awarded for each;

1. Heel on Leash & Figure Eight = 40 points
2. Stand for Exam = 30 points
3. Heel Free = 40 points
4. Recall = 30 points
5. Long Sit = 30 points
6. Long Down = 30 points

Grand total = 200 points

During the heeling (both on and off leash) the dog must remain at the handlers left side, be attentive and have a promt and stright sit at the halt. The judge sets a pattern that all teams in the class will follow. When you are in the ring the judge will give the following commands; "Forward", "Halt", "Right Turn", "Left Turn", "About Turn", "Fast", "Slow", "Normal", and "Excercise Finished" You follow the judges commands. You are not allowed to talk to your dog or assist in anyway with the leash or your body. Minor to Major points are deducted for leash tightness, poor sits, no sit, improper position, lack of enthusiasiam ect.

In the figure 8, the judge will ask for the ring stewards to come out and stand 8 feet apart. The judge stands on one side between them and you stand, with your dog in the heel position opposite the judge. The judge will ask if you are ready, you say yes, the judge will say "Forward!" and you begin the figure 8 pattern. You can start to either direction. In the Figre 8 The commands are "forward", "halt" and "excercise finished".

The figre 8 can be challenging because the dog has to speed up when you turn to the right and slow down to the left. There can be no tension on the leash (as in the heeling on lead) and the dog cannot forge infront, or lag behind.

............

Next will be the Stand for Exam. In Novice you are allowed to pose or stack your dog (thank goodness!). After the figure 8, you will hand your leash to the ring steward, and the judge will tell you to stand your dog and leave when ready. Command your dog to stay, and walk about 6 feet infront. The judge will run their hands over the dog and tell you to return to your dog. When the excercise finished is given you can release your dog!

The heel free is the same as the heel on lead, except no leash! A lot of dogs seem to get sunk at this point.









After the heel free is the recall. You leave your dog on the judges order and walk to the end of the ring. The judge will make some pre-determined signal to call your dog. The dog must come quickly and sit straight infront of the handler so that they may reach the dog without moving (within 1 foot generaly). When given the "Finish" command the handler will command the dog to return to heel position. Some people send their dogs around to the right, some to the left and some dogs "flip" left. They sorta jump in the air backwards and land in heel. It looks good with some dogs, and really tacky with others.

After all the dogs have done all of the above, they bring all the dogs in for the group sit and down stay. In Novice it is a 1 minute in sight sit stay and a 3 minute in sight down stay. If a dog gets up or breaks position they are disqualified.

....

Home | Obedience | Cindy - First Obedience Trial


Dumbell image courtsey of K-9's Rule
All graphics and content are Copyright 2002-2006 Renee Grittner and 2 Collies and a Hound unles otherwise stated.
All rights reserved
This site is best viewed with Internet Explorer

Top of page