Competition Obedience Classes

Our Advanced Obedience Classes are geared for those interested in obedience competition. We offer a variety of classes teaching everything from the fundamentals to polishing up your performance and working on problem areas that might be affecting your scores.  Crates are required equipment for all these classes

• Beginner Foundations for Competition Obedience

Class Description:

This class is for inexperienced handlers and/or young dogs that are just starting in competition obedience.  The focus of the class will be teaching handlers and dogs the format of Beginner Novice and Novice, footwork, engagement, and games/tricks which transition into training. 

• Advanced Foundations for Competition Obedience

Class Description:

This class is for experienced handlers and/or dogs and handlers that have completed the Beginner Foundations class. This class will progress the dog and handler to higher levels of obedience skills, including command discrimination and dumbbell work, using skills the dog has mastered in the Beginner class. 

• Competition Novice Obedience

Class Description:

This class is for dogs who want to compete in AKC Obedience.  The skills taught in this class will get you ready to enter an AKC Obedience trial at the Novice level.  Skills taught are: precision heeling on lead and off lead, Stand stay with a person able to go over the dog, recall from 30 ft away, fronts and finishes.  You will also learn some training games to keep the training upbeat.  

Prerequisites for this class : completion of the Advanced beginner class, Competition Puppy class or earned an AKC BN title.

• Pre-Open Obedience and Retrieving Part 1

Class Description

This class is for the competition obedience dog that does not yet have a retrieve so they cannot go on to open and utility training.  This class will teach a solid retrieve of the dumb bell using a positive methodology.  The class will also include introduction to jumping as used in the obedience ring.  Prerequisites   Advanced Beginner Foundations for Competitive Obedience,  Competitive Novice Obedience or a CD

Required Equipment : Dumbbell- can be wood or plastic

• Pre-Open Obedience and Retrieving Part 2

Class Description

This class is for the competition obedience dog that is able to retrieve a dumbbell from the floor consistently.  This class will focus on retrieving from a distance, both on the flat and over the high jump using a positive methodology.  The class will also include introduction to the broad jump exercise.  Prerequisites  previous enrollment in the Pre-Open class  or permission of the instructor.

Required Equipment: Dumbbell- can be wood or plastic 

• Open Obedience

Class Description

This class is for the competition obedience dog that has been introduced to retrieving & jumping skills.  This class will teach the new exhibitor and/ or new dog all Open Obedience exercises using a positive methodology.

Required Equipment: Dumbbell- can be wood or plastic 

• Utility Obedience - Not offered Session 5   if you have an interest in this class please message the Training Director at betsyp2014@gmail.com 

Class Description:

This class will teach the exercises used in Competition Utility.  Exercises covered are the Signal exercise, Scent articles, Directed Retrieve, Moving stand, and directed Jumping.  The exercises will be broken down into their components to teach. 

Required Equipment:  Scent articles - you may choose 2 of the 3 types of articles, leather, wood or metal.  You will need 6 of each type.  Gloves- 3 white gloves.  An article bag that allows air to flow through it and tongs to pick up your articles. Other aids maybe recommended to help your dog learn the exercises. 

• Open/ Utility Obedience- Proofing and Problem Solving

Class Description: 

This class is for dog and handler teams that have a full understanding of the Open and Utility exercises.  Instruction will be offered on ways to improve and polish your performances.  Challenges will be used to assure you and your dog have a full understanding of each exercise and can work under stress and induced pressure.